My boyfriend and I are trying to plan a trip to Montreal for New Years. Knowing nothing about Montreal other than that I heard it is a great, fun, beautiful place, I was hoping I could get some ideas from this forum--where to stay, what to do (specifically in regards to New Years Eve), places not to miss, etc.

Just to give you some background on us- we are from DC, in our early 20s, and on a pretty low budget.

Thanks for your help!

the night of the 31st will cost you way more since it's a night many people choose to stay in hotels, even locals...

how long do you plan on staying ?
what's a per night budget for you, re hotel.?

As for what to do on ny eve, local newspapers will have these listed the weekend before.

Montreal is a city of about 3.5 million population, and there are several streets there in downtown with restaurants. Also there is a huge cathedral. I don't think that there are really so many places to go, especially if you could go from DC to NYC (which is closer and has more entertainment). Even DC itself is more fun. Also if you count on things in Canada to be less expensive than in the US, around holidays everything will be very expensive, especially in Montreal. In Canada it's not so many places to go, and Montreal is a huge attraction during holidays. And it might be like -20C and really a lot of snow. You might think that Montreal is more European style, but it's only several areas in downtown. It's definitely not Paris.

friendlys, where are you from ?

Montreal is small and is very user-friendly; it has a few museums and art gallery districts that are very pleasant to visit.
No, it's not Paris. Big revelation.

I disagree with a few of Friendly's comments.

"I don't think that there are so many places to go..." I live here and there's way too much to do on any given night, with so many different musical, artistic, nightlife, restaurant, theatre, comedy acts, I honestly have trouble making choices if anything! Pick up a Mirror, Voir (French language) for ideas on what to do while you're here. The many nightclubs will be packed and will tend to have hefty cover charges. What type of music do you like?

"Several streets with restaurants" no. That would be MANY streets with restaurants. Off the top of my head: Sainte-Catherine (kms worth), Saint-Denis (kms worth), Saint-Laurent (kms worth), Rachel, Mont-Royal (kms worth), Cote des Neiges, Monkland, Sherbrooke (kms worth), Jean Talon, de Maisonneuve, Saint-Paul, Prince Arthur, Bernard, ave du Parc, Marie-Anne, Laurier, Queen Mary... and I could go on. Some of my favourites are not in the main stretches though (although some are), but on inconspicuous side streets. Great low budget eateries: Couscous Kamela (N. African: Brebeuf/Marie-Anne), Chez Gatse (Tibetan: on Ontario, near Saint-Denis), Amelio's (pizza/pasta: Milton/Ste. Famille), Santropol Cafe (granola: Duluth/St. Urbain), Vova (Russian: Parc/Fairmount), Chu Chai (vegetarian thai: St. Denis near Duluth), many more.

"DC itself is more fun." The following is a gross generalization but having lived in both towns, I would say Montrealers let loose much more easily... for example, one thing I always notice in DC is how few people like to dance. DC largely feels very proper, mainstream, workaholic, governmental, keeping-up-appearances kind of place, while Montreal largely feels more artsy, funky, gritty, bon vivant... I see the two cities as being quite different.

Friendlys did say it true though in that it will be cold. I tend to recommend a first visit in May-Sept., but you can still have a great time around New Years.

Enjoy whatever you decide! DAN

out of curiosity...when do the "tam tams" start & finish? I was there in Juy 2005 & loved it!

From what I understand if you are looking to find a touch of Paris, you should be visiting Quebec city - not Montreal. Nevertheless, the French people are wonderful. Very gracious, friendly and open. I live in Toronto and have been to Montreal quite a few times and had a fantstic holiday every time. The night life is amazing!

My wife and I along with two friends are looking forward to NYE in Montreal.
We are staying at the Le Square Phillips Hotel. Mederately priced,well located, the rooms are studios with kitchens which can be very convinient and help you save money. Breakfast is included.
For NYE there are a lot of options from clubs to restaurants or both. Some restaurants are closed so you should make reservations early as demand will be high.
We live in Miami and I found the fixed price menu dinners offered by many restaurants for that night very reasonable. Many web sites with listings and reviews.
Have fun!