Where To Stay in Vancouver [3 BEST Neighborhoods!]

Vancouver is the third largest city in Canada and the largest in the west of the country! This bustling metropolis is known for its hipster culture, vibrant film industry and abundant nature based activities in surrounding areas.

This city is, however, also infamously expensive and spread out across a number of peninsulas and islands. Whether you’re on a budget, or simply want to stay close to the best attractions, these issues can make it difficult to figure out a base in the city.

That’s where we come in! We’ve figured out the three best neighborhoods in Vancouver and categorised them based on what they are good for.

So let’s just jump right into it!

Quick Tips – Where to Stay in Vancouver

Where to Stay in Vancouver

Looking for a specific place to stay? These are our highest recommendations for places to stay in Vancouver.

Best Budget Hotel in Vancouver: Bay View House

This peaceful bed and breakfast is right on the Western boundary of Kitsilano – giving you a calm retreat away from the bustling city centre! It is built in the colonial style, and has gorgeous interiors with modern furnishings.

 

Best Hotel in Vancouver: Loden Vancouver

As our only five star hotel in this guide, Loden Vancouver naturally had to take our top spot for the city! It also comes with some of the best guest reviews for hotels in Vancouver thanks to their excellent service.

 

Best AirBnB in Vancouver: Stanley Park

AirBnB Plus is a collection of apartments that are handpicked by the company for their excellent design and unbeatable levels of service! This gorgeous apartment is part of the collection, and has views across Stanley Park.

 

Vancouver Neighborhood Guide

Vancouver is both a bustling and vibrant city – and a laid-back and easy going haven depending on where you opt to stay! Its unique location means it benefits from having a large population without having to sacrifice the serenity of the beautiful nature of Canada’s west coast.

Downtown Vancouver is by far the best location for those that want to be right in the heart of the action! The area is split into smaller neighborhoods – most notable Yaletown, Gastown and Granville Street. Each of these neighborhoods has its own unique character, meaning you’ll never be short of things to do.

For those that want something even more laid-back, the West End offers a good blend of inner city convenience and suburban chill! During the summer the neighborhood is popular with locals thanks to the beaches, but even in the winter it is a desirable location thanks to the bountiful culinary scene through the West End’s streets.

Finally, we also recommend Kitsilano – a calm suburb to the southwest of the Downtown core! Though this is our recommended neighborhood for families – thanks to the quiet streets and abundance of kid friendly activities – it is also a good place for those wanting to experience the great outdoors.

Still undecided? No need to worry, we have a little bit more info about each neighborhood below!

Vancouver 3 Best Neighborhoods to Stay in

Let’s take a look, in more detail, at the three best neighbourhoods in Vancouver. Each caters to different interests, so be sure to pick the neighbourhood that’s right for you.

Neighborhood #1 - Downtown

(Where to stay in Vancouver for your first time)

The Downtown area of Vancouver can be roughly split into three districts – Yaletown, Granville Street and Gastown. Each of these neighborhoods has its own charms – but for first time visitors, this allows you to sample a little bit of everything the city has to offer!

Yaletown is the historic centre of the city, whilst Gastown operates as the current hipster neighborhood in Vancouver. Granville Street is the main nightlife hub, leading onto the Granville Island shopping precinct!

More awesome things to see and do in Downtown

• Head to the Vancouver Flea Market at Yaletown where you can pick up food, clothing and antiques all under one roof
• Venue Nightclub is one of the most popular nightlife venues in the city – hosting up to 600 people every night
• Head to Vancouver Lookout – a huge glass elevator that ends with magnificent views across the city and surrounding harbour

Best Budget Hotel Downtown: Residence Inn by Marriott

The Residence Inn are known across North America for their budget friendly comfort, and their Vancouver offering is no different! It comes with a large swimming pool and hot tub, and breakfast is included in the rate.

 

Best Hotel in Downtown: Loden Vancouver

Excellent service standards aside, Loden Vancouver is also packed with all of the facilities you could possibly need for a trip to the city! It has a large spa facility, as well as an excellent restaurant offering complimentary breakfast.

 

Best AirBnB in Downtown: Chic Yaletown Home

This gorgeous AirBnB Plus apartment is not only located right in the heart of Yaletown, it also comes with a spacious balcony providing magnificent views of the city centre and beyond! It also comes with luxury facilities.

 

Let’s make this simple. These are the best hotels in Vancouver!

Neighborhood #2 - Downtown Kitsilano

(Best neighborhood in Vancouver for families)

Whilst a little bit further out from the city centre, Kitsilano is a great alternative for those looking for some peace and quiet away from the busy Downtown area! This, along with the friendly locals, makes it a popular region for families.

Kitsilano is also the main gateway to some of the region’s most popular outdoor activities! Hiking, cycling and kayaking trails can all be easily accessed, and there are plenty of excellent tour providers.

More awesome things to see and do in Kitsilano

• Kitsilano Beach is one of the most popular destinations in the city during the summer months – and even has some good facilities throughout the winter!
• White Spot Restaurant in the heart of Kitsilano is a firm favourite with both local and visiting families thanks to their kids pirate pack
• Bicycle rental facilities are available across the area with routes taking you all the way to the West End and beyond

Best Budget Hotel Kitsilano: Bay View House

Bay View House is a small, family owned bed and breakfast at the edge of Kitsilano that allows you the chance to enjoy the suburban experience in Vancouver! As it is embedded in a residential area, this is a great place to meet locals.

 

Best Hotel in Kitsilano: Corkscrew Inn

This peaceful bed and breakfast in the heart of Kitsilano is perfect for visitors wanting a calm and relaxing getaway in Vancouver! They offer an American style breakfast every morning, as well as a beautiful garden terrace.

 

Best AirBnB in Kitsilano: Boutique House

Another gorgeous AirBnB Plus apartment, this three bedroom house is a great pick for larger families! It comes with a spacious patio where you can enjoy the atmosphere in the summer, as well as modern décor inside.

 

Neighborhood #3 - Downtown Kitsilano West End

(Coolest place to stay in Vancouver)

Right next to the city centre, the West End is increasingly becoming a more popular destination with tourists than Downtown! This is thanks to the way it blends the city’s laid-back atmosphere with a great range of entertainment facilities and outdoor activities.

The West End is also known as the culinary heart of the city – with hundreds of great bars and restaurants around every corner! If you want to check out the famous coffee scene or try to spot some film locations, this is the place to be.

More awesome things to see and do in West End

• English Bay Beach is the closest beach to the city centre, with great views of the surrounding mountain range
• Distillery tours are a popular choice for visitors to the West End – we recommend the Long Table Gin Distillery for a truly unique experience
• Stanley Park is a huge green space that is technically an area in its own right, with plenty of facilities throughout the year

Best Budget Hotel West End: Best Western Plus Sands

Best Western are another popular global brand that are known for budget friendly comfort! Their West End hotel is eco-certified, making it a great pick for environmentally conscious guests. They also provide breakfast.

 

Best Hotel in West End: The English Bay Inn

This quaint inn is only a short walk away from Stanley Park – ideal for those that want to enjoy some peace and quiet whilst still staying relatively centrally! Rooms are equipped with modern conveniences, and there’s a terrace outside.

 

Best AirBnB in West End: Stanley Park

This beautiful apartment not only has unbeatable views over Vancouver’s largest inner city park, it also has gorgeous interiors that benefit from modern design! A small breakfast is included for guests throughout their stay.

 

Final Thoughts on Where to Stay in Vancouver

Vancouver is a laid-back city destination on Canada’s west coast that offers everything from great nightlife to breathtaking scenery! Regardless of what your travel style is, you’re sure to find something in this easy-going metropolis.

For the best area, we have to go with the West End! It is well connected to the Downtown area, but benefits from having a slightly more relaxed atmosphere.

That being said, all three of the neighborhoods in this guide have their own benefits, and we hope this guide has helped you narrow down the best options for you!

Did we miss anything? Let us know in the comments!

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