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Old World France Meets New World North America: Travel Montreal

This charming Québécois city combines old-world French sensibility with a modern North American metropolis. Whether hiking on Mount Royal, or perusing through Arcade Fire’s stomping grounds in Mile End, it has a little bit of something for everybody. Here are The Manual’s suggestions for all your Montreal travel needs. Merci!

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The Ritz-Carlton Montreal
Constructed in 1912, there is some debate over whether this or the New York location was the first Ritz-Carlton in North America. Either way, it may be the most luxurious hotel in Montreal. With a Daniel Boulud restaurant attached and state-of-the-art amenities, how could it not be?
1228 Rue Sherbrooke Ouest
Montreal
514-842-4212

EAT

Da Emma
Although it’s a little bit hard to find and located in a former women’s prison, there’s no need to worry. This place certainly isn’t anything like Orange Is the New Black. Brimming with old-world Italian charm, Da Emma brings the freshest Roman cuisine right to your table. We had the burrata and the veal-filled agnolotti with a bottle of Barolo, and everything was amazing! We even had a chance to meet the famous Emma. Still feeling a bit hesitant? Just check out her wall of fame, where everybody from Jake Gyllenhaal to Dev Patel to Brian Grazer has taken a photo with Emma while dining here.
777 Rue de la Commune Ouest
Montreal
514-392-1568

Maison Publique

Maison Publique means “Public House” or “pub” in English and the pub-like nature of this Montreal does not go unnoticed. With wood paneling, antique wallpaper, and a black alter-like bar, you’d be forgiven if you find yourself forgetting you’re in Quebec. Maison Publique’s hand-written menu is rife with all-Canadian ingredients and dishes including the delectable welsh rarebit, a rousing parfait de foie gras, and a sweet-closer in the form of a Meyer lemon tart.  Chef and owner Derek Dammann continues to keep it Canadian beyond his gastropub duties with his recent book, True North that profiles Canadian cooking from coast to coast.

4720 Rue Marquette
Montreal
514-507-0555

DRINK
Bar Le Confessionnal
This red-lit bar must be one of the most coolest places in the city for checking out with the slick locals hang out. We went on a Wednesday night, when hip-hop filled the room as everyone bobbed their bodies to the music.
431 Rue McGill
Montreal
514-927-4111

Big in Japan Bar
Hidden behind a red door, this little speakeasy serves up a giant punch bowl with 22 servings for a mere $65. What a great way to celebrate a night out with a group of friends!
4175 Boulevard Saint-Laurent
Montreal
438-380-5658

GO
The Montreal Museum of Fine Arts
Spread amongst four different pavilions, this museum carries everything from a vast Canadian art collection to one of Napoleon’s hats. If you’re looking for ideas for decorating your home, it also has one of the best museum design collections, with a Memphis Movement shelf, Eames chairs and even a Dyson vacuum.
380 Rue Sherbrooke Ouest
Montreal
514-285-2000

Originally published on 05/31/2014 and updated on 07/25/2016 by Chase McPeak

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