Downtown Vancouver Travel Guide

Tourist Guide
Downtown Vancouver which includes a city, a fountain and outdoor art
Amble along the waterfront at Vancouver Harbour and visit theaters, 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 Gastown, 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 Street. 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 Chinatown 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 Park. 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

Moda Hotel
Moda Hotel
3.5 out of 5
900 Seymour St, Vancouver, BC
The price is NZ$184 per night from 2 Apr to 3 Apr
NZ$184
per night
2 Apr - 3 Apr
Stay at this 3.5-star hotel in Vancouver. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 restaurants, and breakfast. Our guests praise the restaurant and the bar in our reviews. Popular ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,899 reviews)
"It was a nice little room."

Reviewed on 27 Mar. 2024

Moda Hotel
Pinnacle Hotel Harbourfront
Pinnacle Hotel Harbourfront
4 out of 5
1133 Hastings St W, Vancouver, BC
The price is NZ$284 per night from 1 Apr to 2 Apr
NZ$284
per night
1 Apr - 2 Apr
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Vancouver. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast, and room service. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in our reviews. ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (4,402 reviews)
"Had a great stay & beautiful view!"

Reviewed on 26 Mar. 2024

Pinnacle Hotel Harbourfront
Rosedale On Robson Suite Hotel
Rosedale On Robson Suite Hotel
3.5 out of 5
838 Hamilton Street, Vancouver, BC
The price is NZ$291 per night from 30 Mar to 31 Mar
NZ$291
per night
30 Mar - 31 Mar
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Vancouver. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast, and room service. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,835 reviews)
"Great hotel the suite was very nice with a living room and kitchen to use if needed! The staff were very welcoming and friendly and check in was easy. I did find the blankets on the bed were not very thick so I was cold but I did find an additional throw in the closet. Great hotel!"

Reviewed on 28 Mar. 2024

Rosedale On Robson Suite Hotel
The Burrard
The Burrard
3 out of 5
1100 Burrard Street, Vancouver, BC
The price is NZ$251 per night from 1 Apr to 2 Apr
NZ$251
per night
1 Apr - 2 Apr
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Vancouver. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast, and free bicycles on site. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,993 reviews)
Fun hotel but dont bring truck
"We make an annual trip together as a family yearly, to Vancouver. We like the location, cool vibe and price point of The Burrard. My only complaint is parking. My f150 truck is just too big for the indoor parking area. I barely get in or out each time. Will need another option next time we ..."

Reviewed on 25 Mar. 2024

The Burrard
Pan Pacific Vancouver
Pan Pacific Vancouver
4.5 out of 5
999 Canada Pl, Vancouver, BC
The price is NZ$372 per night from 1 Apr to 2 Apr
NZ$372
per night
1 Apr - 2 Apr
Stay at this spa hotel in Vancouver. Enjoy 3 restaurants, a full-service spa, and breakfast. Our guests praise the pool and the bar in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (3,042 reviews)
"Beautiful area!"

Reviewed on 28 Mar. 2024

Pan Pacific Vancouver
Fairmont Waterfront
Fairmont Waterfront
4.5 out of 5
900 Canada Place Way, Vancouver, BC
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is NZ$399 per night from 9 Apr to 10 Apr
NZ$399
per night
9 Apr - 10 Apr
Stay at this luxury hotel in Vancouver. Enjoy a rooftop terrace, breakfast, and WiFi. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,298 reviews)
"Fairmont, always the best"

Reviewed on 26 Mar. 2024

Fairmont Waterfront
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

Gastown showing street scenes, a city and outdoor eating

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 Port of Vancouver and hop on the metro to see more of the city at Granville Station or Vancouver City Center Station.

Central Vancouver
Yaletown showing 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 a city, café lifestyle and street scenes

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 Hotel Europe.

Gastown
West End featuring signage, a city and street scenes

West End

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

West End
Chinatown showing heritage architecture

Chinatown

Well liked for its restaurants and gardens, Chinatown is worth a visit. Check out the variety of things to see and do like Rickshaw Theatre and Main Street, and jump on the metro at Stadium-Chinatown Station to get around the city.

Chinatown
Chinatown showing signage

Downtown Eastside

2/5(19 area reviews)

Travellers come to Downtown Eastside for its lively bars, and you can see top attractions like Port of Vancouver and Rickshaw Theatre while you're in town.

Downtown Eastside


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