An easy weekend getaway from NYC, Montreal is an awesome combination of both the old and the new.  Here are the things I loved over my 48 hours in Canada!

Where to shop:

Explore the shops in Mile End – this was probably my favorite neighborhood that I found in Montreal.  The streets themselves are beautiful – covered in beautiful murals and rainbow benches classy storefronts.  The stores are filled with delightful and unique products – home goods and art and jewelry and clothes and pins and more! I could have full furnished my life with the things I saw in these stores.  If only I had a larger suitcase and a bigger budget!

Some of my favorites were:

• VdeV | home goods & accessories
• La montréalaise atelier | women’s clothing
• Annex Vintage | vintage clothing, pins, sunglasses, candles, & more
• Vestibule | women’s clothing & home goods

Where to find books:

Obviously no trip is complete without a book or two to remember the adventure by. Here are some of the bookstores that caught my eye:

 

• Librarie Saint-Henri
• Argo Bookshop
• Drawn & Quarterly

Where to eat:

Breakfast

Arthur’s Nosh Bar | this may just be the most delicious brunch I have ever had in my entire life.  It’s all Jewish inspired cuisine but with a modern twist. I would highly, highly recommend the Grand Slam.  The line can be crazy, so give the host your cell number and curl up across the street at Cordova with a cup of coffee and a book until they are ready.

Tommy Cafe | the interior of this coffee shop is aesthetic therapy, the food is light and delicious, and the coffee is perfection.  This is the ideal location to jump start your day, or to hang out and get some work done if that’s what you need to do.

Lunch

Beautys Luncheonette | head to Beautys for a traditional Montreal diner lunch.  This is the perfect place to try out a Canadian bagel, if you dare!

 

Olive & Gourmando | a fun, casual lunch spot in the Old Port.

Dinner

Foxy | honestly, this may be one of the best meals I have ever had.  The menu is small but creative and everything is delicious. It’s cozy and comfortable – perfect for a special occasion.

Le Quartier General | this BYOB spot is truly delicious.  There are no menus, but the waiters will introduce you to all of the offerings that day and answer any questions you may have.  Don’t forget to bring your wine!

Drinks

Atwater Cocktail Club | craft cocktails in a secret space, what could be better?  Sneak around the back alley and enter through the unmarked door for a unique drinking experience.

What to do:

Notre-Dame Basilica | this is easily one of the most beautiful spaces I’ve ever been in – a completely unique experience.

Walk around Old Port | one of the things that makes this city so unique is the combination of the modern and the antique.  Make sure to explore the shops and restaurants in this unique part of the city.

Climb Mont Royal | if you find yourself there on a clear day, definitely climb to the top of this small mountain (big hill? not sure!) to get an incredible view of the city!

Musee des Beaux Arts | Montreal’s largest art museum – a beautiful space with a variety of art.