# Montreal's design scene is worth the trip

> Twenty years as a UNESCO City of Design means fresh hotels, world-class dining and shopping that justifies a visit.
- Title: Montreal's design scene is worth the trip · House & Home
- Summary: Twenty years as a UNESCO City of Design means fresh hotels, world-class dining and shopping that justifies a visit. Montreal combines cutting-edge new design…
- Keywords: montreal, travel, design, hotels, restaurants, shopping, art, unesco city of design, quebec, Montreal's, scene, worth
- Source: House & Home — https://houseandhome.com/decorating-and-design/travel-the-city-column/the-city-column-montreal
- Author: Aisha Duldul
- Published: 2026-09-24T18:14:14+00:00
- Read time: 2 min
- Topics: montreal, travel, design, hotels, restaurants, shopping, art, unesco city of design, quebec
## Montreal's design credentials
The city marks 20 years as a UNESCO City of Design this year, with new art-centric hotels, world-class restaurants and shopping that make it a great time to visit.

> Few cities wear design as naturally as Montreal.
## SonoLux brings art to Old Montreal
This new 36-room hotel in a restored 1914 building partners with art gallery Phi to curate immersive art throughout public spaces. The basement listening bar Subterra is a must-visit.
## The Ritz-Carlton sets luxury standard
Open since 1912, the Ritz offers understated opulence with city views, a lobby bar, Michelin-level dining at Maison Boulud, and an indoor saltwater pool.
## Schwartz's Deli serves smoked meat
This 98-year-old institution is famous for its smoked meat sandwich. Grab takeout for a park picnic or brave the line for a sit-down meal.
## Beauty's serves 80-year brunch legacy
This classic diner has been serving brunches for over 80 years. Try the blintzes, smoked salmon plate or the famous Montreal bagel.
## L'Express brings Paris to Montreal
This Parisian-style bistro in Le Plateau-Mont-Royal serves bone marrow, beef tartare with frites, Croque monsieur and classic French desserts.
## Museums showcase Montreal's culture
Musée McCord Stewart explores social history with Indigenous Voices of Today and other collections. The Centre Canadien d'Architecture, founded in 1979, features Portuguese architect Álvaro Siza's work this season.
## La Maison Générale opens in Mile End
The French lifestyle brand opened its first international location in Montreal last spring, offering designer furniture, rugs, linens and decorative accents in a chic retail space and tearoom.
## King Living brings Australian design
The Australian furniture brand known for durable modular pieces has arrived at Quartier DIX30. Sofas, beds and coffee tables are designed in Australia and made to order.
## Maison Stoï offers local gifts
This local gem stocks delicate ceramics and hand-made scented candles and fragrances in small batches. The studio runs biweekly make-your-own-perfume classes taught in French.
## Key takeaway

Montreal combines cutting-edge new design hotels and restaurants with beloved classics across food, art and shopping.