So, I just got back from Montreal, and wow, I still can't believe how much I fell in love with the city. Seriously, if you're looking for the best things to do in Montreal, put that guidebook down and let me tell you about my experience. It was a wild ride, filled with unexpected moments, some self-inflicted detours, and of course, incredible food. Grab a coffee; I'm about to ramble.
This spot? Total surprise.
So, my first day was spent wandering around Old Montreal—those cobblestone streets and the gorgeous old buildings make you feel like you've stepped back in time. Honestly, I wasn't expecting much; I thought, "Oh, it's just another historical district." But then I turned down Rue Saint Paul, and there it was: a tiny little café tucked into a nook. Le Café de la Place was the name, I think?
I went in, half-expecting another overpriced cup of mediocre coffee. But instead, the barista—this energetic guy named Alex—was super friendly and insisted I try their homemade pastries. I had no plans to indulge, but how could I refuse? He served me a slice of lemon tart that looked deceptively modest but turned into a burst of sunshine in my mouth. You could taste the zesty freshness like summer on the tongue. I took a bite, and just like that, I was transported somewhere else entirely. Isn't it funny how one taste can flip your whole mood? That tart became my unofficial welcome gift to the city.
The afternoon that changed my whole mood
Later, I found myself wandering toward Mount Royal Park. I'd heard people rave about the view, but I wasn't really in the mood for a hike. I mean, I was more about strolling and sipping coffee. But I saw a sign pointing toward the lookout and, I don't know why, but something tugged at me to follow it. So I did.
Let's just say I underestimated the steepness! At one point, I thought I might have to give up, but I kept pushing myself. Why do I do this? I had my sneakers on, but I still felt so awkward trying to navigate the incline. Just when I was ready to throw in the towel, I finally made it to the top. And wow, the view was totally worth it. The skyline against the St. Lawrence River was just stunning! I plopped down on a bench, took a swig from my water bottle, and let it all sink in.
You know how some days just feel transformative? This was one of them. I watched people all around me: couples laughing, families taking pictures, and friends just soaking up the moment. It was perfect, messy life in full swing. Even though it started as a bit of a struggle, it turned into one of the best afternoons of my trip.
I almost missed this, no thanks to my bad sense of direction
Okay, so I am what you'd call directionally challenged. Seriously, GPS or not, I still end up wandering when I try to find anything. One evening, I was supposed to check out this highly recommended restaurant called Schwartz's Deli—everyone kept saying I needed to try their smoked meat sandwiches. But lo and behold, I ended up on the completely wrong street, squinting at my phone and muttering, “Where am I?”
Eventually, I found myself in this dive bar—a spot called L'Escudella—totally unplanned, but hey, sometimes you gotta roll with the punches. Everyone was super laid-back, sipping local beers, and having a great time. I ended up chatting with the bartender, this cool woman named Clara, who convinced me to try a local brew that was beautifully hoppy. You know what? I felt a connection almost instantly. She recommended this spicy chorizo tapa to go with it, and I thought, "Why not?"
Just when I thought this was turning into a busted evening, I experienced one of the best “accidental' meals ever. The flavors were bold and smoky, kinda like firecrackers for my taste buds. I sat there, soaking in the vibe, making friends with the people next to me, and we ended up having a mini party. I mean, who knew a detour could lead to such a fun night?
A hearty meal at the old market
A couple of days later, a friend back home suggested I check out Marché Jean-Talon—I wasn't even sure if I could make it with my schedule. But then, I woke up one morning feeling like I wanted to soak up all the life I could. So there I was, wandering through this vibrant market filled with colorful produce and people buzzing about. Everything looked too good to be true. Grapes, strawberries, cheeses, you name it.
I ended up snagging a fresh-baked baguette and some local cheeses. The aromas were kind of intoxicating. And there was this Italian deli, where I spotted a chef making gnocchi on the spot. He waved me over, and, I swear, I was transported into a food lover's dream. I ended up trying his specialty—a creamy gnocchi tossed in a wild mushroom sauce. I was like, “Whoa, I need this recipe right now!”
That meal turned into a long, lazy afternoon, seated near a small table with locals, sharing stories and physical laughs (it's always a good sign). I'll never forget how that gnocchi felt—like a warm hug on a chilly Montreal day. Food truly brings people together, doesn't it?
Fleeting moments that make it last
At the end of my trip, I kept replaying little things in my head—like the guy who played the accordion on the streets, or the moment I got lost and found that dive bar. I realize now that it's these unplanned quirks that stick with you the most. I think we sometimes rush through our travels, trying to tick boxes and knock off “Must-See” lists. But honestly? Those were not the best things to do in Montreal for me.
It was the spontaneous bits that became the highlights—the conversations, the detours, the random pastries that made my trip feel like a whirlwind daughter of magic. I might not remember every place I visited, but all those slices of life are what made this journey so meaningful.
And here I am, sipping my coffee, still daydreaming about it all… Who knows? Maybe I'll find myself back in Montreal someday, hand-in-hand with another twist in my travel story.
