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15+ Spots That Prove Montreal Is One of the Most Romantic Cities in the World

Montréal Romance Insider Guides
by Kimberley Chan Nov 11, 2016

With a diverse landscape consisting of historical sites, beautiful parks, scenic views, and cozy restaurants and bars, Montreal is one of the most romantic cities in the world. Meander through the Parisian-influenced Old Port and you’ll be swooned by friendly locals speaking French, its cobblestone roads and scenic waterfront, and an array of fine dining and entertainment options. Head to one of the lovely parks for a summer stroll or for some snowshoeing or skating in winter. Montreal also has a seductive nightlife and restaurant scene where you’ll surely find something to satisfy all of your senses.

Editor’s note: These spots are all taken directly from travelstoke®, a new app from Matador that connects you with fellow travelers and locals, and helps you build trip itineraries with spots that integrate seamlessly into Google Maps and Uber. Download the app to add any of the spots below directly to your future trips. All photos by author except where noted.

Bota Bota, spa-sur-l’eau

 Bota Bota, spa-sur-l’eauMontréal, CanadaA historic ferry turned into a “floating spa.” Enjoy a beautiful view of Montreal while getting pampered or relaxing in the hot tub. #oldport #montreal #spa
Photo credit: Jeangagne via Wikipedia Commons.

Belvedere Kondiaronk Lookout

 Belvedere Kondiaronk LookoutMontréal, CanadaHike up Mont Royal to this lookout spot, a huge terasse where you’ll get one of the most scenic views of Montreal. #hiking #greatviews #beautiful

Next Time You Kiss Do It In French mural

 Next Time You Kiss Do It In French muralMontréal, CanadaIn Montreal, there’s got to be a bit of French in everything, and even murals know it. #streetart #mural #graffiti #french #love

Mont Royal

 Mont RoyalMontréal, CanadaMont Royal, or “The Mountain” as many call it, is home to many Montreal landmarks. The Mont Royal cross, which lights up at night, sits on the mountain’s highest point. Hike up of the many easy trails and explore the belvedere lookout platforms and the best views of Montreal. It is home to Parc du Mont Royal, one of the largest green spaces in the city. You’ll find Beaver Lake, a man-made “lake” in the middle of it. #hiking #landmark

La Fontaine Park

 La Fontaine ParkMontréal, CanadaBeautiful park fit for a summer stroll, bike ride, pic-nic, or just a lazy day. Go ice-skating on the pond in winter.

The Montreal Museum of Fine Arts

 The Montreal Museum of Fine ArtsMontréal, CanadaMontreal is an amazing city for art lovers! #art #museum #sculpture
Photo credit: Jeangagnon via Wikimedia Commons

Agrikol

 AgrikolMontréal, CanadaWhen you want a taste of summer during a cold winter night, head to Agrikol. Step into the white wooden house, and you’ll immediately feel like you’ve escaped to the caribbean. This Haitian resto-bar features island-style appetizers like Haitian beignets and plantains, and sigature rum-based tropical cocktails. Old-fashioned, jungle-style decor and Haitian music add to the ambiance. #tropical #caribbean #cozy

Upstairs Jazz Bar & Grill

 Upstairs Jazz Bar & GrillMontréal, CanadaUpstairs is actually… downstairs. Set in a chill, brick-walled basement, it’s a great place to sit back and enjoy some cocktails and tapas while listening to live jazz. #livemusic #jazz #tapas #chill

The Village

 The VillageMontréal, CanadaWalk through “Le Village” or Montreal’s Gay Village, one of the largest and proudest gay neighborhoods in North America. It’s a vibrant neighborhood that’s home to some of the city’s most lively restaurants, bars and clubs. Every summer this area turns into a big party for the Montreal Pride Festival. The Montreal LGBT community is all for being open and showing their love for each other.

Amphitrite Fountain, World Trade Centre

 Amphitrite Fountain, World Trade CentreMontréal, CanadaIf you want to impress someone, take them to this 18th-century French fountain in Montreal’s World Trade Centre. A statue of Amphitrite, the Greek goddess of the sea sits on a 200-square-metre black granite pool, on which you can see the sky reflected on a layer of thin water. #beautiful #romantic
Photo credit: Denis Jacquerye via Wikimedia Commons

LHotel Montreal

 LHotel MontrealMontréal, CanadaYep, there’s one of these iconic LOVE sculptures in Montreal. You can find it outside of LHotel, an atistic boutique hotel built in 1870.
Photo credit: Jeangagnon via Wikimedia Commons.

Notre-Dame Basilica of Montreal

 Notre-Dame Basilica of MontrealMontréal, CanadaThe Notre-Dame basilica is a visually stunning masterpiece in the heart of Old Montreal. Admire the outside that’s modelled after the one in Paris and reminiscent of a nineteenth-century gothic cathedral. Then go inside to get taken away by the tens of thousands of 24K gold stars on a vibrant blue ceiling. #history #architecture #art

L’Auberge Saint-Gabriel

 L’Auberge Saint-GabrielMontréal, CanadaSet in Montreal’s oldest building this restaurant/lounge/terasse’s ambience is simply charming. This medieval cottage was built in 1688; since then, its thick-stoned walls have lived through many tales. Today, it’s one of the classiest and coziest spots in Montreal known for it’s elegance and inviting French dishes. The auberge is also home to Velvet, an underground universe or “speakeasy.” The only way to get there, is to ask the doorman to escort you to the basement’s entrance. After making your way through a stone-walled tunnel only lit with candles, you’ll find yourself in a smoky room with a dance floor, lounge area, top-notch DJs, and beautiful people.
Photo credit: L’Auberge Saint-Gabriel – https://www.facebook.com/lauberge.saintgabriel/ #fine-dining #historical #speakeasy #frenchcuisine

Jardin Nelson

 Jardin NelsonMontréal, CanadaA charming garden-like terrace in heart of Old Montreal, right in the historic Jacques Cartier Square. Sit on the front terrace and watch the bustling scene and street performers, or in the open-roofed inner courtyard that’s heated during the cooler days. Relax to sounds of some live jazz music and enjoy some tasty crepes, salads, pasta, duck confit or the some traditional Quebec “paté chinois.” Great place for brunch, dinner or just drinks. Note that it’s only open from April to beginning of October. #livemusic #patio

Old Port of Montreal

 Old Port of MontrealMontréal, CanadaPiers, cobblestone roads, historical buildings, shops, restaurants, clubs, bars, a pirate ship, zipline, and more… please go here if you visit Montreal!

Terrasse Nelligan

 Terrasse NelliganMontréal, CanadaWhat better way to spend a nice summer night than on a rooftop with a great view and an amazing drink? This rooftop patio on top of Hotel Nelligan in the heart of Old Montreal offers beautiful views of Old Montreal and the St. Lawrence river, and one of the best sangrias in the city. #rooftopbar

Photo credit @ave.hah via Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/ave.hah/

Auberge du Vieux-Port

 Auberge du Vieux-PortMontréal, CanadaA cozy boutique hotel in Montreal’s old port with a European flair and a romantic atmosphere. It’s rooftop bar, Terasse Sur L’Auberge, is open to all and offers panoramic views where you can watch the scene on the bustling St.Paul street, view sailboats on the Saint. Lawrence river, and if you’re lucky, watch the skies light up with a myriad of colors during the International Fireworks Competition. #rooftopbar #hotel

Photo credit: Auberge Du Vieux Port – https://www.facebook.com/AubergeduVieuxPort/

Cité Mémoire

 Cite MemoireMontréal, CanadaCité Mémoire is an experience that allows you to discover the history of Montreal through the eyes of characters that have witnessed historical events. Stories are projected throughout various spots in Old Montreal that make the city come alive in a theatrical way. Walk through dark alleyways that have turned into colorful rivers, and watch building walls magically transform in front of you. You can even listen to the stories via an app. #history #free #art #theresanappforthat

Cinéma L’Amour

 Cinéma L’AmourMontréal, CanadaTake a break from the Internet and head to this 102-year old adult theatre and catch some erotica or hard-core x-rated films. Go as couple or alone – Montreal isn’t shy.

Photo credit: Cinéma L’Amour – https://www.facebook.com/cinemalamour/

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