THE 10 BEST Things to Do in Granville Street, Vancouver
Top Things to Do in Granville Street
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Travellers' Choice Awards winners (including the "Best of the Best" title) are among the top 10% of listings on Tripadvisor, according to the reviews and opinions of travellers across the globe.
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- Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, number of page views, and user location.
Points of Interest & Landmarks • Architectural Buildings
Downtown
Theatres
Granville Street
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Open now
Speciality Museums
Downtown
Dance Clubs & Discos
Granville Street
Bars & Clubs • Dance Clubs & Discos
Granville Street
Bars & Clubs • Golf Courses
Downtown
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Open now
Speciality & Gift Shops • Lessons & Workshops
Downtown
Bowling Alleys
Granville Street
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Open now
Art Galleries
Granville Street
What travellers are saying
- bhajRedmond, WA32 contributionsA lovely small galllery geared to the Haida and Bill Reid
Art work was nicely spaced in the two floor gallery.
A nice gift shop of indigenous workWritten September 27, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Mark AttishaVancouver, Canada96 contributionsThe Orpheum Tour is a must-do for any Vancouverite wanting to discover some of our City's majestic history. This 90-minute behind-the-scenes exploration of the Orpheum, the Grand Old Lady of Granville Street—a storied concert hall that has managed to survive the vagaries of Vancouver's fickle nightlife, is genuinely fascinating. Our guide, Rob Haynes, gave an entertaining and often impassioned peek into the history of the building and its place not just in the local entertainment scene but in the grand old days of vaudeville. You'll explore areas few have trod and discover things about Vancouver's heritage that we overlook at our peril.Written April 28, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- GabrielWestminster, CO57 contributionsI was really disappointed with the museum. The art in the museum was not that impressive but they did try to showcase local art. It just wasn’t really well setup, the art wasn’t that impressive (fully understand this is subjective), and I just ended up kind of breezing through it. Thins is my personal experience so don’t take it as an all encompassing all applicable review, just my perspective.Written January 20, 2025This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- David nManchester, UK4,887 contributionsThe Pacific centre houses the most shops in the centre of Vancouver. Obviously, under cover. The mall is very clean, well-lit, well-signposted & has independent shops as well as chains. Well worth a visit.Written February 9, 2025This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Stewarts Vacation1,532 contributionsWe stopped here to admire the architecture of this church with its Douglas Fir ceiling beams and 32 stained glass windows. It's the oldest surviving church in downtown Vancouver. Once the brightest and tallest building in the city, it was known as ‘the light on the hill’, used by mariners for navigation as they came into port. Outside a 30m tower of steel, clad with stained glass, houses four bronze bells.Written January 2, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Highroe3 contributionsThe music was magnificent. During the dance in the street performance, it felt like I was being transported back to the 1900s, where jazz clubs fill of African Americans were inventing new music for their peers and audience, I wish to come back to this performance very soon, I enjoyed this very much.Written May 25, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Lisa LAustin, TX29 contributionsWe saw three movies over three consecutive nights while visiting Vancouver and thoroughly enjoyed the theatre’s location, the seating and the popcorn.Written August 1, 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Chris DNew Westminster, Canada3,389 contributionsNot much change to this edifice since I last visited about three years ago; but that is just the point. Vancouver is a young city, and 100+- year old buildings are few and far between. Not only is it interesting to examine the architectural style of this building, but to note that the other three corners of this prime intersection (many would say THE centre of downtown) have been redeveloped. So, look at the new chic hi-rises, then see what has stood the test of time. This building is indeed a real landmark.Written October 15, 2021This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- arpc29Tampa, FL1,349 contributionsWe went to the Vogue for The Proclaimers concert. We had a fabulous time – the group was such fun to watch. That said, the comments about the seats are true. They were small and uncomfortable. The toilets were clean and the staff were professional and helpful. It is an good, intimate venue which needs updating to make it great.Written January 25, 2019This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- JamesKMTanPetaling Jaya, Malaysia21,157 contributionsThis gothic stone cathedral is located right in the heart of the city and commercial centre near the Downtown Canada Line station and numerous high rise buildings and shopping centres.
It has nice stained glass windows and wooden benches to sit to contemplate and meditate. Come here for a break.Written October 12, 2018This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Wilson LKelowna, Canada5,112 contributionsVery average nightclub. Nothing special, but not the worst either. Drinks are decent though and priced well.Written February 9, 2020This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Lillian50Brisbane169 contributionsBallet BC is worth the effort to go and see. They are a beautiful and extremely talented company,was lovely to watchWritten September 1, 2017This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- PookyCakeVictoria, Canada14,970 contributionsWhenever I’m in Vancouver, I tend to walk by this building on an almost daily basis. It’s never occurred to me that I should come here and play tourist, even if the lobby is considered a public space. For me, the HSBC Building is just one of many indistinguishable office towers in our city of glass. It certainly has its charm – built as it is with granite from Quebec and South Dakota – but as a “thing to do” in Vancouver . . . I don’t know. I just kind of struggle with it. I guess if one is on an artistic culture tour then the HSBC Building might merit a brief stop? The site carries with it an interesting history and, hey, it does feature art.
First opened in 1986 and home to HSBC since 1987, this office tower is built on the former site of the much lauded Hotel Devonshire (imploded in 1981). Over the last 33 years, the tower and – specifically – atrium have evolved into something of a minor artistic hub. In fact, the HSBC describes their atrium in this way via an information plaque found on the exterior of the tower: “The Atrium [. . .] is a public space dedicated to Vancouver’s citizens and visitors for the enjoyment of the arts and urban life.” It goes on to say that the arts and commerce have been brought “under one roof for the benefit of all.” In short, the arts have been combined with commerce to form a sort of gestalt. This might seem surprising at first, especially given the postmodern nature of the temporary art exhibitions, but if one thinks about it one quickly realizes that art and commerce have always walked hand-in-hand: Artists create objects – be they paintings, pictures, or whatever – that are part of our daily lives. They form, and inform, us regardless of how abstract they might be. The fact that the exhibits in HSBC’s atrium usually function as a “preview” of larger shows whereby pieces can be sold and people can network only makes their placement in a large banking tower all the more apt and appropriate.
Beyond the transient art exhibits, perhaps the most noteworthy attraction at the HSBC Building is Alan Storey’s impressive “Broken Column” pendulum. Installed in 1987, the piece has been described by Fodor’s as “one of the city’s more intriguing public-art installations.” While I might disagree with that characterization (the city is home to far more intriguing pieces of public art), I will agree that it is nevertheless an eye-catching piece. When I first visited the HSBC Building for business about 10 years ago, seeing the pendulum swing “to and fro” was almost mesmerizing. A decade later, it still carried the same effect on me. It was peaceful and thus represented a nice contrast with the hustle and bustle of Vancouver’s downtown core.
If I was a tourist in Vancouver, would I make a special trip just to visit the HSBC Building? No; however, if one is on a cultural tour of sorts, this attraction can very easily be added to an itinerary. After all, it is in the heart of downtown AND the Vancouver Art Gallery is literally right across the street. So, one can spend a few minutes here and then cross the street or vice versa.Written August 5, 2020This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Zolike78New Westminster, Canada310 contributionsI go there many times to see metal shows. The sound is great, drinks are pretty expensive, like all concert venues. No cash, only card.Written April 4, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
