Tomatoes at stall at Marche Jean-Talon market.

Tom Robinson

Marché Jean-Talon

Top choice in Montréal


The pride of Little Italy, this huge covered market is Montréal’s most diverse. Many chefs buy ingredients for their menus here or in the specialty food shops nearby. Three long covered aisles are packed with merchants selling fruit, vegetables, flowers and baked goods, all flanked by delis and cafe-restaurants with tiny patios. Even in winter, the market is open under big tents.

Snackers can nibble on sandwiches, crepes, tacos, pastries, ice cream, fresh juices and excellent coffee. Be sure to stop by Le Marché des Saveurs du Québec, one of the few large stores here and devoted entirely to Québec specialties such as wine and cider, fresh cheeses, smoked meats, preserves and a huge number of tasteful gifts.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Montréal attractions

1. Église Madonna Della Difesa

0.18 MILES

Our Lady of Protection Church was built in 1919 according to the drawings of Florence-born Guido Nincheri (1885–1973), who spent the next two decades…

2. Parc St-Viateur

1.15 MILES

Just off Rue Bernard a small pedestrian lane leads to this small but handsomely landscaped neighborhood park. It has a bridge over a narrow circular…

3. Parc Outremont

1.34 MILES

One of Montréal’s best-kept secrets, this small leafy space is a great place for a bit of quiet time after exploring the neighborhood. Lovely Victorian…

4. TOHU

1.44 MILES

Montréal’s circus mecca resides in the working-class St-Michel district, and is a great place to see a show. This innovative complex (from the French…

5. Église St-Viateur d’Outremont

1.55 MILES

If you are already on Ave Laurier for the shopping and food, poke your head into this church, opened in 1913. The interior is pure Gothic Revival with…

6. Avenue du Mont-Royal

1.77 MILES

Old-fashioned five-and-dime stores rub shoulders with a wide array of trendy cafes and fashion boutiques on Ave du Mont-Royal. The nightlife here has…

7. Parc du Portugal

1.91 MILES

This quaint little park is dedicated to Portuguese immigrants and their community, founded in Montréal in 1953. At the rear of the park, next to the…

8. Cimetière Mont-Royal

2.02 MILES

Cimetière Mont-Royal was founded in 1852 for the last journey of Presbyterians, Anglicans, Unitarians, Baptists and nondenominationals. In 1901 it opened…