Vancouver Downtown
Vancouver Downtown
4.5
Tours & experiences
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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
2,794 within 3 miles
Attractions
507 within 6 miles
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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 wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
6,630 reviews
Excellent
3,647
Very good
2,082
Average
636
Poor
162
Terrible
103
EkMusafir
Pune, India2,221 contributions
Aug 2019
Looking at a map, you will find that Vancouver Downtown is the lower portion of a peninsula (the thumb) of the main city of Vancouver (the fist), which sticks out into the Burrard Inlet. The neighborhood is bounded by the Burrard Inlet to the north, Stanley Park and West End to the west, False Creek to the south and Downtown Eastend to the east.
It has the main business district of Vancouver as well as many high end residential buildings and hotels. As we walked the streets we saw a number of shops, restaurants, pubs, private offices, travel agencies and government offices, theaters and art galleries. In general the streets were clean and broad but there were a few places which were not so pleasant to walk along as there were some down at heel people and addicts to be seen. There were some parks and green spaces to relieve the monotony of the high-rises. A walk along the Waterfront Road was quite fascinating as we got to see the many activities in the harbor, near Canada Place, with the ships and boats moving in and out and a number of seaplanes taking off and landing.
The main transit hub of Vancouver Downtown, the Waterfront Station, is where you can find connections to most parts of the city. There are two metro lines, The Canada Line and the Expo Line, the West Coast Express Railway, and the SeaBus passenger ferry which crosses the inlet to get you to North Vancouver.
The road traffic especially during office hours can be quite slow moving, so we used the cheaper and efficient bus transit system instead of hiring expensive cabs. We enjoyed exploring the city, which is known to be one of the most beautiful cities in the world for a tourist.
It has the main business district of Vancouver as well as many high end residential buildings and hotels. As we walked the streets we saw a number of shops, restaurants, pubs, private offices, travel agencies and government offices, theaters and art galleries. In general the streets were clean and broad but there were a few places which were not so pleasant to walk along as there were some down at heel people and addicts to be seen. There were some parks and green spaces to relieve the monotony of the high-rises. A walk along the Waterfront Road was quite fascinating as we got to see the many activities in the harbor, near Canada Place, with the ships and boats moving in and out and a number of seaplanes taking off and landing.
The main transit hub of Vancouver Downtown, the Waterfront Station, is where you can find connections to most parts of the city. There are two metro lines, The Canada Line and the Expo Line, the West Coast Express Railway, and the SeaBus passenger ferry which crosses the inlet to get you to North Vancouver.
The road traffic especially during office hours can be quite slow moving, so we used the cheaper and efficient bus transit system instead of hiring expensive cabs. We enjoyed exploring the city, which is known to be one of the most beautiful cities in the world for a tourist.
Written January 2, 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.
Pbergman
San Diego, CA73 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.
Adam G
Montreal, Canada4 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.
DogPerson
3 contributions
Feb 2020 • Solo
If you are trying to get away from snow and cold, Vancouver is not a bad place to be. Unfortunately, the city's charm is declining rapidly as glass and steel condos replace old historical homes and buildings.
Also, the transit system does not allow your dogs on board as regular passengers and cabs will often not take them so travel around the city is difficult if you want to take your best friends with you.
Grocery stores downtown are also way over priced. You will work very hard trying to find a deal here. This is not a place to come shopping.
Make plans to go to the woods and suspension bridges, go rafting or kayaking to get out of the concrete jungle and into the green.
Also, the transit system does not allow your dogs on board as regular passengers and cabs will often not take them so travel around the city is difficult if you want to take your best friends with you.
Grocery stores downtown are also way over priced. You will work very hard trying to find a deal here. This is not a place to come shopping.
Make plans to go to the woods and suspension bridges, go rafting or kayaking to get out of the concrete jungle and into the green.
Written February 29, 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.
leightayl0r
West Vancouver, Canada302 contributions
Jul 2019
Vancouver downtown is not an unusually large area and one can easily walk to Stanley Park and the aquarium (along the seawall is very pleasant and scenic) or through Yaletown (lots of restaurants) to the small ferrys to Granville Island (a great market). Walking from the wonderful Art Gallery along Robson Street (shops and restaurants) all the way to Denman and up Denman (lots more restaurants) to English Bay would take a little more than an hour. But all these walks are worth it.
Written March 22, 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, Canada788 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.
A B
Toronto45 contributions
Feb 2020 • Business
With Vancouver being such a walkable city it’s always a pleasure to conduct business downtown. Safe and easy to get around. It is however expensive when it comes to accommodations. Hate the rainy springs but love that I never have to pack an umbrella as city hotels always have you covered.
Written February 11, 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.
RubyW
Sydney, Australia12 contributions
Jan 2020
We were blessed with a great tour guide from Vancouver Greeters. He met us on our first morning in Vancouver and we walk for 4 hours in the wet gloomy morning around Vancouver Downtown, we did get a few brief glimpse of sunlight breaking through. He gave a great overview of the downtown area. He explained the history of the different landmark, the best continental biscuit on Davies Street and what makes Vancouver ticks. We learnt so much in the 4 hours, we walk up Davies Street, all the way to Canada Place, saw the Steam Clock in Gastown, walk briefly through Chinatown and check out the shortest building there. Walk through the free part of Dr Sun Yat Sen Garden and on to Olympic Park and False Creek. We did stop for cheese cake and coffee at W. Hasting St. Lunch was at Olympic park and we then took a ferry to Granville Island. The ferry ride provides us a good view of downtown Vancouver from the creek.
If you happened to visit Vancouver, I suggest contacting Vancouver Greeters and they will put you in touch with one of the volunteer guides and it is so much better to see Vancouver with the help of a local.
If you happened to visit Vancouver, I suggest contacting Vancouver Greeters and they will put you in touch with one of the volunteer guides and it is so much better to see Vancouver with the help of a local.
Written February 20, 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.
Hari A
Delta, Canada660 contributions
Mar 2021
Although I live in a suburb about 25 minutes to the city, as soon as I approach the downtown area of Vancouver I appreciate natures beauty. Separated by patches of water with a back drop of snow capped mountains I admire the architecture of the tall towers that have added to the beauty of this city. The downtown core is easily accessible by walk or bicycles. Stanley Park, Beach Avenue, Gastown, Robson, Granville Island - oh, there is so much to do especially in the summer when it's warm and bright!¬
Written March 21, 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.
Christopher N
Nottingham, UK4 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.
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, OR136 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, Canada6,353 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, SC110 contributions
What would be the best way to see tour the colleges? are classes year around?
sashakeena
Vancouver, Canada11,717 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, UK149 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, Australia22 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 Zealand1,605 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.
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