Vancouver Downtown
Vancouver Downtown
4.5
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Top ways to experience Vancouver Downtown
The area
Neighborhood: Central
How to get there
- Burrard • 1 min walk
- Granville • 5 min walk
Best nearby
Restaurants
2,778 within 3 miles
Attractions
487 within 6 miles
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
6,617 reviews
Excellent
3,643
Very good
2,082
Average
635
Poor
159
Terrible
98
Pbergman
San Diego, CA74 contributions
Jun 2022
Looking for an easy way to get in from the airport and save money? Try the Canada Line direct from the international airport (YVR) through the downtown area. If you are staying downtown, the train is very easy to find and gets you to many locations through downtown in the areas of Yaletown, Vancouver City Center, and Waterfront (on the North side) Located on Burrard Inlet between downtown’s historic Gastown and Canada Place, Waterfront Station is the sole northern terminus station of Canada Line as well as of the West Coast Express, Expo Line and Seabus.
The trip takes about 30 minutes and costs about $9.50 CDN per person.
To catch the Canada Line, pickup your bags on level 2 and head out toward public transportation. The train is located on level 3 across the street.
You can get a ticket at the station via the automated kiosks with cash and credit card. Note, if going downtown, you will want to get a 2 zone ticket. If you only get a 1 zone ticket, you may need to pay more when you exit.
The trip takes about 30 minutes and costs about $9.50 CDN per person.
To catch the Canada Line, pickup your bags on level 2 and head out toward public transportation. The train is located on level 3 across the street.
You can get a ticket at the station via the automated kiosks with cash and credit card. Note, if going downtown, you will want to get a 2 zone ticket. If you only get a 1 zone ticket, you may need to pay more when you exit.
Written June 27, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
KatieQC
Perth, Australia185 contributions
Apr 2020
Great way to explore Downtown Vancouver is to walk around Yaletown and the Westend. Lots of places to shop and eat around Granville, Howe and Seymour Streets. We stayed in the International Village, which was reasonable, safe (despite a few homeless near the Arena) and an easy walk to Gastown, Coal Harbour and False Creek, where you can catch a Ferry to Granville Island.
We actually visited in April 2019, and only had 2 days to explore this beautiful city so on Day 1 walked form Chinatown, to Gastown, Coal Harbour and Stanley Park and then back through the central Westend back to Chinatown. Day 2 we took in Yaletown, Granville Island and Downtown and good way to explore.
If we had longer a visit to the Capilano Bridge and Butchart Gardens would be on the cards....maybe next time, if we ever get back! Although a short visit this was definitely the most beautiful and our favourite city in Canada.
We actually visited in April 2019, and only had 2 days to explore this beautiful city so on Day 1 walked form Chinatown, to Gastown, Coal Harbour and Stanley Park and then back through the central Westend back to Chinatown. Day 2 we took in Yaletown, Granville Island and Downtown and good way to explore.
If we had longer a visit to the Capilano Bridge and Butchart Gardens would be on the cards....maybe next time, if we ever get back! Although a short visit this was definitely the most beautiful and our favourite city in Canada.
Written July 23, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
spud0018
Mississauga, Canada739 contributions
Aug 2021
So much to see and you can shop to your hearts content. Wear good walking shoes!! A huge variety of stores including many high end stores that you don't see elsewhere in Canada. So difficult to choose where to eat - so many options. Very busy! It is sad to see the juxtaposition of rich and poor though in this city - East Hastings is eye opening to drive through (don't recommend walking through this area).
Written August 7, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Adam G
Montreal, Canada3 contributions
Sep 2022 • Couples
Lots of 5 stars reviews in here, I don't understand why. I mean have left the hotel once. My impression of Vancouver was really one of price gouging. From books to food, the cost of regular things here is much higher than what I've seen, even in Toronto. I would recommend most people to avoid going on Hasting st and some parts of downtown, too many addicted people in the street and they are NOT friendly. Even in the bus I didn't feel safe but more as if I was in a Walking Dead episode. The #16 bus itself smelled like a sun baked trash bin. My heart goes out for all bus driver in that city.
This place looks like a city in China, but many parts of it are more akin to a third world country. If you don't believe me just Google Hasting st Vancouver and look at the shanty town. All in all, we wanted to see, we saw, we smelled and now thank God we are leaving and we won't ever come back.
This place looks like a city in China, but many parts of it are more akin to a third world country. If you don't believe me just Google Hasting st Vancouver and look at the shanty town. All in all, we wanted to see, we saw, we smelled and now thank God we are leaving and we won't ever come back.
Written October 1, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Chris D
New Westminster, Canada3,094 contributions
Dec 2022
First, I want to be clear I'm talking about the downtown neighbourhood, not the peripheral areas like Stanley Park, False Creek, UBC, etc. I reported about a year ago that things are devolving into a gray forest of high-rise buildings with less pedestrians and more homeless than I'm used to seeing. I see quite a number of people have seen fit to agree with me. I was hoping the Christmas season would bring some coloured lights and vibrancy to the area, but no such luck. The new mayor and new premier have promised to clean up the DTES (downtown east side); maybe they'll do the same for this neighbourhood.
Written December 18, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Christopher N
Nottingham, UK2 contributions
Jul 2022 • Friends
The setting of Vancouver along the ocean and fringed by mountains is lovely. However, this is a city with problems! Homeless and drug addicted people are everywhere and parts of the city are definite ‘no go areas’. Added to this, a number of daytime shootings do not make this a pleasant city to visit. There are a few interesting sites to visit but the overall and lasting impression is the terrible homeless situation - conditions one would expect to find in a third world country.
Written August 11, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
S_Wanderlust
Bengaluru, India88 contributions
Apr 2023
Be ready to spend all your day expenses at every parking spot. I have never seen such hyped prices - $8 for 1 hour in few major downtown roadside parking and Inside Canada Place parking $32 from evening to next day while there isnt much to explore at Canada place itself unless you have a cuise. Also in Seattle we can buy parking in one place for 2-3 hours and can use to park elsewhere in downtown with the same ticket within that time but dint find that option too. Ended up paying everytime
No concessions for weekdays
No concessions for weekdays
Written April 18, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Codiak!
Abbotsford, Canada10,470 contributions
Feb 2020
Whether you find yourself in Coal Harbour, Gastown, Granville Island, Yaletown, or (my favourite) neighbourhood the West End, you will find that there is much to see and do simply by walking around. Vancouver is a very walkable city but naturally there are other transportation options available. Unless you have the American dollar's 30% advantage be forewarned that fall, winter, and spring are the seasons to visit as accommodation prices skyrocket in summer.
Written February 3, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
AWilliams1978
Harpenden, UK829 contributions
Sep 2022 • Couples
We spent 3 days exploring Vancouver on foot and public transport and I think some of the other reviews here are really harsh. There are homeless people - but what big city doesn’t have people who need help.
It’s nothing compared to say San Francisco.
It’s clean, quiet and beautiful as far as big cities go!
It’s nothing compared to say San Francisco.
It’s clean, quiet and beautiful as far as big cities go!
Written September 11, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kevin C
1 contribution
Jun 2022
We lived in downtown Vancouver for the last 10 years before having to change provinces. Going back for a visit this year, I must say, we miss it greatly. Despite the traffic problems, you can walk anywhere downtown and always be fascinated by the sights. There are buskers playing on the sidewalks, great restaurants everywhere and a real vibrant city feel.
Sadly there is a lot of drug and homeless problems which the city is continually dealing with and with the warmest climate in Canada, there is no end in sight.
Despite this issue, downtown Vancouver is highly recommended as a must see. You won’t be disappointed.
Sadly there is a lot of drug and homeless problems which the city is continually dealing with and with the warmest climate in Canada, there is no end in sight.
Despite this issue, downtown Vancouver is highly recommended as a must see. You won’t be disappointed.
Written December 25, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mobile51970484646
Genoa, Italy
V0rrei sapere se è vero che gli impiegati di Vancouver possono andare a sciare durante l'intervallo di mezzogiorno. Grazie. .
Morthemer
Crater Lake National Park, OR118 contributions
Pourquoi y a t il tant de junkies et de drogués dans cette ville ?
loverous09
Mazatlan, Mexico15 contributions
Supongo que al ser un paÃs donde la venta de marihuana está permitida se presta a que haya muchos drogadictos. En lo personal no tuve ninguna mala experiencia, ya que estas personas no se meten con los turistas.
hareidpatricia
Washington DC, DC
Will the Vancouver hop on hop off bus pick up passengers at the Holiday Inn in Richmond?
Where_to_travel_next
Vancouver, Canada4,382 contributions
Hi,
Please note there is no UBER in Vancouver... yet. Transit could be an option to get you downtown to then catch the hop on ad hop off buses. Go to Translink our public transit system to their trip planning section to see how far your hotel is to a bus or skytrain (latter more ideal).
Jbulsa
Spartanburg, SC114 contributions
What would be the best way to see tour the colleges? are classes year around?
sashakeena
Vancouver, Canada11,343 contributions
Recommend that you contact the colleges or schools that you wish to see. This way you can schedule to see them for the timeline when you are in the area.
olga a
Athens, Greece
Hi, as a young doctor from London, I choose to go for a month in Vancouver, next April-May, for a practice in the General Hospital but at the same time enjoy this beautiful city.
I will choose an airbnb rental apartment. Where would be the best area to stay given my every day visit to the hospital? On the other hand I will be staying alone, so I would need to have restaurants etc in walking distance for my dinners etc. Thank you. Sandra Maria
MrsMouse85
Orpington, UK158 contributions
Hi there - we visited in September which is slightly off-season as it's getting colder so April/May would probably be busier. We were very near the harbour as we were going on a cruise but all around that area is very busy with lots of restaurants and bars and comfortable to walk around. We stayed in an hotel while we were in Vancouver. Downtown can be a little shabby with unfortunately quite a large number of vagrants but they aren't threatening or anything - just make the place look a little untidy!
What is something to do in November in down town Vancouver ?
Michael P
Brisbane, Australia23 contributions
November is cold
rsthtsghzg
Canada26 contributions
Maybe you should change your star rating then as you gave it a one...idiot.
Wayne984
Scottsdale, AZ36 contributions
Hi
Thanks for reading my review, however you may have been reading some of my other reviews. Please reread again if you care to-carefully this time.
Always appreciate the cream of the crop staying on the pulse of the world.
Take care.
2bucks
ohio36 contributions
Visiting Vancouver for the first time would like to stay in a vacation rental downtown but the rates are unbelievable. Any other location recommendation close or a trendy area. 2 bedrooms all adults a couple of seasoned individuals and our children 26 and 24
crosis
Whanganui, New Zealand1,632 contributions
For me I prefer paying a bit more to be central and save on travel time and cost. I don't go to visit a destination and want to spend 30 minutes to an hour getting into the attractions each day. That said I found Vancouver pretty reasonable for public transport and taxi costs.
Paulo162Goncalves
Sao Jose Do Rio Preto, SP
Como é dirigir por Vancouver o trânsito, estacionar nos centros, lugares é fácil e tranquilo ?
Taia S
65 contributions
Olá Mario
Eu não dirigir por lá mas, meu filho que mora lá, de vez em qdo dirige.
O trânsito é tranquilo mas, como toda cidade grande, tem problemas com estacionamento. Têm áreas próprias para isso mas nem sempre podem satisfazer suas necessidades.
O sistema de transporte público é muito eficiente
Logo, para a locomoção dentro da cidade, não é preciso alugar carro.
Espero eterna ajudado.
Vancouver Downtown - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go
Frequently Asked Questions about Vancouver Downtown
- We recommend booking Vancouver Downtown tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 45 Vancouver Downtown tours on Tripadvisor
- According to Tripadvisor travelers, these are the best ways to experience Vancouver Downtown:
- Vancouver Secret Mission Spy Game and Sightseeing (From $29.78)
- Vancouver City Tour Including Capilano Suspension Bridge (From $108.63)
- Victoria and Butchart Gardens Tour from Vancouver (From $187.84)
- Grouse Mountain & Capilano Suspension Bridge Park (From $168.98)
- Vancouver Harbor and Indian Arm Lunch Cruise (From $147.86)
- Hotels near Vancouver Downtown:
- (0.05 mi) Executive Hotel Le Soleil
- (0.07 mi) Hyatt Regency Vancouver
- (0.15 mi) EXchange Hotel Vancouver
- (0.16 mi) Rosewood Hotel Georgia
- (0.14 mi) Metropolitan Hotel Vancouver
- Restaurants near Vancouver Downtown:
- (0.00 mi) Cactus Club Cafe Bentall 5
- (0.04 mi) The Bagel Stop
- (0.04 mi) Chop N Toss
- (0.05 mi) Alouette Bistro
- (0.07 mi) Hy's Steakhouse & Cocktail Bar Vancouver
- Attractions near Vancouver Downtown:
- (0.01 mi) The Shops at Bentall Centre
- (0.03 mi) Out On The Town
- (0.04 mi) Instahop
- (0.10 mi) Cycle City Tours + Rentals
- (0.08 mi) Discover Canada Tours
Vancouver Downtown Information
Excellent Reviews | 3,643 |
|---|---|
Very Good Reviews | 2,082 |
Vancouver Downtown Photos | 3,190 |