United States’ airports are a disaster at the moment, but you can’t blame a girl for wanting to flee the country for a few days. Luckily, one of North America’s most charming and multicultural cities is far closer than most travelers realize.
Just a train ride from New York City, Montreal offers a European atmosphere, exceptional food, cozy cafés, and vibrant shopping streets—all wrapped in a city that feels especially magical under a layer of fresh snow.
Getting there is surprisingly simple. Amtrak’s scenic Adirondack line runs directly from New York City to Montreal, and travelers can find a round-trip ticket for around $150. If you can carve out a few days to skip town this spring, here’s how we’d spend the perfect long weekend in Montreal.
A Food City That Overdelivers
Montreal is a serious food city. Visitors from the United States will find meals that rival New York, Chicago, and New Orleans in both flavor and creativity—often at a noticeably lower price point. Here are a few standouts.
Satu Lagi
A Southeast Asian restaurant in the Plateau–Mont Royal neighborhood known for its bold, comforting flavors. The menu is full of dishes that surprise and satisfy in equal measure. The Ayam Taliwang and Pindang Ayam Kluwe were standouts during our visit. Ask your server for recommendations—the drinks are as inventive as the food.
Chez José
This cozy restaurant offers a playful twist on café classics. Whether you’re stopping in for a sandwich with your afternoon coffee or settling in for a Portuguese-inspired dish in the evening, the menu carries a flavorful, slightly spicy edge. The chicken sandwich is a perfect lunch option, while the Mexican crêpe makes for a satisfying dinner.
Montreal’s Cozy Café Culture
A trip to Montreal practically demands café hopping. The city’s coffee culture thrives in small, inviting spaces where locals linger over espresso while enjoying views of the passing seasons.
Café Olimpico
The original location in Old Montreal is a favorite for its rich coffee and lively energy. While it’s not designed for laptop work, it’s a wonderful place to enjoy a perfectly crafted latte while admiring the surrounding cobblestone streets. Affogatos are also a popular choice here.
Café Reine Garçon
If you want to catch up on some reading while capturing the city’s quaintness, this is a cozy place to settle in. Grab a seat by the window and watch the neighborhood passersby while you work.
A Vintage Lover’s Dream
Montreal is also a paradise for vintage shoppers. Along Saint-Laurent Boulevard, entire stretches are lined with secondhand boutiques and carefully curated vintage stores. Here are two standouts:
Sélection Snobshop
Snobshop is unassuming from the outside but packed with incredible pieces at reasonable prices. During our visit, I found an impeccably preserved vintage leather jacket, while a friend uncovered several other standout pieces.
Boutique Lau. B
Boutique Lau. B offers a more curated shopping experience. The layout is thoughtful, the racks are easy to browse, and the inventory feels carefully selected. Prices run slightly higher here, but the quality and presentation make it worth the stop.
A Bakery Worth the Trip
Parc Sans Gluten
Even if you don’t follow a gluten-free diet, Parc Sans Gluten is worth seeking out. The bakery is parked alongside the charming La Fontaine Parc and specializes in gluten-free and dairy-free pastries—their chocolate almond croissant, especially when fresh from the oven, is something to write home about.
Don’t Miss the View
Before leaving the city, take time to see Montreal from above.
La Grande Roue de Montréal
Canada’s tallest observation wheel offers sweeping views of the St. Lawrence River and the city skyline. In winter or early spring, the snow-covered landscape makes the experience even more memorable.
Belvédère Kondiaronk
For another unforgettable perspective, climb up to Belvédère Kondiaronk on Mount Royal. The viewpoint offers one of the most iconic views of downtown Montreal and is a perfect spot for photos, particularly at sunset.
If you visit in the winter or early spring, be sure to bundle up. Montreal winters can be brisk, but the city’s warmth, culture, and charm make the cold weather tolerable.