Ultimate Vancouver Guide by Neighborhood

Vancouver is a more fascinating city than you probably realize. It may not be as historic as Rome, as fashionable as Paris, or as busy as New York City, but it has a charm that's all its own. There are only a few cities that maintain a nice balance between a bustling metropolis and the great outdoors. Vancouver is undoubtedly one of them. You'll realize it better when you go there yourself. The neighborhoods in Vancouver are as diverse as its population. From the historic Gastown and lively Downtown area to the more family-friendly Kitsilano or the idyllic coastal West End, this neighborhood guide will tell you all about them!

 

 

What are The Best Neighborhoods in Vancouver?

It's hardly fair to claim that some areas are the “best” neighborhoods in Vancouver. It differs from person to person. What may be the best for you may not be for the next person. With that said, the most popular neighborhoods in Vancouver are Downtown Vancouver, Gastown, Kitsilano, West End, Yale Town, and Coal Harbour, among many others. Ask any local which parts of the city are the best and they'll likely mention any or all of these districts. 

  

Safest Neighborhoods in Vancouver, BC

Although Vancouver's crime rates are only moderate, there are still a few areas that are safer than the others. Places like  West Point Grey, Kitsilano, Kerrisdale, and Shaughnessy are widely regarded as the safest neighborhoods in Vancouver. As such, they're also among the most peaceful and most suitable for families. 

  

Best Neighborhoods in Vancouver for Families

Kitsilano, Shaughnessy, West Point Grey, Renfrew-Collingwood, Bennington, and Cascade are a few of the best neighborhoods in Vancouver for families. As already mentioned, some of these are also among the safest in the city. You can easily live a peaceful family life in these places amidst the bigger metropolitan area. So if you're moving to Vancouver with your family, you'll want to settle down in any of these districts. 

  

Downtown Vancouver

If you only have one day in Vancouver, you'll want to spend it in Downtown Vancouver. Much like any downtown area in any big city, this neighborhood is the beating heart of the bustling metropolis. From its high-end stores and designer boutiques to its lively nightlife scene, this is where you want to be when you want to live that big-city lifestyle you've seen in movies or TV. And speaking of those, the Downtown area is also where many of the country's biggest and best films and series are shot. What's not to love? 

  

What is Downtown Vancouver?

Downtown Vancouver is the urban center of the city. Though it's widely regarded as an entire district, it's made up of different neighborhoods. There's Gastown, Chinatown, Coal Harbour, Granville Street, and Lower Lonsdale, to name a few. Some of these areas are generally referred to as Downtown Vancouver while others are remembered as distinct neighborhoods of their own. 

  

What to Eat in Downtown Vancouver

Since it's the busiest and often most crowded part of the city, it's no surprise that you'll find the best restaurants in Vancouver downtown. A definite must-try is Maenam, where the famous gourmet chef Angus An serves up a delicious Asian feast at the heart of Chinatown. The aroma alone is enough to draw you in! Maxine's Cafe & Bar, on the other hand, is a sunny hotspot that's all about American culinary staples. Try their famous smash burger! You won't regret it! And of course, you can't forget about the Granville Island Public Market too! Though it's not exactly a restaurant, it's still a treasure trove of both local and exotic delicacies. 

  

Downtown Vancouver for Rent

Naturally, some of the best luxury apartments in Vancouver are also in the Downtown area. This urban area has the best rentals, from spacious studios to gorgeous penthouses. But since the location is prime real estate, expect the rent here to be higher compared to other parts of the city. 

Source: Wikimedia Commons 

 

Gastown in Vancouver, BC

A whistling Steam Clock and grand Victorian houses await those who want to travel back in time and explore Gastown. Though technically part of Downtown Vancouver, the place is widely regarded as its distinct district. It's the most historic part of the city, after all, and home to the original settlement that eventually became the city of Vancouver. Even today, the area has barely lost its old-world charms. Its cobbled streets and pre-war buildings tell of a time gone by. And yet Gastown also vibrates with contemporary energy. Here, you'll find chill bars and cool cafes where the young and young-at-heart hang out and have fun. 

  

Where is Gastown, Vancouver?

Gastown is located north of the center of Downtown Vancouver. It borders Chinatown, Downtown Eastside, and Coal Harbour. 

  

What to Do in Gastown, Vancouver

The ultimate thing to do in Gastown, Vancouver is to see the steam clock. It's one of the oldest and only of its kind to still operate today. After that, you can explore the historic district and take photos of some of the best Instagram-worthy spots in Vancouver. Some parts look like London, others look like Dublin and more. And by the early evening, go inside any of Gatstown's famous pubs and enjoy a meal. Though the hotspots here aren't as fancy as those in Downtown Vancouver, what they serve is still worth your while! 

Source: Wikimedia Commons 

 

Kitsilano in Vancouver

Located by the coast of the Downtown Vancouver peninsula, Kitsilano is a well-known residential district worth moving into. Whether you're all by yourself or you're moving to Vancouver with your entire family, you'll want to settle down in this part of town. Why? Because it's safe, scenic, and soothing. Kitsilano is generally peaceful despite how near it is to the Downtown area. The nearby Kitsilano Beach is perfect for some summertime fun, while the popular West 4 Avenue has enough hotspots to keep you out and about at night. 

  

Kitsilano Beach in Vancouver

There's no doubt that Kitsilano Beach is the highlight of this popular neighborhood in Vancouver. It's the perfect place to cool off every summer, especially when the heat is at an all-time high. And even when it's autumn, the place remains a great spot for a brisk morning stroll or perhaps a jog for exercise. No matter the time of year, the beach and the nearby scenery are a sight to behold. 

  

What to Do in Kitsilano, Vancouver

As you'd expect, the most popular place to visit in Kitsilano is its eponymous beach. It's the most popular beach in Vancouver and the rest of British Columbia. Not to mention the perfect spot to spend a day under the sun in summer. You can also cool off in the public saltwater pool by the beach. It's relatively safer than swimming in the sea, especially for the little ones. And if you're up for it, you can also shop till you drop on West 4th Avenue. This is the retail heart of the city, lined with shops and boutiques with the most amazing finds. 

Source: Wikimedia Commons 

 

Main Street in Vancouver, BC

If Kitsilano was the “hipster haven” of Vancouver of the 1960s, that title befits Main Street today. Think independent boutiques that sell quirky fashions. Novelty coffee shops that boast their breweries. Record shops that sell music that’s so rare that you probably forgot or didn't even know they existed. If you want to live out a bohemian lifestyle that's different from others and you want to fill your place with all sorts of great and rare finds, this neighborhood is for you! Just don't be that annoying hipster who thinks they're better than everyone else! 

  

What is The Main Street in Vancouver?

Apart from its district, Main Street is a major thoroughfare in Vancouver. It runs from north to south, starting with Waterfront Road in the north until banks by the Fraser River. Main Street is also famously lined with all sorts of shops, cafes, restaurants, and more. 

Source: Wikimedia Commons 

 

Olympic Village in Vancouver

To this day, Vancouver is still proud that they hosted the 2010 Winter Olympics, so much so that you can live in the exact village where the athletes stayed. Yep, Vancouver turned that international area into a new neighborhood—the Olympic Village. They were right to do so because the place has a lot to offer. For one thing, its waterfront area is one of the best of its kind in the country. A beautiful view awaits those who want to take a stroll during the sunset. Now, if you want a different view, head on over to the higher levels to see the amazing Vancouver skyline. They’re some of the most romantic spots in Vancouver.

  

Where is The Olympic Village in Vancouver?

Vancouver's Olympic Village is located in Southeast False Creek. It's a fair distance away from Downtown Vancouver and is near other areas like Yaletown and Granville Island. 

  

What to Do in Olympic Village, Vancouver

As already mentioned, the Olympic Village's seaside location makes it perfect for strolling along the coast of the Downtown Vancouver peninsula. You can also see the Olympic Village Square, now decorated with sparrow sculptures by artist Myfanwy MacLeod. If you're spending the day with family, you'll want to take them to Science World, the city's most famous educational museum. You can't miss it since you'll be able to see its iconic steel dome from a mile away. 

Source: Wikimedia Commons 

 

West End in Vancouver

There are so many great things to do at Vancouver's West End that it's impossible to know where to start. If you want the best shopping in town, then Robson Street is your spot! This iconic street is where the best stores in the entire city are found, from luxury labels to homegrown brands. But if you'd rather relax on a sunny day, this neighborhood boasts a few parks and beaches where you can do just that! English Bay Beach and Sunset Beach Park are just some of them. On top of that, West End remains a largely residential area where you can live in peace in the big city. Doesn't sound too bad, does it? 

  

Where is The West End in Vancouver?

True to its name, the West End neighborhood is located on the easternmost edge of the Downtown Vancouver peninsula. Hence, there are many beaches here, and is popular for adventurous types. The neighborhood is right beside Coal Harbour and near Yaletown, Gastown, and Central Vancouver. 

  

Is The West End in Vancouver Safe?

Yes, it is. Since it's not that close and is only relatively near the busier parts of the city, West End is one of the more peaceful neighborhoods in Vancouver. 

Source: Wikimedia Commons 

 

Yaletown in Vancouver

Don't you just love it when old places are transformed into new establishments? This way, you can still marvel at the old-school architecture while still enjoying what it has to offer today. And in Vancouver, one such neighborhood is Yaletown. Located on the southern edge of the Downtown Vancouver peninsula, the place used to have warehouses and other industrial structures, but the city has since transformed them into hip and trendy hotspots. You'll have a great time hanging out in the many industrial-style places while enjoying delicious food and great drinks. What more could you ask for? 

  

What to Do in Yaletown, Vancouver

Since it's technically part of the larger Downtown area, it's only natural that there's a lot you can do in Yaletown. You can tour the city on its old-school trolleys, for example, for a more novel way to explore the area. You can also go on a foodie trip to the district since it has as many notable hotspots as Downtown Vancouver. No matter what you're craving, you're sure to find the right spot for you here! And if you're a fitness junkie, cycling by the Seawall Walkway is one of the best ways to exercise in the city. It even tops going to the best gyms in Vancouver—you can enjoy such scenery in any of them! 

  

Where to Eat in Yaletown, Vancouver

As already mentioned, Yaletown is one of those neighborhoods in Vancouver with a rich and diverse culinary scene. There are as many great places to eat around here as there are in Downtown Vancouver and Gastown. One such that you shouldn't miss is The Flying Pig. It may have other locations in other parts of the city but this one is arguably the best of the bunch. It's a great place to indulge in some local Canadian cuisine, especially for brunch. Craving some seafood? Then head on over to Hamilton Street where you'll find the Blue Water Cafe. From fish to crustaceans, their seafood game is strong! 

Source: Wikimedia Commons 

 

The neighborhoods in Vancouver are so unique that they might just be the most fascinating places you'll ever get to see. Get to know more about the city's central districts with this helpful Vancouver neighborhood guide!