Where to Stay: Best Areas in Vancouver

Vancouver is one of Western Canada’s biggest cities and the most populous city in the province of British Columbia. Its position as a coastal city means that it is surrounded by beautiful waters, mountain ranges, and forests and is renowned for its stunning views. There are plenty of attractions to see in the city center itself, but visitors also have lots of opportunities to escape into nature and appreciate some of North America’s spectacular countryside.

If you’re planning to visit Vancouver, your first step is to decide which part of this sprawling city to call home during your vacation. Let’s take a look at Vancouver’s most popular neighborhoods and highlight some of the city’s best hotels to help you decide where to stay.

Downtown Vancouver for First Timers

Highlights: Stanley Park, Robson Square, Pacific Center Shopping Mall, Vancouver Art Gallery, Bill Reid Gallery of Northwest Coast Art

Downtown Vancouver is the heart of the city and is where you’ll find many of the top attractions within walking distance. It’s a lively area with plenty of dining and entertainment options available to suit a range of budgets and tastes. There are excellent public transport links, including a SkyTrain station, so you can easily access other parts of the city and Vancouver Airport.

The main thoroughfares in Downtown Vancouver are Granville Street and Robson Street. The latter is known for its branded stores and an array of high-quality Korean and Japanese restaurants, such as Maruhachi Ra-Men. Meanwhile, Granville Street is considered the go-to area for nightlife, particularly on the stretch between Georgia Street and Davie Street, where there are some great bars and clubs.

Where to Stay

There are plenty of places to stay in Downtown Vancouver, including both ultra-modern and historic properties. The Victorian Hotel dates back to 1898 and is finished with period antiques for an authentic historical experience. Guests can enjoy free Wi-Fi and coffee makers in their comfortable rooms.

Lord Stanley Suites On The Park is an excellent choice in this neighborhood, with contemporary apartments and full kitchens.

Sutton Place Hotel is a high-quality establishment known for its second-to-none concierge service and award-winning on-site restaurant. Georgian Court Hotel boasts 180 indulgent and elegant guest rooms and suites and is a popular venue for business travelers and corporate events.

Wedgewood Hotel & Spa is a second-generation female-owned property that treats guests like family as soon as they check in. It has a full-service spa, a sauna, a fitness center, and a restaurant with luxurious dining options. L’Hermitage Hotel is a chic boutique hotel that offers a luxurious level of service and unparalleled afternoon tea in its L’Orangerie dining room.

Granville Street for Night Owls

Highlights: Orpheum Theatre, Vogue Theatre, Commodore Ballroom

Granville Street is the portion of Downtown Vancouver that comes alive at night. Some of the city’s best bars, clubs, and late-night restaurants are located here, so if you’re headed to Vancouver to party, base yourself in this area. The Roxy is considered one of the best clubs in the area and is known as a favorite haunt of local and visiting pro athletes.

Where to Stay

There are very few hotels on Granville Street itself, but there are plenty within walking distance. The Fairmont Hotel Vancouver has been known as the “Castle in the City” since its opening in 1939, and it’s one of the best-known luxury hotels in the city.

Mount Pleasant for Budget Travelers

Highlights: Science World, Mount Pleasant Park

Mount Pleasant is a neighborhood in East Vancouver that offers a relatively cheap place to stay for travelers on a budget. Everything is more affordable than in the city center and you can reach Downtown Vancouver with ease when you take a ferry or water taxi across False Creek.

Main Street is Mount Pleasant’s heart. A stroll along this drag will let you soak up the atmosphere and get to know the sociable locals. There are plenty of cool, trendy cafes, bars, craft beer joints, and quirky boutique stores here. Be sure to drop by Earnest Ice Cream to sample their eclectic flavors.

Where to Stay

Accommodation in Mount Pleasant is fairly scant, but the lodges and guesthouses that are here are very affordable.

Granville Island for Foodies

Highlights: Public Market, Net Loft, Railspur Alley

Granville Island is a manmade floating district that lies southwest of Downtown across False Creek. It’s accessible by road via Granville Bridge or by ferry.

A century ago, Granville Island was a hub of factories and workshops, but after being abandoned in the 1970s, it was reinvented as a mini village of art galleries, entertainment venues, and art studios. One of its biggest attractions is the Public Market, which boasts a variety of fresh produce and craft stalls. Be sure to check out Granville Island Brewery for a tour and to sample some tasty beers.

Where to Stay

There’s only one hotel here — Granville Island Hotel — which is a comfortable, affordable establishment just a two-minute walk from the Aquabus ferry terminal. Even if you choose not to stay in Granville Island itself, it’s worth a visit to appreciate its attractions and eateries. There are lots of fantastic restaurants here, making it a much-loved hub for foodies.

West End for Entertainment and Nature

Highlights: Vancouver Aquarium, Stanley Park Railway, Roedde House Museum, English Bay Beach

The West End covers the west side of the Downtown core as well as the green peninsula of Stanley Park. The urban part of the neighborhood is considered the city’s entertainment district, and it offers some great nightlife. It’s also a hub for the LGBTQ+ community. The north-western part of the area is more residential, which means it’s a little quieter than the bustling heart of Downtown.

Stanley Park is the largest green space in the city and is the perfect place to escape when you want to relax. Take a stroll around the edge of the entire peninsula when you follow the Seawall path, or sunbathe on one of the park’s beaches. The park also boasts a lake, a lagoon, tennis courts, a rose garden, a pavilion, an aquarium, sculptures, and plenty of trails and picnic areas.

Where to Stay

The West End offers the best of both worlds for those who want easy access to the city center and some peace and quiet. You won’t find any hotels in Stanley Park, but there are several nearby, including the Sylvia Hotel. It’s a 1912 heritage building and it’s one of the West End’s best-known landmarks. It’s situated right on the English Bay Beachfront, making it perfect for those who want a relaxing vacation close to the heart of the city.

Coal Harbour for Luxury

Highlights: Vancouver Convention Center, Vancouver Art Gallery, Canada Place, Vancouver Lookout

Coal Harbour sits alongside the Financial District on the Vancouver Harbor side of the city. It offers incredible mountain views, a gorgeous marina, and convenient access to the amenities of the city center. It’s one of the most luxurious parts of the city and is ideal for those who are looking for an indulgent holiday.

Canada Place is the heart of the waterfront area in Coal Harbour. This is where cruise ships dock and where you’ll find the Vancouver Convention Center. There are several large hotels and resorts here with excellent on-site amenities. Pan Pacific Hotel has a prime location next to the cruise ship terminal, and it offers a spa, a restaurant, a relaxing lounge area, a heated outdoor pool, a hot tub, and a sauna.

Where to Stay

The Paradox Hotel Vancouver provides award-winning hospitality, as well as an indoor pool, a hot tub, and a restaurant and bar that serves international cuisine. Fairmont Pacific Rim is an ultramodern luxury hotel resort with incredible mountain and harbor views. It has a five-star spa, a fitness center, a rooftop pool, and award-winning restaurants.

Yaletown for Couples

Highlights: Rogers Arena, BC Place Stadium, Engine 374 Pavilion, Roundhouse Turntable Plaza, Jennifer Kostuik Gallery

Yaletown is a great location for couples who want a luxurious, romantic getaway. It was once a railyard district lined with warehouses, but the old redbrick buildings have since been transformed into stylish boutique stores and opulent restaurants. Some of the neighborhood’s best eateries lie on Mainland Street and Hamilton Street. For a glimpse of the past, head to Engine 374 Pavilion, a free attraction that houses a restored steam engine from 1887.

Sports fans will appreciate Yaletown’s BC Place Stadium, where BC Lions Canadian football games and Vancouver Whitecaps soccer games take place. Plus, Rogers Arena, home of the Vancouver Canucks NHL team, is nearby. There are also very good farmers markets, art galleries, and craft breweries to appreciate in Yaletown.

Where to Stay

If you want an indulgent visit to Vancouver, stay in Yaletown. Accommodation is pricey, but you can expect high-quality service and excellent amenities. A popular option is Opus Hotel Vancouver, a stylish boutique hotel with striking, colorful decor. Its on-site eatery serves delicious Italian food and fantastic cocktails.

Gastown and Chinatown for History

Highlights: Steam Clock, Millenium Gate, Maple Street Square, Coastal Peoples Fine Arts Gallery, Vancouver Police Museum, Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden

Gastown is situated just south of Coal Harbour and east of Yaletown and is one of the oldest areas in Vancouver. You’ll find plenty of original architecture here, plus cool cultural sights such as the John Deighton statue and the Steam Clock. The area is considered a trendy neighborhood for young people to stay in, and there are lots of hip bars, cafes, and microbreweries to enjoy. This is also a great area to find delicious cuisine, such as that from Water Street Cafe and L’Abattoir Restaurant.

Vancouver’s Chinatown is the biggest in Canada, and it lies right next to Gastown. It’s recognizable by its huge Millenium Gate, which lies near the peaceful Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden. There are plenty of fantastic authentic Asian restaurants in Chinatown, making this a must-visit for foodies.

Where to Stay

Gastown and Chinatown are situated on the Downtown Eastside, which isn’t the safest of areas at night. It’s not the best place for families to stay in, but it could suit street-smart travelers looking for affordable accommodation and great food.

Kitsilano for Families

Highlights: Museum of Vancouver, Varnier Park, Kitsilano Beach, Kitsilano Pool

Kitsilano, known by locals as Kits, offers a suburban experience that makes it ideal for families looking for a safe, quiet part of Vancouver to stay in. The area is connected to Downtown via Burrard Street Bridge, but excellent public transport links make it extremely easy to reach the city center. There are lots of open spaces to explore in Kits, including Kitsilano Beach, Varnier Park, the outdoor saltwater Kitsilano Pool, and its surrounding nature trails.

Where to Stay

There are no hotels in Kitsilano, so you’ll be looking for vacation rentals. This could be ideal for families who want a self-catered vacation.

Main Street and Commercial Drive for Local Life

Highlights: Microbreweries, one-of-a-kind stores, coffee shops, Cultch Theatre, Rio Theatre

The stretch of Main Street that lies between Broadway and 30th Avenue was originally a working-class district, but in recent years, it has developed a trendy reputation. It boasts cool coffee shops, bars, bookshops, boutique stores, and several popular microbreweries, including Brassneck and 33 Acres.

Commercial Drive lies further east, but it has a similar bohemian atmosphere. In the 1950s, it was the city’s Little Italy, and it remains influenced by its immigrant history, boasting some of the city’s best pizzerias and coffee shops. You’ll find some great bars and entertainment venues around here.

Where to Stay

Both of these neighborhoods are primarily residential areas with very few hotels, but you could find cheap vacation rentals if you want a taste of local life on your visit to Vancouver.

Plan Your Vancouver Visit

There are plenty of fantastic hotels and vacation rentals available throughout Vancouver. Now you’re familiar with the city’s main neighborhoods; you can decide which area to call home during your next visit.