Discovering Montreal: Old Port

For a pleasant mélange of Montreal living with a European flare, the Old Port is the place to be. What was once the epicentre of the city’s sea trade has now evolved into a beautiful, historic neighbourhood perfect for locals and tourists alike. There's so much to do in this quaint little neighbourhood, whether you’re looking to spend your day promenading along the waterfront, shopping for the holidays, or even having a candlelit dinner with your loved ones.

Old Port is home to cobblestone roads, cute cafes, boutiques, and fine eateries at every corner. Let’s not forget that, during the holidays, the streets are lit up with Christmas lights and decor, making it a real-life Winter Wonderland. If you haven’t visited the neighbourhood before, we’ve put together a little list of some of our favourite spots for you to check out the next time you're in the area.

PUB BREWSKEY: 380 St Paul St E, Montreal, QC H2Y 1H3

This charming little hideaway is perfect for an after-work get-together with friends. Serving a great selection of craft beers and hard-to-find whiskeys, this may very well become your new favourite hangout and pub.

BAR À BEURRE: 348 Notre-Dame St E, Montreal, QC H2Y 1C7

Look no further than Bar a Beurre for your bakery and cafe cravings. If you’re a lover of all things bread, then we suggest their irresistible butter croissants. For the ultimate sweet tooths, try out their cupcakes because they’re some of the best town.

CAFÉ DE' MERCANTI: 350 Notre-Dame St E, Montreal, QC H2Y 1C7

Who said you'd have to go all the way to Italy for a delicious coffee? At Cafe de' Mercanti, you'll find some of the best espressos and hot chocolates in all of Montreal. Using nothing but high-quality products, they are one of our go-to's for coffees and pastries, and luckily they have a location on Monkland that we frequent quite often.

VENICE MTL: 440 St Francois Xavier St, Montreal, QC H2Y 2T3

Venice Mtl is bound to make your lunches during the winter season a bit sunnier with their vibrant California-esque decor and their fresh meals. The space is bright with a nice atmosphere, perfect for your foodstagram photos. The highlight of our meal was the Salmon Poke Bowl -- we highly suggest you try it!

VAN WINKLES:  221 Saint-Paul St W, Montreal, QC H2Y 2A2

If you’re looking for a quick, hearty, homemade sandwich for a reasonable price, we suggest checking out Charcuterie Van Winkles. This joint is a gem among all the high-end, expensive restos in the area, and it’s the perfect spot to recharge after a morning of exploring.