What to do and what to skip in Montreal

Montreal. I studied there 3 years, I lived there 3 years (after my studies) and my for my whole life, I lived in the greater Montreal area. So, I did quite a few things in the city. So here’s my list of things to do and things that are overrated in my option.

Things I like

Olive & Gourmando. It's been a while since I went there, but their cuban sandwich was worth the wait. One of the few hyped things I really enjoy in the city.

The Saint Joseph's Oratory. I'm not a religious person at all, but I really like the beauty of this place and the view. During Christmas time, they have a nativity exposition at the museum. The fee is pretty cheap so this outing is not breaking the bank.

Montreal Museum of Fine Art. I'm a sucker for museum and I must say, this one is my favourite. I really enjoy The McCord Museum too.

The Biodome. I enjoy this one, I went there quite a few times and I'm not disappointed. It's closed for renovation and will open in December 2019. I can't wait to see the new Biodome.

The Botanical Garden. After all those years, I'm not even sure I saw everything. There's a few special/seasonal exhibitions that are really worth it.

The Planetarium. I really enjoyed my visit at the new-ish place few years ago. They change the show once in a while, I'm due to go again.

The Jary Park. It's a nice park, with an artificial lake and no power lines, perfect to fly a kite.

Talking of parks, the Parc-nature de l’Île-de-la-Visitation is one of my favourite parks in Montreal.

Jean-Talon Market. Just off the subway station of the same name, I really like this market and the little shops around it.

Things I find "meh"

The Old Montreal. I do enjoy walking in the streets looking at some art galleries, but there's a lot of tourist trap selling maple syrup at 3+ times the price or crappy souvenir shop with everything make in China.

Mount Royal. It's nice, I really enjoyed the time I went there, but I have no special feeling about this place. I wouldn't put it as a must see.

I do like museums, but the MAC (Museum of contemporary art) is not my favourite, but it's not bad. It depends on what kind of exposition they have.

The Olympic Stadium. It's not bad, but it's not awesome. I visited it once when I was 17 and this is not a place I would do again. I thought it was a bit bland. It might be interesting when there's a special event going on.

Things I find overrated

Au pied de Cochon. It's not a bad restaurant, but I don't think it's worth the price tag and all the hype. I had the foie gras poutine from their food truck and it was a disappointment for me (and I like poutine and foie gras).

La Ronde. I haven't been there in years, but you can't bring your lunch anymore and the lines are awful... unless you pay for passes. It's super expensive and not worth it.

Grévin Montreal. I found it very disappointing and I wouldn't come back

La Banquise. Their poutine is nothings special, it's ok but no exceptional. I never go why the buzz around this place. Maybe it's cause it's open 24 hours? This is a huge "skip" for me.

Mont-Royal street brunch places. Nothing EGGseptionnal there. It's just like any brunch restaurant, but you have extra waiting in line to have a table.

RESO (the "underground"). People (tourists) things it's some sort of magical place worth to see. It's just tunnels between subway station and shopping centres or buildings. Nothing exceptional here. It's only interesting during "Montréal en lumières" all nighter when there are "Art Souterrain" which is art exhibition in the underground.

Saute moutons. NO, NO, NO! I went with one former job and it was awful. I thought I was going to drown due to way too much water splashing in my nose and mouth. They said to tap your head to tell the guide you're not feeling good, I did and I got told "well, we can't go back". What the &*#$. I didn't knew the price, but geez that's expensive.

Montreal Casino. I went there when I turned 18. It was fun, but I never came back. Now, when you win, you get a ticket. It's not like when I went and tons of change would flow out. This was the fun part. I wanted to play black jack and roulette, but you have a high minimum bet. Not for me.

La Distillerie. This was super hyped and when I went I was a bit disappointed. A drink in a mason jar is just way too much. Not a good way to encourage drinking responsibly.

Of course, this is just my personal opinion, I don't claim I'm the voice of the truth. Things I like can be someone else's "overrated" and vice versa.