It’s the Brooklyn of Montreal.
This richly storied borough is a neighbourhood in transformation. Home to some of the best restaurants in the city, a high concentration of epic nightlife spots and some of the trendiest boutiques and activities around, it’s also officially one of the coolest.
Thanks to its rich industrial heritage and storied history, this ever-evolving area in the south-west never ceases to surprise.
What other neighbourhood is home to a mysterious pink house perched on top of a grain silo?
Not to be confused with neighbouring Griffintown and Little Burgundy, Saint-Henri was known in the 18th century as the Village des Tanneries (leather tanners).
When the first chapel was built in 1801, it was dedicated to Henry II—otherwise known as Saint Henry.
Prior to its annexation to Montréal in 1905, Saint-Henri was the 3rd most populous city in Québec. Today, it continues to draw the crowds outside of its famous brunch spots and cult ice cream and coffee shops—coming in at number 13 on the list of the 38 coolest neighbourhoods in the world.
The southwestern neighbourhood has been a magnet for food lovers, thanks to standout spots like Bonheur d’Occasion, Foiegwa, Satay Bros, Eva’s, and Lloydie’s.
There’s a reason we keep returning over and over again to Elena for kick ass pizza and pasta, and to Gia for superb Italian.
We can’t go without the perfect banh mi from Tran Cantine Vietnamienne, epic smoked meat and breakfast from Greenspot or choosing between duelling taco spots Tacos Frida and Tacos Vicor.
And we will never tire of the back garden at Tuck Shop, or Pikliz’s Haitian-inspired fare.
The new restaurant scene is also buzzy thanks to new spots like Estelle, SavSav, and La Spada.
But these days, Saint-Henri offers much more than just a culinary experience.
Its prime location beside the Lachine Canal makes it a go-to for weekend activities like cycling, paddle boarding, and picnicking, with fresh provisions from Atwater Market.
Saint-Henri has also become an adventure hotspot, featuring axe-throwing venues, climbing gyms, and escape rooms.
Fashionable shops such as Letter Bet, GanK, and pop-up stores along Notre-Dame Street contribute to the area’s trendy vibe.
Don’t miss a trip to Librairie St-Henri, one of our favourite independent bookstores in the city.
Or spend the afternoon at Bibliothèque Saint-Henri, located in the former Asten Johnson factory, home to specially-designed seating and work stations, a storytime area, rocking chairs, and nursing and changing stations.
Saint-Henri also has our sweet tooth covered, with donuts from Léche Desserts, ice cream from Dalla Rose, Bernice’s cookies and cakes, baked goods from Un Instant en Provence and Rustique’s famous pies.
And don’t get us started on the bread from Miette, perfect for the morning after a big night out in the borough.
When it comes to nightlife, Saint-Henri has its fair share of hidden bars (Baby Far West and Atwater Cocktail Club, for starters) plus a dive bar serving serious 90s vibes (hello, Bon Délire).
Throw Riverside into the mix—the sprawling indoor-outdoor bar of our dreams that transitions into an ice palace during the winter—and its scenic views of the abandoned Canada Malting Silos, along with Brasserie McAuslan and its famous terrasse, and there’s something for everyone.
On the way home, late night eats from restaurant AA have got you covered.
Time Out Tip: For a unique perspective on how this neighbourhood has evolved over the last 350 years, check out The Heart and Soul of Saint-Henri, an exhibition running at Pointe-à-Callière until May 11, 2025.
Expect 380 objects on loan from 34 private and institutional lenders, first-hand accounts, photos, films, artwork and more.
What's a perfect day in Saint-Henri?
Start your day by staying near Sir-George-Étienne-Cartier Square, close to cozy cafés like Cordova and Campanelli, and grab brunch at Arthurs for their iconic latkes or gravlax sandwich. Afterward, visit the Bradley Ertaskiran art gallery or enjoy some adrenaline-pumping fun at TNT Axe Throwing.
If relaxation is your style, pamper yourself at Beauté Cove spa or take a leisurely walk along the canal.
As the day winds down, head to Sumac for Middle Eastern flavours, 9 Tail Fox for Korean, or enjoy wine and pasta at BarBara.
When is the best time to visit Saint-Henri?
Plan your trip spring through fall when the shores of the Lachine Canal are alive and Atwater Market is a cornucopia of seasonal produce.
Which is the coolest neighbourhood in the world?
Notre-Dame-du-Mont in Marseilles, France, topped the list in 2024. Marseille’s cool crowd now gravitates towards the rebellious Notre-Dame-du-Mont, a colourful area with graffiti-covered alleys and tree-lined streets.
A hub for new arrivals and locals alike, around Rue de Lodi is a diverse mix of punks, artists, and old sailors gathering at lively terrasses, creating a vibrant, laid-back market atmosphere. Despite its small size, the neighbourhood is packed with galleries, restaurants, and hidden gems tucked behind pizza trucks.
What is the complete list of the coolest neighbourhoods in the world?
Here is the complete list of the 38 coolest neighbourhoods in the world right now:
1. Notre-Dame du Mont, Marseille, France
2. Mers Sultan, Casablanca, Morocco
3. Pererenan, Bali, Indonesia
4. Seongsu-dong, Seoul, South Korea
5. Kerns, Portland, USA
6. Stokes Croft & St Paul’s, Bristol, UK
7. Chippendale, Sydney, Australia
8. Principe Real, Lisbon, Portugal
9. Glória, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
10. Windsor, Melbourne, Australia
11. Zabłocie, Kraków, Poland
12. Little River, Miami, USA
13. Saint-Henri, Montreal, Canada
14. Punavuori, Helsinki, Finland
15. Gakugeidaigaku, Tokyo, Japan
16. Thao Dien, Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam
17. Flatbush, New York City, USA
18. Friedrichshain, Berlin, Germany
19. East City, Cape Town, South Africa
20. Belleville, Paris, France
21. Northbridge, Perth, Australia
22. Strathbungo, Glasgow, Scotland
23. Chacarita, Buenos Aires, Argentina
24. Leyton, London, UK
25. Inchicore, Dublin, Ireland
26. East Hollywood, Los Angeles, USA
27. Ekkamai, Bangkok, Thailand
28. San Rafael, Mexico City, Mexico
29. Mount Pleasant, Washington DC, USA
30. Bonfim, Porto, Portugal
31. Palace District, Budapest, Hungary
32. Brewerytown, Philadelphia, USA
33. Kowloon City, Hong Kong
34. Logan Square, Chicago, USA
35. Norwood, Adelaide, Australia
36. Osu, Accra, Ghana
37. Orchard, Singapore
38. Union Square, Somerville, USA
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