The oldest area of the city, old Montreal (or Vieux-Montreal in French) is a walled urban district that exudes charm. The enclave retains its distinctive feel thanks to the cobblestone streets dating back to the 17th and 19th centuries, the array of museums and other cultural attractions, the ambiance of the shops and restaurants and the sheer beauty of the buildings.
The area was once home to a variety of different industries, from port activities to the commercial shipping and finance sectors, but these declined as modern industry moved elsewhere in Montreal. When the district was classified as a historic district in 1964, the aim of urban renewal was to make it a "living neighbourhood." Industrial nuisances were eliminated, traffic was reduced and the area's residential vocation reintroduced.
Today, tourists and residents alike flock to old Montreal for the charm, ambiance, culture, cuisine, shopping and the architecture. In the past decade, old Montreal has experienced something of a culinary renaissance, offering mouth-watering restaurants, markets and cafes in charming heritage buildings. The district is also becoming increasingly attractive to the hotel industry, which now occupies a number of historic buildings as well as newer ones.
A new emphasis on the district's historical character has led to the opening of a number of museums which enhance the interpretive experience available in the old city. These include the Chateau Ramezay (1895), Centre d'histoire de Montreal and the Sir George-Etienne Cartier National Historic Site.
In addition, a series of tableaux that tell the story of old Montreal are projected onto walls and alleys as part of the internationally acclaimed installation Cite Memoire. Inaugurated in May 2016, this innovative, multimedia event is created by three of Montreal's most creative minds and has become a major attraction. For more details please visit Montreal famous streets
The old city is small enough to explore easily on foot, although strolling the narrow and winding sidewalks is difficult for wheelchairs and some wheel chairs. Public transport is the easiest way to get to the district, with buses running regularly from the airport (see the airport's Web site for rates and schedules). There are two Metro lines that run directly to the district: Orange line, train bound for Cote-Vertu station; Yellow line, train headed for Berri-UQAM.
Old Montreal's limited nightlife is centered on bars and clubs that are either part of hotels or stand-alone. Most restaurants have a full bar, and there is one club that features regular live music, but otherwise this is not a place for late night partying. Free Wi-Fi is available at some hotels, and many cafes take part in Ile Sans Fils, a program that offers free wi-fi at participating restaurants and bars.