The best way to begin exploring Montreal is to start where the city did. Old Montreal (Vieux Montreal) is where the Quebec's largest city took root and it's still a mix of cobbled streets, small shops, cozy bistros and the occasional horse-drawn carriage.

This Olde Worlde feel is somehow enhanced by the contrast involved in the journey to get to the district, which almost inevitably involves frenetic boulevard traffic between modern high-rises.

Yet once you've had a wander around Old Montreal, it's worth heading back into the modernity of Downtown for the better eating options and the lively Quartier des Spectacles – a district where there's always something going on.

The itinerary below covers around 2.6km (1.6 miles) – or about 30 minutes walking, though the many distractions along can easily double this distance on the ground.