Being able to jet off to a distant land for a week or two is one of life’s many pleasures. Especially, for us travel junkies. If you fancy taking a trip to somewhere new but are a little stuck for ideas, why not visit Canada? Or more specifically, why not visit Montreal?

Image from Flickr

In case your geography skills aren’t up to standard, Montreal is Canada’s second-largest city. And it is an amazing place to visit; fun, highly unique and exciting, perfect for any trip. Famed for its fabulous poutine, party atmosphere and historical beauty, Montreal has a lot to offer. Have we convinced you? Yes - then have a read of this guide for first-time visitors:

Spend time in Old Montreal

Old Montreal is much more exciting than new Montreal. Swap skyscrapers and hectic streets for the calm of Old Montreal. There’s something about Old Montreal that makes it a beautiful place to spend time. Perhaps it’s the European feel it has to it or the winding, cobbled streets? But whatever it is, it's definitely worth a visit. Situated by the water, Old Montreal is the ideal place to visit if you want to try out water sports, like paddle boating. There are also lots of restaurants where you can sample the finest local cuisines, including poutine.

Pack your walking shoes

While there is plenty of public transport, with so many festivals and markets to explore, you will need your walking shoes. Montreal is known for hosting hundreds of impressive international markets and festivals each year. So it’s likely that while you are visiting the city, you will come across some fabulous events.

Be prepared to party

One of the things that draws so many visitors to Montreal each year is its reputation as a hotspot for partying. With plenty of clubs and bars to choose from, Montreal is popular with partiers from across the globe. When visiting, many opt to use the city's excellent public transportation system. The metro and bus systems make it easy to explore different neighborhoods and find your way between vibrant nightlife spots. Some visitors may also choose to drive, allowing even more flexibility to explore Montreal's party scene. However, the best way to commute in Montreal is by booking a taxi online. Not only does it offer convenience and flexibility, but it also ensures a safe ride home after a night of partying.

There are lots of hotels

Due to being such a popular travel destination, there are hundreds of fantastic hotels in Montreal to choose from. From five-star guesthouses and hotels to budget-friendly motels, there's plenty of accommodation options. The key to choosing the perfect hotel is thinking about three things; budget, facilities and amenities. Stick to this rule of three and you will find the perfect accommodation for your trip.

French-English is the language

In Montreal, there isn’t one mother language, but two. Most Montreal citizens are fluent in both French and English, which means that as long as you speak one of the two, you will be just fine. Don’t be surprised if you hear people speaking in a mixture of French and English. In Montreal, 'Frenglish', has become a thing. There are so many amazing things to see and do in Montreal that no matter how long you go for, you will never be able to do everything. To make the most of your trip, plan your itinerary in advance, get an idea of everything you want to see.