A Wedding Week Turned Whirlwind City Adventure
What started as a college friend’s destination wedding turned into a mini reunion and an unforgettable exploration of Montreal, Canada — a city that blends European charm, delicious food, vibrant culture, and a whole lot of heart.
In this post, I’m sharing some of the top things to do in Montreal, plus the amazing spots we stumbled into while celebrating love, friendship, and spontaneous adventure.
Wedding Vibes & City Wandering
After a night of dancing at AD and HK’s Sangeet celebration, I was in search of one thing the next morning: good coffee. Just a quick walk from our downtown stay at Hotel Bonaventure, we found Second Cup — and it hit the spot. My vanilla latte was everything I needed, and my husband loved his mocha. Caffeinated and happy, we headed off to the Gurdwara for the morning’s wedding ceremony.
With the afternoon and evening free, we set off to explore the heart of Montreal: Downtown, Old Montreal, and the famous Underground City.
Sights to See: Cathedrals, Cobblestones & Hidden History
🕍 Cathedral Mary Queen of the World
Located in the downtown core, this beautiful cathedral is inspired by St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome and is the seat of the Roman Catholic archdiocese of Montreal. Its interior is peaceful and grand — a perfect first stop to take in Montreal’s architectural beauty.
🕊️ Basilica Notre-Dame de Montréal
This was easily the most beautiful cathedral I’ve ever seen. Its rich blue ceiling, intricate gold details, and stunning stained glass windows tell stories from Montreal’s religious and cultural history — and it took my breath away. A must-visit.
After some time people-watching and enjoying live music in Place d’Armes, we made our way to a cozy gem: Katiza Café, a Turkish coffee shop serving flavorful brews and sweet Turkish delights.
A Taste of Europe — With a Montreal Twist
Wandering through Old Montreal feels like stepping into a charming European town. We stumbled upon a piece of history: a preserved section of the Berlin Wall tucked into the underground city! It was surreal to see it in person and reminded us how travel constantly offers unexpected moments.
That evening, we had pre-dinner drinks and a cheese board at Buvette Pastek — a super cute wine bar with cozy vibes, sourdough bread, and incredible cheese. It was the perfect spot to catch up with friends.
Dinner, Celebrations & Nightlife
To celebrate a friend’s birthday, part of our group headed to Gibby’s, a steakhouse housed in a historic 200-year-old stone carriage house in Old Montreal. While I’m vegetarian, I was thrilled to find a delicious eggplant parm on the menu — hearty and satisfying. The rest of our group explored Bloom Sushi, a stylish spot offering 100% plant-based sushi creations. (Shoutout to Ari and Nikita for the amazing food pics!)
Montreal nightlife? On another level.
- Flyjin: A hidden underground bar with Asian-fusion decor, pulsing music, and an intimate vibe. Definitely a hotspot — small but full of energy.
- Pub Saint Pierre: A laid-back pub where you can actually hear your friends talk. Much appreciated!
- Santos: Latin music, spacious dance floors, and high energy — the perfect late-night stop for a little salsa and fun.
Bagels, Crêpes & French Flair
The next morning, we couldn’t leave Montreal without trying their famous bagels. Our first stop: La Fabrique Bagel for fresh bagels, rich cream cheeses, and, of course, more coffee.
The rest of the day was dedicated to the stunning Hindu wedding ceremony and reception — a beautiful celebration that we were so lucky to be part of.
Final Morning: Crêpes & Bagels (Yes, Again)
On our last morning, my husband and I wandered back to Old Montreal and found a sweet breakfast spot: Maison Bagatelle. I ordered a savory crêpe that was hands-down the best I’ve ever had — and yes, I’ve been to Paris.
We made one final bagel pilgrimage, thanks to a hot tip from my friend Sahar, and visited Fairmount Bagels and St-Viateur Bagel — the two oldest and most iconic bagel shops in Montreal. Each has been hand-rolling, boiling, and baking bagels in wood-fired ovens since the 1950s.
Fun fact:
Montreal bagels are smaller, denser, and slightly sweeter than New York bagels, and many are hand-dipped in honey water before baking. Trust me — they are worth bringing home by the dozen.
(Spoiler: We did.)
Final Thoughts: A City to Return To
In a packed week of wedding celebrations, laughter, dancing, and spontaneous exploring, Montreal gave us so many unforgettable memories. It’s a city full of surprises — where old-world charm meets modern fun, where bagels are an art form, and where there’s always something around the corner to discover.
We’re already planning our next visit. And this time, I’m heading straight to Bloom Sushi first. 😉
📅 Best Time to Visit:
Late spring through early fall (May–October) is ideal. Summers are vibrant with festivals, outdoor dining, and beautiful weather. Fall offers stunning foliage and fewer crowds.
🗺️ Where to Stay:
We stayed at Hotel Bonaventure — centrally located, walkable to downtown, with a unique rooftop garden and pool! Highly recommend for convenience and comfort.
☕ Coffee Lovers:
- Second Cup (Downtown): Great spot to grab your morning fix.
- Katiza Café (Old Montreal): Cozy Turkish coffeehouse with sweet treats.
- Maison Bagatelle: Must-visit for crêpes and strong espresso.
🥯 Don’t Miss the Bagels:
- Fairmount Bagels and St-Viateur are both Montreal institutions. Go early, try the sesame or cinnamon raisin, and bring a dozen home (you’ll thank me later).
🎶 Nightlife Picks:
- Flyjin: Trendy, underground, high-energy.
- Santos: Latin vibes and room to dance.
- Pub Saint Pierre: Chill, low-key, great for conversation.
🎒 What to Pack:
- Comfortable walking shoes — Montreal is super walkable.
- A light jacket (even in summer, nights can get cool).
- A small backpack or tote for markets, snacks, and those bagels.
📸 Instagrammable Spots:
- Basilique Notre-Dame de Montréal
- Old Montreal streets & cafés
- Place d’Armes square (especially at sunset)
- The Underground City’s art and murals
💬 Language Tip:
Montreal is bilingual! Most locals speak both French and English. A friendly “Bonjour!” goes a long way.