The Bastide Guide to Montréal
A Day in Montreal
Though petite, Montréal is one of the mightiest cities we’ve ever visited. With so much delicious, hearty food to indulge in, some of the cutest coffee shops in North America, and an undeniable European influence that often feels like you’re across the pond, there is so much to see and even more to do. You can wander down the city’s cobblestone streets for hours — we in fact have — and it’s the perfect place to use your French, as the language is one of the official languages of Quebec.
Here, our guide to the things you must do whenever you visit Montréal.
Get in a little relaxation and pampering time at…
The city’s Bota Bota Spa is one of the most unique places we’ve been to on the globe because it’s a space that’s literally on the water — known worldwide and to locals as a floating spa. We recommend getting a classic Relaxation massage, then indulging in a meal at the spa’s restaurant. The best part? You can walk there barefoot from your massage room and keep your robe on the entire time.
Bota Bota spa sur-l’eau, Vieux-Port de Montréal, Montréal, Quebec H2Y 2E2, Canada, botabota.ca
Indulge in some retail therapy at…
Holt Renfrew is Canada’s luxury shopping destination. You can pop in and pick up some goodies for yourself, including a slew of Bastide body washes, fragrances, and so much more.
Holt Renfrew Ogilvy, 1307 Saint-Catherine St W, Montréal, Quebec H3G 1P7, Canada, holtrenfrew.com
Check in and kick your feet up at…
Just a stones’ throw from some of the city’s must-see spots and with a breathtaking view of the Saint Lawrence River, Auberge du Vieux-Port is much more than an inn, as the name suggests. It’s a 19th-century beauty with massive rooms that instantly turn on the relaxation.
Auberge du Vieux Port, 97 Rue de la Commune E, Montréal, QC H2Y 1J1, Canada, aubergeduvieuxport.com
Fuel your body and all your food loving dreams with this trio of restaurants…
For amazing vegan and vegetarian cuisine, stop by Lov restaurant. Brunch, lunch, dinner, natural and organic beers and wines, takeout, and snacks are all available.
LOV, four locations throughout Montréal, lov.com
A cute and cozy stop at Café Parvis is in order at any time throughout the day. They serve up dishes from breakfast through to dinner. We’re huge fans of their pastries, but also can’t get enough of their beef tenderloin.
Café Parvis, 433 Mayor St, Montréal, Quebec H3A 1N9, Canada, cafeparvis.com
If you love fashion and accessories, then you’ve probably either heard of or bought something on expertly-curated website SSENSE. Well, it turns out that the brand also has a physical outpost in Montréal, fully equipped with a super modern, brutalist designed space. Cold-pressed juices, brioche toast, and tartare all on the menu.
SSENSE café, 418 St Sulpice St, Montréal, Quebec H2Y 2V5, Canada, ssense.com
Get some culture and education at…
With a 150 year-old legacy, the Montréal Museum of Fine Arts is worth an entire afternoon. With multiple floors and four pavilions that showcase thousands of works of art, the space is easily one of our favorite places to visit in the world.
The Montréal Museum of Fine Arts, 1380 Sherbrooke St W, Montréal, Quebec H3G 1J5, Canada, mbam.qc.ca
Explore one of the world’s most iconic neighborhoods…
The cobblestone streets of Old Montréal are some of the most legendary in the world. Filled with historic 17th and 18th century architecture, make sure you’re looking up on every street as much as you’re looking forward.
Vieux Montréal, vieux.montreal.qc.ca
