Montreal - First Time Tourist Edition
- sammyhllee
- Apr 8, 2018
- 6 min read
This was my first time in Montreal so I targeted all the tourist-y things to do there and I did as much as I possibly could in 2.5 days. I wish I had more time to mosey around Old Montreal to take in the cute cobbled streets and little boutiques. Another thing that I have on my list for next time is to coffee shop hop. I mean there’s a free app dedicated to the dozens of coffee shops in Montreal, (I was introduced to the app “Th3rd Wave” by an instagrammer) so the coffee shop scene must be legit! I will definitely be making another trip back and might have to brush up on my French before that!
- Bota Bota -
This was the perfect way to start the gloomy morning I was welcomed with for my first day in Montreal. The many outdoor hot tubs, sauna and steam rooms, cold baths and relaxation areas were a really good wake me up. My favourite spot was definitely the hot tub that looked out towards the city. The view was breathtaking, and if you’re into cool architecture buildings, you can also see Habitat 67 from the spa. The staff were all really friendly and welcoming. I would definitely recommend coming here, even just for the water circuit, if you’re looking for a nice relaxing spot and a change of pace from everyday life.
Eat Your Heart Out
- Venice MTL -
Right when you walk in, you’re welcomed by a super Hawaiian themed restaurant that instantly lifts your spirits. The place was ornamented beautifully and made it feel like summer time despite the fact that it was 2 degrees outside. My friend and I ordered a salmon poke and fish tacos to share. This was my first time trying poke and my goodness was it delicious. The salmon poke bowl was super saucy and flavourful and you get a generous amount of fish. The fish tacos were also very tasty. Would definitely recommend!
- Schwartz's -
Smoked meat; a crowd favourite and must-have when in Montreal. I got a smoked meat sandwich to eat on the train ride home and the bread was a little soggy by the time I was on the train but nonetheless, it did the job. Though I have to say, if you’re not a big fan of meat, you might have to share this with someone. The meat to bread ratio is like 10:1. Need I say more? For all the carnivores out there, ya’ll should be all over that.
- L’academie -
I came here expecting an expensive meal because the interior was so fancily decorated but dang, the pasta and mussels and frites order was definitely a bargain. You should definitely check out when they do their “specials” pricing before going. The pasta was divine; very rich and creamy. The broth that the mussels were boiled in was very tasty (thinking about it now is making me drool), the combo of French fries with mayo followed by a spoonful of mussel broth is a match made in heaven, I cannot name a better duo.
- Le Vieux St-Laurent -
Looking for a quick, easy, affordable and delicious breakfast? This is the place to be. Usually when I order eggs benny, I find that there usually isn’t enough hollandaise sauce but did not run into this problem at Le Vieux St-Laurent. We also got the French toast which was nice and crispy on the outside. This place isn’t anything fancy but they do breakfast right. Ahh, what a great start to the day.
- Drogheria Fine -
Got a cute little takeout box of fresh made gnocchi swimming in pasta sauce for $5 topped with a sprinkle of cheese. I was already too full when I ate this, but I couldn’t stop myself from finishing it because the gnocchi was so chewy and fluffy. I can see it being a really nice comfort food on a chilly day.
- Fairmount Bagels -
Sesame bagels!!!!!!! I bought 6 and I really regret not buying 10 bags and bringing them home; they were crispy on the outside, soft and chewy on the inside and handmade to perfection. You definitely need to bring some home to fam and friends. Toast it, whack on a bit of butter and voila, your afternoon snack is ready :)
- Misoya Ramen -
Located in a little underground nook, my friend and I came here for our second dinner after not being satisfied at Kampai; our first dinner. We shared a spicy vegetarian ramen and I got a piece of chashu on the side. Not kidding, that piece of chashu was as big as my face. The ramen (thick noodles) was nice and chewy, the broth was rich and creamy, and the chashu had just the right amount fat. I hears they have a chain in Japan and I will definitely be checking it out when I’m there!
- Kampai -
WOW! I really really enjoyed the atmosphere here. The restaurant was arranged so that most sit-down dinners were happening at the front of the restaurant and in the back, you have a club/bar for a wild evening. The décor was very nice and instagrammable, but I thought the food was a little pricey for what it was. I could see this place being a fun night out or a good place for a couple of appies before/after dinner but I wouldn’t come here for a full meal (also because I’m on a student budget heh).
// Dispatch //
Stopped here in the morning for a quick chai latte and chocolate croissant. The chai latte was really good and so was the croissant (defs satisfied my huge sweet tooth). It was quite early in the morning and also Easter Sunday so the café wasn’t super busy. I really like the open concept of this place; the big tables and the large windows that let a lot of natural sunlight in make for a nice working environment. Wish I got to spend more time here!
// Tommy //
The café of dreams. Would recommend coming here really early in the morning if you want to get a spot because it gets really busy. I got a hot chocolate and a chocolate chip cookie. Not sure if you can see a theme here but I’m not super into coffee so I tend to opt for less caffeinated drinks. The chocolate chip cookie is a must-get though; it had a nice crumbly texture and was just the right amount of sweet!
// Mandy’s //
The interior was super cutesy and sweet but it was very busy. I didn’t stay here for long because I was on my way to the train station. I picked up a little something, any guesses on what it was? YOU BET I GO A CHOCOLATE CHIP COOKIE. These cookies melt in your mouth. I feel like the cookie monster after this trip, I’ve had more cookies in Montreal than I have had all year.
Sweet Tooth Satisfaction
- Maison Christian Faure -
I got some macarons and a chocolate cake from here! They were delicious, but I think the macarons from M café were better.
- M Café -
If you love macarons, seriously, the Baileys macaron here is to die for; it didn’t taste strongly of alcohol. It is the perfect treat, I’m personally not a huge fan of macarons that have a crunchy outer layer but the macarons from M café were chewy and soft. I couldn’t help but get some for the trip home.
Shopping
Boulevard Saint-Laurent
Very cute street with lots of boutiques, eats, and cafes. I wandered into the cutest store called Boutique Vestibule and the Lucia candles smelled delicious. There are also scented body lotions as well. If you love yummy scents and cute pinterest-like boutiques, this is the place to be! What I love most about this street is that it is adorned with lights and it is a beautiful sight at night.
Sight Seeing
Mont Royal
I am guilty of taking the uber up the “mountain” due to time restraints, but it is a walkable hike up to the viewpoint where you can see the beautiful Montreal skyline. Wish I had more time up here for a picnic or something up top. I’ll be back for it!!
Notre-Dame Basilica
The church was beautiful. Visitors I believe have to donate money to enter. I attended service on Good Friday and they reenacted the Stations of the Cross; it was a very special thing to witness. The only downside was that it was in French. The vocalist for the mass was also insanely amazing. It was breathtaking even to stand outside in front of it. Should definitely check that out!
I think I fell in love with the European feel of the city, but I hear Quebec City is Montreal on steroids so I’ll defs have to make a trip back to the East Coast. (Hopefully in the summer when it’s not as cold and dreary) Always open to recommendations if you have any!!
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