Discover our locals' 135 hidden gems in Montreal

Explore Montreal’s hidden spots with Spotted by Locals! From local vinyl shops and breweries to vibrant street art, our Spotters reveal the city's unique charm. Experience Montreal through the eyes of true locals.

Search *

City guides by those who know Montreal best!

Knowing Montreal in and out!

Our Montreal Cityguide - Made by Locals

Know your way in Montreal like a local!

Spotted by Locals

✓ Discover Montreal through the eyes of a local!

✓ Hidden gems that can’t be found in traditional guidebooks

✓ Our locals share their personal favorite spots in Montreal

Download our app

Check out our latest hidden gems in Montreal

Things to do in Montreal

Le bar A

A real local bar

There is a neighbourly atmosphere that defines this tiny but very charming bar. The bar list is very basic but covers the essentials.

028-beach-bar-1
Bars

by

Jeremy

Petrus

May 19, 2025

Café Toranj

For foreign food and latte lovers

"Café Toranj" in Shelbrooke, Montreal, is a Persian café with eclectic decor. I can vouch for their saffron cake - and check out their latte!

020-coffee-cup-1
Coffee & tea

by

Dasilva

Arthur

May 16, 2025

Guido Molinari

Old bank turned into art place

"Guido Molinari" in Montreal has everything going for it. It's an art space that always gets me thrilled whenever there's a new exhibition going on...

002-building
Art & culture

by

Jérémie

Gerhardt

May 16, 2025

Arcade MTL

Video Game Heaven

Finish him! Me-style kick! Hadouken! Shoryuken! If you’re familiar with these phrases, odds are that you're a gamer, or at least played a video game or two in your life.

028-beach-bar-1
Bars

by

Dasilva

Arthur

May 14, 2025

Quilles Moderne Inc

Duckpin bowling place

My bowling career has taken a new turn in the winter of 2023 when my job started a bowling league this winter, in teams of 6 players and we meet twice a month at Quilles Moderne Inc.

028-beach-bar-1
Bars
017-plant-1
Relaxing

by

Jérémie

Gerhardt

May 14, 2025

Saint Sushi Bar

Wanna eat some Marvin Gaye sushi?

"Saint Sushi Bar" in Montreal is not a traditional Japanese sushi restaurant - rather, its focus is on playful, hiphop, 'gangsta' reinterpretations.

021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants

by

Julie

Gauthier

May 14, 2025

Tami par Mlle V

Precise, fast, well priced

"Tami nails" Montreal is my favorite nail art studio. The artists are precise, fast and it's well priced. In short, a girl's luxury that feels good!

017-plant-1
Relaxing

by

Julie

Gauthier

May 14, 2025

Kahwa Café

Artsy Tunisia

"Kahwa Café" Montreal is one of my favorite places for coffee or tea. There's often a new exhibition and it's a great place to work with the free wi-fi...

020-coffee-cup-1
Coffee & tea
024-burger-1
Snacks

by

Julie

Gauthier

May 14, 2025

Bílý Kůň

Watch out for the ostriches!

"Bílý Kůň" Montreal is my favorite friendly local bar .The curiosity? The 'taxidermy chic' effect! The walls are adorned with heads of stuffed ostriches

028-beach-bar-1
Bars

by

Julie

Gauthier

May 14, 2025

Sparrow

Warm atmosphere from another time

"Sparrow" Montreal is a restaurant that's been around since 2009. What a place! The decor enchants me, delights me, everything pleases me greatly.

021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants

by

Julie

Gauthier

May 14, 2025

La Distributrice

Original and tasty

Everything about "La Distributrice" Montreal is beautiful: from the wooden interior to the branding and packaging, this cubbyhole cafe has style!

020-coffee-cup-1
Coffee & tea

by

Julie

Gauthier

May 14, 2025

Kouign Amann

Did you say 'butter'?

"Kouign Amann" Montreal Chocolate is a charming little outdated and colorful decor bakery, and we don't want it to change! Try their raspberry Danish.

020-coffee-cup-1
Coffee & tea
024-burger-1
Snacks

by

Julie

Gauthier

May 14, 2025

Heading to Montreal?

135 Insider Tips from our local Spotters

Authentic Stories by Real People

Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌

... for just €9.99

Going to Montreal?

✓ Escape the Crowds

✓ Find Spots nearby

✓ Authentic Stories

... for just €9.99

App Download Download our app

What to expect?

Authentic & Unbiased Content

Our local Spotters share personal tips and secrets about their city. Nothing sponsored! These unique insights can’t be found in traditional guidebooks. Discover the city through the eyes of a local!

Go off the Beaten Path Gems

We focus on hidden gems and unique places that aren’t crowded with tourists. Our Spotters’ tips help you avoid the crowds and have truly special experiences, far from the tourist masses.

Responsible Travel

By visiting our locals’ favorites and lesser-known places, you contribute to a more sustainable way of traveling. You support the local economy and reduce the pressure on popular tourist spots. And in the end, those are the best places right?

Hi! Nice to meet you.

We are Spotted by Locals. An online travel community publishing city guides in 80+ cities. Our hand-picked local writers and photographers create all the content.

Our 488 Spotters (and counting) live in the cities they write about, speak the local language, and regularly update their tips. Their insights help around 1.4 million travelers each year discover the hidden gems of cities.

With insider advice from locals, we offer a unique, sustainable travel experience, allowing travelers to slow down and immerse themselves in the local culture, beyond the tourist hotspots.

As featured on:

New-York-Times
the-guardian
mashable
the-sunday-times
Filters
Price
Price