Guidebook for Vancouver

Jie
Guidebook for Vancouver

Food Scene

Friendly, skilled baristas who consistently make a great selection of coffee drinks. My favorite is the cortado. Perfect locally roasted beans with a good milk froth going on. Waffles & pastries are good if you have a sweet tooth. Protip - divy and conquer: one of you grabs the coffee and the other the seats, as they fill up quite quickly.
33 locals recommend
Timbertrain Coffee Roasters
311 W Cordova St
33 locals recommend
Friendly, skilled baristas who consistently make a great selection of coffee drinks. My favorite is the cortado. Perfect locally roasted beans with a good milk froth going on. Waffles & pastries are good if you have a sweet tooth. Protip - divy and conquer: one of you grabs the coffee and the other the seats, as they fill up quite quickly.
My absolute favorite coffee shop in Vancouver, hands down. Genuine, friendly baristas, HELLA amazing coffee. Get the drip, or try my fave: The cafe misto, which isn't even on the menu. They just opened up another section where you can check out and purchase the types of machinery they use for drip and other coffee. Worth a visit for sure.
189 locals recommend
Revolver
325 Cambie St
189 locals recommend
My absolute favorite coffee shop in Vancouver, hands down. Genuine, friendly baristas, HELLA amazing coffee. Get the drip, or try my fave: The cafe misto, which isn't even on the menu. They just opened up another section where you can check out and purchase the types of machinery they use for drip and other coffee. Worth a visit for sure.
Good coffee, great donuts. Definitely try the combo. This location does REALLY fresh glazed donuts that are to die for. Fun fact: when I was in college, I would come back to Vancouver for winter break and this would be the place of choice for me to do work. One of my early ideas that developed into an Airbnb product originated from this very coffee shop!
122 locals recommend
49th Parallel Café & Lucky's Doughnuts - MAIN
2902 Main St
122 locals recommend
Good coffee, great donuts. Definitely try the combo. This location does REALLY fresh glazed donuts that are to die for. Fun fact: when I was in college, I would come back to Vancouver for winter break and this would be the place of choice for me to do work. One of my early ideas that developed into an Airbnb product originated from this very coffee shop!
Jamaican patties for $2.50 each. On wednesdays they do pizza-flavored patties.
11 locals recommend
The Bakeshop
4021 Macdonald St
11 locals recommend
Jamaican patties for $2.50 each. On wednesdays they do pizza-flavored patties.
Authentic yet economic thai food that will make your taste buds burst. Highly recommended by my friends.
9 locals recommend
Baan Wasana Thai Restaurant
2143 West 41st Avenue
9 locals recommend
Authentic yet economic thai food that will make your taste buds burst. Highly recommended by my friends.
Because what's better than hotdogs and japanese food together?
58 locals recommend
JAPADOG
530 Robson St
58 locals recommend
Because what's better than hotdogs and japanese food together?
From my friend, Soraya - The ultimate coffee tour starting with the bastion that is Matchstick, continuing in mount pleasant at 33 acres, elysian, oh maybe before that check out the quaint marche st george, then traversing the east side to commercial drive - moja, prado, to be had with old italian gentlemen, then hop over to gastown to revolver, timbertrain, some nelson the seagull, over to chinatown to the other matchstick (cant get enough of that stuff) and some new ones i dont know about since im a foreigner now, then heading across the burrard bridge down to kits for some 49th parallel and yoga kale watching.
165 locals recommend
Matchstick Fraser St.
639 E 15th Ave
165 locals recommend
From my friend, Soraya - The ultimate coffee tour starting with the bastion that is Matchstick, continuing in mount pleasant at 33 acres, elysian, oh maybe before that check out the quaint marche st george, then traversing the east side to commercial drive - moja, prado, to be had with old italian gentlemen, then hop over to gastown to revolver, timbertrain, some nelson the seagull, over to chinatown to the other matchstick (cant get enough of that stuff) and some new ones i dont know about since im a foreigner now, then heading across the burrard bridge down to kits for some 49th parallel and yoga kale watching.
From my friend, Soraya - The ultimate coffee tour starting with the bastion that is Matchstick, continuing in mount pleasant at 33 acres, elysian, oh maybe before that check out the quaint marche st george, then traversing the east side to commercial drive - moja, prado, to be had with old italian gentlemen, then hop over to gastown to revolver, timbertrain, some nelson the seagull, over to chinatown to the other matchstick (cant get enough of that stuff) and some new ones i dont know about since im a foreigner now, then heading across the burrard bridge down to kits for some 49th parallel and yoga kale watching.
45 locals recommend
Elysian Coffee - Broadway
590 W Broadway
45 locals recommend
From my friend, Soraya - The ultimate coffee tour starting with the bastion that is Matchstick, continuing in mount pleasant at 33 acres, elysian, oh maybe before that check out the quaint marche st george, then traversing the east side to commercial drive - moja, prado, to be had with old italian gentlemen, then hop over to gastown to revolver, timbertrain, some nelson the seagull, over to chinatown to the other matchstick (cant get enough of that stuff) and some new ones i dont know about since im a foreigner now, then heading across the burrard bridge down to kits for some 49th parallel and yoga kale watching.
From my friend, Soraya - The ultimate coffee tour starting with the bastion that is Matchstick, continuing in mount pleasant at 33 acres, elysian, oh maybe before that check out the quaint marche st george, then traversing the east side to commercial drive - moja, prado, to be had with old italian gentlemen, then hop over to gastown to revolver, timbertrain, some nelson the seagull, over to chinatown to the other matchstick (cant get enough of that stuff) and some new ones i dont know about since im a foreigner now, then heading across the burrard bridge down to kits for some 49th parallel and yoga kale watching.
62 locals recommend
Moja Coffee
1102 Commercial Dr
62 locals recommend
From my friend, Soraya - The ultimate coffee tour starting with the bastion that is Matchstick, continuing in mount pleasant at 33 acres, elysian, oh maybe before that check out the quaint marche st george, then traversing the east side to commercial drive - moja, prado, to be had with old italian gentlemen, then hop over to gastown to revolver, timbertrain, some nelson the seagull, over to chinatown to the other matchstick (cant get enough of that stuff) and some new ones i dont know about since im a foreigner now, then heading across the burrard bridge down to kits for some 49th parallel and yoga kale watching.
From my friend, Soraya - The ultimate coffee tour starting with the bastion that is Matchstick, continuing in mount pleasant at 33 acres, elysian, oh maybe before that check out the quaint marche st george, then traversing the east side to commercial drive - moja, prado, to be had with old italian gentlemen, then hop over to gastown to revolver, timbertrain, some nelson the seagull, over to chinatown to the other matchstick (cant get enough of that stuff) and some new ones i dont know about since im a foreigner now, then heading across the burrard bridge down to kits for some 49th parallel and yoga kale watching.
168 locals recommend
Prado Cafe
1938 Commercial Dr
168 locals recommend
From my friend, Soraya - The ultimate coffee tour starting with the bastion that is Matchstick, continuing in mount pleasant at 33 acres, elysian, oh maybe before that check out the quaint marche st george, then traversing the east side to commercial drive - moja, prado, to be had with old italian gentlemen, then hop over to gastown to revolver, timbertrain, some nelson the seagull, over to chinatown to the other matchstick (cant get enough of that stuff) and some new ones i dont know about since im a foreigner now, then heading across the burrard bridge down to kits for some 49th parallel and yoga kale watching.
From my friend, Soraya - The ultimate coffee tour starting with the bastion that is Matchstick, continuing in mount pleasant at 33 acres, elysian, oh maybe before that check out the quaint marche st george, then traversing the east side to commercial drive - moja, prado, to be had with old italian gentlemen, then hop over to gastown to revolver, timbertrain, some nelson the seagull, over to chinatown to the other matchstick (cant get enough of that stuff) and some new ones i dont know about since im a foreigner now, then heading across the burrard bridge down to kits for some 49th parallel and yoga kale watching.
65 locals recommend
Nelson the Seagull
315 Carrall St
65 locals recommend
From my friend, Soraya - The ultimate coffee tour starting with the bastion that is Matchstick, continuing in mount pleasant at 33 acres, elysian, oh maybe before that check out the quaint marche st george, then traversing the east side to commercial drive - moja, prado, to be had with old italian gentlemen, then hop over to gastown to revolver, timbertrain, some nelson the seagull, over to chinatown to the other matchstick (cant get enough of that stuff) and some new ones i dont know about since im a foreigner now, then heading across the burrard bridge down to kits for some 49th parallel and yoga kale watching.
From my friend, Soraya - The ultimate coffee tour starting with the bastion that is Matchstick, continuing in mount pleasant at 33 acres, elysian, oh maybe before that check out the quaint marche st george, then traversing the east side to commercial drive - moja, prado, to be had with old italian gentlemen, then hop over to gastown to revolver, timbertrain, some nelson the seagull, over to chinatown to the other matchstick (cant get enough of that stuff) and some new ones i dont know about since im a foreigner now, then heading across the burrard bridge down to kits for some 49th parallel and yoga kale watching.
59 locals recommend
49th Parallel Coffee Roasters Cafe
59 locals recommend
From my friend, Soraya - The ultimate coffee tour starting with the bastion that is Matchstick, continuing in mount pleasant at 33 acres, elysian, oh maybe before that check out the quaint marche st george, then traversing the east side to commercial drive - moja, prado, to be had with old italian gentlemen, then hop over to gastown to revolver, timbertrain, some nelson the seagull, over to chinatown to the other matchstick (cant get enough of that stuff) and some new ones i dont know about since im a foreigner now, then heading across the burrard bridge down to kits for some 49th parallel and yoga kale watching.
High end, hip and expensive sushi restaurant. Worth the wait, and worth the price. Every piece is flavorful, fresh, and umami. Get the Aburi sushi, it's a must have.
169 locals recommend
Miku Vancouver
200 Granville St
169 locals recommend
High end, hip and expensive sushi restaurant. Worth the wait, and worth the price. Every piece is flavorful, fresh, and umami. Get the Aburi sushi, it's a must have.
Get here early, and I really mean it, because locals and visitors alike will wait for these decadent dumplings for over an hour. They are authentic and SO YUMMY.
35 locals recommend
Dinesty Dumpling House
1719 Robson St
35 locals recommend
Get here early, and I really mean it, because locals and visitors alike will wait for these decadent dumplings for over an hour. They are authentic and SO YUMMY.
Small, Japanese family owned sushi bar in Kerrisdale. Used to frequent this place regularly and still have fond memories of their sushi and sashimi masterpieces. Get the Battera sushi, and be sure to try some of their more unique Nigiri.
24 locals recommend
Ajisai Sushi Bar
2081 W 42nd Ave
24 locals recommend
Small, Japanese family owned sushi bar in Kerrisdale. Used to frequent this place regularly and still have fond memories of their sushi and sashimi masterpieces. Get the Battera sushi, and be sure to try some of their more unique Nigiri.
For a romantic spot and rich cheesecake slices :)
27 locals recommend
Cheesecake Etc
2141 Granville St
27 locals recommend
For a romantic spot and rich cheesecake slices :)
From my friend, Anna M- Fat Mao in Chinatown is really cute - Thai noodles, Cuchillo Railtown. They have great Margaritas. It is kind of latin & mexican. Share plates, as the portions are quite large.
28 locals recommend
Fat Mao Noodles
217 E Georgia St
28 locals recommend
From my friend, Anna M- Fat Mao in Chinatown is really cute - Thai noodles, Cuchillo Railtown. They have great Margaritas. It is kind of latin & mexican. Share plates, as the portions are quite large.
Great brunch spot
256 locals recommend
Cafe Medina
780 Richards St
256 locals recommend
Great brunch spot
Fresh, consistent, and reasonably priced sushi. Can get crowded during dinner, but absolutely worth waiting for.
131 locals recommend
Toshi Sushi
181 E 16th Ave
131 locals recommend
Fresh, consistent, and reasonably priced sushi. Can get crowded during dinner, but absolutely worth waiting for.
Go for the omakase! Very pricey place, but the chefs really know how to bring out the flavors in each fish.
52 locals recommend
Tojo's Restaurant
1133 West Broadway
52 locals recommend
Go for the omakase! Very pricey place, but the chefs really know how to bring out the flavors in each fish.
144 locals recommend
Minami
1118 Mainland St
144 locals recommend
Golden ocean has the classic cart style dimsum service. On the weekends, the wait can be extremely long. A good time to get there is before 11:30, so that you can get a seat quickly. If you're a large group, you're better off making a reservation.
7 locals recommend
Golden Ocean Seafood Restaurant
2046 W 41st Ave
7 locals recommend
Golden ocean has the classic cart style dimsum service. On the weekends, the wait can be extremely long. A good time to get there is before 11:30, so that you can get a seat quickly. If you're a large group, you're better off making a reservation.
The best dimsum is either in chinatown or richmond. Nothing beats asian food in these two places and at chef tony's, you're able to get really high quality dimsum.
8 locals recommend
Chef Tony Seafood Restaurant
4600 No. 3 Road
8 locals recommend
The best dimsum is either in chinatown or richmond. Nothing beats asian food in these two places and at chef tony's, you're able to get really high quality dimsum.

Everything Else

A kid friendly park near an elementary school. Good for early morning or late night strolls. My brother and I used to play swing tag at the playground. Ask me more if you're intrigued!
Trafalgar Park
2610 W 23rd Ave
A kid friendly park near an elementary school. Good for early morning or late night strolls. My brother and I used to play swing tag at the playground. Ask me more if you're intrigued!

Essentials

Groceries done right! Fresh organic produce, and lots of health conscious options for the food lover. It's a 10 minute walk from our home.
398 locals recommend
Choices Markets
1202 Richards St
398 locals recommend
Groceries done right! Fresh organic produce, and lots of health conscious options for the food lover. It's a 10 minute walk from our home.

Parks & Nature

Rent a bike nearby and cycle the scenic loop around Stanley park. Stop by one of the hidden beaches and turn over some rocks to find mini crabs hidden underneath! There are also some trails that you can take to really feel one with nature. Near the end of the loop, there is a beach and an outdoor pool that is great to hang out at during the summer time.
304 locals recommend
Vancouver Seawall
304 locals recommend
Rent a bike nearby and cycle the scenic loop around Stanley park. Stop by one of the hidden beaches and turn over some rocks to find mini crabs hidden underneath! There are also some trails that you can take to really feel one with nature. Near the end of the loop, there is a beach and an outdoor pool that is great to hang out at during the summer time.
Lovely beach to hit up in the summer
847 locals recommend
Kitsilano Beach Park
1499 Arbutus St
847 locals recommend
Lovely beach to hit up in the summer
Walk down the pathway and stop by the secret cove. It's where we used to hunt for oysters in the summer time.
337 locals recommend
Jericho Beach Park
3941 Point Grey Rd
337 locals recommend
Walk down the pathway and stop by the secret cove. It's where we used to hunt for oysters in the summer time.
A challenging 2 hour hike that comprises of stairs that take you through layers of forests and up to the peak of Grouse Mountain. Locals come for the workout and views, and fitness fanatics come for the challenge. My best time up the 850m climb was 1 hour 20 minutes. The best time recorded ever was an astonishing 24 minutes!
233 locals recommend
Grouse Grind Trail
6400 Nancy Greene Way
233 locals recommend
A challenging 2 hour hike that comprises of stairs that take you through layers of forests and up to the peak of Grouse Mountain. Locals come for the workout and views, and fitness fanatics come for the challenge. My best time up the 850m climb was 1 hour 20 minutes. The best time recorded ever was an astonishing 24 minutes!
From my friend, Cameron - Definitely bike the Seawall around Stanley Park. It's even more fun to keep biking to False Creek and finish in Granville Island.
2658 locals recommend
Stanley Park
610 Pipeline Rd
2658 locals recommend
From my friend, Cameron - Definitely bike the Seawall around Stanley Park. It's even more fun to keep biking to False Creek and finish in Granville Island.
Hike the Stawamus Chief in Squamish!
132 locals recommend
Stawamus Chief
132 locals recommend
Hike the Stawamus Chief in Squamish!
Spend a day here, either on foot or on a boat. Find some caves, go cliff diving.
71 locals recommend
Bowen Island
71 locals recommend
Spend a day here, either on foot or on a boat. Find some caves, go cliff diving.
Bard on the Beach every summer!
33 locals recommend
Vanier Park
1000 Chestnut St
33 locals recommend
Bard on the Beach every summer!
Fireworks in the summer, chill nights, hot sunny days and ice cream. All good things. What I like about english bay is the eclectic groups of people that you can see lounging around during the evenings. Families having picnics on the beach, a group friends tossing a frisbee, the occasional stoners, and lots of couples all frequent this scenic spot.
537 locals recommend
English Bay Beach
Beach Avenue
537 locals recommend
Fireworks in the summer, chill nights, hot sunny days and ice cream. All good things. What I like about english bay is the eclectic groups of people that you can see lounging around during the evenings. Families having picnics on the beach, a group friends tossing a frisbee, the occasional stoners, and lots of couples all frequent this scenic spot.
Vancouver's one and only clothing optional beach, frequented by friendly locals who bare all. I've come here on a summer night for beers and bonfires with friends. Bring along a guitar and make some new friends.
197 locals recommend
Pacific Spirit Hostel
1935 Lower Mall
197 locals recommend
Vancouver's one and only clothing optional beach, frequented by friendly locals who bare all. I've come here on a summer night for beers and bonfires with friends. Bring along a guitar and make some new friends.
264 locals recommend
Spanish Banks
264 locals recommend

Drinks & Nightlife

From my friend, Michelle - Cute little gastown bar! It's in a scenic and historic area of town.
66 locals recommend
Six Acres
203 Carrall St
66 locals recommend
From my friend, Michelle - Cute little gastown bar! It's in a scenic and historic area of town.
307 locals recommend
33 Acres Brewing Company
15 W 8th Ave
307 locals recommend

Sightseeing

Scenic, thrilling, family friendly, and nature. You can walk across the bridge and along the cliffs. On quiet days, you may even be able to spot a wolf or bear down near the river.
1150 locals recommend
Capilano Suspension Bridge
3735 Capilano Rd
1150 locals recommend
Scenic, thrilling, family friendly, and nature. You can walk across the bridge and along the cliffs. On quiet days, you may even be able to spot a wolf or bear down near the river.
From my friend, Anna - If it's warm out, the little swimming area in Lynn Valley is awesome.
177 locals recommend
Lynn Canyon Ecology Centre
3663 Park Rd
177 locals recommend
From my friend, Anna - If it's warm out, the little swimming area in Lynn Valley is awesome.
From my friend, Anna - I think walking up Commercial Drive is kind of an adventure in itself... amazing coffee, cute vintage stores, live music sometimes.
296 locals recommend
Commercial Drive
Commercial Drive
296 locals recommend
From my friend, Anna - I think walking up Commercial Drive is kind of an adventure in itself... amazing coffee, cute vintage stores, live music sometimes.
Walk across the granville bridge into downtown. It's a 20 minute stroll from end to end, and the view of the channel and harbor is stunning. A really fun free thing that I always do when I'm back home.
Granville Bridge
Granville Bridge
Walk across the granville bridge into downtown. It's a 20 minute stroll from end to end, and the view of the channel and harbor is stunning. A really fun free thing that I always do when I'm back home.
Walk across it for the A+ Views!
9 locals recommend
Burrard Street Bridge
9 locals recommend
Walk across it for the A+ Views!

Arts & Culture

From my friend, Anna - One of the last independent theatres in Vancouver and probably my favourite place when I'm home. There's cool midnight features every Friday and fun events like Rocky Horror and The Room! Alternatively, you could tell people to walk over the viaduct and relive the opening fight scene from Deadpool.
100 locals recommend
Rio Theatre
1660 E Broadway
100 locals recommend
From my friend, Anna - One of the last independent theatres in Vancouver and probably my favourite place when I'm home. There's cool midnight features every Friday and fun events like Rocky Horror and The Room! Alternatively, you could tell people to walk over the viaduct and relive the opening fight scene from Deadpool.