Exploring Vieux-Montréal. The old city is filled with old-world flavor. Wander Place Jacques-Cartier, the most engaging of the old city's squares; explore museums and the stunning architecture of the churches; and stroll along the revitalized waterfront.

Feasting on Table d'Hôte Specials. Indulge in three or four courses for a fixed price that is only slightly more than the cost of an a la carte main course alone. Most full-service restaurants offer the table d'hôte, if only at midday.

Listening to Jazz. Downtown, Old Town, the Latin Quarter, all over, this is a favorite pastime of locals and visitors alike, especially in late June and early July during the renowned Montréal Jazz Festival.

Savoring French and International Cuisine. Experience all of French cuisine's permutations -- traditional, haute, bistro, original Québecois. Also sample the city's Cal-Asian hybrids and the legion of ethnic restaurants representing dozens of foreign cuisines, notably Italian, Mexican, Thai, Chinese, Greek, Polish, and Indian.

Shopping. Browse the shops of world-class domestic designers, from the up-and-coming to the well established; search for Inuit (Eskimo) sculptures of the highest order (with prices to match); and take in the dozens of eclectic antiques shops along rue Notre-Dame between rue Guy and rue Atwater.