Visit Vancouver

Yaletown

0.4 miles from downtown

Yaletown loves lookin’ good. By day, yoga fanatics float between classes, rolled up mat and organic juice in hand. Joggers flash million-dollar smiles as they whizz effortlessly along the seawall. Come nightfall, it’s the turn of Yaletown’s classy cocktail crowd, who come dressed to impress. Toast the high life at OPUS Bar and the George Lounge.

Places to stay from $106 a night

Davie Village

0.6 miles from downtown

To get a sense of Davie Village’s vibe, just head to the area’s main intersection. Instead of a black-and-white pedestrian crossing, you’ll find rainbow colours painted on the street. This flamboyant road marking hints at Davie’s proudly inclusive outlook. People-watch over an ice cream at Sunset Beach, then flounce down to Celebrities nightclub.

Places to stay from $87 a night

Gastown

0.7 miles from downtown

An explosion of cool is detonating in Gastown. Once known as a rundown area, it’s currently swapping upstarts for start-ups, and moonshine for craft beer. Warm up with a taste of esoteric brews in Alibi Room or Portside. Then get your head-bang on at Hindenburg, where late-night happy hour and live rock music make for a wild night.

Places to stay from $28 a night

Kitsilano

2.3 miles from downtown

“Kits” has undergone quite a transformation. Back in the ‘60s, it was the far-out focus for hippy happenings. It’s mellowed with age, though – nowadays, it’s classic suburbia, with a leafy charm and family-friendly sense of calm. The only remnant of past glories is Naam Restaurant, purveyor of veggie dishes and live guitar music. Freakin’ A, man!

Places to stay from $132 a night

Commercial Drive

2.5 miles from downtown

Commercial Drive: full of high-street outlets and flashy cars, right? Wrong! This is one of the city’s most alternative areas, where the quirky, the nerdy and the downright strange find a home. Dig for vinyl at Audiopile, then swing by Café Deux Soleils for muffins and stand-up. If you’re into board games and sci-fi, seek out Storm Crow Tavern.

Places to stay from a night

Downtown Vancouver

In downtown

The centre of the action. Downtown is a whirlwind of bag-laden shoppers, natty businesspeople and wide-eyed tourists. Stage buffs take in matinées on Granville Street, and joggers zip round Stanley Park. Munch tip-top sushi at Guu Restaurant, then quaff a pint in this charming pub, Morrissey. Finish up sipping cocktails in swanky Venue Club.

Places to stay from $28 a night