10 things under 10 minutes from Place-des-Arts metro station

Place des Arts, on the green line of Montréal’s metro (subway system), is the heart of the Quartier des Spectacles and the epicentre of entertainment during festival season. It’s also home to a stunning open-air museum thanks to the ephemeral interactive installations that crown the Place des Festivals throughout the year, such as Luminothérapie, 21 Balançoires (21 Swings) and others. In this new series of guides, we feature 10 activities under 10 minutes from this station, which combines a love of the arts with the art of dining.

The must: Place des Arts
Walking time: 4 minutes

This impressive complex is the meeting site of some of Montréal’s most prestigious cultural institutions. Its six concert halls showcase the latest creations by the Jean‑Duceppe theatre company, the Opéra de Montréal, the Grands Ballets Canadiens de Montréal, Danse Danse and the Orchestre symphonique de Montréal, to name just a few. If you want a taste of Québec culture, it all starts here.
Gourmet snack: Brasserie T! and Taverne F
Walking time: 2 minutes and 1 minute

Nestled in the Place des Festivals, these two modern architectural jewels dazzle the eyes and tantalize the taste buds. Brasserie T!, the little sister of the award-winning Toqué! restaurant, offers scrumptious treats like salmon confit and fennel salad or the flank steak with Toqué! butter and fries.

Taverne F by Ferreira, for its part, immerse you in the flavours of Portugal, with petiscos, the little cousins of Spanish tapas, among which include roasted sardines with fleur de sel, seared sea bass with cotovelinhos (small macaroni), churrasco (Portuguese-style grilled chicken) or madera braised rabbit.

Have a drink: Furco
Walking time: 4 minutes

This sublime wine bar, a former fur warehouse that was totally revamped by designer Zébulon Perron, is a must when you’re at the Quartier des Spectacles. With concrete walls and columns, a trendy crowd, a menu hung up by clothes pins and an excellent wine card filled with private imports, it’s the perfect start or end to an evening.

Cultural visit

Musée d’art contemporain de Montréal
Walking time: 3 minutes

Founded in 1964, the MAC features a diverse program that includes permanent and temporary collections of works by Québec, Canadian and international artists. It is also home to the excellent Le Contemporain restaurant and features Friday Nocturnes, where the creatures of Montréal’s trendy nightlife converge.

On now: two new creations by French artist Sophie Calle: La Dernière Image and Voir la mer

Galerie de l’UQÀM
Walking time: 7 minutes

This university gallery features contemporary Québec and international art exhibitions, most organized by recognized curators. Go there to see works by up‑and‑coming artists and works by students in art, art history and museum studies.

On now: The Political Nightfall, Aude Moreau (free).

The Belgo Building
Walking time: 5 minutes

A former commercial building, the Belgo’s six storeys are now home to one of the largest concentrations of contemporary art galleries in Québec and Canada. Today a dynamic arts centre, it also brings together many self-run artist centres, artist workshops and diverse studios. Fascinating and rich with discovery!

Shop for a show: La Vitrine culturelle
Walking time: 8 minutes

Looking for entertainment, shows or cultural activities? Then look no further than La Vitrine. This unique information centre has the pulse of Montréal’s cultural scene, and offers an array of choice and a ticketing service for all shows in Greater Montréal, many offered at last-minute prices.

A local gourmet secret: Bouillon Bilk
Walking time: 7 minutes

This little treasure is tucked away on an obscure part of Saint-Laurent Boulevard. With its minimalist deco and its dishes inspired by fresh catches and seasonal products, it offers a top-notch Québec culinary experience. Montrealers love this gourmet hub for its ideas, inspirations and delicious mixes, but be warned: it’s always packed to the brim. Be smart and book ahead.

Your home away from home: the Hyatt Regency Montréal
Walking time: 4 minutes

Located at the heart of the Quartier des Spectacles, the Hyatt Regency was recently renovated to offer more of its signature elegance and refinement. We especially love the terrasse of the SIX Resto Lounge, the hotel’s restaurant and cocktail bar that overlooks the Place des Festival. In summer, from the sixth floor, you take advantage of its open-air space to soak in the sights and sounds of outdoor shows like the Festival International de Jazz de Montréal, the FrancoFolies, the Festival Mode Design, the Just For Laughs Festival, and many others.