Downtown Vancouver Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Downtown Vancouver showing a skyscraper, modern architecture and a city
Downtown Vancouver which includes a city, a fountain and outdoor art
Photo provided by Tourism BC/Albert Normandin
Photo provided by Tourism BC/Albert Normandin
Downtown Vancouver showing cycling and a park as well as an individual male

Amble along the waterfront at Vancouver Harbour and visit theatres, shopping avenues and museums in the heart of one of Canada’s largest cities.

Downtown Vancouver is a vibrant and intriguing area with bright lights, skyscrapers and an eclectic port area. Many of the city’s main attractions and cultural highlights line the shores of the Vancouver Harbour and False Creek, which borders the city center. Experience the country’s diverse terrain with the FlyOver Canada simulator at Canada Place.

Arrive in the downtown area via the historic Waterfront Station, an example of the city’s impressive architecture. Admire its neoclassical style, red-brick façade and white columns. A few blocks southeast is GastownOpens in a new window, the oldest part of Vancouver’s downtown area. Enjoy the romantic ambiance here as you stroll down cobbled streets lined with Victorian houses.

For a more modern part of downtown Vancouver, visit the iconic shopping avenue of Robson StreetOpens in a new window. Browse upscale boutiques and immerse yourself in the fashionable setting. Dine in style at a sushi restaurant or enjoy an abundance of international cuisine along the street.

Visit the Vancouver Art Gallery to discover local artists and established international names. Peruse its collection of landscape paintings and modern photo exhibits. Another artistic highlight is the Queen Elizabeth Theatre, which hosts the Vancouver Opera and Ballet British Columbia. Watch a performance in the auditorium, which seats almost 3,000 people.

Spend some time in ChinatownOpens in a new window to see the Sam Kee Building, which is known as the world’s narrowest commercial edifice. Visit the Chinese Cultural Centre and enjoy Chinese food from one of the many restaurants. Relax in the Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden for some peace and quiet in the middle of the bustling city.

Downtown Vancouver is the sports hub of the city, with stadiums home to many of the city’s most popular teams. Attend an ice hockey match at Rogers Arena, where the Vancouver Canucks play. Watch Canadian football and soccer matches at BC Place Stadium.

Immediately north of the downtown area is one of the city’s highlights, Stanley ParkOpens in a new window. Follow nature trails for views of the mountains that surround the city, the expansive English Bay and dense forests.

Downtown Vancouver is a major transport hub for British Columbia and can be easily reached by bus, SkyTrain and on foot from surrounding Vancouver neighborhoods.


Popular places to visit

Activities


Our pick of the best Downtown Vancouver Hotel Deals

Pinnacle Hotel Harbourfront

Pinnacle Hotel Harbourfront

4 out of 5
1133 Hastings St W, Vancouver, BC
The price is NZ$513 per night from 30 July to 31 July
NZ$513
30 July - 31 July
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Vancouver. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a fitness center. Our guests praise the breakfast and the ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (6,976 reviews)
"Everything is good"

Reviewed on 23 Jul. 2025

Pinnacle Hotel Harbourfront
The Sutton Place Hotel Vancouver

The Sutton Place Hotel Vancouver

4.5 out of 5
845 Burrard St, Vancouver, BC
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is NZ$512 per night from 31 July to 1 Aug
NZ$512
31 July - 1 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this spa hotel in Vancouver. Enjoy free WiFi, a full-service spa, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the restaurant and the helpful ...
9/10 Wonderful! (3,165 reviews)
"Great convenient hotel in the downtown core. Our family stayed here while attending a concert and really enjoyed our stay. Despite being in the heart of the city, it was very quiet. Rooms are spacious, comfortable and very clean. We used the gym and pool which were great. Staff were friendly and ..."

Reviewed on 23 Jul. 2025

The Sutton Place Hotel Vancouver
YWCA Hotel

YWCA Hotel

2.5 out of 5
733 Beatty Street, Vancouver, BC
The price is NZ$272 per night from 29 July to 30 July
NZ$272
29 July - 30 July
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in Vancouver. Enjoy free WiFi, a fitness center, and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in our reviews. ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (2,589 reviews)
"Nice location and good service"

Reviewed on 23 Jul. 2025

YWCA Hotel
Sandman Hotel Vancouver Downtown

Sandman Hotel Vancouver Downtown

4 out of 5
180 W Georgia St, Vancouver, BC
The price is NZ$398 per night from 17 Aug to 18 Aug
NZ$398
17 Aug - 18 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star hotel in Vancouver. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 restaurants, and 2 bars/lounges. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in our reviews. ...
8/10 Very Good! (3,410 reviews)
"Hotel is older but clean, was pretty quiet. The parking under the hotel is a full gong show, they are repairing maybe? but it’s all fenced off and hard to navigate and for $25 a day it should be better hopefully it will be repaired soon."

Reviewed on 24 Jul. 2025

Sandman Hotel Vancouver Downtown
Hyatt Regency Vancouver

Hyatt Regency Vancouver

4.5 out of 5
655 Burrard St, Vancouver, BC
The price is NZ$606 per night from 17 Aug to 18 Aug
NZ$606
17 Aug - 18 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this spa hotel in Vancouver. Enjoy free WiFi, a full-service spa, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (2,393 reviews)
"My grandchilds new fave hitel"

Reviewed on 23 Jul. 2025

Hyatt Regency Vancouver
Fairmont Hotel Vancouver

Fairmont Hotel Vancouver

4.5 out of 5
900 West Georgia St, Vancouver, BC
The price is NZ$550 per night from 6 Aug to 7 Aug
NZ$550
6 Aug - 7 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Vancouver. Enjoy breakfast (surcharge), room service, and a health club. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (2,152 reviews)
Great place for families
"This place was great. My client loved the pool for his son. Will definitely book this hotel for all future clients. Thank you for making this trip special for them."

Reviewed on 23 Jul. 2025

Fairmont Hotel Vancouver
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Other neighbourhoods around Downtown Vancouver

Default Image

Crosstown

While you're in Crosstown, take in top sights like Island View Family Golf Centre and jump on the metro at Stadium-Chinatown Station to see more of the city.

Crosstown
Gastown showing a statue or sculpture, a monument and outdoor art

Central Vancouver

3/5(1 area review)

If you're spending time in Central Vancouver, check out sights like Canada Place Cruise Ship Terminal or BC Place Stadium and hop on the metro to see more of the city at Granville Station or Vancouver City Center Station.

Central Vancouver
Yaletown which includes street scenes, a city and night scenes

Yaletown

Take time in Yaletown to visit attractions like Robson Street and Roundhouse Community Arts & Recreation Centre. You might also appreciate the abundant dining options, and you can hop on the metro at Yaletown-Roundhouse Station to see more of the city.

Yaletown
Gastown which includes street scenes, café lifestyle and a city

Gastown

3.5/5(10 area reviews)

Gastown is popular for its abundant dining options, and if you're looking for more to see and do, you might think about a trip to Gastown Steam Clock or Main Street.

Gastown
West End which includes street scenes, a city and signage

West End

The stunning beaches and popular shops are just a few highlights of West End. Make a stop by Robson Street or Sunset Beach while you're exploring the area.

West End
Default Image

Coal Harbour

The captivating waterfront views and popular shops are a few things travellers love about Coal Harbour. Check out Vancouver Waterfront or Jack Poole Plaza while you're visiting, and jump aboard the metro at Burrard Station to get around town.

Coal Harbour


Downtown Vancouver Travel Guide

Choose two or more items and save on your trip: