48Hrs in Montreal. Go!

There are so many different ways to travel - immerse yourself in culture with a home stay, go off the grid to camp in the countryside, or live the life of luxury at a resort... I'm up for any kind of travel. But that kind of travel usually takes time. What if you only have a few days in a city or country? Or better yet, what if you have a half-day layover, what do you do?

I'm going to start posting "speed-travel" recommendations. People who are either passing through or just want to hit the highlights, these are for you!

Quick Facts

• Logistics: Need a valid passport to enter and recently US residents need a travel visa. No immunizations required. Public transportation on the bus or metro is easy. Uber drivers are available and abundant.
• Native Language: French, but almost everyone speaks some English.
• Currency: Canadian Dollar (CAD) - cash and cards are accepted most everywhere. Most places don't take AMEX.
• Weather: Winters are cold (think snow and below freezing!) so dress warm, or buy a "Canada Goose" jacket when you get here. Springs are mild and Summers can be relatively hot and humid.

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Where to Stay

• ​Novotel - Affordable, modern, and a great location to get around easily.
• Hotel Gault - Located in Old Montreal, the spacious loft-style rooms mix classic and modern amidst the original architecture of the city.
• Sofitel - Upscale and close to McGill, this luxury hotel is right off the Golden Mile for speed shopping.

Where to Eat

• Breakfast: Tommy Montreal for cronuts and coffee or snag a crêpe on practically any street corner.
• Lunch: Olive + Gourmando for a to-die-for hot cuban panini or loaded grilled cheese. Or if you're on a health kick, stop by the vegan restaurant Lov.
• Dinner:  Montreal is known for great food, so you really can't go wrong. New places are popping up on the reg, but locals pointed us to these two new hip spots: Foiegwa, a new  french diner, and Elena for upscale pizza + wine (this is the new sister restaurant to Nora Grey, a fabulous italian spot.) 

What to Do

• Shop on the Golden Mile for boutique and splurge shopping or check out the Jean-Talon market for local goods. Abe & Mary's is one of my fav stores for cute gifts and "girl power" items (and fab avocado toast).
• Get artsy at the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts.
• Don't miss the breath-taking architecture and paintings in Notre-Dame Basilica.
• For city views, take a ride on La Grande Roue de Montreal or take a walk through Mont Royal park.
• Relax in nature at Montreal's Botanical Gardens.
• Stroll through Le Plateau Mont Royal neighborhood to feel like a local (and lust after the adorable homes!)
• Explore five different ecosystems at Montreal's Biodome or learn about bugs at the Insectarium - great for kids!