Choosing the place to keep in Vancouver generally is a daunting activity. The metropolis boasts quite a lot of neighborhoods, every with its personal distinctive character and points of interest. Whether you’re on the lookout for luxurious lodging or finances-pleasant choices, a central location or a quiet retreat, Vancouver has one thing to provide for each sort of traveler. In this information, we’ll discover a few of the finest neighborhoods and lodging choices in Vancouver to show you how to plan your good keep in this lovely Canadian metropolis.
The 6 Best Areas to Stay in Vancouver
To show you how to resolve what’s finest to your journey, we’ve damaged down Vancouver into 6 neighborhoods, every representing one thing distinctive whereas overlaying all budgets. If you’re prepared to e-book your journey, discover out the place to keep in Vancouver.
Each neighborhood in Vancouver brings one thing totally different to the desk. Stay shut to Yaletown to be in the middle of all of the enjoyable. With a close-by SkyPractice Station, AquaBus terminal, and bus community, it’s simple round city and also you’ll discover quite a bit to do inside strolling distance.
Best Vancouver Neighborhoods for Tourists
Yaletown – Best neighborhood in Vancouver for First Timers
West End – Best neighborhood in Vancouver for LGBTQ in Davie Village and Nightlife
Coal Harbour – Best neighborhood in Vancouver for luxurious
Gastown – Best neighborhood in Vancouver for Foodies
Kitsilano – Best neighborhood in Vancouver for households
Mount Pleasant – Best neighborhood in Vancouver for
First time in Vancouver? First time guests to Vancouver will love staying in Yaletown thanks to its central location, wonderful eating, and relaxed ambiance. Go Directly to Yaletown.
Outside of Yaletown, you’ll discover loads of out of doors actions in the West End, very good views in Coal Harbor, and eclectic buying in Mount Pleasant. Or keep throughout the creek in the household-pleasant Kitsilano neighborhood. Vancouver’s coolest neighborhoods have one thing for solo vacationers, households, and {couples} to get pleasure from.
The Best Places to Stay in Vancouver
In a rush and wish to know the place to keep in Vancouver proper now? These are the most effective inns and trip leases to swimsuit each finances.
The Best Hotels in Vancouver
We determined to give attention to the highest 6 Vancouver neighborhoods which can be all based mostly across the downtown space. You can select to have a look at North Vancouver, however you should have to struggle visitors on the Lions Gate Bridge, or Richmond, the place the Airport is situated, however if you’d like to expertise the most effective of Vancouver we suggest staying in the downtown Vancouver space.
1. Yaletown
Yaletown is the most effective place to keep in Vancouver for first timers
On the water, Yaletown gives a improbable number of boutique inns good for {couples} on the lookout for an opulent and equally romantic getaway. Surrounded by dazzling recent developments, Yaletown has shed numerous its historic and industrial roots in favor of recent facilities, which has made it probably the most well-liked districts in Vancouver.
Best Hotels in Yaletown
Luxury: Opus Hotel – We stayed right here throughout our final journey to Vancouver and it was a superb boutique resort in probably the most central of places minutes from downtown Vancouver and nice eating places and bars.
Mid-Range: The Burrard – Located in an excellent location downtown Vancouver the Burrard is strolling distance to Granville Street, Davie Street, Robson Street
Budget: YWCA Hotel – I stayed on the YWCA on a brief enterprise journey to Vancouver years in the past, and located it to be a superb finances possibility in an excellent location.
VRBO: Yaletown 2 Bedroom – Located in downtown Vancouver, this renovated condominium is shut to Yaletown, False Creek and Granville Isalnd.
Things to do in Yaletown
With a lot on provide, it’s no shock that Yaletown’s many glowing condos shortly stuffed up. Beneath the excessive-rises that glisten towards False Creek are a few of the most taking place streets in Vancouver together with a variety of delectable and excessive-finish eating places.
Here the vibe may be very a lot “dinner and drinks” over DJs and strobe lights. Small and dense, Yaletown hospitality is all in regards to the patios, which shortly refill with the promise of sunshine.
Dining – Find a comfortable cafe and luxuriate in some tasty treats whereas participating in some nice folks-watching. If you end up with out dinner plans, stroll down the 2 blocks between Nelson and Davie Street, the place a few of Vancouver’s finest eating places stand facet by facet.
Walk the Sea Wall – A stable part of Vancouver’s famend Sea Wall runs alongside the sting of Yaletown. The well-liked pedestrian and bike path runs all the way in which round downtown Vancouver and is a superb manner for these staying close by to discover the town on two ft. Within the district, you’ll additionally discover David Lam Park, a spacious city oasis that fills up with households and cute picnics on a sunny day.
Roundhouse Station – Speaking of exploring, Vancouver has an excellent public transport community. Yaletown is serviced by SkyPractice at Yaletown-Roundhouse Station. This line will information you into the fantastic Gastown district and south in direction of Richmond on the Pacific Ocean.
Granville Island – Along False Creek, Yaletown locals and guests even have entry to the AquaBus to Granville Island, residence to a should-see public market.
But when it comes to points of interest inside strolling distance, you received’t discover a scarcity of issues to do. Add Engine 374 Pavilion and the Roundhouse Turntable Plaza to your itinerary. Make the a lot of the free entrance to get a glimpse into the early days of Yaletown. Visitors may also have an envious vary of artwork galleries, together with the Jennifer Kostuik Gallery, farmers markets, and breweries to go to.
2. West End
Yaletown is the most effective place to keep in Vancouver for First Time Visitors
Between downtown Vancouver and the sprawling Stanley Park, the West End is among the finest areas to keep in Vancouver. We ought to know, we used to stay in the West End. With quick access to public transport by way of the Vancouver City Centre station and a stable bus community alongside Davie Street, vacationers can have a straightforward time getting to different elements of the town.
Best Hotels in West End
Luxury: The Sutton Place Hotel Vancouver – We stayed on the Sutton Place earlier than our Rocky Mountaineer practice journey to Alberta. We had at all times needed to keep right here and it didn’t disappoint. With views of downtown Vancouver from our resort room, we loved an opulent keep in probably the most glamorous Vancouver inns.
Mid-Range: Blue Horizon Hotel is a boutique resort in downtown Vancouver situated on Robson Street. Robson Street is great for eating and buying and its simple strolling to Granville Street for nightlife.
Mid- Range – Sandman Suites Vancouver on Davie Street in Davie Village had probably the greatest views in the whole metropolis. Davie Street is our outdated hang-out from once we lived in Vancouver and it was a lot enjoyable to keep right here as a vacationer.
Budget: HI Vancouver Downtown – You can by no means go incorrect with the HI Hostel. This nice finances pleasant downtown Vancouver location with dorm rooms and shared toilet.
VRBO: 1 Bedroom Apartment
Having stated that, there’s a lot to do in the West End to preserve from instantly roaming far and huge. Stanley Park is arguably the highest attraction in Vancouver, with lasting attraction for locals who go to each likelihood they get.
Stanely Park – The largest park in the town, Stanley Park is the right nature escape, enveloped by the fantastic Sea Wall path, splendid seashores, and the Vancouver Aquarium.
Relaxing Neighborhood – Your morning stroll across the massive neighborhood may also be simple on the attention thanks to the various tree-lined residential streets flanked by outdated-time condominium buildings and historic wood houses.
Roedde House Museum – This is especially apparent in and round Barclay Heritage Square, the place guests may also discover the spectacular Roedde House Museum. A should-go to for historical past buffs.
Davie Village – Throughout Davie Village and alongside Denman Street, you can see an array of nice eating choices and a full of life ambiance that rises via the evening. During the day, that is the place to go for some thorough retail remedy. Where you possibly can leap between the various impartial boutiques and identified manufacturers.
City Beaches – If you’ve arrived in time for summer time, West End additionally gives nice entry to metropolis seashores. West End is correct alongside the attractive English Bay, residence to a seaside of the identical identify. Alongside Second Beach, English Bay Beach is a superb launching level for a kayak or SUP expertise on the pleasant waters. Stick round for golden hour with panoramic views of the beautiful sky because the solar hits the western horizon.
The out of doors factor of the West End has attracted a youthful and laid-again vibe that contrasts with Yaletown. Here, thanks additionally to the vary of older houses, guests can take advantage of a variety of finances choices, from cheaper inns to a robust number of trip leases.
3. Coal Harbour
Coal Harbour is the most effective place to keep in Vancouver for Luxury
Running alongside the West End, on the Vancouver Harbour facet of the town, Coal Harbour is famend for its beautiful mountain views. In mixture with the Waterfront, this a part of the town begins at Canada Place, the place the cruise ships dock, and ends firstly of the beloved Stanley Park.
Best Hotels in Coal Harbour
Things to See in coal Harbor
The handy location if Coal Harb offers all of the facilities of downtown Vancouver inside a scenic neighborhood and in entrance of a beautiful marina. Despite its central location, the evenings in Coal Harbour stay relaxed and quiet.
This is commonly the right combine for households who can entry a variety of public transport, and be inside strolling distance of eating and points of interest, with out discovering themselves in a hotbed of rowdy nightlife.
Coal Harbour was as soon as generally known as Blueblood Alley for the various unbelievable mansions owned by the town’s elite in the years passed by. But now the rows of excessive-rises and marinas filled with houseboats have taken over, creating an exquisite harborside expertise.
As you’re taking in the gorgeous waterfront views on two ft you’ll discover a district bustling with younger professionals and a residential space that comes to life. It’s a beautiful glimpse into the lives of Vancouverites earlier than the largely residential neighborhood quietens in the night.
Being proper alongside the Financial District, Coal Harbour and the Waterfront are additionally nice choices for enterprise vacationers.
In addition to Canada Place and Stanley Park, guests can try the Vancouver Art Gallery with native and worldwide artists, Jack Poole Plaza, the Marine Building, and Harbour Green Park. One of the most effective sights in Vancouver, nonetheless, is correct right here.
Before the 2010 Winter Olympics, Coal Harbour was refurbished into the dazzling neighborhood we see as we speak. It’s additionally now residence to the Olympic Cauldron, a torch set up with soars 30ft excessive.
For adventures additional afield, you possibly can head to Burrard Station for the SkyPractice that can take you to neighboring districts, with the native bus community being an extra possibility.
To see Vancouver from above, Coal Harbour can also be the right base to leap on the seaplanes that depart from the water. Venture far and huge over the close by mountain ranges and contact down beside the sprawling metropolis.
See extra of the Couve with our information to the most effective hikes in Vancouver.
4. Gastown & Chinatown
Gastown and Chinatown are the most effective locations to keep for foodies
Vancouver’s historic neighborhood, the oldest in the town, is discovered beneath Coal Harbour and to the east of Yaletown. It is strolling distance from downtown Vancouver. Gastown is teeming with unique structure, a thriving culinary scene, and an excellent vary of bars and golf equipment that can see you thru to the early hours.
With an irreverent attraction, Gastown more and more attracts a youthful inhabitants, making a splendidly numerous neighborhood of execs, college students, and households. Gastown and Chinatown are each very walkable.
Best Hotels in Gastown & Chinatown
Things to See In Gastown and Chinatown
Steam Clock – Starting in Gastown, stroll lengthy the cobblestone streets that when carried the town’s first households, you’ll discover buzzing thoroughfares, heritage buildings, a few of the hottest eating places and low-cost eats in city, plus the long-lasting Steam Clock. Popular with locals and vacationers, the steam clock releases steam and loads of noise each quarter-hour.
At Maple Tree Square, you’ll discover a statue of the legendary John Deighton. An spectacular storyteller, therefore the nickname Gassy Jack, Deighton was a colossal determine in the event of recent-day Vancouver. Continue alongside the outdated-time streets ordained with lampposts in your manner to Chinatown.
Chinatown Millenium Gate – Pass via the immense Millenium Gate to formally attain Vancouver’s Chinatown, one of many largest in North America. The district is rustic and gritty with a delicate contact of gentrification. It’s the right recipe for a foodie haven. When exploring, make sure to attempt the mouthwatering dim sum and Floata Seafood Restaurant.
Dr. Sun Yat Sen Classical Chinese Garden – Later make a beeline for the Chinatown Heritage Alley, to the Dr. Sun Yat Sen Classical Chinese Garden with beautiful gardens and quaint water options.
Shopping – Shopping in each sections of city is distinguished however extra so in Chinatown, which is residence to the International Village Shopping Center and the bustling Water Street. Along with boutique and model identify outlets, you’ll discover a number of museums together with the Rennie Museum.
Microbreweries – At evening you’ll discover a flurry of dim-lit cocktail joints serving craft creations, together with fashionable microbreweries. This a part of the town is definitely tough across the edges, so if it’s your first rodeo to Gastown and Chinatown, preserve your road smarts useful. Another possibility can be to base your self in Coal Harbor or Yaletown for simple daytime entry.
5. Kitsilano
Out of the downtown hub, an excellent possibility for households is the neighborhood of Kitsilano. Known merely as Kits, guests can anticipate a robust espresso tradition and plenty of household-pleasant actions from parks to seashores and indoor enjoyable. Along the primary drag, West 4th Avenue you possibly can peruse an abundance of boutique outlets, cozy cafes, and bookstores earlier than venturing additional afield.
Best Hotels in Kitsilano
Things to See in Kitsilano
Kitsilano offers one thing extra akin to a suburban expertise away from the organized chaos that’s downtown Vancouver. Thanks to public transport, and a fast stroll to the Burrard Street Bridge (for downtown), you’ll give you the chance to go to lots of the districts already talked about together with Granville Island and Richmond to the south. But preserve in thoughts that with out the SkyPractice, it could be price getting a automobile rental.
Right on English Bay, you possibly can seize spectacular mountain and metropolis views from the expansive Kitsilano Beach. It’s a additionally well-liked sunbathing spot on a heat summer time day whereas additionally being a enjoyable place to collect the crew for some seaside volleyball. Another well-liked attraction that’s price visiting, no matter the place you select to keep, is the Kitsilano Pool.
The heated out of doors pool is the right manner to get pleasure from a swim even when the climate isn’t supreme. After drying off, wander down the a number of nature trails that meander via the encompassing park.
Those that select to keep in Kitsilano will sooner or later find yourself on the spacious Vanier Park. Featuring expansive views of the attractive Vancouver skyline, the park is a superb place to hang around, get pleasure from a picnic or play some yard video games.
It’s additionally residence to three museums, a few of the finest in the town. These are the Vancouver Maritime Museum, the H. R. MacMillan Space Centre, and the Museum of Vancouver.
The main disadvantage of Kitsilano is the dearth of if any, inns and true finances choices. There are, nonetheless, many household-household BnBs and trip leases.
While in Kitsilano, transcend the town with a spectacular scenic drive. Here’s our information to the Sea to Sky Highway.
6. Mount Pleasant
Part of East Side Vancouver, Mount Pleasant is one other fantastic neighborhood exterior of however shut to the inside-metropolis. With a youthful exuberance, the district is nice for {couples} and younger vacationers who need to take advantage of the points of interest and enjoyable to be had past downtown.
Best Hotels in Mount Pleasant
Things to do in Mount Pleasant
Mount Pleasant is finest categorized by Main Street. Seen as Vancouver’s hipster neighborhood, this drag is filled with small however funky eating places, craft beer joints, and new-world cafes serving third-wave espresso. This way of life attracts extra than simply the town’s hipsters, as you’ll discover a numerous and social native inhabitants.
Even if you find yourself in the downtown core, it’s price making the journey over False Creek to expertise a distinct facet of native life. But when you select to base your self in Mount Pleasant, your journey will begin with ease.
The neighborhood is effectively-linked to the town’s worldwide airport. From there, you possibly can shortly encompass your self with a captivating neighborhood devoid of vacationer traps. Everyone right here is simply dwelling their life, and generally that’s precisely what vacationers need to expertise.
Without a few of the sights that make their manner into the a whole lot of “top ten” lists, you’ll have the chance to uncover Mount Pleasant on a whim. You’ll shortly uncover loads of avant-garde boutiques matched by the variety of breweries. But everytime you’re strolling round city, cease by Earnest Ice Cream for inventive flavors from whiskey hazelnut to London fog.
One main attraction on the very north finish of Mount Pleasant is Science World. On the sting of False Creek, inside a putting dome constructing, guests can expertise 12 household-pleasant displays that can get you interested by how the world works.
From Main Street, you’ll have a reasonable stroll to the closest SkyPractice at Cambie Street. From there, you possibly can enterprise into the town inside minutes to tick off the remainder of the Vancouver expertise.
Best Luxury Hotels in Vancouver
Fairmont Pacific Rim Hotel is the most effective luxurious resort in Vancouver. This opulent 5-star resort is all about glamor. Located inside the Coal Harbour neighborhood, feast on the superb waterfront vistas and views of the North Shore mountains. With a lot to see inside simple strolling distance, get pleasure from an excellent location in fashion.
From the minute you stroll into this luxury resort, you’ll discover a beautiful artwork assortment in the marble foyer. Later, enterprise into your ornate modern rooms with excessive-tech facilities together with a digital concierge.
Trade the indoor pool for a lavish rooftop swim earlier than sitting down at one of many three on-website eating places, together with The Botanist, a famend wonderful eating expertise. Its Willow Stream Spa was named one of many high spas in the world by Conde Nast.
More Luxury Hotels in Vancouver:
Best Mid-Range Hotels in Vancouver
The Georgia Court Hotel is situated in the guts of the town middle, the Georgian Court Hotel is a boutique expertise in each sense of the world. With a tasty on-website restaurant and free Wi-Fi, get pleasure from all the fashionable comforts whereas being simply steps away from BC Place and a brief stroll to the bustling Robson Street.
The resort comes with a effectively-outfitted health middle, together with a calming sauna and resort tub to clean up after a giant day of strolling round Vancouver.
Each room incorporates a beneficiant flat display screen and a espresso machine. There are household rooms on provide, together with deluxe choices for {couples} wanting to boost their trip.
More Mid-Range Hotels in Vancouver:
The revitalized industrial neighborhood of Yaletown has develop into one of many hottest areas in Vancouver. With its quick access to a variety of public transport, close by points of interest, and the envious meals scene, these coming to Vancouver for the primary time can’t go incorrect by checking right into a resort inside the neighborhood.
The central location and the vary of inns on provide assist to mitigate any worries you’ll have earlier than you get your bearings. Find your self inside strolling distance of the taking place Robson Street and stay sport at Rogers Arena and BC Place.
Best Place to Stay in Vancouver for Nightlife:
There are two locations in Vancouver which can be famend for his or her nightlife scene. One of them is the town’s West End. When you aren’t having fun with the surroundings in Stanley Park or lazing by the seaside, you’ll be roaming Robson and Denman road buying and selling cafes for retailers. At evening, these similar streets present a vibrant nightlife expertise with plenty of pubs, golf equipment, and cocktail bars.
The coronary heart of Vancouver’s nightlife and an space that didn’t find yourself on our listing is the Granville Entertainment District. At evening, the Granville Street thoroughfare is probably the most energetic a part of the town. Here the nightlife steals the present and runs into the early hours.
Devoid of vehicles as a pedestrian zone, a mixture of blocks brings collectively a few of the finest nightclubs and late-evening eats discovered wherever in Vancouver.
Best Budget Hotel in Vancouver: Victorian Hotel
The historic Victorian Hotel is on the cusp of the Gastown District. Much just like the neighborhood itself, the resort is a superb instance of interval attraction with enchanting ornate designs and antiquities.
The Victorian Hotel was constructed earlier than the flip of the twentieth century. Just prefer it did again in 1898, the constructing gives friends pretty excessive ceilings, lavish hardwood flooring, and complex moldings. It’s all fairly spectacular contemplating it’s the most effective finances possibility out of the Vancouver inns we have now listed.
Each visitor room is as vibrant because the historic design would counsel and comes with free WiFi. Guests will get pleasure from a quick 5-minute stroll to the native SkyPractice station on Granville Street and a 15-minute jaunt to all of the enjoyable on Robson Street. But with Gastown and Chinatown proper across the nook, you’ll be busy for some time earlier than you head wherever else.
More Budget Hotels in Vancouver:
Where to Stay in Vancouver for Families:
Kitsilano stays probably the greatest areas to keep in Vancouver for households. The laid-again ambiance away from the downtown noise permits loads of time to chill out and spend time as one. The close by seashores will welcome you with open arms, so too the native parks. You’ll discover loads of buying alongside West 4th Avenue, together with espresso outlets and informal eating amongst native households.
If you need to keep inside Vancouver’s downtown core, then contemplate the Waterfront and Coal Harbour. Busy throughout the day, it’s a quieter expertise at evening. The complete crew will love wandering alongside the Sea Wall path with views of the North Shore Mountains. While the bustling Waterfront Station will join you with far-off adventures.
Where to Stay in Vancouver for Shopping
Both Mount Pleasant and Gastown present ample looking for guests. Along Main Street, you’ll have an array of classic outlets and fashionable manufacturers. For these on the lookout for one thing distinctive and out of the field, then that is the place to go.
Gastown gives quick access to main inside-metropolis malls, together with the CF Pacific Center and the International Village Shopping Center. The district can also be identified for its variety of eclectic thrift shops.
Where to Stay in Vancouver for Sightseeing:
The West End and Yaletown are the right places for individuals who need to do numerous sightseeing. Within the guts of the transport community, you’ll give you the chance to get across the complete metropolis with out having to hail a cab.
Downtown Vancouver is fairly packed, so there’ll even be loads of alternatives to get about on foot and make your manner to lots of the finest issues to do in Vancouver.
Our Money Saving Tips for Vancouver:
The finest manner to get monetary savings when touring round Vancouver is to ditch the automobile rental and cabs in favor of public transport.
Beginning on the airport, you may get into the town less expensive by taking the Canada Line. This will cease at Mount Pleasant, Yaletown, Gastown, and shut to Coal Harbour.
Throughout your keep purchase a Compass Card Day Pass that prices round $8usd. This will give you limitless use of the SkyPractice and buses, amongst different types of transport.
Most elements of the town even have finances lodging choices, however low-cost eats might be discovered all around the metropolis.
Getting Around Vancouver
If you’re arriving by way of aircraft, after touching down at Vancouver International Airport, take the 25 minute journey to downtown on the Canada Line. Tickets value $7usd a method. From there, the easiest way to get round city is on a bus, SkyPractice, or the AquaBus if you’d like to head throughout the water to such locations as Granville Island.
The lack of a freeway system inside the downtown space, together with notoriously dangerous visitors, means it’s doubtless finest to keep away from hiring a automobile to attain downtown. However, with many superb locations across the metropolis, from Richmond to Grouse Mountain, a automobile will likely be useful if you’d like to discover exterior of metro Vancouver.
Vancouver British Columbia – The Wrap Up
With a mountainous backdrop, the spectacular skyline of Vancouver is one which has to be seen with your individual two eyes. Split by False Creek, Vancouver, British Columbia, is a hub of enchanting points of interest, from galleries to city parks and an understated nightlife.
Those visiting Vancouver can have their work lower for them to tick off all of the issues on the already-packed itinerary. This is why it definitely pays to keep shut to all of the issues that you really want to do. Whether that be having fun with the superb nature in and out of the town, or kicking again on the espresso outlets on Davie Street.
Ready to enterprise past the town? Get out of Vancouver with our information to the final word British Columbia Road Trip.
