Vancouver/City Centre - neighbourhood of Vancouver, Canada

The City Centre is the heart of Vancouver's downtown and contains the city's Financial District, the Granville Entertainment district, and many of its hotels, clubs and historical buildings. For the visitor, it's a good base from which to explore Vancouver because of its easy access to public transit, shops and restaurants. And if you want to sample Vancouver's cuisine or nightlife, or take in the mountains and harbour, it's a great place to be.

Get in

See Vancouver for options to get in the Vancouver area by plane, by bus, and by train, and by boat.

The City Centre is the destination for most transit users, so it's not much of a stretch to say most roads, buses and trains lead here.

By boat

Cruise ships travelling from Alaska, Washington, California, and Mexico, arrive a Canada Place (see listing under Architecture section), which is adjacent to Waterfront station.

At the north end of downtown, Seabus, a part TransLink's public transit network, which travels between downtown (Waterfront station) and North Vancouver (Lonsdale Quay).

South of downtown, in False Creek, both Aquabus and False Creek Ferries provide similar routes serving Yaletown and False Creek, including Science World and the Olympic Village, with connections to Granville Island and Kitsilano (this destination only by False Creek Ferries). Fares range between $2.50 and $6.50, depending on the distance traveled.

By car

Driving into and around downtown isn't usually a problem outside of rush hour, but it can be a nuisance (particularly parking), so your best bet is to leave your car outside of the city centre to take public transit. If you drive, Georgia Street is the main street through the CBD. It continues on through Stanley Park and the West End and across the Lions Gate Bridge to the North Shore. Access from the south is by bridge over False Creek (the Burrard, Granville and Cambie bridges). All of them will lead downtown so just take the one closest to you.

Parking downtown is as you would expect for a city centre: expensive and, at times, hard to find. Expect to pay between $12-25/day for parking in a parkade. On-street parking meters are in effect from 9AM-10PM, 7 days a week. Many of the streets become no parking zones during rush hour.

Get around

There are plenty of bike rental stores in the area, from which there's easy access to the seawall and Stanley Park.

• Van City Bikes, Waterfront Station, 601 W Cordova St #25 (inside Waterfront Station), +1 604-559-5450, contact@vancitybikes.com. 8am–8pm every day. High quality bike rentals at reasonable prices. 2019-09-12

By public transit

TransLink, +1-604-953-3333. The main public transit network in the Vancouver area, including: Bowen Island, Burnaby, Coquitlam, Delta, Langley, Lions Bay, Maple Ridge, New Westminster, North Vancouver, Port Coquitlam, Pitt Meadows, Port Moody, Richmond, Surrey, Vancouver, West Vancouver, and White Rock. Its network includes buses, SkyTrain (rail rapid transit), SeaBus (ferries), West Coast Express (commuter rail), and HandyDART (door-to-door shared-ride service for those who cannot ride public transit without assistance).Passengers can pay for fares using Compass Cards ($6 refundable deposit), Compass Tickets, or tap-to-pay using contactless credit cards (only American Express, Mastercard or Visa) or mobile wallets. Passengers using Compass Cards and Compass Tickets pay discounted fares. Passengers can transfer for up to 90 minutes, except if taking West Coast Express, in which case they can transfer for up to 120 minutes. On bus and HandyDART, passengers can also pay in cash, but in that case will not receive change and are not eligible for transfers.Zone based fares apply between Monday and Friday for trips starting before 6:30 pm, if travel involves SkyTrain or SeaBus. Outside of those hours or for travel on only bus or HandyDART, a single zone rate applies. If traveling by West Coast Express, a higher cost zone based fare system applies regardless of time of travel.Children 12 and under can ride for free. People aged 13 to 18, and 65 and older pay discounted concession fares. 2022-03-27

By SkyTrain and bus

SkyTrain operates the Expo Line and Canada Line into this neighbourhood, terminating at Waterfront station. The Expo Line travels to Vancouver's downtown, Gastown-Chinatown, Yaletown-False Creek and East Van, and beyond Vancouver to Burnaby, New Westminster, and Surrey. The Canada Line travels to Vancouver's City Centre, Yaletown-False Creek, Mount Pleasant and South Vancouver, and beyond Vancouver to Vancouver International Airport and Richmond.

Waterfront station is the main hub (Cordova, at the foot of Granville St), with SkyTrain's Expo Line, SkyTrain's Canada Line, Seabus, and many bus routes terminating there. A large number of buses also pickup outside Burrard Station (corner of Burrard & Dunsmuir Sts) on the Expo Line, including those to Vancouver's Kitsilano. Most north-south bus routes pass by Granville station (Expo Line) and Vancouver City Centre station (Canada Line), which are stations across the street from each other. If travelling from North Vancouver or West Vancouver, buses travel by Burrard station, Granville station, and Vancouver City Centre station.

See

• Bill Reid Gallery of Northwest Coast Art, 639 Hornby St (W side of Hornby between W Georgia & Dunsmuir), 49.2846°, -123.1194°, +1 604-682-3455. W-Su 11AM-5PM. The Gallery showcases the permanent collection of acclaimed Haida artist Bill Reid (1920–1998) and changing exhibitions of contemporary Northwest Coast Art. Gallery highlights include over 40 pieces of Bill Reid’s gold and silver jewelry, Reid’s bronze masterpiece Mythic Messengers, several of Reid’s works that were featured on the Canadian $20 bill and a full-scale totem pole, carved by James Hart of Haida Gwaii. $5-$10
• Jack Poole Plaza (Olympic Cauldron), Canada Place & Thurlow St (at the foot of Thurlow St on the west side of Vancouver Convention Centre's west building), 49.2896°, -123.1174°. Brick-paved plaza with good views of the North Shore mountains, Stanley Park and Coal Harbour. It is also the home of the Olympic Cauldron. 2022-03-16
• Library Square & Vancouver Public Library, 350 W Georgia St, 49.279719°, -123.115625°, +1 604-331-3603. M-Th 10AM-9PM, F-Sa 10AM-6PM, Su noon-5PM. The modern and attractive central branch of the City of Vancouver's Public Library is located in an architecturally interesting building, designed by Moshe Safdie. Constructed as a 'square within a circle', this building is reminiscent of a modern Roman Colosseum. Its design was chosen in a public competition. There are large public spaces around the building and a nice atrium space in the lobby. Guest internet access is available at VPL and visitors can also obtain guest wireless privileges from the library. If you prefer not to obtain a guest login, there are a few terminals that allow access to selected resources (bus schedules, government pages, etc.) without logging in.
• Robson Square, 800 Block, Robson St (Robson & Howe St), 49.2825°, -123.1208°. Both an office building and public space designed by Vancouver architect Arthur Erikson, it houses the Provincial Courts and a satellite UBC campus. The building, which was built to represent a skyscraper on its side, is noted for its use of water and greenery and is mostly underground. The public space features a skating rink underneath Robson Street, which is the only outdoor rink in Vancouver. Skating is available during winter and is free, skate rentals are $3
• Vancouver Art Gallery, 750 Hornby St, 49.282875°, -123.120464°, +1 604-662-4719. You can see and learn a lot about Emily Carr in the permanent collection, but the rest of the gallery varies in quality depending on what they have been able to attract as special exhibits. Take advantage of admission by donation on Tuesday (5-9PM) and sample what is there before paying the full admission. $22.50 adult, $17 student
• Vancouver Lookout, 555 W Hastings St (top floor of Harbour Centre), 49.2846°, -123.1123°, +1 604-689-0421. Winter: daily 9AM-9PM; summer: daily 8:30AM-10:30PM. Located on the top floor of the Harbour Centre, the Lookout offers a full 360-degree panoramic view of the city from 130 m up. You'll see the downtown area, Stanley Park, the North Shore mountains and even the skyline of nearby Burnaby. The ticket is good for two trips during the day, so you can see it in the daytime and return for the sunset view. $18.25, discounts for children, seniors and students available; best prices if bought at Tourism Vancouver office 2022-08-11

Architecture

While Vancouver may not be famous for its architecture, the City Centre is home to some unique buildings both new and old.

• Canada Place, 999 Canada Pl (northwest of Waterfront station), 49.2886°, -123.111°. Built for Expo 86 as Canada's exhibit, today the building serves as a cruise ship terminal and the eastern building of Vancouver Convention Centre. It is also the site of an IMAX theatre and the luxurious Pan Pacific Hotel. Walk around the unique sailed structure and take in views of the building itself, Coal Harbour, and the North Shore. It uses white colour with a roof of funky "sails" or "waves", which is a curved triangular shape, that has made it a modern gem. 2022-03-16
• Christ Church Cathedral, 690 Burrard St, 49.2845°, -123.1205°. Vancouver's oldest surviving church was completed in 1889. Often in the shadow of its neighbour, the 23-storey Cathedral Place, you should visit in the afternoon to see the sun shining through the stained glass windows.
• Marine Building, 355 Burrard St, 49.2875°, -123.1171°. This 22-storey Art Deco office tower was completed in 1930. Because of the Great Depression, only four floors were occupied for the first several years. Note the attention to detail on both the exterior, and in the lobby.
• Hotel Vancouver, 900 W Georgia St, 49.283839°, -123.120959°. The third such hotel in this spot, the Hotel Vancouver was built over 11 years and completed in 1939. As with all Canadian Pacific hotels in Canada, the chateau-style is truly impressive. It was the tallest building in Vancouver until 1972. The hotel's first guests were King George and Queen Elizabeth. Bring binoculars for a close-up view of the building's many gargoyles.
• One Wall Centre (Sheraton Wall Centre), 1088 Burrard St, 49.2802°, -123.1261°. Voted the world's best new skyscraper in 2001 by Emporis.
• Telus Garden, 510 W Georgia Street. 2017-01-08
• Vancouver House. A neo-futurist residential skyscraper with 49 floors. Its base is a triangle, that gradually changes into a rectangle - giving it a very uncanny/slim shape from some angles. 2023-02-27

Do

• Vancouver Opera, 1945 McLean Drive, +1 604-683-0222. Offers world-class performances from some of the world's best composers. The listed address is the ticket office, which is not in Vancouver's downtown. Most performances take place at Queen Elizabeth Theatre, which hosts a variety of entertainment performances in the downtown area.
• Vancouver Symphony Orchestra, 884 Granville St, 49.2804°, -123.12101°, +1 604-876-3434. A great night out at reasonable prices. Students can purchase $10 tickets with the VSO Access Pass. Concerts generally take place at the Orpheum at the noted address.
• Long Table Distillery Ltd., 1451 Hornby St, 49.275774°, -123.132395°, +1 604-266-0177, info@longtabledistillery.com. F Sa 1-9PM, W Th 1-6PM. A craft distillery of vodkas, gins, and other spirits, many of which bubble in the back room. Free tastings are offered on a 14-foot recovered-tree "long table" in the front room. If your only experience of gin and vodka comes from uninspiring mass-market pap, you are in for a treat. The friendly staff love explaining the finer points of which aromatics go in which chamber of their gleaming, copper 300-litre still. On Friday evenings 4-6PM, they park a food truck out front and hold a gin and tonic happy hour. Follow the buzz at #TGIGNT on Twitter.

Events & festivals

• 4:20. On April 20th people congregate at the Vancouver Art Gallery to smoke marijuana and celebrate this unofficial holiday, a reflection of BC's relaxed attitudes towards cannabis.
• Canada Day at Canada Place, 999 Canada Pl (on a pier stretching north from Canada Place (a street) between Burrard and Howe Sts), events@canadaplace.ca. 1 Jul only, 10AM–7PM. A large, engaging, though somewhat corporate celebration of Canada's national holiday. The citizenship ceremony can be moving. There are usually several bands, fun activities for the kids, and exhibits of Canadian Forces and other bits of Canadiana. Free
• Canada Day Fireworks, +1 604-925-1912, events@canadaplace.ca. 1 Jul only, 10:30PM-11PM. There is a fireworks display after dark on Canada Day. Free viewing from streets, premium Canada Place seating for a fee 2022-08-10
• Vancouver Zombie Walk. Usually either in the summer or near Halloween, anyone can choose to dress up and act as the living dead during this parade through Downtown. Although this has only been in Vancouver for about 2 years, thousands of people have already participated, and at least 500 people each year join in on this zombie walk. It is free, and mostly for plain fun, and is also an unofficial event. Each year, there is a set meeting spot. Everyone then walks throughout Downtown and up streets and parks all in one large group.
• Public Dreams Illuminares Lantern Festival, Coal Harbour Seawall outside Canada Pl. Annually near the end of July. This popular annual festival, previously held at Trout Lake in East Van, is a feast for the eyes thanks to the procession of beautiful and remarkably creative handmade lanterns that light up the dark. Public Dreams holds lantern-making workshops in the weeks leading up to the festival so keep an eye on their website in early July for details. Free 2022-08-10

Buy

Shopping districts and malls

• Pacific Centre, 701 W Georgia St (Adjacent to Granville (Expo Line SkyTrain) and Vancouver City Centre (Canada Line SkyTrain)), 49.2825°, -123.1181°, +1 604-688-7235. M-W 10am-7pm, Th-F 10am-9pm, Sa 10am-8pm, Su 10 am-7pm. Has more than 150 shops, restaurants and services if you want to walk in an underground shopping centre. The shopping centre begins at a flagship Nordstrom store (permanently closing June 2023) on the north end at Robson Street, and stretches all the way to Pender Street. There are many floors in the mall depending on where you are, and notable merchants include Holt Renfrew, Harry Rosen, Gap, H&M and Apple Store; the mall is connected to the Hudson's Bay (at Georgia and Granville streets), and Vancouver Centre (a small mall mainly consisting of a lotto centre, London Drugs, and a food court underneath Scotiabank). 2023-03-03
• Robson Street, primarily between Burrard St and Jervis St, 49.28460°, -123.12485°. Main shopping district downtown, it includes some of the most high-end shops in the region. 2022-08-08

Stores

• H-Mart, 590 Robson St (at Seymour St), 49.28051°, -123.11888°. 9AM–10PM daily. Hidden on the second floor is a large grocery store featuring a wide range of high-quality, primarily Korean groceries. Part of a North American chain of Korean stores. The food court offers a number of good lunch choices, too. 2022-08-10
• Cannabis Culture, 307 W Hastings St, 49.28299°, -123.10998°, +1 604-682-1172, Marc@cannabisculture.com. usually to 9PM. The BCMP "Bookstore" is a centre of the marijuana subculture of Vancouver. It is the party headquarters for the provincial marijuana party as well as a store and lounge. Proceeds from the BCMP go towards the party and the legal battle against the extradition of the party leader who faces life in prison in the USA. The front half of the store is taken up by display shelves of bongs, pipes, rolling papers and pretty much anything you could imagine. The lounge costs $5 to go into but it has a very relaxing atmosphere and you're able to use the Volcano Vaporizers. $5 per hour (lounge only)
• New Amsterdam Café (The Amsterdam), 301 Hastings St W, 49.28297°, -123.10991°, +1 604-682-8955. The New Amsterdam Café, directly next door to the BCMP Bookstore, permits the smoking of marijuana. The Amsterdam offers a friendly environment to meet new people and to exercise some of the more unique freedoms that Vancouver offers. While it is not, however, generally permitted to buy or sell marijuana on or near the premises, it is not policed or enforced, so long as it in the spirit of sharing, within reason. They also sell a smaller number (but more impressive) selection of pipes, bongs, busters, rolling papers, and other marijuana-related items, including clothing. Of note are the array of specialist pipes, bongs, and busters, with the unusual titanium Space-Case also on sale. 2022-08-10
• Roots, 1001 Robson St (at Burrard St), 49.28351°, -123.12286°, +1 604-683-4305. Their fashionable designs with motifs of beavers, maple leaves, and canoes gave rise to what has been called "Roots nationalism", a kind of branded Canadian pride. There are several stores for this brand of clothing, bags and shoes in Vancouver, but if you're looking for a Canadian souvenir that is less obviously touristy, or are from the part of the world where the word "roots" with a picture of a beaver is a double entendre, this outlet store will probably be your best bet. 2022-08-08

Eat

The different parts of the City Centre have diverse characteristics. The central business district has, as you would expect, a high number of coffee shops and lunch places, the West End has a wide variety of restaurants, Yaletown has a number of high-end restaurants and Chinatown has many Chinese restaurants. Some of the best Japanese food outside of Japan is in Vancouver and its Cantonese and Korean offerings are also reputable.

Budget

• Breka Bakery & Café, 812 Bute St (Bute @ Robson St., downtown), 49.2857°, -123.1273°, +1 604-559-0900. 24/7. Open 24/7 at all 7 locations, with 4 located downtown. Very large, very fresh selection of baked goods. All made locally, and then baked on site. Add-ons like oat, almond, soy milk and flavour shots are free. Limited selection of gluten-free and vegan options. All downtown locations are lively: limited seating during peak hours. Fanciest interior is at the newest location on Hastings St. $5–15 2022-12-04
• Caffè Artigiano, 1101 West Pender St, 49.2878°, -123.1205°, +1 604-685-5333, dejan@caffeartigiano.com. M-F 6AM–6PM, Sa Su 6:30AM–5PM. Excellent coffee shop featuring "latte art," but it's still great. IntelligentsiA coffee available. Great espresso. This small chain has a total of four locations in this district, plus other locations in the Lower Mainland and Calgary. 2022-08-11
• Cartems Donuterie, 534 West Pender St, 49.283930°, -123.113691°, +1 778-708-0996, hey@cartems.com. M-Th 8AM-8PM, F 8AM-10PM, Sa 10AM-10PM, Su 10AM-6PM. They modestly claim the title of "best donuts in Vancouver". They certainly have some of the most interesting flavours. Try the "whiskey bacon" donut. Also coffee and tea, served with a friendly smile in a hip setting. $3 each, $30/dozen 2015-04-20

• European Breads, 1262 Burrard St (at Drake), 49.276957°, -123.125893°, +1-604-569-0708, info@EuropeanBreads.com. M—F 10AM–9PM, Sa 11AM–9PM, Su 11AM–8PM. An organic crêpes café, which also sells various freshly-baked breads of organic wheat, rye, spelt, and other grains. Well set up for a light breakfast, lunch, or snack. Free wifi. Crepes $6.95-9.95, Sandwiches $6.95
• Fritz Frie House, 718 Davie St (near Granville), 49.2772°, -123.1266°, +1 604-684-0811. This restaurant boasts what one of the best poutines in town. The curds are imported from Quebec. The garlic lover's mayo is fantastic too. Cleverly located next to the local Fitness World. $5 for a medium. Open until the wee hours in the morning, frequented by nightclubbers. Regularly wins local awards for fries.
• Japadog, 530 Robson St, 49.2802°, -123.1184°, info@japadog.com. Open daily from noon. A Vancouver street food icon that now has its own shop. It's a twist on the traditional hot dog with your choice of pork, turkey or bratwurst smothered in Japanese flavours and toppings like seaweed, miso glaze, Japanese chilli and teriyaki sauce. There are also several Japadog carts around downtown, some with a kobe beef option. Look for the carts on Burrard St and in front of Waterfront Station. $4-8
• Mink, A Chocolate Café, 863 W Hastings St (on the park across from Hornby St), 49.2866°, -123.1152°, +1 604-633-2451. M-F 7:30AM-6PM, Sa Su 10AM-6PM (closed holidays). The coffee is strong, the hot chocolate is rich and the chocolate is plentiful. Dairy-free available. Waffles and fruit parfaits. The chocolate fondue with pound cake and seasonal fruit for dipping is excellent (just make sure there's at least two of you to share!). As a chocolate maker, they use their own chocolate in everything. Large selection of house-made chocolate bars, bonbons, & confections for retail. $5-10
• Pita Wrap Café, 565 Dunsmuir St, 49.2829°, -123.1150°, +1 604-681-7634. M-F 8AM-4PM. The usual falafels, souvlakis, shawarmas and Greek plates, but very well executed. $5-8
• Tree's Organic Coffee & Roasting House, 450 Granville St, 49.2849°, -123.1141°, +1 604-684-5060, tocoffee@telus.net. M-F 6AM-10PM, Sa Su and holidays 8:30AM-10PM. A coffeehouse featuring carefully selected, 100% certified organic, coffee. Justifiably proud of its reaaaally good cheesecake. This is the flagship of a small local chain; there are other locations in Yaletown, Gastown and Richmond.
• Vancouver Community College Cafeteria, 250 W Pender St (on the second floor), 49.2817°, -123.1107°, +1 604-443-8479. Weekdays breakfast & lunch. The cafeteria is run by the culinary arts program so you get gourmet food at cafeteria prices. Usually have a large seafood selection. Don't miss the Asian Food program which has a separate service area. As you would expect from students, the quality can vary. However, it is hard to complain when you get a fancy meal for less than $8. Under $10

Mid-range

• Art Gallery Café, 750 Hornby St, 49.2828°, -123.1204°, +1 604-688-2233. M W-F 9AM-6PM, Tu 9AM-9PM, Sa Su 10AM-6PM. A convenient place for grabbing a glass of wine or a quick bite to eat before wandering through the Vancouver Art Gallery or doing other activities downtown. Cafeteria style with a mix of sandwiches, paninis and different hot dishes each day. There's also a large selection of tarts, squares and cakes to satisfy your sweet tooth. Large outdoor patio; great for watching the activity around Robson Square. $6-13
• Elbow Room, 560 Davie St (at Seymour St), 49.2761°, -123.1249°, +1 604-685-3628. A restaurant that is famous for abusing its customers--in a good way. Expect to line up to get in on weekends. Open for breakfast and lunch. $10-14
• Italian Kitchen, 1037 Alberni St, 49.2846°, -123.1223°, +1 604-687-2858. Lunch M-F 11:30AM-on; dinner 4:30PM-on daily. Corporate sibling of Yaletown's Glowbal. Valet parking most hours the restaurant is open. Reservations recommended. Lunch $11-16, dinner $18-28
• Kalypso Restaurant & Ouzeria, 1025 Robson St (near Burrard St, on second floor), 49.2837°, -123.1231°, +1 604-689-5550. 11AM-1:30AM. This restaurant has a very pleasant second-floor patio above busy Robson St, which is a treat on a warm day. Well-done Greek food with a respectable vegetarian selection. Mains $15, dinner $25/person including drinks & tips
• Kamei Royal, 1030 W Georgia St, 49.2844°, -123.1217°, +1 604-687-8588. This is the Japanese restaurant to which you can bring your homesick Japanese business partners. Excellently prepared, professional-grade sushi, rice dishes, kushiyaki, and cooked-at-the-table sukiyaki. An authentic Japanese atmosphere, from the irasshaimase greeting to the pretty pictures in the bilingual menus to the serene decor. Tucked above a Tiffany's store on the second floor, you look out over the crowds on Georgia and Burrard, or inside at the chefs in the glass-walled kitchen. Another branch is on W Broadway in Kits. dinner $20
• Medina Café, 780 Richards St, 49.2806°, -123.1168°, +1 604-879-3114. M-F 8AM-4PM, Sa Su 9AM-4PM. Weekend brunch served 9AM-3PM. Menu includes Moroccan-influenced dishes, fricasse (fried eggs with braised short ribs) and Belgian waffles with a choice of unusual sauces like milk chocolate lavender and white chocolate pistachio rosewater, plus many other breakfast and lunch concoctions. It seats about 75 or so, but lineups and long waits are still normal, especially for brunch on weekends. $5-19 2015-03-13
• Plus Alpha, 1099 Richards St (Richards at Helmecken), 49.2771°, -123.1226°, +1 604-633-0355. M-Sa 5PM-1AM; Su 5PM-midnight. "Plus Alpha" is a Japanese term meaning "a little extra", and this compact fusion of polished Japanese with trendy Yaletown provides a little extra interest, a little extra style, a little extra fun. New interpretations of contemporary Japanese standards such as Pumpkin Croquette and "Pimp My Tofu". Lychee martinis in a futuristic glass. A good place to get a dinner with that "plus alpha". dinner $20/person
• Shabusen Yakiniku House, 202 - 755 Burrard St, 49.2839°, -123.1223°, +1 604-669-3883. Lunch and dinner daily. A Japanese and Korean BBQ House specializing in a large all-you-can-eat menu. Fun part of eating here is that you can order raw meat and cook it yourself on the grill installed at the table. There is another location in South Granville.

Splurge

• Coast, 1054 Alberni St, 49.2847°, -123.1232°, +1 604-685-5010. M-Th 11:30AM-1AM, F 11:30AM-2AM, Sa 4:30PM-2AM, Su 4:30PM-1AM. Fresh seafood from coastal regions throughout the world. Try the Chef' s Community Table, where the chef prepares the food for up to 14 diners right at the table. Dinner $30-60/person plus wine
• Hy's Steakhouse & Cocktail Bar, 637 Hornby St, 49.2846°, -123.1192°, +1 604-683-7671. dinner daily, lunch M-F. The most amazing service in Vancouver. Classy steakhouse that has been serving Vancouver for some fifty years. Charcoal steaks are the house specialty, but the menu also includes local cuisine like Pacific Salmon and Ahi Tuna. The servers do an incredible job and the food is excellent. Starters $6-16, mains $28-52
• Joe Forte's Seafood & Chop House, 777 Thurlow St, 49.2849°, -123.1247°, +1 604-669-1940. Open daily for lunch and dinner; reservations strongly recommended. Usually mentioned amongst the top 5 restaurants in Vancouver, here you will find great food and great service. In the lavishly decorated open space, you may even catch a glimpse of a celebrity as you savour the oysters that are a specialty here. With glamour comes a price; expect to spend about $70/person for a complete dinner
• Miku, 200 Granville St (corner of Howe St & Canada Place Way), 49.2869°, -123.1128°, +1 604-568-3900. M-F 11:30AM-10PM, Sa Su noon-10PM. Japanese restaurant that specializes in aburi (seared on the outside while raw inside). There's also a small bar at the entrance. Sushi $5-20, mains $20-50

Drink

Many of Vancouver's nightclubs are located in the Entertainment District along Granville Street from Robson to the Granville Street Bridge.

• Commodore Ballroom, 870 Granville St, 49.2805°, -123.1208°, +1 604-683-9413. This is a large venue frequent location for live concerts. Has a large famous 'sprung' dance floor. Capacity is 900 people. On most nights, tickets are required to get in.
• The Railway Stage & Beer Cafe, 579 Dunsmuir St (On the second floor above the 7-11, entrance is on Dunsmuir), 49.2830°, -123.1151°, +1 604-564-1430. Su-Th 4PM-2AM, F Sa 11AM-3AM. Popular bar that frequently features live music. The crowd is a mix of ages, although probably more over 30. It's not a big place, so it gets packed easily. There are more tables at the other end of the long bar if you want to sit down and talk. Drinks $6-12, food $7-12 2019-08-27
• The Roxy, 932 Granville St, 49.2797°, -123.1219°, +1 604-331-7999. M-Th 9PM-3AM, F-Su 8PM-3AM. Long-time Vancouver club which features top 40 rock. The house band, Loaded/Fully Loaded, covers some of the best of the recent pop and rock M-Sa, with country music on Sunday. 2020-11-26

Sleep

Budget: under $100, mid-range: $101 - 199, splurge: $200 and over (standard double room).

The city centre has a wide range of accommodation options to suit every traveller's budget and style, but it's definitely tilted towards the higher end. Independent, boutique and chain hotels are all there so shop around and you will probably find something that suits your needs. The most expensive hotels tend to be in the main business district — between Georgia and the waterfront — with the priciest overlooking the harbour and mountains. Cheaper options tend to be more to the edge of the city centre, closer to False Creek and Yaletown. Hostels are located near the nightspots: along Granville Street or near Gastown.

Prices noted below are generally for the summer season when rates are most expensive.

Budget

If you plan to stay in a hostel downtown, it is probably better to ensure it is located west of Main Street and caters mainly to backpackers (tourists on a budget). Staying downtown keeps much of the frequently visited spots in walking distance. If you plan to find a cheap (significantly less than $90) hotel downtown, be aware that it is likely to be located in the "East Side", infamous for its prostitution and drug problems.

• Ambassador Hotel, 1212 Granville St, 49.2769°, -123.1262°, +1 604-687-8293. Check-in: 2PM, check-out: 11AM. A boutique-style hotel with single, twin, double and queen rooms. Washrooms are shared (per floor) but are private upon entry. $75-105
• Cambie Hostel - Downtown, 515 Seymour St (between W Pender and Dunsmuir), 49.2840°, -123.1142°, +1 604-684-7757. Dorms start at $27, or $24 with Cambie Card
• SameSun Vancouver, 1018 Granville St, 49.2789°, -123.1231°, +1 604-682-8226. Hostel with modern amenities and decorated by bright splashes of colours on the wall. Dorms start at $35, private rooms at $85 2021-06-04

Mid-range

• Best Western Plus Chateau Granville, 1100 Granville St (corner of Granville & Helmecken, 550 m from Yaletown-Roundhouse station for Canada Line; 950 m from Granville station for Expo Line), 49.2778°, -123.1246°, +1 604-669-7070, res@chateaugranville.com. Rooms and suites with tea/coffee maker, microwave, and refrigerator. Exterior of building is unattractive, but rooms are pleasant. Surrounding area still in the process of being gentrified. From $149
• The Burrard, 1100 Burrard St, 49.2798°, -123.1275°, +1 604-681-2331. Old motor inn remodelled to go for the funky factor. Some of the rooms are small and its age still shows in spots, but there's lots of character, free wifi, new beds and mini-fridges and espresso machines in each room. $150 and up
• Days Inn Vancouver Downtown, 921 W Pender St, 49.2863°, -123.1170°, +1 604-681-4335. It's an old building so some of the rooms are small and noisy. Otherwise, a typical Days Inn - clean, simple rooms, but not many extras. Free wireless Internet available. From $150
• GEC Granville Hotel, 718 Drake St, 49.2761°, -123.1283°, +1 604-669-9888, reservations@gecgranvillesuites.ca. Mix of rooms with single queen, single king, two double beds or two queen beds. From $159
• Kingston Hotel, 757 Richards St, 49.2807°, -123.1173°, +1 604-684-9024. Single rooms have a 3/4 double bed and shared washroom facilities. Twin and double rooms have their own washrooms. Comes with a free continental breakfast. Single $75-125, Double $85-155, Twin 115-175
• L'Hermitage, 788 Richards St, 49.2804°, -123.1171°, +1 778-327-4100. Boutique-style hotel in a condo tower. Room options range from "Boutique" rooms that have a queen or king-size bed to one and two bedroom suites for extended stays. Amenities include a fitness room, heated outdoor saltwater pool and complementary wifi. From $180. Valet parking $25/night
• Ramada Vancouver Hotel, 1221 Granville St, 49.276765°, -123.127041°, +1 604-685-1111. Accommodation includes full hot breakfast, adjacent fitness centre, business centre, guest laundry/dry cleaning service, 24-hr concierge, complimentary wifi and baggage storage. The hotel is pet-friendly and also has an on-site bar and lounge. Some rooms have kitchenettes. From $179. Parking $15/night
• Victorian Hotel, 514 Homer St, 49.2824°, -123.1121°, +1 604-681-6369. One of Vancouver's first guest houses, the hotel retains a lot of its original woodwork and Victorian-era details. Economy rooms have one or two beds and a sink, with a shared bathroom. Luxury rooms have one to three beds and full bathroom. There is complementary continental breakfast and wifi; secure parking is available for a fee. Economy rooms $69-119, Luxury rooms $99-189

Splurge

• Exchange Hotel Vancouver, 475 Howe St, 49.2855°, -123.1157°. Opened in 2018 in the former stock exchange building. 2020-01-12
• Fairmont Hotel Vancouver, 900 W Georgia St, 49.28411°, -123.12116°, +1 604-684-3131. Vancouver's grand old hotel. Beautifully decorated and a firmly established part of Vancouver's history. The lounge is noted for its traditional afternoon tea. From $319
• The Fairmont Waterfront, 900 Canada Place Way, 49.2872°, -123.1137°, +1 604-691-1999. A 5-star hotel with a stunning view wherever there's a window. Across from Canada Place. From $369
• Four Seasons Vancouver, 791 W Georgia St, 49.2835°, -123.1182°, +1 604-689-9333. Luxury hotel decorated in classic style but with modern amenities. Pool, gym and the excellent restaurant and bar "YEW". From $475
• Hotel Le Soleil, 567 Hornby St, 49.2853°, -123.1182°, +1 604-632-3000. Suites and guestrooms with luxury touches like marble bathrooms and unique artwork and decor from local artisans and the Old World. Rated "One of the Top 100 Hotels in the World" - by Resorts & Great Hotels Magazine. From $235. Valet parking $30/night
• Loden Hotel, 1177 Melville St, 49.2875°, -123.1233°, +1 604-669-5060. Has the modern look and feel with earthy tones, deep soaker tubs and a yoga studio. There's also a 24 hour fitness centre and free bike rentals. The floor to ceiling windows provide good harbour or city views (depending on which way your room faces). From $279. Additional fee for valet parking, internet access $15/day
• Marriott Pinnacle Downtown Hotel, 1128 W Hastings St, 49.2880°, -123.1206°, +1 604-684-1128. A good weddings and meetings hotel steps away from the harbour and cruise ship terminal. Fitness centre, indoor lap pool and whirlpool. From $259
• The Metropolitan, 645 Howe St, 49.2840°, -123.1182°, +1 604-687-1122. Luxury hotel featuring marble washrooms and soaker tubs. From $270
• Pan Pacific Vancouver, 300-999 Canada Pl, 49.2877°, -123.1151°, +1 604-662-8111. This modern hotel consists of an array of modern furnished luxury rooms and suites. From $299
• Rosewood Hotel Georgia, 801 W Georgia St, 49.2835°, -123.1190°, +1 604-682-5566. A historic Vancouver hotel where the rich and the royal have stayed in the past. Those guests have moved on but the hotel retains a mix of elegant rooms and suites. Amenities include a fitness centre and indoor saltwater pool. From $425
• Shangri-La Hotel, 1128 W Georgia St, 49.2857°, -123.1237°, +1 604-689-1120. Check-in: 3PM, check-out: noon. A luxury hotel located in the tallest building in Vancouver with 119 guest rooms, executive suites and space for meetings and events. Rooms include marble bathrooms, PVRs and floor to ceiling windows to take in the marvellous view. Other amenities include a 24 hour health club, outdoor pool and access to the Chi spa. The hotel also offers MARKET by Jean-Georges, Jean-Georges Vongerichten's Canadian debut. From $475
• Sutton Place Hotel, 845 Burrard St, 49.2829°, -123.1243°, +1 604-682-5511. Classic-styled luxury hotel with spa, gym, concierge and the usual room amenities. Reviewers like the ambiance, the friendly staff and the location, but find the WiFi signal weak and thought some of the furnishings looked a bit dated. From $275
• Wedgewood Hotel and Spa, 845 Hornby St, 49.2824°, -123.1228°, +1 604-689-7777. European-style boutique hotel listed on Conde Nast's gold list. The decor isn't modern but reviewers like the elegance and class of the hotel and found the rooms well appointed and comfortable. Amenities include a spa and fitness centre and business centre for internet access (no wifi in rooms). From $280

Go next

• Gastown & Chinatown
• Kitsilano & Granville Island
• Stanley Park & the West End
• Yaletown & False Creek