Nicholas Kyriacopoulos: Shocking Things about Montreal
Montreal is one of Canada’s most beloved cities, and its reputation is well-deserved. The city has a plethora of things to see and do, for both locals and visitors. Those who have grown up in Montreal, including successful Montreal entrepreneur Nicholas Kyriacopoulos, know the city has a lot of experiences to offer that often fly under the radar. Here are his favorite things about Montreal that you might not have heard about:
The Underground City
Did you know that Montreal has over 20 miles of pedestrian tunnels? These tunnels connect museums, hotels, banks, offices, schools, and metro stations, enabling more than half a million people to get around the city every day during the cold winter months. It even features an underground shopping mall.
Diverse Culture
More than a third of Montreal’s population is made up of minorities from a diverse array of national and ethnic backgrounds, all of whom have introduced their culture to the city. With a mix of Greek, Russian, and Jewish heritage, Nicholas Kyriacopoulos has always welcomed the opportunity to enjoy and learn from other cultures that this diversity provides. This makes Montreal a great cultural center, whether you are interested in history, museums, music, cuisine, or more.
A Bilingual City
There are not many cities in North America that are truly bilingual, but Montreal is definitely one of them. Being in Montreal means living in a city where just about everyone speaks at least two languages; both English and French are considered native tongues of the city, and it is not uncommon to hear both spoken within the same conversation. There is no need to worry if you only speak one, however, as almost everyone is ready to converse in either language.
A Wide Range of Cuisine
It’s hardly surprising that as a place with such diverse cultures, Nicholas Kyriacopoulos’ hometown also offers a very wide range of cuisines to sample. You can easily find top quality restaurants, cafes, and street food vendors offering everything from local Canadian dishes to Greek, Korean, or Ethiopian cuisines. Whatever your tastes, Montreal can provide it.
Beautiful Parks
Montreal is full of beautiful parks throughout the city, ensuring you can always find the perfect spot, whether you are going for a romantic picnic, taking the kids out for a fun day, or just looking for a spot to lay down and soak up the sun in the summer. As Nicholas Kyriacopoulos will point out, most residents have the choice between several green spaces to visit within easy walking distance.
The Picnic Law
As is the case in most of North America, drinking alcohol in public places is strictly prohibited in Montreal. However, there is an exception to this law for circumstances in which you are eating a meal. such as if you are having a picnic at one of Montreal’s many parks. This means you are free to enjoy a glass of wine with your picnic, or a beer with your barbeque – and yes, you can barbeque. Locals, including Nicholas Kyriacopoulos, often do so in Montreal’s designated parks.
These are merely some of the things that make Montreal a unique place to live, and to visit. The appeal of the city won’t be a mystery for very long once you spend just a few days exploring, and experiencing the city.
