Montreal is full of sights and sounds to take in, not least of which is its music – so be sure to head to one of the city’s great music venues, many of which feature homegrown talent. Here, we highlight some of the venues in Montreal that shouldn’t be missed.
A historic building across from Casa del Popolo, La Sala Rossa was built in 1932 and remains a trendy hotspot for music lovers. The venue hosts a wide variety of musicians and events, from cabaret, reggae and DJs to dance, indie and even flamenco. Keep an eye on the schedule to find something to suit your preference.
Located in central downtown Montreal, MTELUS (formerly Métropolis) was built in 1884 and has since gone through a series of transformations to become the music and entertainment hub it is today. The venue can be transformed into several different iterations, including a concert hall, a discotheque and a fancy reception hall. As a concert hall, it has hosted popular artists and bands such as David Bowie, Coldplay and Green Day.
With wood-paneling around the stage and an excellent bar, Bar Le Ritz PDB is a hip space to listen to local bands and dance the night away. Guests can enjoy drinks and make use of the coat room during the cooler months, and its a great place to hit if you’re hoping to get a feel for the local music of Montreal.
Built in 1923 as a movie theatre, Théâtre Rialto features a facade inspired by the Paris Opera House and a neo-Baroque interior. This theatre is a prominent spot that often provides a platform for rising stars in the Montreal area, as well as a place to forget the troubles of the day and let the sights and sounds take over.