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From Wikitravel

The Central Business District and Yaletown are the heart of Vancouver's downtown and contain the city's Financial District, two entertainment districts, trendy condos and many of its hotels, clubs and historical buildings. For the visitor, it's a good place to make a base to explore Vancouver because of its easy access to public transit, shops and restaurants. And if you want to sample Vancouver's cuisine or nightlife, or take in the mountains and harbour, it's a great place to be.

[edit] Get in

The Central Business District is the destination for most transit users, so it's not much of a stretch to say all roads, buses and trains lead here. Waterfront Station is the main hub (Cordova, at the foot of Granville St), with the Skytrain, Seabus and many bus routes terminating there. A large number of buses also pickup outside Burrard Station (corner of Burrard & Dunsmuir Sts).

Driving into and around downtown isn't usually a problem outside of rush hour, but it can be a nuisance (particularly parking), so your best bet is to leave your car outside of the city center and use SkyTrain (from the east or south) or SeaBus (from the North Shore). If you drive, Georgia Street is the main street through the CBD. It continues on through Stanley Park and the West End and across the Lions Gate Bridge to the North Shore. Access from the south is by bridge over False Creek (the Burrard, Granville and Cambie bridges). All of them will lead downtown so just take the one closest to you.

Parking downtown is as you would expect for a city center: expensive and, at times, hard to find. Expect to pay between $12-20/day for parking in a parkade. On-street parking meters are in effect from 9AM-8PM, 7 days a week. Many of the streets become no parking zones during rush hour.

[edit][add listing] See

• Vancouver Lookout, 555 W Hastings St (top floor of Harbour Centre), ☎ +1 604 689-0421, [1]. 9AM-9PM daily (winter), 8:30AM-10:30PM daily (summer). Located on the top floor of the Harbour Centre, the Lookout offers a full 360-degree panoramic view of the city from 130m up. You'll see the downtown area, Stanley Park, the North Shore mountains and even the skyline of nearby Burnaby. The ticket is good for two trips during the day, so you can see it in the daytime and return for the sunset view. $13, discounts for children, seniors and students available; best prices if bought at Tourism Vancouver office.  edit

• Vancouver Art Gallery, 750 Hornby St, ☎ +1 604 662-4719, [2]. You can see and learn a lot about Emily Carr in the permanent collection, but the rest of the gallery varies in quality depending on what they have been able to attract as special exhibits. Take advantage of admission by donation on Tuesday (5PM-9PM) and sample what is there before paying the full admission. $15 admission ($11.90 students).  edit

• Vancouver Public Library, 360 W Georgia St, ☎ +1 604 331-3600, [3]. The modern and attractive central branch of the City of Vancouver's Public Library is located in an architecturally interesting building, designed by Moshe Safdie. It was chosen in a public design competition and is based on a Roman Colosseum. There are large public spaces around the building and a nice atrium space in the lobby. Guest internet access is available at VPL and visitors can also obtain guest wireless privileges from the library. If you prefer not to obtain a guest login, there are a few terminals that allow access to selected resources (bus schedules, government pages, etc) without logging in.  edit

• Yaletown and the Vancouver Marina. A beautiful micro-community in the heart of downtown. Take a walk through this area, check out the yuppie side of Vancouver. Hamilton & Mainland Streets are in actuality lanes (or back-alleys) with old loading docks, but have been converted into European-style high-curb streets.  edit

• BC Place and GM Place, (off the Georgia St Viaduct at Pacific Blvd near the shore of False Creek), [4]. The homes of the BC Lions CFL football team and Vancouver Canucks NHL hockey team respectively. Both buildings are also home to many conventions/tradeshows and big name concerts, although these days GM Place is preferred for concerts due to its superior acoustics. BC Place has the distinction of being the largest air supported dome in the world, and can pack in 60,000 people. The BC Sports Hall of Fame and Museum[5] is located within BC Place, which includes permanent galleries devoted to Terry Fox and Rick Hansen as well as displays of BC sports history from the early 1800s to present.  edit

[edit] Architecture

While Vancouver may not be famous for its architecture, the City Center is home to some unique buildings both new and old.

• Christ Church Cathedral, 690 Burrard St. Vancouver's oldest surviving church was completed in 1889. Often in the shadow of its neighbour, the 23 story Cathedral Place, you should visit in the afternoon to see the sun shining through the stained glass windows.  edit

• Marine Building, 355 Burrard St. This 22 story Art Deco office tower was completed in 1930. Because of the great depression, only four floors were occupied for the first several years. Note the attention to detail on both the exterior, and in the lobby.  edit

• Hotel Vancouver, 900 W Georgia St. The third such hotel in this spot, the Hotel Vancouver was built over 11 years and completed in 1939. As with all Canadian Pacific hotels in Canada, the chateau style is truly impressive. The hotel's first guests were King George and Queen Elizabeth. Bring binoculars for a close up view of the building's many gargoyles.  edit

• Robson Square, 800 Block Robson St. Designed by Vancouver wunderkind Arthur Erikson (also famous for the Museum of Anthropology and Simon Fraser University) this building which houses Vancouver's Provincial and Supreme Courts was completed in 1979 allowing the Vancouver Art Gallery to take over its former digs across the road. This organic building featuring flowing water and greenery allows you to literally walk all over it.  edit

• Canada Place, 999 Canada Place. Built for Expo 86 as Canada's exhibit, today the building serves as a cruise ship terminal and convention centre, and is also the site of an IMAX theatre and the luxurious Pan Pacific Hotel. Walk around the unique sailed structure and take in views of the building itself, Coal Harbour, and the North Shore. It uses white colour with a roof of funky "sails" or "waves", which is a curved triangular shape, that has made it a modern gem.  edit

• Library Square, 350 W Georgia St. Designed by Moshe Safdie (who also designed the National Gallery in Ottawa). Constructed as a 'square within a circle', this building is reminiscent of a modern Roman Colosseum. Completed in 1995.  edit

• One Wall Centre, [6]. Voted the world's best new skyscraper in 2001 by Emporis.  edit

• Harbour Centre. This is a beautiful Brutalist building that uses tinted concrete in a boxy format. It is minimal and uses punched windows and atop is a retro observation deck that is, well, "well rounded" with a space theme akin to Space Needle.  edit

[edit][add listing] Do

• Vancouver Opera, 835 Cambie St, ☎ +1 604 683-0222, [7]. Offers world-class performances from some of the world's best composers.  edit

• Vancouver Symphony Orchestra, ☎ +1 604 876-3434, [8]. A great night out at reasonable prices. Students can purchase $10 tickets with the VSO Access Pass.  edit

• Pro Sports. Vancouver Canucks [9] hockey team season runs from October into the spring. The games are played at GM place, it will be difficult and expensive to get tickets since all games sell out. BC Lions play in Canada's most elite football league, the CFL[10]. The Whitecaps play professional soccer, but it is amateur compared to European leagues. Vancouver also has several minor league teams such as the Giants of the WHL and the Canadian's of single A baseball.  edit

• City Salsa Vibe (Empire Landmark Hotel), 1400 Robson St, ☎ +1 778 TO-DANCE (863-2623), [11]. F doors open 8:30PM, free lesson 9PM, party 10PM-1:30AM. Free salsa lessons, followed by a salsa party with expert performers and a sophisticated crowd. Fully licensed bar. Street and Hotel parking. Dress Code: upscale casual or better, no torn jeans, no tennis shoes, collared shirts preferred for men. $12 cover for party.  edit

• Vancouver Five in One, [12]. A convenient admissions pass to combine with a Hop-on, Hop-off tour of the city. The card gives entry to Capilano Suspension Bridge, Vancouver Aquarium, Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Chinese Garden, IMAX at Canada Place, and the Vancouver Lookout. $70, $47 for children.  edit

[edit] Tours

• Tour Guys, [13]. Conducts walking tours of Vancouver areas like Gastown, Stanley Park, and Granville Island. They also offer some of their tours for free!  edit

• Big Bus, [14]. Offers hop-on, hop-off bus tours of Stanley Park, Vancouver Aquarium, English Bay Beach, Granville Island, Chinatown, and the Robson Street shopping district. $35.  edit

• The Vancouver Trolley Company, ☎ +1 888 451-5581, [15]. Offers "hop-on, hop-off" tours on replica turn-of-the-century trolleys. The drivers narrate the history and peculiarities of the city along the way with stops in numerous places around town including downtown, Stanley Park, Chinatown, Gastown and Granville Island. You are limited to one time around the loop. The City Attraction tour is $35 for adults, $18.50 for children.  edit

[edit] Events & Festivals

• 4:20. On April 20th people congregate at the Vancouver Art Gallery to smoke marijuana and celebrate this unofficial holiday, a reflection of B.C.'s relaxed attitudes towards cannabis.  edit

• Canada Day at Canada Place, 999 Canada Place (On a pier stretching north from Canada Place (a street) between Burrard and Howe Sts), (events@canadaplace.ca), [16]. 1 Jul only, 10AM–7PM. A large, engaging, though somewhat corporate celebration of Canada's national holiday. The citizenship ceremony can be moving. There are usually several bands, fun activities for the kids, and exhibits of Canadian Forces and other bits of Canadiana. Free.  edit

• Canada Day Fireworks, ☎ +1 604 925-1912 (events@canadaplace.ca), [17]. 1 Jul only, 10:30PM-11PM. Restarting an old tradition, there is a fireworks display after dark on Canada Day. In 2008, this was a coordinated two-barge show, one barge off Canada Place and the other off West Vancouver. Free viewing from streets, premium Canada Place seating for a fee.  edit

• Vancouver Zombie Walk. Usually either in the summer or near Halloween, anyone can choose to dress up and act as the living dead during this parade through Downtown. Although this has only been in Vancouver for about 2 years, thousands of people have already participated, and at least 500 people each year join in on this zombie walk. It is free, and mostly for plain fun, and is also an unofficial event. Each year, there is a set meeting spot. Everyone then walks throughout Downtown and up streets and parks all in one large group.  edit

[edit][add listing] Buy

[edit] Shopping Areas

• Robson Street downtown is the main shopping district. The intersecting Burrard & Alberni street houses some of the most high-end shops in the region.
• Yaletown is the newest Urban Residential area of Vancouver. Rather yuppie, you will find many beauty shops and self-improvement facilities (such as cosmetic dentistry and plastic surgery). Start your tour at Davie & Hamilton, walk along Mainland St, Pacific, Homer and finish at the spectacular Marinaside Crescent. This was formerly a warehouse district that is now a high end residential area with many upscale and mid-range stores. As an illustration of the neighbourhood's character, one cosmetic surgery office has valet parking in front.

[edit] Stores

• Book-off, 636 Hornby Street (between W Georgia and Dunsmuir Sts), ☎ +1 604 605-8887, [18]. 10AM–8PM daily. A Japanese language bookstore plunked down in Vancouver. Buys and sells books, CDs, and DVDs from Japan and in the Japanese language. Also has some English-language and foreign-language books.  edit

• H-Mart, 590 Robson St (at Seymour St), [19]. 9AM–10PM daily. Hidden on the second floor is a large grocery store featuring a wide range of high-quality, primarily Korean groceries. Part of a North American chain of Korean stores. The food court offers a number of good lunch choices, too.  edit

• BCMP Bookstore (BCMP), 307 W Hastings St, ☎ +1 604 682-1172 (Marc@cannabisculture.com), [20]. usually to 9pm. The BCMP "Bookstore" is arguably the center of the marijuana subculture of Vancouver. It is the party headquarters for the provincial marijuana party as well as a store and lounge. Proceeds from the BCMP go towards the party and the legal battle against the extradition of the party leader who faces life in prison in the USA. The front half of the store is taken up by display shelves of bongs, pipes, rolling papers and pretty much anything you could imagine. The lounge costs $5 to go into but it has a very relaxing atmosphere and you're able to use the Volcano Vaporizers. $5 per hour (lounge only).  edit

• New Amsterdam Cafe (The Amsterdam), 301 Hastings St W, ☎ +1 604 682-8955, [21]. The New Amsterdam Cafe is a cafe that permits the smoking of Marijuana, and is directly next door to the BCMP Bookstore. The Amsterdam offers a friendly environment to meet new people and to exercise some of the more unique freedoms that Vancouver offers. While it is not, however, generally permitted to buy or sell marijuana on or near the premises, it is not policed or enforced, so long as it in the spirit of sharing, within reason. They also sell a smaller number (but more impressive) selection of pipes, bongs, busters, rolling papers, and other marijuana-related items, including clothing. Of note are the array of specialist pipes, bongs, and busters, with the unusual titanium Space-Case also on sale.  edit

[edit][add listing] Eat

The different parts of the City Center have diverse characteristics. The central business district has, as you would expect, a high number of coffee shops and lunch places, the West End has a wide variety of restaurants, Yaletown has a number of high end restaurants and Chinatown has many Chinese restaurants. Some of the best Japanese food outside of Japan is in Vancouver and its Cantonese and Korean offerings are also reputable.

[edit] Budget

• Babylon Cafe, 716 Robson St, ☎ +1 604 677-3522. 10AM-8PM daily. Small take-aways place known for its long lunch lineup. Serves a small menu of middle eastern food, but the chicken shawarmas are what draw the crowds. Under $10.  edit

• Caffè Artigiano, 1101 West Pender Street, ☎ 604-685-5333 (dejan@caffeartigiano.com, fax: 604-685-3366), [22]. Mo-Fr 6AM–6PM, Sa-Su 6:30AM–5PM. Excellent coffee shop featuring "latte art," but it's still great. IntelligentsiA coffee available. Great espresso. This small chain has a total of four locations in this district, plus other locations in the Lower Mainland and Calgary.  edit

• Ezogiku Noodle Cafe, 270 Robson St, ☎ +1 604 685-9466. The speciality here is the Sapporo miso ramen ($6.55), a Japanese noodle soup flavored with miso paste and served with a heap of veggies on top; add in $2.20 for a serve of gyoza (dumplings) on the side. The servings are large, with a hearty broth and an authentic abundance of ingredients. Vegetarian soups and broths available. Casy only.  edit

• Fritz Frie House, 718 Davie St (near Granville), ☎ +1 604 684-0811. This restaurant boasts what is arguably the best poutine in town. The curds are imported from Quebec. The garlic lover's mayo is fantastic too. Cleverly located next to the local Fitness World. $5 for a medium. Open until the wee hours in the morning, frequented by night clubbers. Regularly wins local awards for fries.  edit

• Fuse Pan-Asian Express (合), 1078 Mainland St (entrance off Helmecken St parking lot of Yaletown Galleria), ☎ +1-604-687-3873 (info@FuseExpress.com), [23]. Coffee & self serve 9AM onward daily; Full menu M-F 11AM-8PM; Sa Su Hols noon-6PM. A fusion of several Asian cuisines, and a fusion of the virtues of prompt service and good food. Except for the grab-and-go items, everything is made to order with house-made sauces. There is a respectable vegetarian selection. Free parking, and an easy walk from Yaletown offices or the Roundhouse. Phone in advanced orders. Tapas, salads $3-7, stir-fried to order $8, Grilled items $6-12.  edit

• Mink A Chocolate Cafe, 863 W Hastings St (on the park across from Hornby St), ☎ +1 604 633-2451, [24]. M-F 7:30AM-6PM, Sa Su 10AM-6PM (closed holidays). Cafe where the coffee is strong, the hot chocolate is rich and the chocolate is plentiful. It also does waffles and fruit parfaits. The chocolate fondue with pound cake and seasonal fruit for dipping is excellent (just make sure there's at least two of you to share!). $5-10.  edit

• Moonpennies, 1102 W Pender St (at Thurlow), ☎ +1 604 669-6092, [25]. 7AM-5PM daily. Simple food and great coffee in a friendly atmosphere. Serves a selection of soups, salads and sandwiches. $4-10.  edit

• Pita Wrap Cafe, 565 Dunsmuir St, ☎ +1 604 681-7634. M-F 8AM-4PM. The usual falafels, souvlakis, shawermas and Greek plates, but very well executed. $5-8.  edit

• Tree's Organic Coffee & Roasting House, 450 Granville St, ☎ +1 604 684-5060 (tocoffee@telus.net, fax: +1 604 684-5026), [26]. M-W 6AM-8PM, Th F 6AM-10PM, weekends and holidays 8AM-7:30PM. A coffeehouse featuring carefully selected, 100% certified organic, coffee. Justifiably proud of its reaaaally good cheesecake. This is the flagship of a small local chain; other locations are in this district, and one is in Richmond.  edit

• Tree's Organic (Gastown), 321 Water Street, ☎ +1 604 633-3880 (tocoffee@telus.net), [27]. M-F 7AM-7PM, Sa Su 10:30AM-6PM. The Gastown branch of the coffeehouse chain, with organic coffee and great cheesecake.  edit

• Tree's Organic (Yaletown), 1391 Richards Street (at the south end of Richards Street, near Pacific Street), ☎ +1 604 689-1020 (tocoffee@telus.net), [28]. M-F 7AM-10PM, Sa 8AM-11PM, Su 8AM-8PM. The Yaletown branch of the coffeehouse chain, with organic coffee and great cheesecake.  edit

• Vancouver Community College Cafeteria, 250 W Pender St (located on the second floor), ☎ +1 604 443-8479. Weekdays Breakfast & Lunch. The cafeteria is run by the culinary arts program so you get gourmet food at cafeteria prices. Usually have a large seafood selection. Don't miss the Asian Food program which has a separate service area. As you would expect from students, the quality can vary. However, it is hard to complain when you get a fancy meal for less than $8. Under $10.  edit

[edit] Mid-range

• Art Gallery Cafe, 750 Hornby St, ☎ +1 604 688-2233, [29]. M W-F 9AM-6PM, Tu 9AM-9PM, Sa Su 10AM-6PM. A convenient place for grabbing a glass of wine or quick bite to eat before wandering through the Vancouver Art Gallery or doing other activities downtown. Cafeteria style. Large outdoor patio; great for watching the activity around Robson Square. $6-13.  edit

• Dix BBQ and Brewery, 871 Beatty St, ☎ +1 604 682-2739, [30]. M-F 11:30AM-Midnight, Sa 3PM-Midnight, Su 4PM-Midnight. Offers monthly cask nights and southern (U.S.) BBQ food.  edit

• Earls On Top, 1185 Robson St. Part of the nation chain of restaurants, Earls offers a moderate selection of contemporary foods ranging from steak and chicken to seafood and pizza. More hip and happening than most of the chains outlets this isn't the place for a quiet meal. Good service and food make this a popular spot.

• Elbow Room, 560 Davie St (at Seymour St), ☎ +1 604 685-3628, [31]. A restaurant that is famous for abusing its customers--in a good way. Expect to line up to get in on weekends. Open for breakfast and lunch.  edit

• Glowbal grill & satay bar, 1079 Mainland St, ☎ +1 604 602-0835, [32]. afternoon menu 3PM-5PM daily, dinner 5PM-Midnight daily; M-F lunch 11:30AM-3PM; Sa Su brunch 10:30AM-3PM. Glowbal is a trendy hit in the heart of the Yaletown restaurant row. Brunches are famous, but dinners are also outstanding. Don't be surprised if the chef stops by to offer some custom-made treat if the menu doesn't suffice, and expect the flavours to be marvelous. Attentive, friendly, and uniformly black-clad service. A top-notch operation in every way. Valet parking Thursday-Saturday nights. Brunch $10-16, Dinner $18-35.  edit

• Italian Kitchen, 1037 Alberni St, ☎ +1 604 687-2858 (fax: +1 604-687-2859), [33]. Lunch M-F 11:30AM-on; Dinner 4:30PM-on daily. Corporate sibling of Yaletown's Glowbal. Valet parking most hours the restaurant is open. Reservations recommended. Lunch $11-16, Dinner $18-28.  edit

• Kalypso Restaurant & Ouzeria, 1025 Robson St (near Burrard St, on second floor), ☎ +1 604 689-5550. 11AM-1:30AM. This restaurant has a very pleasant second-floor patio above busy Robson St, which is a treat on a warm day. Well-done Greek food with a respectable vegetarian selection. Mains $15, Dinner $25/person including drinks & tips.  edit

• Kamei Royal, 1030 W Georgia St, ☎ +1 604 687-8588 (fax: +1 604-687-8488). This is the Japanese restaurant to which you can bring your homesick Japanese business partners. Excellently prepared, professional-grade sushi, rice dishes, kushiyaki, and cooked-at-the-table sukiyaki. An authentic Japanese atmosphere, from the irasshaimase greeting to the pretty pictures in the bilingual menus to the serene decor. Tucked above a Tiffany's store on the second floor, you look out over the crowds on Georgia and Burrard, or inside at the chefs in the glass-walled kitchen. Another branch is on W Broadway in Kits. dinner $20.  edit

• Okada Sushi (おかだ寿司), 688 Nelson St #M101 (at Hornby, on 3rd floor above courtyard), ☎ +1 604-899-3266 (fax: +1 604 899-3277), [34]. Lunch M-F 11:30AM–2:15PM; Dinner M–Sa 5PM–10PM. A fine sushi restaurant. Given the ambience and the Japanese heard among chefs, servers, and diners alike, you'll imagine yourself in Tokyo. An extensive list of specials, plus a range of sashimi, sushi, maki rolls, and small dishes. Sit at the 10-person counter for a dazzling view of the chefs in action. $20 and up/person for dinner.  edit

• Plus Alpha, 1099 Richards St (Richards at Helmecken), ☎ +1 604 633-0355, [35]. Tu-Sa 5PM-1AM; Su 5PM-Midnight; M closed. "Plus Alpha" is a Japanese term meaning "a little extra", and this compact fusion of polished Japanese with trendy Yaletown provides a little extra interest, a little extra style, a little extra fun. New interpretations of contemporary Japanese standards such as Pumpkin Croquette and "Pimp My Tofu". Lychee martinis in a futuristic glass. A good place to get a dinner with that "plus alpha". dinner $20/person.  edit

• Samba Brazilian Steakhouse, 1122 Alberni St, ☎ +1 604 696-9888, [36]. Vancouver’s first and only Brazilian Steakhouse. There is a menu with fish and vegetarian option, but the main attraction is the "Rodizio". Showmanship includes "Passadores" carrying meat to your table on swords. Also a salad bar and hot buffet. Live Latin music and dance show. $14-16 lunch; $29-32 dinner (rodizio), $22-29 (menu).  edit

• Sanafir, 1026 Granville St, ☎ +1 604 678-1049 (info@sanafir.ca, fax: +1 604-602-7523), [37]. Daily from 5PM. Morocco meets Granville St and serves tapas. Draws from North African, Asian, Middle Eastern, Mediterranean. and Indian. Corporate sibling of Yaletown's Glowbal. Valet parking Thursday-Saturday nights. Tapas $14.  edit

• Shabusen Yakiniku House, 202 - 755 Burrard St, ☎ +1 604 669-3883. Lunch and dinner daily. A Japanese and Korean BBQ House specializing in a large all-you-can-eat menu. Fun part of eating here is that you can order raw meat and cook it yourself on the grill installed at the table. There is another location in South Granville.  edit

• Thai House Restaurant, 1116 Robson St, ☎ +1 604 683-3383, [38]. 11AM-10:30PM daily. Thai and Thai fusion food. Has received awards for Best Thai and Best Asian. A local chain with locations Downtown Robson, Kitsilano and Richmond. Dine in, take out, or free delivery. $15-30.  edit

• Yaletown Brewing Company, 1111 Mainland St (Mainland & Helmecken), ☎ +1 604 681-2739, [39]. Su-W 11:30AM-Midnight, Th 11:30AM-1AM, F Sa 11:30AM-3AM. Popular brewpub in the heart of Yaletown. Starters $6-16, Mains $12-23.  edit

[edit] Splurge

• Aqua Riva, 200 Granville St (entrance off of Howe St, near Canada Place), ☎ +1 604 683-5599, [40]. 5PM-10PM daily, lunch M-F 11:30AM-2:30PM. Varied menu with an emphasis on seafood and local wines. The pizzas from the wood oven are also popular. Try to get a window table to take in the great views of Canada Place and the North Shore. Starters $8-16, Mains $28-40.  edit

• Chambar, 562 Beatty St, ☎ +1 604 879-7119, [41]. 5:30PM-Midnight daily. Belgian restaurant with mussels and a variety of meat dishes on the menu. The beer list includes over 25 beers from Belgium. Starters $11-17, Mains $22-29.  edit

• Coast, 1257 Hamilton St (in Yaletown, near Davie), ☎ +1 604 685-5010 (fax: +1 604-602-7523), [42]. From 4:30PM daily. Fresh seafood from coastal regions throughout the world. Try the Chef' s Community Table, where the chef prepares the food for up to 14 diners right at the table. Corporate sibling of Yaletown's Glowbal. Valet parking Thursday-Saturday nights. Dinner $30-60/person plus wine.  edit

• Elixir, 350 Davie St, ☎ +1 604 642-0557, [43]. M-Sa 6:30AM-2AM, Su 6:30AM-Midnight. Charming French brasserie inside the stylish Opus Hotel. Chef Don Letendre's menu is authentic French country cuisine with a modern panache. Roasted sable fish, braise du jour, bacon wrapped petit tenderloin, roasted veal chop and warm sticky toffee pudding are but a few bistro highlights.  edit

• Hy's Encore, 637 Hornby St, ☎ +1 604 683-7671, [44]. dinner daily, lunch M-F. The most amazing service in Vancouver. Classy steak house that has been serving Vancouver for some fifty years. Charcoal steaks are the house specialty, but the menu also includes local cuisine like Pacific Salmon and Ahi Tuna. The servers do an incredible job and the food is excellent. Starters $6-16, Mains $28-52.  edit

• Joe Forte's Seafood & Chop House, 777 Thurlow St, ☎ +1 604 669-1940, [45]. Open daily for lunch and dinner; reservations strongly recommended. Usually mentioned amongst the top 5 restaurants in Vancouver, here you will find great food and great service. In the lavishly decorated open space, you may even catch a glimpse of a celebrity as you savour the oysters that are a specialty here. With glamour comes a price; expect to spend about $70/person for a complete dinner.  edit

• Miku, 1050 W Hastings St, ☎ +1 604 568-3900, [46]. M-F 11:30AM-10PM, Sa Su Noon-10PM. Japanese restaurant that specializes in aburi (seared on the outside while raw inside). There's also a small bar at the entrance. Sushi $5-20, Mains $20-50.  edit

[edit][add listing] Drink

Many of Vancouver's nightclubs are located in the Entertainment District along Granville Street from Robson to the Granville Street Bridge. To see a full list of clubs and what's going on, check the Vancouver section of Clubzone [47], Clubvibes [48] or Granville Street [49].

• Caprice Night Club and Lounge, 967 Granville St, ☎ +1 604 681-2114, [50]. One of the more exclusive clubs in Vancouver. Features R&B and hip-hop.  edit

• The Cellar/Doolins, 654 Nelson St, +1 604 605-4343. Doolins is a very popular Irish pub with a night club called the Cellar below.

• Commodore Ballroom, 870 Granville St, +1 604 683-9413. This is a large venue frequent location for live concerts. Has a large famous 'sprung' dance floor. Capacity is 900 people. On most nights, tickets are required to get in.

• Opus Bar, 350 Davie St, +1 604 642-0557, [51]. Painfully ‘hip’ bar/lounge inside the much-hyped Opus Hotel in Yaletown. Beyond the fashionable clientele and contemporary décor there’s tapas, cocktails and an extensive list of imported and domestic wines and spirits. Signature small plates include 'O' Dim Sum, merguez corn dog and shish kebob, and Yuzu-spiced garlic wings.

• The Railway Club, 579 Dunsmuir St (Dunsmuir & Seymour), ☎ +1 604 681-1625, [52]. More bar than dance club, it also features live small independent music performers.  edit

• The Roxy, 932 Granville St, ☎ +1 604 331-7999, [53]. Long-time Vancouver club which features top 40 rock. The house band, Dr. Strangelove, covers some of the best of the recent 'classic rock' and dance music.  edit

[edit][add listing] Sleep

Downtown Vancouver is home to Canada's finest hotels, a list that keeps growing. Downtown is the most densely populated part of Canada and as a result real estate is very expensive and thus so are most hotel rates.

[edit] Budget

If you are planning to stay in a hostel downtown, it is probably better to ensure it is located west of Main Street and caters mainly to backpackers (tourists on a budget). Staying downtown keeps much of the frequently visited spots in walking distance. If you were planning to find a cheap (significantly less than $90) hotel downtown, you should know that it is likely to be located in the "East Side", infamous for its prostitution and drug problems.

• American Backpackers Hostel, 347 West Pender St, ☎ +1 604 688-0112, [54]. The rooms are average but the dorms are to be considered by only the poorest of travelers. There are benefits like free beer on summer Saturdays. Book on their website and get a $5 discount on the first night. Minimum age 17, maximum age 35. Dorm bed $10, Single $20, Double $35.  edit

• Cambie Hostel - Seymour, 515 Seymour St (between W Pender and Dunsmuir), ☎ +1 604 684-7757 (toll free: +1 866 623-8496), [55]. checkout: 10AM. Dorms start at $27, or $24 with Cambie Card.  edit

• HI-Vancouver Central, 1025 Granville St, ☎ +1 604 685-5335, [56]. checkin: Noon; checkout: 11AM. Free wireless internet, free breakfast, lockers, and luggage storage. Dorms start at $27 for members and $31 for non-members.  edit

• SameSun Vancouver, 1018 Granville St, ☎ +1 604 682-8226, [57]. Recently renovated with modern amenities and decorated by bright splashes of colors on the wall. Dorms start at $25, private rooms at $70.  edit

[edit] Mid-range

• Bosman's Hotel, 1060 Howe St, ☎ +1 604 682-3171 (toll free: +1 888 267-6267), [58]. Two blocks from Robson Street's shopping and one block from Granville's nighlife. Outside pool patio and on-site bar. $69-89.  edit

• Burrard Inn, 1100 Burrard Street, ☎ +1 604 681-2331, [59]. Recently renovated hotel. Some rooms have kitchenettes. Guest parking is $13. $75-130.  edit

• Comfort Inn Downtown, 654 Nelson St, ☎ +1 604-605-4333 (toll free: +1 888 605-5333), [60]. A reasonably-priced, well-situated hotel with some decent package deals as well. The smallest room in winter will cost you $89.  edit

• Granville Grand Hotel, 1212 Granville St, ☎ +1 604 687-8293, [61]. checkin: 2PM; checkout: 11AM. A boutique-style hotel that offers clean and comfortable accommodation. Washrooms are shared but private upon entry. $49-90. (49 16,123 7) edit

• Hampton Inn & Suites, 111 Robson St, ☎ +1 604 602-1008 (fax: +1 604-602-1008), [62]. Near BC Place stadium. From $129.  edit

• Days Inn Vancouver Hotel, 921 W Pender St, ☎ +1 604 681-4335, [63]. 85 rooms, free wireless Internet. From $110.  edit

• Kingston Hotel, 757 Richards St, ☎ +1 604 684-9024 (toll free: +1 888 713-3304), [64]. Single, twin and double rooms with shared washrooms. The continental breakfast is free. $55-170.  edit

• The Metropolitan, 645 Howe St, ☎ +1 604 687-1122‎, [65]. Luxury hotel featuring marble washrooms and soaker tubs. $245 and up in summer.  edit

• Victorian Hotel, 514 Homer St, ☎ +1 604 681-6369 (toll free: +1 877 681-6369), [66]. A historic hotel that has recently been renovated. Close walk to most attractions, but note that it is near a rough area of town. Some rooms have shared bathrooms. Prices range from $79-139 in the summer.  edit

• YWCA Hotel, 733 Beatty St, ☎ +1 800 663-1424 (toll free: +1 604 895-5830), [67]. A modern hotel (12 years old) with a range of room sizes and prices. Close walk to most attractions and near BC Place Stadium. All rooms are private but some have shared bathrooms. Prices range from $64-155 in the summer.  edit

[edit] Splurge

• Shangri-La Hotel, Vancouver, 1128 W Georgia St, +1 604 689-1120 [68]. A downtown luxury hotel located in the tallest building in Vancouver with 119 guest rooms, executive suites and space for meetings and events. The hotel also offers MARKET by Jean-Georges, Jean-Georges Vongerichten's Canadian debut, and access to the Chi spa.

• Vancouver Marriott Pinnacle Downtown Hotel (downtown, steps from Coal harbour) [69] 1128 W Hastings St, +1 604 684-1128 or toll-free +1 800 207-4150. A good weddings and meetings hotel steps away from the harbor and cruise ship terminal. Fitness centre, indoor lap pool and whirlpool. Rates from $159.

• Renaissance Vancouver Hotel Harbourside (newly renovated guestrooms on the waterfront in downtown Vancouver) [70] 1133 W Hastings St, +1 604 689-9211 or toll-free +1 800 905-8582. Located on the waterfront. Rates from $159.

• Best Western Downtown Vancouver, 718 Drake St, ☎ +1 604 669-9888, [71]. From $170.  edit

• Crowne Plaza Hotel, 801 W Georgia St, +1 604 682-5566 [72]. Across from the Vancouver Art Gallery. From $300 although it can be as low as low as $110 for advance purchases and off-season.

• Fairmont Hotel Vancouver, 900 W Georgia St, +1 604 684-3131 [73]. Vancouver's grand old hotel. Beautifully decorated and a firmly established part of Vancouver's history. From $250-400.

• The Fairmont Waterfront, 900 Canada Place Way, +1 604 691-1999 [74]. A 5-star hotel with a stunning view wherever there's a window. Across from Canada Place. From $300-500.

• Four Seasons Vancouver, 791 W Georgia St, ☎ +1 604 689-9333 (fax: +1 604-684-4555), [75]. Luxury hotel decorated in classic style but with modern amenities. Pool, gym and the excellent restaurant and bar "YEW". From $270.  edit

• Hotel Le Soleil, 567 Hornby St, ☎ +1 877 632-3030 (toll free: +1 604 632-3000), [76]. A 119-room downtown hotel. Rated "One of the Top 100 Hotels in the World" - by Resorts & Great Hotels Magazine. $215-270 in summer.  edit

• Landis Vancouver Hotel & Suites, 1200 Hornby St, ☎ +1 604 681-3555, [77]. All two-bedroom suites. From $180.  edit

• Opus Hotel, 322 Davie St, ☎ +1 604 642-6787, [78]. Stylish hotel in Yaletown that has made it to Conde Nast's gold list four years running. Reviewers like the modern decor and friendly staff but don't recommend it for families. From $300.  edit

• Pan Pacific, 300-999 Canada Place, +1 604 662-8111 [79]. A harbor location just steps away from Stanley Park. If you are staying here, consider paying extra for a view of the coast mountains. At these prices, it would be a shame to miss out on the view. $300-500.

• Sutton Place Hotel, 845 Burrard St, ☎ +1 866 378-8866 (toll free: +1 604 682-5511), [80]. Classic-styled luxury hotel with spa, gym, concierge and the usual room amenities. Reviewers like the ambiance, the friendly staff and the location, but find the WiFi signal weak and thought some of the furnishings looked a bit dated. $320-500 standard rate in peak season.  edit

• Terminal City Tower, 837 Hastings St, [81]. 60-room luxury hotel in downtown.

• Wedgewood Hotel and Spa, 845 Hornby St, ☎ +1 800 663-0666 (toll free: +1 604 689-7777), [82]. European-style boutique hotel listed on Conde Nast's gold list. The decor isn't modern but reviewers like the elegance and class of the hotel and found the rooms well appointed and comfortable. Amenities include a spa and fitness center and business center for internet access (no wifi in rooms). $300-425 for a room/suite in peak season.  edit

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