Colorful Montreal: What to See and Where to Eat

Alessandro:Here’s the best bagel in Montreal! Get ready to wait a little, and have prepared some cash, but it’ll all be worth it when you’ll get this hot and crispy sesame bagel.

Alessandro:Next to the bagel factory is the best ice cream in Montreal. Local fruits sorbets, vegan and traditional ice cream, you’ll get the best for your money! Don’t get discouraged by the limited business hours or the huge line up, this sweet, creamy and colorful ice cream delight will fulfill all your ice cream dreams.

Alessandro:Since 1988, Dieu du Ciel serves arguably the best Quebecois handcrafted beer, in one of the most vibrant districts of Montreal. Get tempted by the serving tray if you can’t choose among their impressive and always renewed beers’ selection.

Alessandro:For a little touch of India in your plate. Nice BYOW in the hearth of the Park Extension’s district- mainly inhabited by Indians and Pakistans’ who live in Canada.

Alessandro:You wouldn’t notice this small door on the Saint-Catherine’s street if it wasn’t for the music going down the iconic red stair that flirts with the passers-by. Dare to climb this apartment-like bar for listening to daily live music - from traditional Quebecois music to jazz sessions and Latin nights - in a friendly, relaxed and inclusive atmosphere.

Alessandro:Open-air public market opens all-year round. Carts full of beautiful, colorful, and tasty local fruits and vegetables. You can also find here regional products like ice-wine, the unbeatable maple syrup, some delicious cheese. The district of Petite Italie in which it’s based is also worth a walk for buying authentic Italian food.

Alessandro:Born from a desire of the citizens to re-appropriate the Saint-Laurence’s banks, the Village-au Pied-du-Courant is an urban park in a beautiful scenery that hosts lots of cultural and musical events from all over the world.

Alessandro:Even if you’re not looking for street art, you’ll certainly end up amazed in front of a big mural. But if you’d like to see more of them, I suggest you go onto the St-Laurent’s street, or even to assist the mural festival that take place every June.

Alessandro:For an afternoon of biking or rolling in a nice urban/natural environment, this is the place! Be sure to stop at the Atwater market for some food and discover the Saint-Henri hipster district. You’ll also find the McAuslan microbrewery for a well-deserved beer in their huge outdoor terrace.

Alessandro:With its medicinal, alpine, Japanese and indigenous gardens, to name a few, you’ll surely learn lots of things about the flora, while hanging out in a beautiful scenery. Also has nice expositions like the gardens of light or the biggest pumpkins contest!

Alessandro:Green area in a cute residential zone of the famous Le Plateau district. Play ping pong on one of the free service table (be sure to bring your paddle), bring your hammock for a siesta or simply enjoying the sun while watching the urban fauna in all its diversity. You’ll feel immersed in the Montrealers’ day-to-day life.

Alessandro:If you’re willing to go a little farther, the Notre Dame Island is the perfect destination for resting a bit from the city. You can grab a public bike or even take the subway to Jean Drapeau station and walk there. The wild flowers and big willow trees will tempt you to stay for the day. There’s also a beach (Jean Doré) and pedal boats to rent.

Alessandro:One of the greatest Winter festivals of the world in which you'll be amazed by the insanely amount of colorful lights, talented artists and exquisite food.