“Analogous Destinations” is a four-part series highlighting affordable alternatives to popular travel spots. 

MONTREAL, Canada — The cobblestone streets transformed into asphalt just moments after I hopped in my Uber.

Leaving Old Montreal, with its impressive architecture, plazas, and statues, I entered a more contemporary area on my way to lunch at the French bistro, Leméac, on Laurier West Avenue.

Stepping out onto the tree-lined street filled with low-rise buildings, shops, restaurants, and homes, I felt as if I had traveled to a different city in a mere 20 minutes.

Montreal’s historic district offers a unique European vibe that typically requires much longer travel for many U.S. visitors. Yet, the largest city in Quebec has so much more to offer.

“I believe that merely comparing it to Europe doesn’t fully capture what this city is about,” said Daniel Bromberg, a Montreal native and co-founder of the magazine The Main, who guided me during my visit.

Here’s what I discovered during my trip in late May.

Convenient access and navigation

To start, Montreal is easily accessible and a short trip from many locations in the U.S.

A direct flight from Nashville, Tennessee, which is my home, takes about two-and-a-half hours. Even with a connecting flight via New York’s LaGuardia Airport, the total travel time was only around four-and-a-half hours, including a brief layover—significantly less time than travelling to Europe.

Round-trip airfares between Nashville and Montreal for a four-day trip in September currently range from $337 to $477, as reported by Google Flights. In comparison, flights to Paris, France, start from $663 to $1,110, while those to Berlin, Germany, range from $604 to $1,420.

Driving is also a viable option; for instance, you can reach Montreal from New York City in under six-and-a-half hours.

Once in the city, getting around is quite manageable. Many areas are pedestrian-friendly, and visitors can buy a variety of short-term métro and bus passes (children 11 and under travel free if accompanied by someone at least 14 years old who has a valid fare).

Montreal boasts over 660 miles of bike lanes, along with numerous rental options available.

Where history and modernity blend

I began my exploration in Old Montreal, an area steeped in history. It’s home to notable sites like the Gothic Revival Notre-Dame Basilica and the Second Empire-style city hall, which managed to survive a fire in the 1920s.

However, the integration of history and contemporary life is particularly remarkable here.

Pointe-à-Callière, Montreal’s archaeology and history museum, reveals the city’s story from its present-day reality back to its early settlements by Canada’s First Peoples. This museum sits on the very ground where Montreal was founded and features architectural remnants, including parts of early structures and the site of the city’s first Catholic cemetery.

Visitors can also explore a 360-foot-long section of North America’s inaugural collector sewer, constructed in the early 1800s as part of the permanent Memory Collector exhibition.

As I moved through the dark tunnel, projected images danced against the glowing blue walls, accompanied by a captivating electronic track. This immersive experience is crafted by the multimedia studio Moment Factory and also includes historical imagery.

Crew Collective & Café is nestled within the grand former headquarters of the Royal Bank of Canada, allowing visitors to enjoy coffee, work or reserve meeting spaces. The original teller windows are still visible.

Now you can find espresso drinks, pastries, and more being served behind the counter.

I stayed at Hotel St. Paul, which is housed in a Beaux-Arts building from 1908. The elegant exterior is complemented by modern decor from Borrallo Interiors. My accommodation – one of the 119 available rooms – had a simple design enriched with colorful elements, including a plush burnt-orange headboard, matching curtains, and a purple sofa.

No Need to Speak French (But It Helps)

Although knowing French is beneficial, downloading Duolingo could be a good idea before your trip. French is the primary language spoken in Quebec. While everyone I met spoke some English, many initially communicated in French. I found myself wishing for greater fluency.

The Indie Vibe is Alive

Bromberg shared that the city has a “culture of supporting small businesses.”

This was clear as I explored Laurier West Avenue’s business district. Following a lunch at Leméac, I visited Le Salon Art Club and browsed menswear at École de Pensée among other unique stores. In many instances, the shop owners were present, interacting with customers.

If you’re a foodie, bagels are a local specialty. Boiled in honey-water before being wood-fired, they’re sweeter than their New York counterparts (a city they have a friendly rivalry with).

I tried a sesame bagel from St-Viateur Bagel in the Mile End area, which is one of the city’s top two bagel shops. “They’re so fresh you can enjoy them warm, straight from the oven,” Bromberg noted. Cream cheese is an option, but many locals prefer to eat them plain, right from the bag.

On another afternoon, I visited Cirka Distilleries, located next to the Lachine Canal. This is Quebec’s first grain-to-bottle distillery, operated by a small team of two (with additional staff working in non-production roles). Weekend tours include tastings, and I recommend trying the Pomelo liqueur made from pomelos and grapefruits.

By avoiding major retailers, I felt I gained a more authentic experience of the city.

While Montreal is famous for delicacies like poutine and smoked meat sandwiches, it also offers a diverse restaurant scene catering to various tastes. After dining, visitors can enjoy a vibrant nightlife that ranges from electronic music to cozy jazz venues.

After my three-night stay, I decided I definitely want to return. Unlike previous travels to Europe, planning a visit to Montreal seemed more accessible, needing less time and money from my budget.

European destinations are popular among American travelers, like old friends they return to often. However, Montreal, with a unique charm similar to these cities, deserves a chance to be explored as well.