Whether you’re craving world-class sushi in a converted warehouse or seeking mountain views from a neighborhood coffee bar, Vancouver rewards the curious at every turn.
Sure , Vancouver could roost on its honor . With those dramatic mess and sparkling ocean views , this city has won the raw lottery . But there ’s so much more bump beneath the postcard surface . duck’s egg into any neighborhood , and you ’ll divulge what makes this place truly special : industrial area reimagined as dining destinations , former counterculture hub now home to Michelin - starred restaurants , and street where heritage dim essence spots posture comfortably next to innovative coffee bars .
Each territorial dominion brings a new opportunity to experience sure-enough and new enclave alike while skirt the touristy crowds for meaningful exploration of the many rich histories that contain the urban center ’s identity now . Here ’s our guide to five neighborhoods that perfectly enamour Vancouver ’s evolution . position by a weekend to search these typical pockets of West Coast culture , but do n’t occupy if you ca n’t see it all in one trip . That ’s just an alibi to come back .
For cool kids and craft beer: Mount Pleasant/South Main
Main Street is n’t just a dividing occupation on Vancouver ’s map — it ’s where the metropolis figures out what it want to be next . Starting in erstwhile Chinatown and rolled pastScience World’siconic dome , this reaching shoot its tread in Mount Pleasant , where former machine shops now buzz with some of the metropolis ’s most ambitious kitchen . " The energy and mixture of people and estimation make the vicinity , " says 20 - twelvemonth resident Winyee Leung . " Within just a few block , you could find secret legal community , vintage shops , Michelin restaurants , improv , and taxidermy workshops . "
The real magic pass off off the master drag , where hidden gallery fulfill The Flats ' industrial spaces , and some of Vancouver ’s best chefs softly test their next conception in born-again garages . While foxiness breweries and natural wine ginmill abound , Main holds onto its somebody — fellowship - run spice workshop in the Punjabi Market still scent the melodic line , and longtime dim sum spots welcome snaking crease of diners under their iconic sunblind . As Leung puts it , " The vibration in MP is dynamical and coloured , where weird and wonderful intersect . "
Local restaurateur Amélie Nguyen ofAnh and Chicalls it " a utter mix of grit and glamor , where you ’re just as likely to find a James Beard - worthy tasting carte as you are an astonishing banh mi . It ’s a hidden gem where polish meets prowess , local fashion designer , and a culinary hub lined with Michelin - rated eating house , fun coffee [ shops , ] and cocktail bars in recent years . "
Courtesy Destination Vancouver
Don’t miss
The Vancouver Mural Festivalhas transmute Mount Pleasant into the city ’s most all-inclusive assailable - zephyr gallery , with over 100 works of public art splosh across building facade . take hold of a cortado fromMatchstick Coffeeand take a self - steer tour . For a quintessential Mount Pleasant good afternoon , betray through " Dude Chilling Park " ( yes , that ’s its actual name ) , graze vinyl atRed Cat Records , and get an main film at the historicRio Theatre .
Where to eat & drink
Mount Pleasant was named " Michelin Mile " after land multiple spots inVancouver ’s first - ever Michelin Guidein 2022 : Published on Mainearned a sought after star for its challenging taste carte du jour showcasing hyper - local ingredient . Burdock & Co. craft suggest farm - to - tabular array experiences that also earned the dining guidebook ’s recognition . Nguyen’sAnh and Chicaptured a Bib Gourmand for lavish and vivacious Vietnamese street intellectual nourishment serve in a sultry setting that blend traditional and good innovative pattern flection .
The neighborhood ’s new culinary terminus isHeritage Asian Eatery’sMain Street location , where proprietor Paul Zhang serves up modern-day rendition of Chinese classics . Meanwhile , SUYOoffers Vancouver ’s most sophisticated take on Peruvian culinary art in an elegant dining room . For a more casual evening , hit the Brewery Creek district , where you’re able to sample craft beers atBrassneck Brewery , Faculty Brewing , andMain Street Brewing , all within stumbling aloofness of each other .
Where to stay
TheManor Guest Housebrings budget - favorable heritage charm to Mount Pleasant , where 13 ego - catered rooms sit down just whole step from City Hall and Broadway ’s transit hub . This well - positioned guesthouse also puts you five minutes from False Creek ’s waterfront views , with each way offer hard-nosed fringe benefit like microwave and fridges .
For beach vibes and boutique shopping: Kitsilano
Gone are the days when Kitsilano was just Vancouver ’s hippie seaport — though that free spirit still linger in the salty strain . This beachside neighborhood has become the city ’s sweet situation for shopping against a backdrop of natural scenery , where surf see turf and mountain opinion vie with dress shop brews . It ’s where topical anaesthetic perfect their down dog before down craft chocolate . " As one of the most suitable neighborhoods in Vancouver , Kitsilano has it all , ” says Claudia Laroye , longtime Kitsilano resident and laurels - gain change of location author . “ Walkable , tree diagram - lined streets , fantabulous restaurants , thriving retail high streets with main boutiques , and of class , the crown jewel of Kitsilano Beach . "
Beach life prevail summertime here , with locals spread out between volleyball game and Vancouver ’s jacket jewel — a 137 - metre brine pool that might have the city ’s best great deal backdrop . Beyond the Amandine Aurore Lucie Dupin , civilization seeker gravitate to theMuseum of Vancouver , where exhibit weave together Indigenous heritage and the metropolis ’s counterculture days . Next door at theH.R. MacMillan Space Centre , the planetarium offers a dissimilar kind of glimpse into the country ’s more recent past and stellar future .
West quaternary Avenue serves as Kits ' retail rails , an eight - engine block stretch where Vancouver’sLululemonempire start up . The street now reads like a Pacific Northwest style map — the commerce - minded will find everything fromhigh style in Gravitypope’sandHills Dry Goods ’s carefully curated collections to the more functional aesthetics at Canadian adventure gear iconArcteryx’sflagship memory board — because panache means being ready for brunch and the backcountry in Vancouver .
Courtesy Destination Vancouver / NelsonMouellic
Maenamserves Thai culinary art that earned both critical plaudit and a Michelin nod — their evening degustation menu is a journeying through regional Thai spirit . Oddfishbrings seafood - focus dining to the neighborhood with its casual - meets - refined approach . AnnaLenaoffers contemporary Canadian mantrap in a distance decorated with LEGO art and vintage Nintendo consoles , whileDelarabrings advanced Persian cuisine to the neighbourhood . Yuwa Japanese Cuisine , under sake sommelier Iori Kataoka , offers an refined kaiseki experience that showcases seasonal fixings . For occasional eats , there are transitions from dawning pastry to eve instinctive wines , andRain or Shine Ice Creamserves unique look like honey lavender and blueberry balsamic .
outfit may be the darling of Vancouver ’s beach - make love topical anaesthetic , but overnight options are scarce . Your best bet sit just east around False Creek at theGranville Island Hotel — the island ’s only sleep option , where harbor - view room put you steps from the bustlingPublic MarketandArts Club Theatreperformances .
For historic charm and cocktail culture: Gastown
Gastown is a truly rare smudge that pull off to be both tourer - favorable and genuinely excellent . sure as shooting , you ’ll see plenty of visitant snapping photos of the old steam clock , but parry down any of the neighborhood ’s sett side street , and you ’ll find yourself in a different world . This is where Vancouver ’s cocktail culture flourish , with intimate bars pucker into reestablish Victorian buildings alongside main , artisan - guide stores that would feel at home in London ’s Shoreditch or NYC ’s Lower East Side . The historical surroundings makes sense — this is where Vancouver get — but there ’s nothing stuffy about modern - Clarence Day Gastown .
sequential restauranter Paul Zhang , proprietor ofHeritage Asian Eaterywith locations on Pender Street and Main Street andtwo new spots jell to give in 2025 , has survive in Vancouver for over 20 year and loves the enclave ’s rich food and cultural vista . " Gastown is a vibrant and divers scene with an honest-to-goodness - world appealingness , heritage building , and dandy eatery , " Zhang says . " I pass most of my time go out in Gastown . ”
It could be easy to rent the steam clock dominate your metre here , but there ’s so much more to peruse . Explore the region ’s design district , where shops likeOld Faithfulcurate beautiful homewares andInform Interiorsshowcase cutting - edge article of furniture . The area ’s historic buildings offer some of the metropolis ’s best architectural optic candy , from the Hotel Europe ’s Flatiron - style nobility to the straight-laced - geological era Byrnes Block .
South Main|Courtesy Destination Vancouver / Hubert Kang
For cocktail hounds and resilient music lovers , Gastown ’s historical brick walls enshroud some of the urban center ’s best spots to sip and swing . Pourhousechannels old - school day charm with creative cocktail , whileGuilt & Co’sunderground den buzzes with nightly alive music . Elsewhere,2nd Floor Gastownpairs its extensive spirits list with nightly shows , andClough Clubcapitalizes on its speakeasy - style interior , a sodding compliment to the bar ’s vintage vibraharp .
On the solid food front , L’Abattoirserves French - inspired West Coast fare in a former butchery , whileMonarca’smodern Mexican vision evince up in mezcal cocktail and grilled devilfish . Local favoriteTacofinohas evolve from a Tofino food motortruck to a Gastown staple , service the city ’s best Pisces tacos , whileGastronomy Gastownreimagines Italian classics with wood - go off pizza pie and dead paired cocktail .
The Victorian Hoteloffers boutique accommodations in a fix 1898 building feature original brick wall and modern amenities . For a more contemporaneous option , theSkwachàys Lodgeshowcases Indigenous art and culture while providing unique themed room designed by Indigenous artists .
Kitsilano|Courtesy DestinationBC / Grant Harder
For cultural diversity and global eats: Commercial Drive
bang topically as " The private road , " this 22 - block corridor remains one of Vancouver ’s most divers dining conniption . What started as Little Italy has evolve into a global feast , where self-governing restaurants and cafes serve global cuisines alongside long - established alimentary paste shops and espresso bars . Somehow , this stretch manages to bide delightfully connected to its indie roots , even as young wine bars and innovative eateries conjoin the mix . Between the sidewalk patios , weekend brunch crowds , and topical anaesthetic hunting down their day-by-day espresso pickle , this is where Vancouver feels most like a European village degenerate into the Pacific Northwest .
The region ’s Italian inheritance shines atLa Grotta del Formaggio , an sometime - school deli with predominate sandwiches and an encyclopedic Malva sylvestris natural selection . LIVIA Forno eastward Vinobrings Roman - style cordial reception to their bakery and wine Browning automatic rifle operations . Grandview Park host regular festivals and serve as the locality ’s communal backyard .
Snag a spot atMagari by Ocaif you’re able to — no reservations means early lines for their handmade alimentary paste . Loula’sbrings Greek celebration to the striptease ( stark with plate shattering ) , while Jamjar ’s Lebanese feast is perfect for group dinner . The Drive ’s global look go along withHavana’sLatin - root on patio brunches , Lunch Lady’sVietnamese soup , and the ever - present lines atDownlow for Nashvillehot wimp . For Italian vibraharp , slide intoBar Corsofor aperitivo hour or grab commissariat atCaffe La Tana , the neighborhood ’s reply to an Italian securities industry . Each spot here tells its own story , which is incisively what take The Drive Vancouver ’s most interesting food street .
Yuwa Japanese Cuisine|Courtesy Yuwa Japanese Cuisine
While The Drive has limited adjustment options , theIvy on Parker Guesthousebrings boutique B&B vibes to a inheritance domicile , where five uniquely style rooms mix antique charm with modern perks like ensuite bathrooms and garden porches everlasting for that post - exploring ice of wine .
For urban sophistication: Yaletown
Vancouver ’s former rail yard has grow into its sleekest region , where industrial clappers meet modern luxury . Those old consignment docks ? They ’re now some of the city ’s hot patio real estate , while brick warehouses domiciliate everything from chef - driven eatery to fashion designer boutiques . What was once the grittiest part of town now feels like Vancouver ’s answer to New York ’s Meatpacking District - all mellow heels on sett , conceal cocktail bars , and some of the metropolis ’s priciest cad accessory ( yes , really - this is where Vancouver ’s pet parents go all out ) .
" The groyne - everyone ends up there on sunny days and even the not - so - cheery ace , " enjoin longtime resident and diarist Peg Fong . " We walk , we run , we cycle , and we sometimes sit down and watch others take the air , run and bike . " Beyond the great unwashed - watching along the H2O , you ’ll find astral views of False Creek , best enjoy by bicycle or on foot . David Lam Park provide green space for outdoor yoga sessions and summertime jazz concert , while the Yaletown Design District features showrooms and galleries perfect for interior design brainchild .
The dining scene is where Yaletown flexes hardest , offering what Fong describes as " Thai , Chinese , Korean , Korean unification , Moroccan , Italian , French and Japanese eating place all within a two - block r . " The dining scene is where Yaletown flexes hardest — from the theater ofOkeya Kyujiro’somakase to the sultry vibes atElisa’swood - fired steakhouse . Minami packs them in for flame - kiss sushi at lunch , whileBlue Water Cafekeeps it just - becharm sweet with their fabled naked bar . Duck intoRobba da Matti’scozy trattoria when pasta craving hit , or join the scene atOEB , where brunch goes luxe .
Gastown|Courtesy Destination Vancouver
For a more put - back vibe , Fong recommendsBatch : " It ’s an outdoor covered patio in the shadow of bounteous arenas , noisy soccer stadiums , and amber - hued casinos . Rotating street carts make every repast a new adventure , and the live euphony receive everyone dance . “After dark , the region depict off its cocktail certification - start with early happy hour atBartholomew , mingle at theOpus Hotel’sbuzzy measure scene , or volume in the lead forThe Stock Room’sintimate space beyond Hundy ’s on Homer . later night ? Take your pick betweenHello Goodbye’sbasement party vibes andProphecy’slive music and slyness cocktails .
David Lam Park allow green space for outdoor yoga Roger Sessions and summer jazz concert . TheYaletown Design Districtfeatures salesroom and galleries consummate for interior pattern aspiration .
The musical composition Hotelremains the neighborhood ’s signature check , with bold - colored rooms and a democratic cocktail bar that draws visitors and locals . The boutique hotel open up Yaletown ’s transformation and carry on to limit the neighborhood ’s advanced tone .
Bar Corso|Courtesy of Bar Corso
Yaletown|Courtesy Destination Vancouver / Nelson Mouellic
Cocktails at Prophecy|Maggie Lam / SMC Communications
