Things to do in Vancouver, splurging
Three days of fine-dining counters, design boutiques and serious cocktail bars.
This is Vancouver for people who eat well at home and still want to be impressed. The three days move from downtown's best-dressed dining rooms to South Main's chef-counter scene to a morning ferry across the inlet, with barely a wasted hour. Book Maumi and Dear Gus before you book your flight.
Day 1: Downtown art, design and destination sushi
The day opens at the Vancouver Art Gallery, moves through Sinclair Centre's boutiques and Hawksworth's Nightingale for lunch, and closes at the city's most coveted sushi counter followed by tight, serious cocktails at Bar Tartare.
- 10:30 AM
Vancouver Art Gallery
Vancouver Art Gallery's landmark rotunda and rotating contemporary exhibitions, the cultural centrepiece of downtown.
Map - 12:30 PM
Nightingale
Nightingale is acclaimed, David Hawksworth's all-day contemporary room, sharp seasonal plates at a table worth booking.
Map - 2:30 PM
Sinclair Centre
The 1910 post office and customs buildings joined under a glass atrium; worth ten minutes for the stonework.
Map - 7:30 PM
Sushi Bar Maumi
Tiny West End omakase counter; book the moment reservations open and let the chef run the night.
Map - 9:30 PM
Bar Tartare
Bar Tartare is the best cocktail wine bar in the area, tight list, serious pours, perfect nightcap after sushi.
Map
Day 2: South Main, Oakridge and a French chef's counter
Morning views from Queen Elizabeth Park, a Vietnamese lunch on Main, and an evening at Dear Gus's chef's counter followed by cocktails at June.
- 10:30 AM
Oakridge Park
The rebuilt mall opened in May 2026: Louis Vuitton, Prada and Chanel, with a rooftop park to walk after.
Map - 10:30 AM
Queen Elizabeth Park
The city's highest point: quarry gardens, a skyline-and-mountains view and the Bloedel Conservatory dome.
Map - 12:30 PM
Bon Cafe
Neighbourhood Vietnamese café on Main; order a bowl of pho or a bánh mì and an iced coffee.
Map - 7:30 PM
Dear Gus Snack Bar
French-leaning snack bar on Main with a chef's counter; book the counter and order a round of small plates.
Map - 9:30 PM
June
June, top-rated French cocktail bar on South Cambie; the late-night drinks list is exactly what the night calls for.
Map
Day 3: North Shore: coffee, galleries and the Quay
Cross the inlet for a photography show at the Polygon Gallery, pizza in Lower Lonsdale, an afternoon at Lonsdale Quay, then dinner and harbour-view drinks at the Shipyards.
- 10:30 AM
The Polygon Gallery
The Polygon Gallery is a striking waterfront architecture and photography gallery right on the Quay, a proper culture stop.
Map - 12:30 PM
- 2:30 PM
Lonsdale Quay Market
Lonsdale Quay Market is a lively waterfront market, browse local shops, boutiques and food stalls along the quay in the afternoon.
Map - 7:30 PM
King Taps Lonsdale Quay
Big harbour-view beer hall on Lonsdale Quay; grab a window table, a pizza and a local lager.
Map - 9:30 PM
Tap & Barrel • Shipyards
Big waterfront patio at the Shipyards with downtown lit up across the water; a local craft pint to finish.
Map
Where to stay
L'Hermitage Hotel
A quiet, well-appointed boutique hotel one block from Robson, positioned perfectly for Day 1's dining and the rest of the downtown plan.
Pan Pacific Vancouver
Pan Pacific sits at Canada Place with harbour views and the kind of lobby-to-room finish that suits a trip built around top-end evenings.
Make Vancouver your trip
Swearby drafts the days from places people swear by. Swap any stop, then invite the crew by text, even friends without the app. Vote on dates, track costs as you go, and everyone gets one number at the end.
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Book ahead
- Talaysay Tours: a few days ahead
- Capilano Suspension Bridge Park: a few days ahead
- Harbour Air Seaplanes: a few days ahead
- Sea to Sky Gondola: a few days ahead
- Peak 2 Peak Gondola: a few days ahead
- Whistler Blackcomb: weeks ahead
Skip these
- Capilano at full price on a cruise ship day, when Lynn Canyon gives a free bridge and better swimming.
- The Gastown Steam Clock as a destination. It is a three minute photo on the way to dinner.
- Granville Island by car. Ferry, bus or walk over the bridge instead.
- Robson Street chain dining. Eat in Yaletown, Gastown, Main Street, Kits or Richmond instead.
The full Vancouver travel guide: when to go, safety, getting around