You could spend your entire Montreal vacation doing nothing but shopping and will still have only scratched the surface in terms of what there is to see and get. Here is a very small sample of the city's diverse shopping options:
Saint Catherine Street is one of Montreal's main shopping streets. Here you can choose from major department stores, smaller retail chains, as well as several unique stores crammed in between. St. Catherine's, as it is dubbed by the locals, is also where you'll find The Montreal Eaton's Center, the city's largest downtown shopping center. Choose from over 175 shops, restaurants and services.
The Underground City is a series of complexes linked underground, perfect for those cold winter days. It spans over 32 kilometres, connecting malls, banks, hotels, restaurants, services and so much more. This means you can get from one place to the next without ever going outside and do a lot of shopping along the way.
Saint Laurent Boulevard is the place to go if you want original designs that will stand out back home. From local fashion designer creations to one-of-a-kind, secondhand finds, there is something for everyone on this eclectic street.
Sherbrooke Street West is where the sophisticated go when money is no object. Lined with high-end designer stores and stunning art galleries, this street caters to the exclusive.
Frugal, cheap, on a tight budget-whatever the reason, here are some of Montreal's cheapest eats.
1) Carlos and Pepe's
This popular Mexican restaurant serves a taco, rice, refried beans and a mini salad for only $5.25. On Sundays and Mondays get $1 tacos and $2 drafts. On Tuesdays choose from 2 tacos, cheese nachos, chili platter or a pint for $2.
2) Nulifar
This Middle Eastern joint is the type of non-descript place Montrealers walk by dozens of times without noticing. What a shame. Two falafel pitas, a drink, $2.66. Enough said.
3) Pushap
Here you'll find delicious, homemade Indian food at a great price. Five dollars and change will get you a filling vegetarian meal. Their desserts are also well-priced and worth trying.
4) La Belle Province
Get a quick and cheap breakfast from this Quebec fast-food chain. For less than six bucks you'll get two eggs, bacon, toast, home fries, coffee and orange juice, not to mention tomato and orange slices like you'd expect at an old-school diner. Also on the menu are steamed hot dogs for under a buck.
5) Al-Taib
There is always a line-up at this popular, 24-hour student spot. It is known for its fresh and cheap pizza slices, Middle Eastern treats and its salad bar. Get full on five bucks.
6) Three Amigos
Make friends with this Mexican restaurant for its 69¢ taco night on Sundays. This is as cheap as it gets.