Vancouver Downtown
Vancouver Downtown
4.4
Tours & experiences
Explore different ways to experience this place.
What is Travellers’ Choice?
Tripadvisor gives a Travellers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travellers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
Top ways to experience Vancouver Downtown
Are you currently on your trip?
Help us find experiences available for you.
The area
Neighbourhood: Central
A nexus of culture and urban charm, the Central neighborhood in Vancouver welcomes visitors with an eclectic mix of attractions. Iconic landmarks like the Vancouver Art Gallery and historic Orpheum Theatre offer enriching experiences, while restaurants such as Hawksworth offer an exquisite taste of local cuisine. Bordered by False Creek, this neighborhood offers leisurely walks along the waterfront, with an unobstructed view of Vancouver's skyline. Public transportation, such as SkyTrain and Canada Line, is readily available, making it convenient to explore other parts of the city. This neighborhood, with its perfect blend of city life and cultural ambiance, is a desirable destination for any traveler.
How to get there
- Vancouver City Centre • 2 min walk
- Granville • 3 min walk
Best nearby
Restaurants
2,984 within 5 kms
Attractions
673 within 10 kms
Contribute
Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.4
6,643 reviews
Excellent
3,648
Very good
2,084
Average
635
Poor
169
Terrible
107
Pbergman
San Diego, CA72 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, Australia186 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, Canada886 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.
Harmony E
6 contributions
Jul 2024 • Solo
Vancouver Downtown is a very lively area with a mild climate that suits my needs perfectly. The city's energy and natural beauty make it a vibrant place to live and visit. However, I have encountered significant challenges as a racialized minor and member of the LGBTQ/trans community.
My recent experience at the ICBC downtown was particularly disheartening, where my attempt to attain a provincial photo ID was rejected, seemingly without just cause. This incident highlighted the discriminatory practices that still persist in this city. Additionally, I faced discrimination in a restaurant near Howe and Hastings St, where the service was biased with harsh/intimidating manners, and some of food appeared to be contaminating causing allergic reactions like rash.
These experiences suggest that the city, or certain individuals within it, may be accepting things they should not, or failing to maintain transparency. As a result, the city's development and progress are hindered, creating an environment that feels unwelcoming and harsh for minorities.
Furthermore, Vancouver does not seem to provide adequate support for individuals with PTSD or moral injuries, especially those resulting from past human experimentations conducted without consent. This lack of support and transparency makes it difficult for people like me to feel safe and included.
Given these circumstances, I am now considering relocating to a more supportive and transparent place, such as New Zealand and Denmark (hopefully with right types of support). I hope that with more mindfulness and effort, Vancouver will become a more inclusive and supportive city for all its residents, particularly minorities and those with unique challenges. That time has not yet arrived.
My recent experience at the ICBC downtown was particularly disheartening, where my attempt to attain a provincial photo ID was rejected, seemingly without just cause. This incident highlighted the discriminatory practices that still persist in this city. Additionally, I faced discrimination in a restaurant near Howe and Hastings St, where the service was biased with harsh/intimidating manners, and some of food appeared to be contaminating causing allergic reactions like rash.
These experiences suggest that the city, or certain individuals within it, may be accepting things they should not, or failing to maintain transparency. As a result, the city's development and progress are hindered, creating an environment that feels unwelcoming and harsh for minorities.
Furthermore, Vancouver does not seem to provide adequate support for individuals with PTSD or moral injuries, especially those resulting from past human experimentations conducted without consent. This lack of support and transparency makes it difficult for people like me to feel safe and included.
Given these circumstances, I am now considering relocating to a more supportive and transparent place, such as New Zealand and Denmark (hopefully with right types of support). I hope that with more mindfulness and effort, Vancouver will become a more inclusive and supportive city for all its residents, particularly minorities and those with unique challenges. That time has not yet arrived.
Written July 12, 2024
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, Canada4 contributions
Sept 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.
Helen Carr
Wilsons Promontory National Park, Australia28 contributions
Jan 2025 • Family
I was really looking forward to visiting Vancouver. The reputation of a beautiful city with a mild climate, and outdoor pursuits has been smashed. We actually priced up changing our international flights to leave 2 days earlier. I have travelled extensively throughout South America, Asia, Europe, and Africa. Including "drug" capitals and corridors and I have never seen the depravity of Vancouver's streets. I cannot imagine ever considering returning here. There are people out of their minds on every street. Drug deals everywhere. It is Armageddon here. It feels very unsafe, the only positive is they dont menace you because they are comatose. What was the aim of decriminalisation here?
Written January 16, 2025
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, Canada3,389 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, UK5 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, India85 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, Canada12,703 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.
V0rrei sapere se è vero che gli impiegati di Vancouver possono andare a sciare durante l'intervallo di mezzogiorno. Grazie. .
Written April 17, 2020
Pourquoi y a t il tant de junkies et de drogués dans cette ville ?
Written August 10, 2019
Supongo que al ser un país 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.
Written September 26, 2019
hareidpatricia
Washington DC, District of Columbia
Will the Vancouver hop on hop off bus pick up passengers at the Holiday Inn in Richmond?
Written January 14, 2019
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).
Written January 20, 2019
What would be the best way to see tour the colleges? are classes year around?
Written January 7, 2019
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.
Written January 9, 2019
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
Written November 11, 2018
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!
Written November 12, 2018
Maybe you should change your star rating then as you gave it a one...idiot.
Written July 30, 2018
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.
Written August 5, 2018
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
Written July 6, 2018
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.
Written July 7, 2018
Paulo162Goncalves
Sao Jose Do Rio Preto, SP
Como é dirigir por Vancouver o trânsito, estacionar nos centros, lugares é fácil e tranquilo ?
Written May 11, 2018
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.
Written May 14, 2018
Showing results 1-10 of 28
Related Stories
*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.
Is this your Tripadvisor listing?
Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.
Claim your listing