Why write about an outdoor square when most guidebooks will mention the underground city literally under this square? First of all you can see the sky: having your lunch there in summer is the moment of the day when you've left the cold temperature of your office to get some fresh and humid air from the outside world.
But more specifically, for me it's the pleasure of observing the various crowds passing by this tiny place during the day. In the morning, it's workers going to work with a coffee in one hand and lunch bag in the other; the place is still relatively empty except maybe construction workers who've started work earlier having a break. Around lunch time it’s denser - you can see a few groups of tourists pop up to frenetically take pictures of the statue and then run away to their next visit point. And at the end of the day, it's when you feel the people being more relaxed.
My advice: grab a coffee or a sandwich, sit on the side of the statue and just look around. I always feel like a scientist observing a hive of activity.
Find your way with 135 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
"Léché Desserts" in Montreal hides many promises behind its pink benches and brick building! I recommend getting donuts here and going to watch the trains.
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Zab Café is a coffee roaster from Montreal that has an interesting story, four locations, and good coffee. It's small and smells of good coffee.
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"Nonnina Panini and Gelato" in Montreal is a café that offers Italian snacks & desserts - get your chocolate & peanut butter tartelette and explore Lachine!
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There are bird spotters, trainspotters... and plane spotters - and this is where they meet in Montreal! Ready for some plane spotting in YUL?
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Most belvederes offer views from above - this one is different and offers views to Montreal's skyline!
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The "Montreal Olympic Park" is so big, you can never tell how close to it you are. Its retro-futuristic vibe reminds me of some kind of animal; a scorpion?
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The "Big Wheel" in Montreal is a surprise! It's big, it's fun, and it's a nice highlight to visit while exploring...
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"Belgo Visions" in Montreal is in the Belgo Building, an iconic old building in the center of the city with five floors, zillions of art pieces & galleries
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Ruelle Verte is a local initiative in Montreal for greener back alleys. One artist couple made their own even prettier, by flourishing it with art!
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"Belvédère Outremont" in Montreal is one of my favorite places to go jogging. It goes a bit uphill, but the view is just amazing, especially at sunset...
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"Drawn and Quarterly" in Montreal is now a world-famous bookstore specialized in classic and contemporary comics. Coming here, my addiction comes out...
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"Tennis Jeanne-Mance" in Montreal is one of the best places to get your game in the city. I think it's a very interesting and unique court to play...
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135 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
Authentic Stories by Real People
Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌
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