Zarragoza

p_mori7

Thanks for the explanation. Much appreciated.:)

Zarragoza

You can do most of Montreal by public transport. Bus 715 is specifically geared to tourists and the day pass is $9. Be aware that the STM doesn't usually accept US credit cards (but will accept cash and international cards with chips.)

 

Basically there are 5 areas to stay in...

 

• Old Montreal - Think of this as being in the beautiful neighbourhood. Beautiful hotels and expensive real estate. Expensive restaurants, though if you know how and where to go, some really great food.
  
• Downtown Montreal - The business centre of the city. Shopping centres and office buildings.
  
• Plateau Mont-Royal (or just the Plateau) - A part of town just north of downtown that is residential. The far west part caters to the McGill students, the middle is more upper middle class, the east more middle class and the northern end (Mile End) is a Bohemian mixed neighbourhood.
  
• Latin Quarter - A part of town that is very Bohemian and lively at night, but studenty otherwise.
  
• The Village - A part of town that is very Behemian and lively at night, cheaper to stay unless you have a problem with Gays. The neighbourhood is mixed, but there are a lot of bars in the area and stores that cater to this market.
  

I've listed the neighbourhoods in basic levels of price. Staying in Old Montreal or Downtown won't give you a real sense of what Montreal is like for Montrealers. It's the touristy part of town and the business part of town. And the city is quite safe.

Ephraim,

Thanks for all the useful information. That really does help with our decision making. By the way, are their any particular pubs or restaurants that you would recommend? Now, I'll show my ignorance -- what is STM?

Thanks for the info. Still have no idea what we'll do.

We will be arriving early morning via rail & only be in Montreal for a day before flying out. In order to try to see as much as possible we thought we would do the HOHO. Unfortunately it stops running at 4PM so everything must be walkable after that. We are trying to decide whether to stay in downtown Montreal or Old Town. We are not shoppers, however, we would like to see the underground city. For reference sake, we love the energy of New York's Times Square especially at night; however, we also love the quaintness of Old San Juan, PR during the day. Any help is appreciated.