Montreal secrets worth leaving the house for: 52 speakeasies, hidden bars, tucked-away restaurants, courtyards and galleries across 14 neighbourhoods. Start with an unmarked Old Montréal door, take the stairs to a downtown gallery or find the green light in Little Burgundy. Each listing gives you a clue about where to look.
Old Montréal & Old Port
Cours Le Royer
Follow the pedestrian stretch of rue Le Royer between the old warehouses for a quiet cut-through in Old Montréal.
Maison Pepin’s Enchanted Alley
Find the tucked-away alley at Maison Pepin. Ask the shop about access before making a special trip, and check its calendar for events.
PHI on Saint-Jean
Duck onto Saint-Jean Street for contemporary art. PHI lists Stephanie Comilang’s ANTHEMS at this address this November.
Mezcla
The dining room is behind Capisco. Book for the Franco-Peruvian tasting menu.
Sushi by Scratch
The same address as STILLIFE, with a separate reservation for omakase.
Lovebird
Look beneath Hôtel Nelligan for the stone-vaulted cocktail and music room.
Marilyn’s
Below Mare, with an alley bell. Check membership and guest access ahead of time.
Secrets at Kwizinn
Head downstairs at Kwizinn. Its Christmas edition is listed through December 31, 2026.
Golden Square Mile
Cloakroom Bar
Find the room behind the tailor shop and tell the bartender what you like.
Downtown
CCA Sculpture Garden
Cross René-Lévesque from the Canadian Centre for Architecture to find Melvin Charney’s outdoor sculptures above the escarpment. Free to visit.
Galerie B-312
Ride up to the Belgo’s fourth floor for this artist-run gallery. Check the building’s exhibition listings before you go.
Galerie INGANG
On the Belgo’s fourth floor, this little gallery lists Saturday hours from noon to 4 p.m. Its November program includes an exhibition on gender in video games.
Quartier international
World Trade Centre atrium
Step inside to find a stretch of the old Ruelle des Fortifications under glass, with a fountain and a piece of the Berlin Wall. Free entry.
Club Pelicano / Tiradito Lounge
Find the pool-inspired room below Tiradito. Check the current booking name and service before visiting.
Chinatown
Sans Soleil
Look by the parking lot beside Fleurs & Cadeaux to find the vinyl bar downstairs.
Bar Leonor
Take the stairs to the basement at the original Le Mal Nécessaire address.
Quartier Latin & Quartier des spectacles
Plateau-Mont-Royal
Rouge Gorge
Ask about the downstairs room, also listed in older guides as Le Royal.
Rosemont–La Petite-Patrie
Le Petit Secret
Ask Pub Gaijin about public access. The room also hosts private bookings.
Hochelaga
Saint-Henri
Little Burgundy
Pointe-Saint-Charles
Griffintown
King Crab
Look beneath Makro. Confirm public service as the room also hosts private events.
Mile End
Centre CLARK
Find suite 114 inside the de Gaspé arts building. The gallery lists free admission and Saturday hours from noon to 5 p.m.
Dazibao
Head to the ground floor of the de Gaspé arts building for exhibitions centred on the image. Free, with Saturday hours from noon to 5 p.m.
Montreal secrets FAQ
Where should I start for hidden bars in Montreal?
Old Montréal has the biggest concentration in this guide. Look for the black door near Saint-Vincent and Saint-Amable for The Coldroom, the fridge door at Cappella, or the alley off Saint-Paul West for STILLIFE.
Which Montreal secrets can I visit during the day?
Try the CCA Sculpture Garden downtown, the World Trade Centre atrium, or Centre CLARK and Dazibao in Mile End. Both galleries list free admission and Saturday hours.
Do Montreal speakeasies need reservations or a password?
Le Grotto uses an entry code, Le 4e Mur shares directions when you sign up, and Marilyn’s is a private members’ bar. Check each venue’s details before heading out.
Keep exploring with our Montreal hidden gems guide and our Montreal weekend itinerary.
Next Saturday · The Montreal secrets you walk right past.
