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These are Montreal’s 5 sneakiest tourist traps, according to people who live in the city

<img src="https://www.mtlblog.com/media-library/montreal-s-old-port-featuring-the-illuminated-grande-roue-de-montreal-and-a-colourful-ice-skating-rink-surrounded-by-snow-and-c.png?id=55832575&width=1200&height=800&coordinates=0%2C29%2C0%2C30"/><br/><br/><p>Like any major city, Montreal has two sides — one the tourists see and one they don't.</p><p>For folks passing through, essential stops throughout the city often include a handful of bucket list items such as climbing Mount Royal, <a href="https://www.mtlblog.com/montreal/montreal-bagels">having a world-famous Montreal bagel</a>, and attending a Canadiens game.</p><p>However, not everything catered to visitors is worth their while. </p><p>With that in mind, <a href="https://www.mtlblog.com/r/entryeditor/<iframe%20src=%22https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FMTLBlog%2Fposts%2Fpfbid0pH7NZQipu2hBGuLYDaK8DVoMBSfi9Kz88mukKAk5gjZdWCrmWWK9ffJqKYkAWXFdl&show_text=true&width=500%22%20width=%22500%22%20height=%22250%22%20style=%22border:none;overflow:hidden%22%20scrolling=%22no%22%20frameborder=%220%22%20allowfullscreen=%22true%22%20allow=%22autoplay;%20clipboard-write;%20encrypted-media;%20picture-in-picture;%20web-share%22%3E</iframe%3E" target="_self">we asked MTL Blog's social media followers</a> one simple question: "What do you think is <a href="https://www.mtlblog.com/montreal-tourist-attractions-ranked-disappointing-canada">Montreal's biggest tourist trap</a>?"</p><p>Our readers didn't disappoint, getting specific with what they thought tourists (or locals!) should skip the next time they're in town.</p><p>With that said, here's a list of activities visitors might want to think twice about based on the top responses.</p><h3>The "underground city"</h3><br/><blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/DAjP5zRTPu3/" data-instgrm-version="4" style="background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:658px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);"> <div style="padding:8px;"> <div style="background:#F8F8F8; line-height:0; margin-top:40px; padding:50% 0; text-align:center; width:100%;"> <div style="background:url(data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAACwAAAAsCAMAAAApWqozAAAAGFBMVEUiIiI9PT0eHh4gIB4hIBkcHBwcHBwcHBydr+JQAAAACHRSTlMABA4YHyQsM5jtaMwAAADfSURBVDjL7ZVBEgMhCAQBAf//42xcNbpAqakcM0ftUmFAAIBE81IqBJdS3lS6zs3bIpB9WED3YYXFPmHRfT8sgyrCP1x8uEUxLMzNWElFOYCV6mHWWwMzdPEKHlhLw7NWJqkHc4uIZphavDzA2JPzUDsBZziNae2S6owH8xPmX8G7zzgKEOPUoYHvGz1TBCxMkd3kwNVbU0gKHkx+iZILf77IofhrY1nYFnB/lQPb79drWOyJVa/DAvg9B/rLB4cC+Nqgdz/TvBbBnr6GBReqn/nRmDgaQEej7WhonozjF+Y2I/fZou/qAAAAAElFTkSuQmCC); display:block; height:44px; margin:0 auto -44px; position:relative; top:-22px; width:44px;"> </div> </div> <p style=" margin:8px 0 0 0; padding:0 4px;"> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DAjP5zRTPu3/" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_top">See on Instagram</a> </p> </div> </blockquote><script async="" defer="" src="//platform.instagram.com/en_US/embeds.js"></script><p>Visitors often get excited when they hear about Montreal having a grand underground city. In reality, it's more of a shopping mall connected through a series of tunnels and Metro stations.</p><p>"Tourists think it's a historic archaeological underground urban wonder, like Troy. Boy, are they disappointed to see only an extended shopping mall," one Facebook user remarked.</p><p>Unless you're looking to escape a snowstorm, this might not be the hidden wonder that you're expecting.</p><h3>Eating in the Old Port</h3><br/><blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/C_ETFdUxKMY/" data-instgrm-version="4" style="background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:658px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);"> <div style="padding:8px;"> <div style="background:#F8F8F8; line-height:0; margin-top:40px; padding:50% 0; text-align:center; width:100%;"> <div style="background:url(data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAACwAAAAsCAMAAAApWqozAAAAGFBMVEUiIiI9PT0eHh4gIB4hIBkcHBwcHBwcHBydr+JQAAAACHRSTlMABA4YHyQsM5jtaMwAAADfSURBVDjL7ZVBEgMhCAQBAf//42xcNbpAqakcM0ftUmFAAIBE81IqBJdS3lS6zs3bIpB9WED3YYXFPmHRfT8sgyrCP1x8uEUxLMzNWElFOYCV6mHWWwMzdPEKHlhLw7NWJqkHc4uIZphavDzA2JPzUDsBZziNae2S6owH8xPmX8G7zzgKEOPUoYHvGz1TBCxMkd3kwNVbU0gKHkx+iZILf77IofhrY1nYFnB/lQPb79drWOyJVa/DAvg9B/rLB4cC+Nqgdz/TvBbBnr6GBReqn/nRmDgaQEej7WhonozjF+Y2I/fZou/qAAAAAElFTkSuQmCC); display:block; height:44px; margin:0 auto -44px; position:relative; top:-22px; width:44px;"> </div> </div> <p style=" margin:8px 0 0 0; padding:0 4px;"> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/C_ETFdUxKMY/" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_top">See on Instagram</a> </p> </div> </blockquote><script async="" defer="" src="//platform.instagram.com/en_US/embeds.js"></script><p>Montreal is notorious for having an excellent food scene. Unfortunately, most of its finest establishments are outside the city's central tourist hub.</p><p>"I used to live in the Old Port," one Facebook user said. "A lot of the restaurants are, how should I say this, not catering to return customers."</p><p>Others took the opportunity to vent about the current state of the area. "It has been converted into a shanty town of T-shirts and souvenir shot glass vendors... Used to be a classy neighbourhood," another Montrealer chimed in.</p><p>While the Old Port itself is worth a stroll, you may want to venture elsewhere for a <a href="https://www.mtlblog.com/you-havent-dined-montreal-unless-youve-tried-these-spots-once">genuinely authentic Montreal meal</a>.</p><h3>La Ronde</h3><br/><blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/C9AHGllRPZZ/?img_index=1" data-instgrm-version="4" style="background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:658px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);"> <div style="padding:8px;"> <div style="background:#F8F8F8; line-height:0; margin-top:40px; padding:50% 0; text-align:center; width:100%;"> <div style="background:url(data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAACwAAAAsCAMAAAApWqozAAAAGFBMVEUiIiI9PT0eHh4gIB4hIBkcHBwcHBwcHBydr+JQAAAACHRSTlMABA4YHyQsM5jtaMwAAADfSURBVDjL7ZVBEgMhCAQBAf//42xcNbpAqakcM0ftUmFAAIBE81IqBJdS3lS6zs3bIpB9WED3YYXFPmHRfT8sgyrCP1x8uEUxLMzNWElFOYCV6mHWWwMzdPEKHlhLw7NWJqkHc4uIZphavDzA2JPzUDsBZziNae2S6owH8xPmX8G7zzgKEOPUoYHvGz1TBCxMkd3kwNVbU0gKHkx+iZILf77IofhrY1nYFnB/lQPb79drWOyJVa/DAvg9B/rLB4cC+Nqgdz/TvBbBnr6GBReqn/nRmDgaQEej7WhonozjF+Y2I/fZou/qAAAAAElFTkSuQmCC); display:block; height:44px; margin:0 auto -44px; position:relative; top:-22px; width:44px;"> </div> </div> <p style=" margin:8px 0 0 0; padding:0 4px;"> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/C9AHGllRPZZ/?img_index=1" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_top">See on Instagram</a> </p> </div> </blockquote><script async="" defer="" src="//platform.instagram.com/en_US/embeds.js"></script><p>Most Montrealers have been to La Ronde at least once. While some love it, plenty of folks were quick to call Quebec's largest amusement park a total tourist trap.</p><p>"There was a time when La Ronde was a great theme park. But no longer," one local noted.</p><p><span></span>If you're used to bigger theme parks like Canada's Wonderland or Six Flags, you might find some of La Ronde's attractions underwhelming to say the least.</p><h3>La Grande Roue</h3><br/><blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/C_am4_pg8d-/" data-instgrm-version="4" style="background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:658px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);"> <div style="padding:8px;"> <div style="background:#F8F8F8; line-height:0; margin-top:40px; padding:50% 0; text-align:center; width:100%;"> <div style="background:url(data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAACwAAAAsCAMAAAApWqozAAAAGFBMVEUiIiI9PT0eHh4gIB4hIBkcHBwcHBwcHBydr+JQAAAACHRSTlMABA4YHyQsM5jtaMwAAADfSURBVDjL7ZVBEgMhCAQBAf//42xcNbpAqakcM0ftUmFAAIBE81IqBJdS3lS6zs3bIpB9WED3YYXFPmHRfT8sgyrCP1x8uEUxLMzNWElFOYCV6mHWWwMzdPEKHlhLw7NWJqkHc4uIZphavDzA2JPzUDsBZziNae2S6owH8xPmX8G7zzgKEOPUoYHvGz1TBCxMkd3kwNVbU0gKHkx+iZILf77IofhrY1nYFnB/lQPb79drWOyJVa/DAvg9B/rLB4cC+Nqgdz/TvBbBnr6GBReqn/nRmDgaQEej7WhonozjF+Y2I/fZou/qAAAAAElFTkSuQmCC); display:block; height:44px; margin:0 auto -44px; position:relative; top:-22px; width:44px;"> </div> </div> <p style=" margin:8px 0 0 0; padding:0 4px;"> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/C_am4_pg8d-/" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_top">See on Instagram</a> </p> </div> </blockquote><script async="" defer="" src="//platform.instagram.com/en_US/embeds.js"></script><p>It's hard to miss this massive Ferris wheel in the Old Port, but opinions are divided on its value.</p><p>Many commenters agreed the view was nice but not worth the steep entry price. </p><p>Considering adult tickets go for upwards of $27 a ride, we see their point.</p><h3>Schwartz's Deli</h3><br/><blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/DESbyd8JiZ6/" data-instgrm-version="4" style="background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:658px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);"> <div style="padding:8px;"> <div style="background:#F8F8F8; line-height:0; margin-top:40px; padding:50% 0; text-align:center; width:100%;"> <div style="background:url(data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAACwAAAAsCAMAAAApWqozAAAAGFBMVEUiIiI9PT0eHh4gIB4hIBkcHBwcHBwcHBydr+JQAAAACHRSTlMABA4YHyQsM5jtaMwAAADfSURBVDjL7ZVBEgMhCAQBAf//42xcNbpAqakcM0ftUmFAAIBE81IqBJdS3lS6zs3bIpB9WED3YYXFPmHRfT8sgyrCP1x8uEUxLMzNWElFOYCV6mHWWwMzdPEKHlhLw7NWJqkHc4uIZphavDzA2JPzUDsBZziNae2S6owH8xPmX8G7zzgKEOPUoYHvGz1TBCxMkd3kwNVbU0gKHkx+iZILf77IofhrY1nYFnB/lQPb79drWOyJVa/DAvg9B/rLB4cC+Nqgdz/TvBbBnr6GBReqn/nRmDgaQEej7WhonozjF+Y2I/fZou/qAAAAAElFTkSuQmCC); display:block; height:44px; margin:0 auto -44px; position:relative; top:-22px; width:44px;"> </div> </div> <p style=" margin:8px 0 0 0; padding:0 4px;"> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DESbyd8JiZ6/" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_top">See on Instagram</a> </p> </div> </blockquote><script async="" defer="" src="//platform.instagram.com/en_US/embeds.js"></script><p>It may be hard to believe, but this <a href="https://www.mtlblog.com/oldest-montreal-restaurants-still-open" target="_self">beloved Montreal institution</a> topped the list of Montreal's biggest tourist hotspots, according to our readers.</p><p>Many claimed the 98-year-old smoked meat shop's famous sandwich wasn't worth the hype or the long lines.</p><p>"Schwartz's Deli. Mediocre smoked meat at tourist prices," one straight-talking user commented.</p><p>Others hesitated to call it a tourist trap, torn between the steep price and the undeniable taste.</p><p>"I hate to say it, but Schwartz's Deli," another added.</p><p>While the deli is not cheap and can be a bit crowded, it's hard to call it a "trap" once you've taken a bite of their iconic sandwich. Nevertheless, the people have spoken!</p><p>What's more, it seems like some of these responses reflect wider trends when it comes to Montreal's overrated destinations.</p><p>Last year, Preply analyzed Tripadvisor reviews from over 130 tourist attractions across the country. <a href="https://www.mtlblog.com/montreal-tourist-attractions-ranked-disappointing-canada" target="_self">Montreal's La Ronde was crowned Canada's second-worst attraction</a> (behind Marineland in Niagara Falls), with 51.86% " of reviewers describing it as "disappointing."</p><p>Two more Montreal spots ranked on the list: the Olympic Park (30.80% of people were disappointed) and the Biodome (21.86%). Zoom out to the top 20, and Montreal makes the list again (yikes), with Rue Sainte-Catherine placing 16th.</p><p><span></span>Meanwhile, some of our readers took the question a little too literally, either calling the entire city a tourist trap or pointing to people getting "trapped" in the city's infamous array of potholes.</p><p>"Probably the potholes, tourists get in one and just can’t get back out," one user commented</p><p>Looking for more local insights? In a video we filmed a few months back, Montrealers shared their thoughts on other popular spots often labelled as tourist traps, such as the Orange Julep, La Banquise, and the Montreal Science Centre.</p><p class="shortcode-media shortcode-media-youtube"> <span class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="81ad26c5a3738fcdccd5340a54cf7a69" style="display:block;position:relative;padding-top:56.25%;"><iframe frameborder="0" height="auto" lazy-loadable="true" scrolling="no" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/PX4f_1UvDz0?rel=0" style="position:absolute;top:0;left:0;width:100%;height:100%;" width="100%"></iframe></span> </p><p>Taking all these responses into account, it's become clear that tourist traps are often just a matter of perspective.</p><p>What you may deem a rip-off, others might see as an unmissable experience — and hey, at least these hotspots help keep the crowds away from <a href="https://www.mtlblog.com/tag/hidden-gem-montreal" target="_blank">Montreal’s real hidden gems</a>.</p>