Whether it’s your first time visiting Montreal or you are a regular to the city, you’ll delight in the area’s rich culture and European influences. While Montreal is a North American city and retains many of the characteristics of larger cities of this region, it also boasts a prominent European inspiration, evident in the many French-speaking people and performances throughout the city. Montreal’s culture is steeped in a confluence of both French and English traditions to give it a distinctive flavor all of its own. If you are looking for the best cultural opportunities in the city, consult our list below.

Performing Arts

If you are an opera fan, schedule your visit to Montreal when L’Opéra de Montréal performs. The company has six productions each year in Montreal from September to June at Place des Arts. Video translations are provided in French and English to help viewers follow along. The Place des Arts is also home to several theater halls where you can watch some of the world’s best theatrical troupes perform. If you are staying at one of the nearby Montreal hotels, ask your concierge about obtaining last minute tickets to theatrical performances.

Museums

The city’s most prestigious museum is The Montreal Museum of Fine Arts. It is the largest museum in Montreal, and Canada’s oldest art institution. The museum has 36,000 objects in its collection from antiquity to present day and showcases a variety of Canadian and international artists past and present. The Montreal Botanical Gardens is also a year-round favorite. With both indoor and outdoor displays, you’ll relish the Japanese gardens and rare plants spread throughout this peaceful oasis. The Montreal Planetarium is another popular museum option. With state of the art equipment and educational materials, star gazers will appreciate the chance to use high-tech telescopes and learn more about our galaxy and beyond. If you plan on visiting several museums, you can purchase a Montreal Museum Pass.

Music

Montreal has a variety of classic music options. The renowned Montreal Symphony Orchestra is a true inspiration to see live. In 2011, the city celebrated the opening of the Maison symphonique where the orchestra now performs. The city is also home to a large jazz following. The Montreal International Jazz Festival attracts about two million visitors to the city. Over the course of a few weeks in June and July, about 2,000 musicians play in a variety of shows, many of which offer free admission.