The Plateau

The city's hipster haven and nightlife hub
Noteworthy for: Originally the home of Jewish and Italian migrants, The Plateau has transformed into a trendy neighborhood that still retains its vintage feel, thanks to its colourful townhouses.

Word to the wise: Don't leave without visiting Schartz's Deli at 3895 Boulevard Saint-Laurent for one of their famous smoked meat sandwiches.
Named after the large expanse of flat land east of Mont Royal (which overlaps Mile End a little), the Plateau is the home of Montréalean hipsters who personify the essence of boho-chic. The further east you go, the more French this area feels.

Explore the main shopping streets of Boulevard Saint-Laurent, rue Saint-Denis or Avenue du Mont-Royal, which offer an eclectic mix of both upscale and vintage shops, as well as traditional delis and trendy bistros. Or stroll through the residential streets to admire the quirky New Orleans Bourbon Street-style homes with their overhanging balconies and iron-wrought staircases that can stretch three storeys high.

Aside from being known as Montréal's "Main Street", Saint-Laurent is also Montreal's party central, a circuit of clubs, bars and lounges that stay open until early morning. Depending on the venue, the crowd can be a mix of students, hipsters or young professionals.