Jul 14, 2010 | Posted in Blog, Life, Photography, Travel

Day 1: Montreal, A Taste of Europe

Bonjour! I took a long weekend to visit Montreal with my fiancé and my friend, Akito. We arrived safe and sound after a 7 hour drive from New York to Montreal. Montreal has a very European feel and it was a lot more French than I'd imagined. We wandered around the city center for a little bit, getting a feel for the place. I did a quick walk down towards the tourist office to collect some tourist brochures. With only a very short time (3 days) in Montreal I planned to do and see as much as possible.

(Interesting car meter painted with stripe colors)

We stopped by the Cathedral of Marie-Reine-du-Monde Montreal (Mary Queen of the World Cathedral). It's the first catholic cathedral in Montreal. Also known as one-third replica of St. Peters in Rome. Many people pass off this church to go to Notre-Dame instead, but it is not to be missed by me!

(Mary Queen of the World Cathedral Exterior)

(Mary Queen of the World Cathedral Altar)

(Mary Queen of the World Cathedral's Candles)

(Mary Queen of the World Cathedral Interior)

Then we headed into the Rue Notre-Dame and stumbled into the Notre Dame Basilica, the oldest church known for it's intricately designed interior. There were a wedding ceremony going on, so we couldn't get to visit the church. So we decided to do the Calèche (horse-drawn carriage) tours which lasting 30 minutes ($48). The thing I enjoyed most about the horse carriage is that it feels like stepping back in time. The scene of old French architecture with cobblestone streets fool you into thinking you're in Paris.

(Rue Notre-Dame)

(My fiancé and I sitting inside the horse carriage)

(My best friend Akito sitting inside the horse carriage)

(View from the horse carriage, Old Montreal)

(Performance and activities in Place Jacques-Cartier Square)

(Old Montreal filled with tourists)

We spent rest of the day strolling in the beautiful, historic Old Montreal, admiring the architectures, walking around the Vieux-Port, and touring Bonsecours Market and Rue Des Artistes. Old Montreal had plenty of charm and sights that I couldn't resist. There is so much to see and do here - from museums, neighborhoods with all that history.

(Old Port, the piers offer boat tours and trips to the islands.)

(Old Port, the views of the city and the St Lawrence River are great. )

(Cirque Du Soleil by the Vieux-Port)

(The oldest Montreal's streets is home to the Bonsecours Market and the Notre-Dame De-Bonsecours Chapel.)

(Souvenirs shop inside the Bonsecours Market)

(Performers sing on the street by Rue Saint -Paul, photo by Akito)

It was getting late and by this time, I was really feeling tired and hungry. We picked out a Steak House called Vieux-Port Steak House. It food was worth the 45 minutes wait, I highly recommend.

(Vieux-Port Steak House Menu)

(Rue Des Artistes in Vieux-Montreal)

(Rue Des Artistes in Vieux-Montreal)

So, I brought some souvenirs and got some great food in my stomach. We explored the entire area and were so impressed at the European atmosphere. I love my trip to Montreal! Day 2 to be continued…

(Day 1 Trip Plan: Mary Queen of the World Cathedral, Underground City, Notre-Dame Basilica, Calèche – horse-drawn carriage, Old Montreal, Vieux-Port, Place Jacques-Cartier Square, Bonsecours Market, Vieux-Port Steak House, and Rue Des Artistes).

Read More at Day 1, Day 2, Day 3.