If you have never been to Montreal, Quebec, you may want to add this city to your list of “Places to Visit”.
Montreal is the second largest city in Canada and its official language is French. Don’t fret, you don’t need to speak fluent French since most people speak English. But be warned, if you greet the hotel desk clerk with a cheery “Bonjour”, he or she will speak to you in French! Although you can take the subway or tour buses to see the city, Montreal is a very walkable city, so get your shoes ready.
Like other major cities, Montreal has different neighborhoods including a downtown area, Chinatown, Old Montreal, Latin Quarter and the Gay Village. The downtown area has office buildings, bike racks for commuters, subway stations and the hustle and bustle of students and business people chatting away on their cell phones. Chinatown (Le quarter chinois de Montreal) greets you with the large and ornate pagodas. There are lots of Asian restaurants, food markets and stores. You may even see some elderly people doing tai chi for the passersby. Old Montreal (Vieux Montreal) is the oldest area in Montreal and a must see if you see no other part of the city. You will turn a corner and feel like you are in Europe. The architecture of the buildings, the cobblestone streets and the historic buildings will encompass you. Some of the buildings date back to the 17th century. Stroll past Montreal City Hall, Bonsecours Market, Notre-Dame Basilica, Place Jacques-Cartier on foot or in one of the horse drawn carriages.
So when your girlfriends, significant others or family members ask where you want to vacation this summer or where to take a quick weekend trip, make sure you say Montreal. You will then be able to check it off your list of “Places to visit” ! NLD
