Montreal, Canada

Block after block, one after another, they spill forth from second floor balconies down to the sidewalk. One of Montreal’s defining features, outside staircases line the streets of the city’s most charming neighborhoods, providing private entry to second floor apartments in multi-unit buildings known as plexes. Some stairways are one long, graceful curve. Others have a sharp twisty turn at the top. Many are marvels of metalwork, supported by just one or two thin steel poles underneath. No two are alike. 

Much has been written about the what and why of these unique stairways. (This article has a good overview.) When in Montreal, simply stroll awhile and take in the rhythm, geometry and details of these functional yet fanciful architectural delights. Be sure to walk through Montreal’s alleys as well to catch the fantastic spirals on the back side of the buildings.