{"id":383,"date":"2016-03-24T16:22:12","date_gmt":"2016-03-24T20:22:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/gotourismguides.com\/montreal\/?p=383"},"modified":"2016-07-18T15:53:02","modified_gmt":"2016-07-18T19:53:02","slug":"old-montreal","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/gotourismguides.com\/montreal\/old-montreal\/","title":{"rendered":"Old Montreal"},"content":{"rendered":"

Old Montreal<\/strong> (French: Vieux-Montr\u00e9al<\/em>) is Montreal’s oldest district. This cobblestoned area of Montreal features an old world charm with quaint shops, cafes and cobblestone streets. Exploring Old Montreal allows you to discover a part of the city that is frozen in time but sill overflowing with things to see and do. Museums<\/a>, art galleries, boutiques, restaurants and sidewalk cafes are only some of the things that you will discover in this historic city center that was once surrounded by walls. Like Quebec City, Old Montreal is European in character. Cobblestone streets, a cafe culture and historic 17th and 18th century architecture all contribute to its charm. It’s no wonder why Old Montreal draws visitors but also locals, many of whom live and work in the district.<\/p>\r\n\r\n

Old Montreal is located between the St Lawrence River and Montreal’s downtown skyscrapers. It is small enough that it can easily be toured by foot. In fact, walking is usually the best way to get around even though the sidewalks are narrow and the streets are cobblestone. As you stroll through the narrow, winding streets of Old Montreal, you’re never far from the spot where the city was founded, back in 1642. Many of the buildings and monuments of Old Montreal date for the most part from the 19th and early 20th century. Along with the different architectural influences, Old Montreal is full of interesting museums, art galleries, boutiques and many first rate restaurants and cafes.<\/p>\r\n\r\n

Many historic buildings are located at walking distance from each other making it the perfect area for a leisurely stroll. You can also discover many art galleries and shops on just about every corner. If you are into people-watching, make sure to visit Place Jacques Cartier<\/a> and Place d’Armes<\/a>. These two public squares make up the heart of the old city. The squares are lined with restaurants and cafes where you can sip wine and watch the passersby, or catch the show of a street performer or two.<\/p>\r\n\r\n

There are plenty of events, festivals, shows, celebrations, and more that also take place in Old Montreal. Some of the winter activities that take place in the area include ice skating on the Bonsecours bassin, or partying it up at Igloofest<\/a>. In the summertime, tourists and locals alike flock to the quays of the old port to partake in various summer activities that range from guided tours to riverboat bikes, quadcycling and rollerblading. Many of Montreal’s top festivals and events take place in Old Montreal, particularly around the Old Port<\/a> and the Bonsecours bassin. A few of the popular festivals and events that can be experienced from Old Montreal include:<\/p>\r\n\r\n