Quartier des Spectacles
Quartier des Spectacles
4.5
About
Quartier des Spectacles has been Montreal's cultural heart for more than a century. Today, the entertainment district boasts North America's most concentrated and diverse group of cultural venues, making Montreal one of the world's great cultural metropolises. As an exceptional creative space open to artistic diversity, it is the year-round host to countless festivals and events, many of which include free outdoor shows and activities.****Depuis plus de 100 ans, le Quartier des spectacles constitue le coeur culturel de Montreal.Il offre aujourd'hui la plus grande concentration et diversite de lieux de diffusion culturelle en Amerique du Nord, ce qui fait de Montreal une metropole culturelle incontournable dans le monde. Lieu de creation exceptionnel ouvert a la diversite artistique et au metissage culturel, il est anime toute l'annee par un grand nombre de festivals et d'evenements, qui comportent une importante programmation exterieure gratuite.
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The area
Address
Neighbourhood: Ville-Marie
How to get there
- McGill • 3 min walk
- Square-Victoria-OACI • 6 min walk
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
642 reviews
Excellent
352
Very good
230
Average
42
Poor
10
Terrible
8
Thomas V
Oakland, CA17,702 contributions
Nov 2022
This neighborhood is full of performance spaces both indoors and outdoors. It is the staging place for many festivals. The fine arts are here. And UQAM is also here with a lot of university buildings. I enjoyed a good outdoor expo on Quebec history.
Written November 8, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kane M
Lakewood, CO98 contributions
Sept 2023 • Solo
If you don’t like crowds, dont go. Yes the place has a lot to offer, but I was here on my first visit to Montreal (3-day weekend before the schools started)..and wow was it busy. I had lunch the brewery close by ( good beer and smoked salmon).. but I had to leave the area to busy for me. Lines for almost everything. I ventured north of town, walking the city streets ( very safe).. enjoyed this much more. More locals, less crazy crowds, etc. I would come back to the area,but not during the summer hype.
Written September 3, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
siddy666
Montreal, Canada356 contributions
Dec 2022
Quartier des spectacles is not so much an attraction in itself but a location where something is always happening, e.g. Jazz Fest, Just for Laughs. For my review, I went in December when they had the "Luminotherapie" exhibitions as well as a Christmas market.
Everything on display was charming/interesting (e.g. rotating windchimes) and everyone around was a having a good time, even if super cold outside.
For a new tourist, I would definitely make it a point to visit this area. You could combine it with a leisurely walk on St. Catherine street.
Well connected to the subway (Place des Arts metro station), and lots of shopping/food options nearby
My only complaint would be the limited parking options available
Everything on display was charming/interesting (e.g. rotating windchimes) and everyone around was a having a good time, even if super cold outside.
For a new tourist, I would definitely make it a point to visit this area. You could combine it with a leisurely walk on St. Catherine street.
Well connected to the subway (Place des Arts metro station), and lots of shopping/food options nearby
My only complaint would be the limited parking options available
Written January 7, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Tourist84670
1 contribution
Sept 2024 • Family
$248 per night per room?! This is a "$80" ZERO Star hotel.
If you see this review and yet to go to this place, well consider "it was your own fault". Worst place you can find in this area, everything was old and dirty. We booked two rooms and nobody could sleep in this place. Noise from outside, Very Small and Uncomfortable beds AND dirt everywhere. The bed is large enough for ONE Person.
"Continental Breakfast"?? Was this a joke? HUGE LIE! Old breads, butter, jam and some cereals left from last year I guess. Just look at the photos and you won't need to read any further.
There was NO access with our car to this place and they didn't even bother to notify us that roads are closed. It took us a while to figure it out, find a parking and walk with our luggage under the rain. Then, no one was in front reception to open the door for us. It took us about half hour to get the keys!
Oh Myyy,,,, the rooms were terrible, everything left from 80s or 90s. Fridge and that "Air Conditioner". The noise will punish you
If you see this review and yet to go to this place, well consider "it was your own fault". Worst place you can find in this area, everything was old and dirty. We booked two rooms and nobody could sleep in this place. Noise from outside, Very Small and Uncomfortable beds AND dirt everywhere. The bed is large enough for ONE Person.
"Continental Breakfast"?? Was this a joke? HUGE LIE! Old breads, butter, jam and some cereals left from last year I guess. Just look at the photos and you won't need to read any further.
There was NO access with our car to this place and they didn't even bother to notify us that roads are closed. It took us a while to figure it out, find a parking and walk with our luggage under the rain. Then, no one was in front reception to open the door for us. It took us about half hour to get the keys!
Oh Myyy,,,, the rooms were terrible, everything left from 80s or 90s. Fridge and that "Air Conditioner". The noise will punish you
Written September 10, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Traveller & Foodie
Montreal, Canada4,348 contributions
Jul 2019 • Family
Although all the construction in this area since a few years now it is still an amazing place to come during many festivals. The area is getting nicer every year. I came during the jazz festival during the first few days and it was packed with people. Free live shows during the day and at night and then the big show on main stage at 930pm. The Jazz festival is a very busy time for Montreal because people come from all over the world to experience. The Quartier des Spectacles is definitely a must in the summer months because of its live music and festivals plus all the good restaurants to choose from.
Written July 1, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
TheWiseFox, Canada
Montreal, Canada19 contributions
Oct 2017 • Family
Most of the time, there is some special event on the Quartier des spectacles piazza.
Take the time to have lunch or dinner at the Bistro T which is located right on the Place des spectacles. The food is excellent. This is the little brother of the famous Toqué restaurant in Montreal. ( T is for Toqué)
Take the time to have lunch or dinner at the Bistro T which is located right on the Place des spectacles. The food is excellent. This is the little brother of the famous Toqué restaurant in Montreal. ( T is for Toqué)
Written March 4, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
PanchitoMontreal
Montreal, Canada136 contributions
Jul 2015 • Couples
During Summer from around june 10th to August 30th, there are outdoor shows associated to the non stop festivals that are held hère. There are even movies projected on place des arts building during weekends. The fountains spurting up from the street on jeanne-mance street are great to cool off in the summer heat. This is the heart of Montreal's diversity, arts, music and joy of living. A must live for many visitor
Written June 6, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kevin H
29 contributions
May 2016 • Couples
This area was very nice and hosted public art and a concert. This would be a great place to go if you want to see Montreal's outdoor activities.
Written May 27, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
champlain20
Waddell, Arizona54 contributions
May 2016 • Family
Quartiers des spectacles is the heart of festivities during the next 3 months. Multiple festivals and non stop performances till September. All outdoor performances are free. A must attend at least once in your life.
Written May 12, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
lespas01
Montreal, Canada116 contributions
Aug 2014 • Family
During the summer in Montreal, this is the place to be. This huge open place is for Festival. So many shows are presented on this place.
During large festival, this place can have more than 20 000 on site.
This is really impressive.
During large festival, this place can have more than 20 000 on site.
This is really impressive.
Written November 3, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi,
My sisters and I are visiting Montreal April 7th- 9th. Can you recommend a few of your favorite attractions at the Quartier de Spectacles, and some of your favorite restaurants near there?
Thank you!
Written March 14, 2018
Hello,
There is usually some event on Quartier des spectacles but it is unlikely to be a major one in april. Two very good restaurants: Bistro T is right on the place. It is the small cousin of the world famous Toque restaurant. Good food and good atmosphere with an excellent wine selection. Recommended for lunch or dinner. Two blocks away on St Laurent Boulevard is one of my favorite restaurants in Mtl called Bouillon Bilk. The food is outstanding. Recommended for dinner.
Do not miss Fairmount bagel on Fairmount St when you venture in that very typical Mile end section of the city.
More suggestions: Brasserie Bernard in Outremont for a good dinner or brunch in the Outremont area. Lemeac restaurant on Laurier street also a classic for Outremont but the atmosphere on Laurier St is not as warm.
If you are downtown, the new Les enfants terribles at the top of Place Ville Marie offers a great view of the City. Recommended for lunch, food is not up to my standards for dinner in a city like Montreal. Jatoba restaurant right in the downtown area is a great place for dinner.
For shopping with your sisters, you ll find most stores as in the US but everything is 25% off for US with the money exchange so the deals can be great. There is one store you should not miss called Simons at the corner of Sainte Catherine and Mansfield. Great clohting on the second floor with quality and prices you will not find anywhere else. Well worth the visit.
If you plan for dinner in Old Mtl, head to McGill avenue which is at the western part of that area. Great restaurants on that street: Hambar, Helena, Graziella etc...
Enjoy your stay
The wise fox
Written March 25, 2018
The City of Montreal had the great idea to dedicate one street to the festivals. During the off times the area is just a normal street. I believe that it is Rue Balmoral. For the festivals the street lights get re-positioned and the street is closed off. It is east of Bleury st., South of Blvd President Kennedy, North of Rene Levesque Blvd and West of St. Laurent Blvd. It is a block or two west of Place des Art concert halls, and Place Desjardins.
Take the metro to station De Bleury / Sainte Cathrine or Sation Place Des Artes Ouest.
Written July 2, 2017
The Quartier is surrounded by hotels, shops, eateries along the city streets. It is well-lit throughout the night. The art buildings have set open hours but remain lit on the outside after closing hours. You can usually find people strolling in the Quartier until the wee hours during the high tourist season.
Written June 21, 2016
The tour is free. You can find more details on the Quartier des Spectacles website in the ''Discover the Quartier'' section.
Written September 8, 2015
While travelling across the country it would be nice to take in the vibrancy of downtown Montreal. Just wondering if there suitable and cheap spots to stay in Montreal for a person backpacking/hitchhiking on a low budget.?
Written April 16, 2015
Well there is a few place you can go, if you don't mind dormitory that are around 23-25$ a night. Auberge Bishop Hostel that is near a metro which could be useful to travel around. Or Auberge Alternative and Auberge St-Paul... you can probably google it... but my favorite site to find any lodging at the price and the location I want is booking. com ... there you could book and advance and a lot of offers you can cancel last minutes if something happens or you change you mind... Also depending when you are coming you might want to book in advance to be sure to have a good price and a place to stay... Hope that was helpful and good visit of montreal which is full of life and festivals especially during the summer...
Written April 17, 2015
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