Shaughnessy Village, found downtown between Atwater and Guy, is a vibrant clash of old and new Montreal. This neighborhood, once lined with Victorian row houses and quiet local pubs, is now catering to students and newcomers, filled with bustling ramen spots, izakayas, and Korean BBQ joints. Along its busiest streets, a thriving second “Chinatown West” has taken root, catering to growing Asian communities and the international students pouring in from Concordia University nearby.

The area’s heartbeat, Sainte-Catherine Street, brings a constant stream of activity with its diverse eateries, cafes, and the historic Montreal Forum, now a multifaceted complex offering entertainment and a nod to its hockey legacy. It’s also here that the Canadian Centre for Architecture draws art lovers and urbanists, showcasing exhibitions in the grand, restored Shaughnessy House mansion.