Known as downtown's destination for everything arts and culture, Quartier des Spectacles (aka the city's entertainment district) has the highest concentration of cultural venues in North America.
With its 80 performance sites, attractions like Galerie de l'UQAM, top dining options tucked away on side streets, and charming vintage boutiques, the Quartier is a vibrant place where Montrealers both new and native can call home.
Plus, at only one square kilometre big, you can easily explore it all before venturing into the neighbouring (and strikingly picturesque) Old Port, where you'll find narrow cobblestone streets, the Notre-Dame Basilica, and breathtaking views of downtown.
Add to that the addition of luxury living space La Tour Fides — which boasts trendy inclusions like a yoga studio, cafe, spa, large indoor pool, cinema and even Smart studios that are totally controlled by just your voice — and Quartier des Spectacles really is the place to be.
If you're contemplating a move or simply looking for more reasons to love Quartier des Spectacles, there are tons of hidden gems that make it one of the most interesting places to live in the city.
Local Cafés & Marchés To Call Your Own
Address: 1067, rue De Bleury, Montréal, QC
Why You Need To Go: Thanks to dozens of cozy coffee shops, Quartier des Spectacles will quickly feel like home. Just take the centrally located and super cute café-meets-market, La Finca, for example.
Born out of a shared love for coffee, La Finca (which means a plantation, a small farm and a house in Spanish) was opened by two friends in August 2016. With sustainable, direct-trade coffee, they continue to serve up a do-good, feel-good brew that'll have you savouring every sip.
Plus, they have palate-pleasing pastries like gluten-free chocolate brownies, vegan energy bars and more. After you've gotten your fill, you can shop local products spanning fresh fruits and veggies, microbrewery beers and natural wines.
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Luxury Living Spaces Right In The Heart Of All The Action
Address: 235, boul. René-Lévesque E., Montréal, QC
Why You Need To Go: There's no shortage of impressive architecture in Quartier des Spectacles — La Tour Fides included.
Boasting 11,000 square feet of super lush (think sophisticated and stylish) amenities, 24/7 security and concierge service, four levels of underground parking and unique architecture that preserves the building's original 1960s art deco vibe, La Tour Fides takes luxury living to new heights.
We mean that literally because this 19-storey tower features Smart Studios with layouts allowing for complete voice automation of TV, music, A/C and heating, blinds, alarms and lighting. Plus, from the ninth floor up, there's an unobstructed view of Montreal's skyline. Talk about dream living!
Interested in making La Tour Fides home? Smart studios and one- and two-bedrooms are currently up for presale. You can check them out online or head to La Tour Fides' brand-new sales office near Saint-Laurent Metro.
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Secondhand Stores With Items As Unique As You Are
Narcity MediaAddress: 277, rue Sainte-Catherine E., Montréal, QC
Why You Need To Go: Whether you're a bookworm in search of your next great read, a collector of comics or nostalgic for simpler times, Quartier des Spectacles is the place to be and browse. Case in point: Librairie Volume.
A secondhand bookstore that buys, sells and exchanges everything from books and video games to CDs and DVDs, there's a reason they've been going strong since they opened their doors in 2004.
You can actually check out some of their inventory on Amazon (they score five stars, by the by) before heading in store, where you can peep even more promising soon-to-be purchases.
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Colourful Walks Past Stunning Street Art
Address: 150, rue Ontario E., Montréal, QC
Why You Need To Go: All you have to do is walk around to get a view of Quartier des Spectacles' stunning art and culture scene. For a perfect example, take a stroll through the grounds of Les Habitations Jeanne-Mance.
Once hidden behind barriers, the complex is now open to the public and home to some of Montreal's most impressive street art — like colourful mosaics and towering murals of the four seasons — giving rue Saint-Laurent a run for its money.
When you're done marvelling at the murals around Les Habitations Jeanne-Mance, head to nearby rue de Boisbriand. Tucked away behind rue Sainte-Catherine and only a six-minute walk from La Tour Fides, this spot has long been a favourite for graffiti artists and also boasts some of the city's coolest art.
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Thrift Stores With Trendy Vintage Finds
Address: 2015, boul. St. Laurent, Montréal, QC
Why You Need To Go: If you're looking to upgrade your wardrobe from bleak to vintage chic, you'll find one of Montreal's coolest thrift shops, Eva B, right in the heart of Quartier des Spectacles.
Don't let the abandoned-building exterior fool you. Inside, twinkling lights, chandeliers and mannequins line rows of retro fabrics and edgy designer finds that are sure to brighten up your look.
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Rest & Relaxation Around Every Corner
Address: 2048, rue Saint-Denis, Montréal, QC
Why You Need To Go: When you've finished your sun salutations in La Tour Fides' yoga room and dried off after going for a dip in the indoor pool, head to one of Quartier des Spectacles' spas for some extra R&R.
Studio Orchidée is snuggly tucked away on rue Saint-Denis, and this hidden gem is a one-stop-shop for all things self-care.
Offering both relaxing and therapeutic massages in addition to osteopathy, an infrared sauna, facials, acupuncture and more, Studio Orchidée is the ideal place to unwind any day of the week. In fact, it's likely to be the kind of place you're going to want to have on speed dial.
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Galleries Galore To Light Up Your Inner Artist
n3prod | InstagramAddress: 333, av. Viger O., Montréal, QC
Why You Need To Go: Quartier des Spectacles is known as the cultural heart of Montreal for good reason. It's home to dozens of well-known galleries like Galerie de l'UQAM, but also lesser-known (though still entirely noteworthy) places like Galerie MX.
Featuring contemporary works of art from over 38 Canadian and international artists, painters and sculptors, browsing the gallery's 6,000 square foot space is soon to be your new pastime.
Whether you're looking to decorate your state-of-the-art living space at La Tour Fides, or simply searching for inspiration, you're sure to find it at Galerie MX.
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No matter what you love in a neighbourhood, these seven hidden gems are some of the many reasons why Quartier des Spectacles is one of the coolest and most desirable places to live in Montreal.
If you're looking for a way to enjoy Quartier des Spectacles round-the-clock, La Tour Fides may just be the living sitch you've been looking for.
With incredible views of downtown, lots of natural light and more than 10,000 square feet of common areas like a fitness centre, indoor pool, spa, yoga lounge and cinema, La Tour Fides makes living in Montreal's cultural heart even cooler.
Courtesy of Casa Kaizen
