Montreal is an attractive city for many reasons. Its francophone tone and vaguely European feel are a plus for many visitors from the US. Yet the architecture, cuisine and culture are all familiar enough to not seem foreign. And then, of course, there is the geography. It's faster and cheaper to go to Montreal than to, say, Paris.

One of Montreal's best neighborhoods is the Quartier Latin. Canada's lax immigration laws have made this part of the city a melting pot of cuisines and cultures.

The most attractive aspect of the Quartier Latin is its prices. The neighborhood is packed with restaurants offering good food on the cheap. If you are looking for good value, this is the district of Montreal to visit. The prices draw students and artists, giving the area a cutting edge, happy-go-lucky vibe.

Despite its name, the Quartier Latin often has more of an Asian flare than a Latin one. Indian and Japanese restaurants are commonplace and there is more than one Arab-themed caf? where hookahs are common tabletop accessories. However, the bistros and cafes of the neighborhood are the most popular. Many serve micro-brewed beers and house specialties.

Because of its youthful vibe, the city is also home to numerous nightspots. Foufounes ?lectriques is the premiere venue for indie rock acts. Unlike some of the more pretentious bars in town, visitors will feel welcome in this huge but laid back space. National and international acts sometimes appear here.

Soci't? des arts technologiques (SAT) is part art gallery and part dance club. DJs spin to packed houses on the weekend. There are digital art installations throughout the venue. This is a good place to plug in to the local art scene.

The Quartier Latin is a good place to find the friendly and cutting edge aspects of Montreal.