OK, historic specifics out of the way first: 1234 is housed in a wonderful 17th-century greystone building that is reportedly haunted. The gargoyles and stained glass are intact, although various improvements have been made over the years. Today, the space is a dance club, owned by a group of savvy young industry types that includes celebrated DJ MC Mario. The interior has been completely revamped and is stunning, the music is a good mix of exquisitely danceable stuff, and the line-ups out front became legendary almost as soon as the place opened.

Named for its location, high atop the Place Ville Marie tower at 737 feet above sea level, this place has awesome views, tons of space inside and out, and good drinks. The two-level interior has ample room for getting your groove on to techno and hip-hop, but if you're not a dancer don't let that deter you. 737 has plenty of comfy spots to chill out and nibble on a high-end appetizer while you sip a glass of champagne or a vodka martini.

This always-crowded tropical dance club is popular thanks to its African, Caribbean and Latin American rhythms. On Tuesdays and Wednesdays, the club offers live concerts; dancing is available throughout the week. In addition, the club participates in the Festival International Nuits d'Afrique de Montréal, which celebrates African and Caribbean culture with music, workshops, arts and other events.

A multi-level dance club with several bars and a big, mixed crowd, Club Unity is known as the biggest dance venue in the Gay Village. But it's also the friendliest and most diverse, with plenty of entertaining options if you just don't have the energy for booty-shaking but still want to be out and about, from karaoke to drag shows. DJs play a wide variety of music but know how to keep the club kids happy. Trendy but not at all pretentious!

Complexe Sky strives to be THE destination nightclub for the Montréal gay community. To that end, it has really added to its offerings over the last few years. Today's three-story club has your basic restaurant/bar combo on the first floor, with good food and drinks. The second floor features a weekend cabaret/drag dinner show, as well as a male strip club. The third floor is devoted to dancing, with a big dance floor and thumping music. Other perks? A rooftop terrace and even a pool.