The downtown area of Montreal is an extraordinary melting pot that will allow you to tick everything off a typical to-do list. This exciting district has colonial architecture for the history buffs, high-end shopping for the fashionistas, superb museums and cutting-edge art galleries for the culture vultures, as well as world-renowned jazz festivals and a wealth of stunning concert halls for the music lovers. As if this wasn’t enough, the area is also home to one of the largest underground complexes in the world with a 33-kilometre arterial network of shops, museums, hotels, metro stations and more. So, make sure you get a good night's sleep before you visit this bustling district because you’re going to need it!

Splash the cash in the boutiques along Saint-Catherine Street before heading below street level to exercise your credit card in the Promenades Cathédrale shopping centre. Built to support the crumbling foundations of Christ Church Cathedral above, this centre is one of the most popular retail spots in Underground City.

When you eventually come up for air, head straight to the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts. This is the largest museum in the city and it’s easy to spend a whole afternoon here. Take your time admiring the outstanding collection of local and international art and sculpture, paying particular attention to the Québecois and Canadian art exhibits.

Montreal is the queen of cultural events. The Quartier des Spectacles district in the downtown area is home to over 30 concert halls, including the Montreal Symphony House, and hosts many vibrant festivals. Topping them all in the cool stakes is the Montreal International Jazz Festival which attracts thousands of people every year.

For a change of scenery, head west for a nostalgic stroll through the historic neighbourhood of Golden Square Mile and admire the Victorian mansions that were once home to the city’s most wealthy denizens. Today, the area is more likely to be filled with cash-strapped students attending the nearby McGill University.

After a long day tramping around the sites and shops, kick back with a cool drink and a hot meal on lively Crescent Street. Equally popular with visitors and locals, this lovely stretch also features a wealth of colonial architecture. So why not work off your dessert with a pleasant walk as you plan your next Montreal move?