As well as being the 'City of a Hundred Church Bells' Montreal is also known as 'The City of a Hundred Cultures.' It is these two characteristics (noise and variety) that keep this city humming with the vibrancy that makes it so popular with residents and visitors alike.

Melting Pot

Unlike other urban melting pots, this merging of cultures works well. The population is predominantly European and Creole with a mix of immigrants from all over the world bumping up against each other, and yet it all seems to work despite an occasional flare-up. Maybe it's the general culture of the people that seem to seek fun before conflict. Maybe it's Montreal's heritage as a town that asks no questions of its newcomers. Whatever it is, the blending of cultures provides a colorful and lively backdrop to a town that lives on, and welcomes, its visitors.

Food and Entertainment

Montreal thrives on food and entertainment. Regardless of the time of year, there is a festival happening somewhere in Montreal (comedy, music and film are popular) and with all those nationalities, someone is always celebrating a tradition. You'll find a Latin capital in the north, which is a culinary paradise combining French and Hispanic foods and clubs devoted to the sweaty rhythms of Latin beats. Further downtown is Chinatown (unmissable around February when Chinese New Year is celebrated – the actual date varies from year to year).

Transport

The Rue Ste-Catherine and the Metro line running beneath it is the main artery of the city, and this lively-yet-chic stretch is really where the true character of Montreal can be found. At any time of day or night, you are likely to hear half a dozen languages being spoken and an intoxicating blend of spices in the air. The Rue is always packed with cars, so for fewer headaches just catch the Metro – faster, cheaper and more efficient.

Entertainment

The Rue Ste-Catherine is the hub of Montreal's gay culture and if your sensibilities aren't too delicate, there is plenty of entertainment to be found here each night. As well as the usal array of adult stores and peep-shows, there are slightly more PG-rated venues like the Cabaret L'Entre-Peau, which specializes in drag shows. The added bonus of an evening at L'Entre-Peau is the low-cost restaurant next door, which has built it's name on offering high-quality meals to the budget-conscious.

For a little public humiliation (not the leather-clad kind, which can be found at Priape and U-Bahn, two of the most comprehensive adult shops in the region) try karaoke at Club Date. If you're not game enough to sing, enjoy some of the best karaoke performances you'll ever find as the talented singers from nearby revues wind down after work. Lots of Cher and Kylie Minogue songs, as well as buckets of fun.

Parks

More sedate enjoyment can be had with a stroll through the Parc Mont-Royal. This is a must-do in Montreal, and the Parc is Canada's answer to New York City's Central Park (in fact they were both created by the same person). The five hundred acres of acres of greenery are a blissfully refreshing change from the urban bustle that surrounds it.

Churches

Beautiful examples of religious architecture are everywhere in Montreal. The almost one-hundred-meter tall basilica of St Joseph's Oratory is the best of the best. Perched on top of Mount Royal, if the exquisite carvings and building don't take your breath away, and the magnificent views leave you untouched, try taking in a choral concert and remaining unmoved.

Hotels

Hotels in Montreal are plentiful but prices vary wildly according the the time of year. High-peak festivals can see prices jump by up to 30 per cent, but on average a good hotel room within walking distance to the heart of the city will cost about $150 per night.

Use the Hotelsio Rate Finder on the left to find cheap hotels in Montreal.

(Photo:Fotolia/Nouk)

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