Best Museums in Montreal

"The rundown: It’s so wonderfully strange to think that the world’s largest permanent exhibit of Barbie dolls lives in the Cours Mont-Royal shopping centre. Half childhood fantasy, half current daydream, this is literally a collection of 1,000+ Barbies—but they’ve had a massive transformation from the dolls you collected as a kid. Some are dressed in tiny, perfect designer creations, everything from a replica of Dior’s Tailleur Bar to a Hervé Léger bandage dress; others are styled like beloved celebs and movie characters, or sport uniforms inspired by brands (Harley Davidson, Hard Rock Cafe) and works of art (Van Gogh’s Starry Night, a Fabergé egg)."

"Montreal is home to the Barbie Expo, the largest permanent collection of Barbie dolls in the world. Guests have the chance to see and snap pics of over 1,000 one-of-a-kind Barbie dolls, all dressed by the city’s leading fashion designers. When: Daily Time: Friday, 10 am to 9 pm; Saturday, 10 am to 6 pm; Sunday, 10 am to 5 pmWhere: 1455 Rue PeelPrice: Free admission"

"The multi-media, LEED-certified eco-friendly Phi Centre in Old Montreal, and the neighbouring Fondation Phi pour l’art contemporain, were founded by visionary Montreal patron of the arts Phoebe Greenberg. The Phi Centre includes an art gallery, cinema, theatre, performance space and production facilities, and presents exhibitions and shows year-round, while the Fondation Phi pour l’art contemporain is a private museum with no permanent collection and presents a couple of exhibitions per year."

"DHC Foundation for Contemporary art is another awesome not-for-profit which every year offers a handful of long-running exhibits for the public to enjoy, totally free. They’re housed in two beautiful heritage buildings in Old Montreal—get lost in the beautiful artwork and in the winding cobblestone streets of this historical neighbourhood. Where: 451 & 465 St-Jean Street"

"As Montreal moved past the Art Deco phase, Brutalism soon took over... but there are Brutalist buildings to love!. Plus, many other, more recent projects in the city prove that Montreal is an architectural hub with designers that don't waste the chance to turn a cultural physical site into a cultural landmark."

"The Montreal Planetarium brings astronomy to Montrealers and visitors alike who appreciate the clear, light-pollution-free skies and the chance to handle samples of meteorites. The exhibit focuses on new events and discoveries from the past 40 years, especially in Quebec skies. The "Night Sky" is a 15-minute presentation where an astronomer points out all the major visible constellations."

"Taking the place of the former Montreal Planetarium, the Rio Tinto Alcan Planetarium will help you travel to the furthest reaches of the galaxy from the comfort of a bean bag chair."

"Arguably one of the best poutine purveyors in Montreal, this iconic north-end haunt has just over 40 years under its belt. Open 24 hours a day, diners can’t go wrong with the classics, but its “extreme chicken grilled cheese” and popcorn chicken poutine are known to be worthwhile, too."

"Cartierville's favourite 24-hour diner is a poutine destination in and of itself, but breakfasts both sucré and salé, from French toast and waffles to omelettes, are just as satisfactory."

"The elegant Hotel William Gray in Old Montreal’s the home to a pair of notable terrasses. The William Gray Terrace on the eighth floor—with views onto Old Montreal and Montreal’s commemorative 375th anniversary Ferris wheel—serves brunch, lunch and dinner with a focus on summer wines, cocktails and local beers. On the fourth floor, new terrace concept Perché offers an intimate small-scale lounge that specializes in healthy eats with West Coast flavours and unparalleled views onto Place Jacques Cartier."

"A lush and sophisticated rooftop oasis, set above the bustling Place Jacques-Cartier in Old Montreal. Reminiscent of a Californian lounge, Perché rooftop really brings a large slice of summerish vibes to Montreal. Green and colorful, here you can enjoy a warm, vibrant and welcoming ambiance, along with fresh street-food-style dishes, a global wine list and seasonal cocktails & mocktails."

"Aptly named, Perché is comfortably perched four storeys above Place Jacques-Cartier, overlooking the scramble of street performers and out-of-towners by Nelson’s Column."

"It has a ton of breakfast foods (crepes, waffles, smoothies, egg combos and breakfast poutines that are awesome). The staff and owner are very pleasant, friendly and attentive to our kids (3 and 10 months). They listen to what they say; they don’t ignore them or treat them differently than anyone else."

"On Saiko’s menu, you’ll find fantastic food and options to accommodate everyone’s preferences, as well as incredible desserts to finish off your meal."

"Komomo does all-vegan sushi, but even lovers of seafood have been known to concede that its rolls, from California to Kamikaze, can compete with the fishy counterparts. Order online or pick up at the takeout counter, which has taken over for Momo in the wake of the pandemic."

"Whether you are experienced or a novice to sushi, Le Fisshu will amaze you with its wide variety of tasty and refined sushi. You can eat as much as your hunger allows!. In addition, we also serve brochettes, dumplings, several choices of noodles and wide selection of desserts is offered to finish off your meal."