Best places and local gem to see during weekend in Montreal

I agree re having a stroll along Boulevard Saint-Laurent.. A lot of the most interesting, hip-but-low-key places are to be found in the Mile-End and Le Plateauneighbourhoods.

Like with its restos, there are too many great cafés in Montreal to name, but one each for a few different spots: Pikolo Espresso Bar, Café Myriade, Flocon Espresso, Olive et Gourmando (great sandwiches at this one). Or, chose your poison: http://adbeus.com/

go and have a walk along Boulevard Saint-Laurent, north of Sherbrooke, there are lots of small stores and restaurants- try the smoked meat Schwartz's at 3895 St-Laurent

Agree with lots of answers here. 

I would add check out Marché Jean-Talon or Marché Atwater for some seasonal goods; not only will you find cheap eats but lots of local/gourmet foods and seasonal delicacies. For some inspiring clothing, I would go on Boulevard Saint-Laurent or Avenue du Mont-Royal there are lots of cool thrift/independent boutiques. Bear in mind that Montrealers love to eat and dress well, so there are many cheap places to buy clothes through the city European flair also means that major stores such as La Maison Simons .

For some low-key dancing, there are many places, from salsa at Salsateque and the many bars in Le Plateau - nightclubs can be found in the heart of downtown on Boulevard Saint-Laurent and Crescent street. 

Two of my favourites: best coffee Café Différanceon viger street, e you go to Vitoria square to enjoy it. Best pizza FCO Pizza & Gelato (also on viger) with awesome gelato...

Don't forget to try the poutine at 4 am!!

No need to speak french btw, just greet everybody with Bonjour will go a long way,so will merci and s'il vous plaît. Avoid the "voulez-vous coucher avec moi ce soir" - stick to "vous êtes ravissante" and you'll thank me for it.

Hope you have a great time.

Best coffee is Caffè Italia at6840 boul. St. Lawrence, in Little Italy( cross st Dante). Hidden gem, better coffees than chains, Starbucks, Second Cup, Tim Horton etc.

While in Little Italy 1 block away on 48 Dante-at Impasto - newly opened by TV chef Stefano Faita. worth the trip.

Re unique/ thrift stores- walk along Mont-Royal Est ( east of St Lawrence) and you will pass many unique shops.

Another resto to eat at La Vieille Crêperie Bretonne Ty-Breiz, 933 Rachel Street East, authentic French ( from Breton ) creperie and onion soup.- The best in the city for over 50 years.

Great affordable chocolate themed restaurant: Cacao 70 http://cacao70.ca/ 2087 Ste. Catherine West, Montreal, QC H3H 1M6,

my favorite restaurant in mtl: Club (Le) Chasse Et Pêche Restaurant http://www.leclubchasseetpeche.com/en/423, St-Claude street Montreal, QC, H2Y 3B6

thrift store Eva B (kind a chaotic and crowded with stuff but lots of good finds ): 2015, BOUL. ST-LAURENT MONTRÉAL, QC

I dont drink coffe but there's this amazing tea salon. (Lots of choice friendly and helpfull staff ) Camellia Sinensishttp://camellia-sinensis.com/en/tea-house

If you go for a walk in Saint-Henri and in the miles end you'll probably find lots of interesting places like shops and galleries. I don't remember many names or address 

thrift store La Gaillarde (lots of pretty suf and very clean) 4019 Notre-Dame Rue W Montreal, QC H4C 1R3

you can always go on www.yelp.ca to see what other people think of those places ;)

You want to check out 2 major districts for low-key dancing: Boulevard Saint-Laurent (has an amazing night-life) + Crescent street(more touristy). Best Coffee joint is any Second Cup location very Starbucks-ish....Local gems: Schwartz's is where Montreal Smoked Meat was (possibly?) invented. For breakfast you should try Chez Cora (now called Cora).