ville souterraine
1 / 10

Underground City Montreal

4.3
·5k reviews·Montréal, Canada

Montreal's vast subterranean network connecting malls, metro, hotels & more. A city beneath the city, perfect for any weather!

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings/afternoons

Fewer crowds, more relaxed pace

CrowdLow
Loading map...
ville souterraine

Underground City Montreal

Best Time

Weekday mornings/afternoons

Fewer crowds, more relaxed pace

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Montreal's vast subterranean network connecting malls, metro, hotels & more. A city beneath the city, perfect for any weather!

4.3
(5k reviews)

"It's a unique experience worth exploring, especially in winter or summer!"

Vertical photo
TIP

🗺️ Grab a Map!

The RESO is huge! Grab a map at a metro station or download one to navigate easily.

👟 Wear Comfy Shoes

You'll be doing a lot of walking, so comfortable footwear is a must for exploring this underground city.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Vast Network

The Vast Network

Connecting multiple metro stations and buildings

Explore miles of interconnected tunnels linking malls, hotels, and metro stations. A city beneath the city!

Underground Shopping

Underground Shopping

Various malls within the RESO

Discover a diverse range of shops, from boutiques to major retailers, all under one roof.

Architectural Marvel

Architectural Marvel

Throughout the RESO

Marvel at the unique and pristine architecture that makes this subterranean city a visual delight.

Your AI travel agent

Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you

Start Chatting

Planning Your Visit

Navigate the RESO

Montreal's Underground City, known as the RESO, is a vast network. Plan your route using a map, as it can be disorienting. It's a lifesaver in winter and a cool escape in summer.

Best Time to Beat Crowds

While great year-round, weekdays outside of lunch hours offer a more relaxed experience. Weekends and evenings can get busy with shoppers and diners.

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings/afternoons
Why
Fewer crowds, more relaxed pace
Crowd
Low
When
Winter days
Why
Escape the cold, cozy atmosphere
Crowd
Medium
When
Summer afternoons
Why
Cool respite from heat
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

reddit.com

Underground City?

🗺️ Grab a Map!

The RESO is huge! Grab a map at a metro station or download one to navigate easily. Reddit

👟 Wear Comfy Shoes

You'll be doing a lot of walking, so comfortable footwear is a must for exploring this underground city. Reddit

reddit.com

In case you didn’t know (many Montrealers don’t), RÉSO Underground City covers 33 km and connects 1,700+ stores and 60+ buildings. You can walk from Peel→McGill→Bonaventure→Square-Victoria→Place-d'Armes→Place-des-Arts and back—perfect to escape the cold, heat, or rain. It’s a lifesaver!

reddit.com

Should we visit the underground city? Or Musée des Beaux Arts?

❄️ Winter Wonderland

A true lifesaver in winter, offering a warm and dry escape from the snow and cold. Reddit

☀️ Summer Oasis

Escape the summer heat in this cool, air-conditioned network of tunnels and shops. Reddit

reddit.com

In case you didn't know: To avoid freezing or rain, you can access Peel Metro and Montreal's underground city via 1000 Sherbrooke St West or Scotia Bank (1002 Sherbrooke St West), where an escalator leads down to a path connecting to Peel Metro & Montreal's underground city through Cours Mont-Royal.

Tips

from all over the internet

🗺️ Grab a Map!

The RESO is huge! Grab a map at a metro station or download one to navigate easily. Reddit

👟 Wear Comfy Shoes

You'll be doing a lot of walking, so comfortable footwear is a must for exploring this underground city. Reddit

❄️ Winter Wonderland

A true lifesaver in winter, offering a warm and dry escape from the snow and cold. Reddit

☀️ Summer Oasis

Escape the summer heat in this cool, air-conditioned network of tunnels and shops. Reddit

💡 Look for Signs

Signs can be a bit unclear for newcomers, so pay attention to directional cues. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.3
(5k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors praise Montreal's Underground City for its vastness and convenience, especially as a refuge from extreme weather. While some find it 'nothing special,' others highlight its architectural appeal and the unique experience of exploring a city beneath the city. Navigation can be a challenge for first-timers.

"We didn’t have much time to explore as we were in Montreal for only 3 days but the portion we visited was nice although nothing special about it really. I think we might have appreciated it better in the winter when we would have been sheltered from the cold but we preferred visiting the city outdoors as the weather was so nice. A must visit though."

Joana Marya

"The underground city in Montreal is fantastic! We took a guided walking tour around with local company MTL Detours, I’d highly recommend to gain an understanding of this impressive network of corridors connecting so many buildings in Montreal!"

Lois : No Cruise Control

"The Underground City isn't just a tourist attraction — it's a real part of everyday life for locals. Stretching over 30 km, it connects shopping malls, hotels, metro stations, universities, and office buildings — all sheltered from the harsh winter weather.
You can walk for hours without ever going outside. Great for shopping, dining, and staying warm during snowy days. The signs could be a bit clearer for first-time visitors, but it’s still a unique experience worth exploring.
Perfect for those who want to enjoy the city in any season — especially in winter!"

Amir K

What People Like

Convenient weather escape
Vast interconnected network
Unique urban experience

What People Dislike

Can be disorienting
Some find it unremarkable

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

You can access the Underground City (RESO) through numerous entrances, primarily via Montreal's metro stations like Place-d'Armes, Bonaventure, and McGill. Many hotels and major buildings also have direct access points. Reddit

Yes, there are several underground parking garages connected to the RESO, with levels 9-12 often mentioned for visitor parking. Reddit

Absolutely! The RESO is designed to connect metro stations, allowing you to travel between them without going outside. Reddit

Key access points include major metro stations and prominent buildings like the Eaton Centre and Place Ville Marie. Look for signs indicating 'RESO' or 'Underground City'. Reddit

While vast, the city is generally well-signed. However, having a map is highly recommended, especially for first-time visitors, as it can be disorienting. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, the Underground City (RESO) is a public network and does not require an entrance ticket. You can freely explore its corridors and public spaces. Reddit

The hours vary as it connects different establishments. Generally, it's accessible during the operating hours of the connected malls, metro stations, and businesses, typically from early morning to late evening. Reddit

There are no fees to simply walk through the Underground City. However, you will pay for any purchases made in the shops or restaurants within the network. Reddit

Access is generally limited to the operating hours of the connected buildings and metro stations. Some sections may close earlier than others. Reddit

Many parts of the Underground City are accessible, with elevators and ramps connecting different levels and sections. However, accessibility can vary in older sections. Reddit

🍽️ 🛍️ Shopping & Dining

You'll find a wide variety of shops, including major department stores, fashion boutiques, electronics stores, and specialty shops. It's a comprehensive shopping destination. Reddit

Yes, the RESO boasts a vast array of dining options, from quick-service food courts to sit-down restaurants offering diverse cuisines. Reddit

While there are many large retailers, you can also discover smaller, unique boutiques scattered throughout the network, offering a more curated shopping experience. Reddit

Popular food courts are often found within major shopping centers like the Eaton Centre and Complexe Desjardins, offering a wide selection of fast-food and casual dining options. Reddit

While primarily focused on retail and dining, some smaller convenience stores and markets might be available within larger connected complexes. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography & Experience

Yes, the unique architecture and bustling atmosphere of the Underground City can make for interesting and atmospheric photos, especially capturing its vastness. Reddit

Some Reddit users describe the tunnels, particularly between Place d'Armes and Bonaventure, or the one connecting Atwater Metro and Westmount Square, as having a 'liminal' or eerie quality, especially when quiet. Reddit

Definitely! It offers a cool, air-conditioned escape from the summer heat, allowing you to explore shops and restaurants comfortably. Reddit

Its sheer scale and the fact that it's a functional part of daily life for locals, connecting so many key urban elements, makes it a truly unique urban phenomenon. Reddit

Yes, guided walking tours are available and highly recommended to gain a deeper understanding of the RESO's history and significance. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The Underground City Montreal is a fantastic option for families, especially during inclement weather. It provides a safe, climate-controlled environment where kids can explore without the risk of getting lost in the elements. Many connected malls offer play areas or family-friendly dining options. The sheer scale of the Montreal underground mall can be an adventure in itself for children, making it feel like a treasure hunt to discover different shops and eateries. Reddit

Navigating with strollers is generally manageable, as many sections are accessible. Consider focusing your exploration on areas with more open spaces or direct access to larger shopping centers like the Eaton Centre. It's a great way to break up a day of sightseeing and provide a comfortable, engaging experience for everyone. Reddit

💰 Budget Travelers

For budget-conscious travelers, the Underground City Montreal offers free exploration and a chance to window shop extensively. While there are plenty of expensive stores, you can also find more affordable options and numerous food courts offering budget-friendly meals. It's an excellent way to experience a significant part of Montreal's urban fabric without spending a fortune on attractions. Reddit

Utilizing the metro to access different parts of the RESO is also cost-effective. Instead of paying for multiple attractions, you can spend a day exploring the interconnected network, discovering hidden gems, and enjoying the city's atmosphere all for the price of your metro fare and any food you choose to purchase. Reddit

❄️ Winter Warriors

The Montreal Underground City is an absolute lifesaver for anyone visiting Montreal in winter. It provides a warm, dry, and convenient way to travel between key locations, avoiding the harsh cold and snow. You can easily spend days exploring the Montreal subterranean city without needing to brave the outdoor elements, moving seamlessly between hotels, shops, restaurants, and metro stations. Reddit

It's the perfect place to warm up, grab a hot drink, and enjoy some shopping or a meal. The RESO truly transforms the winter experience in Montreal, making it comfortable and enjoyable even in the chilliest months. Don't miss the chance to experience this unique aspect of Montreal's winter resilience. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Navigating the RESO: Your Underground Guide

Montreal's Underground City, known locally as the RESO, is an expansive network of pedestrian walkways, tunnels, and public spaces that connect a vast array of buildings. Spanning over 30 kilometers, it links shopping malls, hotels, metro stations, universities, office buildings, and cultural venues. This subterranean marvel is not just a tourist attraction but a vital artery for daily life in Montreal, especially during its challenging winter months. Planning your exploration with a map of the Montreal Underground City is crucial, as its sheer size can be overwhelming for first-time visitors. Reddit

Many travelers find the RESO to be a unique experience, likening it to an 'underground mall in Montreal Canada' or a 'subterranean city Montreal'. It offers a welcome escape from the elements, whether you're seeking refuge from the biting cold of winter or the sweltering heat of summer. The architecture within the RESO is often praised for being pristine, classy, and unique, adding an aesthetic appeal to its functional purpose. Reddit

For those looking to truly understand this urban phenomenon, consider a guided tour. Local companies offer insights into the history, architecture, and daily life within the Underground City, transforming a simple walk into an educational journey. Remember to wear comfortable shoes, as you can easily spend hours exploring its interconnected passages. Reddit

Beyond Shopping: The Experience of Montreal's Underground

While the Montreal Underground City is renowned for its extensive shopping opportunities, it offers much more than just retail therapy. It's a place where locals commute, students attend classes, and tourists discover a hidden layer of the city. The experience can be quite varied; some sections feel like bustling commercial hubs, akin to a Montreal shopping mall underground, while others, particularly less-trafficked corridors, have been described by Reddit users as having a 'liminal' or almost eerie atmosphere, especially when experienced alone. Reddit

This duality makes exploring the RESO fascinating. You might find yourself in a vibrant food court one moment and a quiet, architecturally striking tunnel the next. The Montreal subterranean city is a testament to urban planning, designed to enhance connectivity and comfort year-round. It's a place where you can spend an entire day, moving between different environments without ever stepping outside, making it a perfect destination for any weather. Reddit

For photographers, the underground city Montreal photos can capture a unique urban perspective. The interplay of light, the vastness of the spaces, and the constant flow of people create dynamic visual opportunities. Whether you're looking for a practical way to navigate Montreal or a unique urban adventure, the RESO delivers an unforgettable experience. Reddit