Where to Stay in Vancouver, BC: Complete Guide to 5 Areas

The Vancouver skyline is an impressive sight to behold. This huge city is jam-packed with great hotels, bars, restaurants, nature walks, and scenic tours. The stunning Coast Mountains tower over the city’s high-rises, while the Pacific Ocean laps at its shores. Don’t let its size put you off: there are so many gems around every corner and intimate communities of Vancouverites waiting to welcome you in. Knowing where to stay in Vancouver is essential, because each district has its own distinct atmosphere. Are you excited yet?! 

I’ve spent many extended breaks in Vancouver over the past five years. I’ve stayed with friends, indulged in some lush hotels and checked out the thriving backpackers’ scene. I’m not usually a city girl, but Vancouver draws me back time and time again because there is just so much to do!

Planning a trip to Vancouver? Don’t miss our guide to how to spend a perfect weekend in Vancouver for everything you need to know to have an amazing time.

Disclaimer: Some of the links in this post, like hotel and vacation rental links, are affiliate links, meaning at no additional cost to you we make a little bit of money if you click through and book. That being said, we would absolutely never recommend something to you that we don’t stand behind 100%.

Where to Stay in Vancouver, B.C.: The 5 Best Areas to Stay in Vancouver

In this guide we’ll cover the six best areas to stay in Vancouver, five of which are located within this central downtown zone. 

The idea is that, by the end of this guide, you’ll have an answer (or at least a better idea) of where to stay in Vancouver depending for your particular style and budget.

Downtown Vancouver: It Doesn’t Get Any More Central

Ideal for: Business Travelers and Shopaholics

This is as downtown as downtown gets! Downtown Central is slap-bang in the heart of the city (and is also referred to as Downtown Core or Downtown Westside, in case you come across those elsewhere). Ideally suited to the business traveler or big-spenders who want the ultimate city break. Here you’ll find great restaurants, big-brand stores, epic nightlife, and people, people, people.

Pros / Cons of Staying in Downtown Vancouver

Pros

If you’re looking for the most central location, Downtown Central is certainly the best place to stay in Vancouver. You literally couldn’t be any more in the heart of the city. You’ll be within walking distance of just about everything the city has to offer, including Gastown and Stanley Park.

It is the hub for all transport, dining and shopping. You certainly won’t be without things to do or places to go, and with several key Skytrain stations within a few minutes’ walk.

Cons

Its location is reflected in the price, as the most expensive part of town.

It’s Busy! People, cars and high energy from dawn till dusk. It is more of a commuter zone, so you don’t get the “local feel” like many other districts in Vancouver.

Downtown Central Highlights

• Experience the Nightlife. Granville Street in central Vancouver is once believed to have had the highest concentration of neon in the world (second only to Shanghai, naturally). Whether your idea of a party is tearing it up in the club, or listening to the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra at the Orpheum Theatre, you certainly not be disappointed with this part of the city.
  
  
• Visit an Art Gallery. Downtown Central features several notable galleries just a short hop from one another. The Bill Reid Gallery of Northwest Coast Art on Hornby Street is an absolute must for anyone who visits the area. Renowned Haida artist Bill Reid was a prominent goldsmith, carver, writer and broadcaster and, in 2008, the gallery was opened to honor his memory and to celebrate the many Indigenous cultures of the northwest. Just down the road, the Vancouver Art Gallery showcases contemporary art from around the world with a strong focus on Asian art, celebrating the 43% of Vancouver inhabitants of Asian heritage.
  
  
• Exquisite Dining. Here you’ll find some of the nicest restaurants on the planet, seriously. If you’re looking to take your significant other out for the fanciest meal you can imagine, then you’re in the right place. The prestigious Hawksworth Restaurant offers veal and a caviar menu, while the Five Sails offers some of the best seafood in the city with a panoramic view of the ocean and mountains beyond.
  
  
• Marvel at the Design of the Buildings. This one might only be fun for me, but I had a great time walking around downtown staring up at the impossible architecture which looms overhead.

The Best Places to Stay in Downtown Central

The Burrard

This chic-boutique hotel is an absolute gem in the thick of the city. It’s also locally-owned and operated, which is something that certainly can’t be said for most hotels in Vancouver, particularly downtown.

The location really can’t be beaten, and finishing touches such as free WiFi, a Nespresso machine and 42” TV make this a really great option for all different types of travelers.

The fresh color scheme and courtyard greenery make you feel like you could be on a beach in Mexico (if you squint really hard and block out the sounds of traffic). It’s the perfect home base for exploring Vancouver – most of the city will be on your doorstep, or a short walk away from it.

Hotel Belmont Vancouver

This hotel is somewhere I’ve always wanted to stay, and probably will next time I’m in town. Proudly standing in the heart of the entertainment district, the boutique-style rooms look funky, fresh and comfortable.

This hotel is certainly geared towards party-goers and prides itself on being “Cute But Devilish Inside”. So if you’re looking for a quaint, quiet place to stay, this isn’t it.

They have multiple onsite restaurants and bars, perfect for a nightcap or a quick bite to eat before you head out to explore.

EXchange Hotel Vancouver

EXchange exudes luxury, style and elegance from the moment you walk in. The rooms are plush, impeccably designed and full of classy twists for a truly remarkable stay. 

The building is the first LEED Platinum Conversion in the city, and it used to be home to the Vancouver Stock Exchange (hence the name). It’s definitely on the luxury hotel side of the spectrum, so look elsewhere if you’re on a budget.

Moda Hotel

Moda Hotel prides itself on being an experience, not just a hotel. Every color and cushion is exactly where it’s meant to be – and the result is outstandingly pleasing.

The aesthetics alone are worth the stay, but the on-site wine and cocktail bars and in-house specialty beer store really cinch the top-spot for a luxurious stay. 

The West End: Best Area for Local Life

Ideal for: Getting to know the real Vancouver

The West End is a great location for anyone wanting to experience a little more authentic Vancouver life, as it is a hugely popular residential area for locals.

It is the westernmost point of Downtown, bordered by beautiful beaches and is often heralded as the “Gateway to Stanley Park”. There is a thriving LGBTQ+ community, loads of affordable places to eat, and an assortment of indie stores for you to peruse. The West End is certainly the place to stay on a budget, and is totally family-friendly.

Pros / Cons of Staying in the West End

Pros

Accommodation, food and activities are more affordable here than other higher-end parts of Vancouver. 

This is one of the most diverse and welcoming areas of the city, giving you plenty of chances to explore the scenes however you feel most comfortable.

Cons

The area gets hugely busy, especially in summer. The beaches can get very crowded – particularly around sunset – and there are bikes everywhere!

The West End is not on a Skytrain route and is only serviced by a couple of buses, so it isn’t as easy to explore other parts of the city if you stay here.

West End Highlights

• Stanley Park. Probably one of the most famous parts of Vancouver, and a world-renowned tourist destination. The park itself is beautiful to explore on foot or by bike, and there are a whole host of activities to enjoy. Swimming, golf, tennis, or even riding the park’s very own train. The Teahouse is an excellent place to enjoy a bite to eat, while overlooking the forest, ocean, and mountains beyond.
  
  
• Bike the Waterfront. Rent a bicycle anywhere along Denman Street and enjoy this quirky part of town on wheels. I was originally against the idea as it seemed like the tourist activity… but I had so much fun and it was a really cool way to explore, for someone who is usually on foot. Be sure to ride along English Bay right up to the Seawall in Stanley Park for the best views. (Note: I’ll talk about the ‘Seawall’ a few times – it’s the world’s longest continuous waterfront path at 28km, and so is naturally one of Vancouver’s proudest attractions!)
  
  
• Eat Along Denman Street. Denman Street cuts through the heart of the West End and is laden with delicious places to eat, hosting foods from around the globe. I had possibly the best Indian food I’ve ever tasted (and I grew up near Manchester’s Curry Mile) at Davie Dosa Company – check it out if you like to treat your taste-buds. I have also heard that the numerous Korean and Japanese restaurants are well worth a visit.
  
  
• Davie Village. Situated on Davie Street, this area is Vancouver’s self-proclaimed most welcoming neighborhood, with frequent celebrations of Pride and colorful displays from the vibrant LGBTQ+ community. Prepare to party the night away at several of the district’s many bars and clubs!
  
  
• Take a Walk Back in Time. Head to leafy green Barclay Heritage Square and take in the sights of Barclay Manor, Diamond Centre and Roedde House, built in the late 1800s. Roedde House actually serves as a house museum, and you can literally step back into the Victorian era as you walk the wooden hallways, ornate sitting rooms and more fancy china than at your nan’s house.

Cool Places to Stay in the West End

Here are five places to stay in the West End for a variety of budgets and styles, from quaint B&B to boutique hotel. And there’s even a hostel here!

O’ Canada House Bed & Breakfast

Quite possibly a B&B fit for the Queen herself! This charming property was built in 1897 and saved from demolition in the late 1990s due to its loving restoration and historical importance. Today, you can stay in this slice of Victorian Era history in style, with a number of delightful suites to choose from.

Sylvia Hotel

The Sylvia Hotel stands proudly on the corner of English Bay and Stanley Park. It is hard to miss with the incredible vines creeping up its entire front face. There are a variety of rooms and suites available, offering something for business travelers, families, and couples on a romantic retreat.

Blue Horizon Hotel

The Blue Horizon Hotel is an independent, boutique-style hotel with exceptional views. Enjoy sights over the city, English Bay and the Coast Mountains beyond from your private balcony, or take a dip in the on-site pool after a hard day eating at the many local restaurants.

The English Bay Inn

You would be forgiven for thinking you’d stepped through a portal and into an English country garden, as you walk down the lawn path to the English Bay Inn.

This beautifully renovated inn remains true to its English design, and offers just six unique rooms. Five rooms are reserved just for adults – perfect for your romantic getaway – and the sixth is reserved for small families or business travelers, with a private kitchenette and two queen beds.

Hi Vancouver Hostel

If you’ve done a lot of backpacking, chances are you’ve stayed in a HI hostel at least once. This West End hostel is perfectly situated close to Davie Village and English Bay, and offers super comfy rooms (four beds per room) and great amenities. Hang out in the games room or tuck in to the free breakfast, tea and coffee before you hit the city for the day.

Gastown: Charming & Historic with Great Food and Drinks

Ideal for: Culture Lovers

If you’re looking for character, then Gastown has it all. This is Vancouver’s oldest district, named after a man known as “Gassy Jack”. He established a humble tavern in 1867 and from this single entity grew the Gastown we have today (he even got his own statue which sits proudly at the roundabout).

Charming cobbled streets, vintage lanterns, and a multitude of stylish boutiques await you. Oh, and not to mention this is a foodie’s paradise.

Pros / Cons of Staying in Gastown

Pros

It is brimming with character. Charming old-time ambiance makes it hard to believe you are in central Vancouver.

No shortage of cultural hotspots such as galleries, museums and historic installations.

Cons

Not many people actually live here, so it lacks the community feeling that you get in the West End.

It borders Downtown Eastside which makes some feel uncomfortable. A good rule of thumb (when traveling anywhere) is not to go outside alone at night, get a taxi right to your accommodation and so on. General common sense does not go amiss.

There aren’t that many places to stay in Gastown either, which makes it hard to find an available room in peak summer months.

Gastown Highlights

• Watch the Steam Clock in Action. You can’t go to Gastown without a visit to the most Instagrammable spot – a fully working Steam Clock right in the heart of the town. The charming brick streets and buildings pale next to the mounds of steam pouring from the head of this eccentric clock. Try to catch it at midday for the best display!
  
  
• Take a Walking Tour. I usually prefer to walk city streets by myself, but I couldn’t resist the Forbidden Vancouver Tour around Gastown. It (literally) walks you through the area’s Prohibition Era secrets and shares all sorts of sordid scandals. The guides are hilarious and it was such a fun, bizarre evening with a totally unique perspective on this part of town.
  
  
• Indulge in Down-to-Earth Dining. You can’t beat a burger and chips or a serving of mac n’ cheese at the end of a long day exploring. I loved the Greedy Pig on West Cordova Street for its casual ambiance and delightful selection of appies. What’s more, almost everywhere in Gastown seems to have a ‘Happy Hour’ which is more like a ‘Happy Afternoon’ from 3pm-6pm. 
  
  
• Shop til’ You Drop. Water Street and its associated avenues are teeming with décor boutiques, hip pop-ups, and gorgeous galleries. The street is also dotted with cute cafes (I loved The Coffee Bar for its pastries) for you to take a break and count your remaining pennies!
  
  
• Take a Stroll at Crab Park. Gastown isn’t known for its green spaces, but quaint Crab Park provides a nice change from the city streets, if you need a short break. Situated along the north waterfront, you have exceptional views over north Vancouver and the Coast Mountains. I love sitting there in the evening watching all the lights twinkle on at the various mountain resorts.
  
  
• Catch the Best Views in the City. The Vancouver Lookout in central Gastown is easily the best place to take in the sights of the city and wilderness beyond. Ascend in a glass elevator up to 150m, and enjoy the 360 degree panoramic view that awaits. It’s sort of like Seattle’s Space Needle but less… spacey.

Places to Stay in Gastown

The Victorian Hotel

This character-filled hotel is a true Vancouver landmark as the city’s longest-serving hotel, built during the Gold Rush in 1898. Stylish, boutique rooms with exposed brick walls and wooden floors make for a truly authentic stay.

Skwachàys Lodge

This is a unique place to stay, as Canada’s first Indigenous Arts Hotel. Eighteen boutique-style rooms feature beautiful artwork by Indigenous artists, telling visual stories about First Nations culture and history. Downstairs, the art gallery and associated store showcase paintings, jewelry, carvings, and other handmade gifts by Indigenous artists, open to the general public in addition to hotel guests.

Delta Hotels by Marriott Vancouver Downtown Suites

The Marriott is one of the most trusted names in the hotel business, and their downtown hotel is just a stone’s throw from Gastown. Clean, bright and spacious at a surprisingly affordable price, you really can’t go wrong with a stay here.

Yaletown: Upscale and on the Water

Ideal for: Foodies and Young Professionals

On the southern shore of the downtown peninsula lies Yaletown. Old brick warehouses have been converted into trendy loft spaces, curbside restaurants, and a menagerie of indie stores.

The area lines the False Creek waterway and boasts two leafy parks for you to sip your espresso and watch the clouds trail overhead. It is often touted as one of the best places to stay in Vancouver for first-timers, due to its pleasing aesthetic and variety of things to fill your days.

Pros / Cons of Staying in Yaletown

Pros

Charming architecture, beautiful parks, and an expansive stretch of waterway make this one of the prettiest areas of the city.

No shortage of things to do. Night or day, there will be bars, restaurants, stores, clubs and so much more at your fingertips. Night owls: assemble!

Cons

It has a distinct “young urban professional” vibe. If you don’t like to be around 30-somethings sipping smoothies and sun-tanning, then it might not be the area for you.

Due to its demographic, the stores and restaurants are generally more expensive than you’d find in areas like the West End or Gastown.

Yaletown Highlights

• Explore the Waterfront Parks. The expansive Seawall connects David Lam Park and George Wainborn Park, and you can walk, run, skate, or bike between the two to your heart’s content. There’s a very pleasing collection of public art along the route, and you can spend hours marveling at all of the boats coming in and out of False Creek. In the summer, the parks host a multitude of outdoor movie nights and music festivals for you to enjoy.
  
  
• Pick a Patio to Dine On. I’m not sure if it’s an official statistic, but I’ve often heard that Yaletown has the highest number of patios in Vancouver. It’s probably true, because almost every restaurant offers patio dining. Sit outside under a toasty heater, sipping your sangria and munching on the hors d’oeuvres. I’d recommend the Yaletown Brewing Co. for cheerful pub grub and delicious local beers, and Nuba for some exquisite Lebanese cuisine.
  
  
• Discover Yaletown’s Railway History. Yaletown used to be a terminus for the great Canadian Pacific Railway, hence all of the repurposed warehouse buildings. Today, you can visit the Engine 374 Pavilion and the Roundhouse Turntable Plaza to see the impressive steam engine close-up, and take part in a number of free activities at the plaza to learn more about this slice of Vancouver history. Certainly one of the best outings you could choo-choose. Ahem.
  
  
• Support Local at the Farmers Market. From May to October, a section of Yaletown around Mainland Street is sectioned off for the False Creek Farmers Market. Here, you get the chance to sample some delicious produce, while supporting local workers and small businesses. The market runs every Thursday during the season and is truly the best place to stock up.

Places to Stay in Yaletown

the DOUGLAS

The Douglas sits high and proud overlooking the city, and matches the vibe of Yaletown perfectly with its modern style and collection of amenities. There’s even a rooftop park! It’s right on the water in the heart of Yaletown, which means Gastown and Downtown are a short walk away, and you’ll have all the bars and restaurants that Yaletown has to offer right outside your front door.

That includes Parq Vancouver, which is part casino, part restaurant, and a 30,000 square foot park on the sixth floor.

Opus Hotel

This charming boutique hotel offers a selection of rooms filled with pop-deco, vibrant splashes of color, and delightful spa bathrooms. It is excellently located close to the waterfront, parks and main stretch of shops and restaurants, and is also pet-friendly – for those of you who can’t travel without your most loyal companion!

Hotel BLU

Right in the heart of the district, Hotel BLU is another boutique hotel offering luxury and style. The rooms are impressively light, with floor-to-ceiling windows and a bright interior. Expect superior comfort and that warm, West Coast hospitality during your stay.

Rosedale on Robson

Rosedale on Robson is an affordable hotel right in the heart of Yaletown. The suites are clean and bright with floor-to-ceiling windows, offering spectacular views over the city. Each suite comes with a kitchenette, perfect for those nights when you want to cook a little something for yourself or heat up last night’s take-out.

JW Marriott Parc

This upscale hotel is situated right on False Creek, in a building almost entirely made out of windows. The impressive exterior is matched with an opulent interior design, with every amenity you could think of. Featuring an on-site spa, award-winning restaurant and lounges, and a rooftop hot-tub with insane views of Vancouver. 

Kitsilano: A Quiet and Residential Escape from the City

Ideal for: Laid-back Beach-goers

Ahhh, can you feel some of that city stress just melting away? Kitsilano lies outside of the downtown peninsula, and was coined a “hippy hangout” in the 1960s.

Today, you can still feel that laid-back energy but the area is populated with families and young professionals who want to escape the hub-bub of the inner city. It is the best part of the city if you want to take it slower than the inner city demands.

Don’t worry, there is still a whole host of things to do!

Pros / Cons of Staying in Kitsilano

Pros

Close to a great number of beaches. Kitsilano Beach is just down the road, and the West Side Beaches are very accessible from anywhere in Kitsilano.

Significantly more relaxed atmosphere than anywhere in Downtown.

Cons

No hotels in the Kitsilano neighborhood. Expect guesthouses, Bed & Breakfasts and garden suites.

Public transport is not so great as there’s no SkyTrain station and few bus routes.

Kitsilano Highlights

• Explore the Granville Island Market. Kitsilano is very close to the famous Granville Island Market where you can find an eclectic mix of food, gifts and trinkets from around the globe. The industrial architecture alone is worth the visit!
  
  
• Enjoy the Waterfront. Like most places in Vancouver, there is accessible waterfront just a stone’s throw away. Kitsilano Beach Park is a beautiful spot for a stroll, and the beachfront is a thriving hotspot for all of your favorite beachy activities in the summertime.
  
  
• Take a Dip at Kitsilano Saltwater Pool. Right next to the beach is an impressive 137m heated saltwater pool. It’s a great location to take the kids, or perfect for people who want to say they swam in the ocean but can’t handle the cold. 
  
  
• Tour West 4^th Avenue. This one street really has it all. The birthplace of yoga brand Lululemon, it has more yoga stores and classes than you can flex your hips at. The street is lined with outdoor gear, fashion boutiques, quaint cafes, spas and skincare stores, and delightful restaurants. The Naam is one of Vancouver’s oldest vegetarian restaurants and serves an impressive range of delicious Mexican and Asian cuisine.
  
  
• Visit the Many Museums. Just east of Kitsilano Beach is Vanier Park, home to three highly-rated museums. The Museum of Vancouver, H.R. MacMillan Space Center, and the Vancouver Maritime Museum all lie in this one stretch of green, and are easily walkable from Kitsilano’s main street.

Cool Places to Stay in Kitsilano

Kitsilano Oasis: Quiet and Spotlessly Clean Garden Suite

This charming suite boasts a king-size bed and a sunbathed garden, complete with a waterfall, pond and patio. It is a short walk from West 4^th Avenue street and offers total privacy. Ideal for a cozy, romantic stay.

Kitsilano Point Beach B&B

You couldn’t be in a better location with this B&B! Five minutes walk to the park, beaches, and museums and just over ten minutes to West 4^th Avenue for dining and shopping. They have just two rooms with twin or queen beds and a full breakfast is provided.

Kitsilano Garden Walk-Out 2 Bedroom

This suite is ideal for a family or group of friends, with two bedrooms and the apartment all to yourselves.

Situated near Jericho Beach, West Broadway Street and West 4^th Avenue, this spacious apartment with a patio and garden is in an excellent spot for your Vancouver adventure.

Granville Island Hotel

Okay, if you’re desperate for a hotel near Kitsilano then the Granville Island Hotel is just a short hop away. A beautiful boutique hotel offering exceptional views of the waters around Vancouver, and is perfectly located for access to Kitsilano or Downtown.

Coal Harbor: Perfect Waterfront Location

Ideal for: Folks who love the Ocean

Coal Harbor (also called Waterfront) is a surprisingly laid-back part of town, right on the northern border of the Downtown peninsula close to the West End and Stanley Park.

It is the ideal place to stay if you are catching a cruise, or want to watch all of the boats, ferries, and seaplanes busying about. The area offers both high-end and chilled-end shopping, dining, and partying, so you won’t be disappointed if you choose to stay here.

Pros / Cons of Staying in Coal Harbor

Pros

Close to all manner of water-related activities.

A great spot for nightlife with tons of bars, pubs and clubs.

Cons

Not a huge community feel as it’s on the fringe of the financial district with lots of office high-rises.

Most of the non-water activities lie in other districts such as the West End or Gastown.

Coal Harbor Highlights

• Head Out on the Water. The Coal Harbor Marina is the gateway to Vancouver’s waterways and here you can rent a boat, head out on a harbor ferry tour or go whale watching for a chance to see orcas, humpbacks and many other marine species. If the water isn’t quite enough for you, then take a seaplane tour with Harbor Air and get the best view of the city from up high.
  
  
• Enjoy the Art at Jack Poole Plaza. The plaza is one of the city’s top photo opportunity spots, with its majestic “Digital Orca” sculpture by artist Douglas Coupland, with the backdrop of some fantastic views over the water and North Vancouver beyond. A short stroll to the west affords another great art installation “LightShed” by Liz Magor, and the rest of the Seawall is dotted with other intriguing pieces.
  
  
• Vancouver Convention Center. You don’t have to be a businessperson to enjoy the Convention Center! It is loaded with cafes, restaurants, and shops for the general public to peruse. Don’t forget to look up to see a giant hanging globe, and marvel at the grass center roof.
  
  
• Enjoy Fine Seafront Dining. There are several notable eateries offering stunning views of Stanley Park, the Coast Mountains and the waters in between. The Tap & Barrel at the Convention Center offers a selection of delicious ales and honest grub. Cardero’s is rated as one of the area’s top seafood restaurants with delicious, fresh fish from local sources. It also offers plenty of non-fish items, and is snuggled into the harbor next to beautiful yachts and sailboats.

Places to Stay in Coal Harbor

Loden Hotel

The Loden Hotel is an award-winning boutique hotel, praised for its luxurious décor, high-end amenities and exceptional service. Did someone say on-site spa and gourmet restaurant? Count me in. Oh, and free bicycle rental too – a nice touch.

Auberge Vancouver

This boutique hotel is in an excellent central location, on the edge of the Coal Harbor district and close to all that Vancouver has to offer. The indoor pool complete with whirlpool has impressive views of the water and mountains beyond, and the lavish rooms are clean and bright with some thoughtful finishing touches.

Pinnacle Hotel Harbourfront

The Pinnacle Hotel is a real gem, tucked away just steps from the Seawall. It is surprisingly affordable given its central location, and boasts an indoor pool and cozy rooms with a city or sea view on request.

The Westin Bayshore

The Westin Bayshore Hotel sits proudly on the waterfront, overlooking Stanley Park. The hotel prides itself on being family and pet friendly, and offers a heated outdoor pool and an indoor pool – perfect for entertaining the kids on a hot day!

With a spa, on-site bar and restaurant, yoga classes and many more perks, this is the ideal place to stay for those days when you just want to sip a majoritarian and relax.

Vancouver Geography Overview

When you look at Vancouver on a map, you wouldn’t be the first person to feel a little overwhelmed by its size and many sub-districts. Fortunately, there’s only one main zone that most tourists and travelers tend to stick to: Downtown. *Cue Petula Clark’s 1964 hit single to start playing in your head*

Downtown Vancouver is a thriving hub of activity and conveniently located close to several major attractions. It is a small peninsula, bordered by Stanley Park to the north, Burrard Inlet to the west, False Creek to the south, and Downtown Eastside to the east.

There is a great public transport system with regular buses and the Skytrain, and a lot of people travel around on the well-serviced bike paths.

Where NOT to Stay in Vancouver

As you move further away from the downtown area, the density of “things to do” starts to drop, as you’d expect in any city suburbs. That’s not to say you won’t find great restaurants, stores, and activities further afield; more that they are geared towards residents and long-term stays.

It is worth noting that Downtown Eastside has been reported as Vancouver’s most “dangerous” area for many years. In reality, this area has faced a multitude of complex socio-economic problems, and countless organizations and volunteers are working to combat the prevailing issues of homelessness, drug abuse and violence.

There’s no need to panic if you do find yourself here; it’s just not necessarily the best choice for accommodation, as the area is not so geared towards tourism.

A final note…

So there you have it. I hope this round-up of the best neighborhoods in Vancouver will prove useful in your next city break.

British Columbia is a wonderland of activity, and Vancouver is the best place to start! If I had to name my personal favorite place to stay, it would have to be the West End. But then again, I wouldn’t be a good brunch-loving, penny-saving, coffee-sipping, party-going millennial if I chose otherwise, would I? 

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