<http://schema.org/articleBody>
"  It takes the same amount of time to travel to Montreal as it does to fly to New York, and while the Canadian city doesn\u2019t pretend to match the scale and excitement of the Big Apple (where can?), it\u2019s multitude of unique charms makes it an excellent alternative for an accessible long weekend break.  Actually, the way an Old World charm and the energy of a modern metropolis go hand in hand reminds you more of Paris (not least because it is a predominantly French speaking city). Beautiful architecture waits behind every corner while an enviable calendar of cutting edge arts and culture keep things interesting all year round.  Here are just some of our picks for where to go if you\u2019re lucky enough to visit.  ***  Where to stay  Hotel Gault Down a quiet street in Montreal\u2019s old town, this restored boutique is spacious, peaceful and beautifully finished. A great launch pad to explore the calmer side of the city and bask in a little luxury.449 Sainte-H\u00E9l\u00E8ne Street, 514 904-1616, hotelgault.com  H\u00F4tel Le Crystal Alternatively, to experience the vibrancy of downton Montreal, check out the 5 star Le Crystal where the rooms are more like apartments and enjoying a cocktail in the rooftop jacuzzi is a perfect way to watch the city come alive.1100 de la Montagne Street, 514 861-5550, hotellecrystal.com/en\u00A0  Where to lunch  Communion Located along the bank of Fleuve Saint Laurent, this bright, breezy bar and restaurant has a first class wine list and boasts some of the best seafood in town. We recommend the eggs benedict with lobster for a breakfast you won&amp;#039;t forget in a hurry.135 de la Commune West, 514 937-6555, restaurantcommunion.com  Where to dine  Maison Boulud at the Ritz-Carlton Montr\u00E9al Hotel The world\u2019s first Ritz was built in Montreal, and following a massive refurbishment the hotel is now once again one of the most elegant in the world \u2013 with a restaurant to match. Daniel Boulud, the world-renowned chef with successful fine dining establishments around the world, has created the hottest table in the city. Book early.1228 Sherbrooke Street West, 514 842-4212, maisonboulud.com  Where to relax  Bota-Bota spa Built out of a one-time ferryboat anchored on the river in Montreal\u2019s Old Port, Bota-Bota is unlike most spas you\u2019ve visited. Enjoy a treatment or just relax on the deck as the Fleuve Saint Laurent flows all around you.  358, de la Commune Street West, 514 284-0333, botabota.ca  Where to visit Montr\u00E9al Museum of Fine Arts and Mus\u00E9e d&amp;#039;art contemporain de Montr\u00E9al Get a fix of classic and contemporary Canadian art by visiting the city\u2019s two main galleries, with collections to rival that of any city in the world. Work of every description, from drawing to film and music to fashion and design, fill these equally stunning exhibitions spaces, giving you a great crash course in the country\u2019s creative heritage.1380 Sherbrooke Street West, 514 285-2000, mmfa.qc.ca / 185 Sainte-Catherine Street West, 514 847-6226, macm.org  When to go  Montreal is best visited in the summer, and if you can manage it, time your visit to coincide with the annual Jazz Festival. Despite the name, the Festival (one of the city\u2019s many) incorporates music of all kinds, and always includes some notable big acts (this year: Aretha Franklin). More than that, the Festival brings out the best of the whole city and turns the centre of town into a non-stop party.26 June \u2013 5 July, montrealjazzfest.com "^^<http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema#string>
<http://www.esquire.co.uk/food-drink/travel/news/a7744/48-hours-in-montreal/>