Discover our locals' 133 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.

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City guides by those who know Montreal best!

Get to know our Spotters from Montreal

Check out our latest hidden gems in Montreal

Things to do in Montreal

Le-180g

Le 180g – Burger, Coffee and Vinyl Shop

It's not often that you can search vinyl, have a coffee, have brunch or eat a delicious burger - one of my top two - while someone is DJ'ing for you.

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Coffee & tea
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Restaurants
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Shopping

By

Jérémie

Gerhardt

Jan 25, 2025
Cafe-Got-Soul

Café Got Soul – Get Your Grub Groove On

Cafe or concept - Got Soul’s unique combination of the two which works well. Fans of club music and vintage vinyl will feel right at home...

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Coffee & tea

By

Dasilva

Arthur

Jan 23, 2025
Theatre-Fairmount

Theatre Fairmount – Spaceship with music

It's quite interesting because it's all in length, with a stage in the middle to the right & a bar on the left side stretched on almost half of the space.

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Art & culture
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Theaters

By

Jérémie

Gerhardt

Jan 20, 2025
Le-bar-A

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.

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Bars

By

Jeremy

Petrus

Jan 17, 2025
Artist-run-centres

Artist-run centres – Avant garde art in Mile-End

Each gallery has its own mandate and style, so a trip to the area will almost always result in a wide assessment of contemporary art practiced in the city.

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Art & culture

By

Scott

Duncan

Jan 14, 2025
Parc-Frederic-Back

Parc Frédéric-Back – Ecosystem renewal and views

The land is the site of rapid regeneration, beginning with massive indigenous wildflower meadows that lead quickly to the formation of new forests.

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Relaxing

By

Scott

Duncan

Jan 14, 2025
Wills-Beer

Wills Beer – Brand new brewery in Mile-Ex

Built by two cousins - Alex and Ethan - this brewery focuses on sophisticated beers reflecting recent trends and more classic Central European styles.

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Bars

By

Scott

Duncan

Jan 14, 2025
Cafe-Toranj

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!

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Coffee & tea

By

Dasilva

Arthur

Jan 14, 2025
Guido-Molinari

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...

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Art & culture

By

Jérémie

Gerhardt

Jan 14, 2025
Arcade-MTL

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.

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Bars

By

Dasilva

Arthur

Jan 12, 2025
Quilles-Moderne-Inc

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.

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Bars
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Relaxing

By

Jérémie

Gerhardt

Jan 12, 2025
Saint-Sushi-Bar

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.

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Restaurants

By

Julie

Gauthier

Jan 12, 2025

Heading to Montreal?

133 Places only Locals know

Authentic Stories

Escape the Crowds

Full Access to the Montreal City Blog & App!

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Going to Montreal?

133 Hidden Gems only Locals know

✓ Escape the Crowds

✓ Find Spots nearby

✓ Authentic Stories

✓ Full Access to the Montreal City Blog & 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?

Our Montreal Cityguide - Made by Locals

Instantly know your way in Montreal like a local!

Discover the vibrant culture of Montreal with Spotted by Locals. From the historic streets of Old Montreal to the trendy neighborhoods of Plateau-Mont-Royal and Mile End, our Spotters guide you through the city’s diverse districts. Explore local favorites and hidden gems, and experience Montreal like a true local. Download now and start exploring!

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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.

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