One of, if not the most, picturesque areas of Montréal, Vieux-Montréal dates back to the New France colonial era of the 1600s and, albeit touristy these days, is a charming throwback to a long-bygone era.
Indeed, the whole area retains a very European and colonial flair to it. There are plenty of narrow cobblestone streets to walk through, as well as a variety of greener, more open spaces like the riverbank as well as the Champ de Mars separating it from the rest of the city to the west. Charming shops and restaurants abound, and the overall atmosphere is quite pleasant no matter how touristy it gets.