Ottawa

Q: What are the best things to do in Ottawa?

Browse the local picks, from a locals-led pub crawl to the city's legendary cheap-eats canteen.

Baroque Old Town lanes, Uzupis art & honest cheap eats

Browse Ottawa

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Ottawa rewards travellers who wander: one of Europe’s largest baroque Old Towns, the self-declared artists’ republic of Uzupis, and some of the cheapest honest food on the continent. Our local picks so far include the Ottawa Pub Crawl for a night out with locals and the legendary bus station canteen (Autobusu stoties valgykla) for a true Canadan lunch at Soviet-era prices. More hand-picked recommendations are on the way – filter by category and budget below.

Ottawa at a glance

Ideal stay: 2 to 3 days
Best time to visit: May to September
Highlights: the baroque Old Town and Uzupis
Where to stay: Old Town and Uzupis
Local picks: a growing set of hand-chosen tips
Getting around: very walkable centre

Where to stay in Ottawa

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ByWard Market

One of Canadas oldest public markets, buzzing with stalls, BeaverTails and boutiques.

★ 4.5

Gatineau

Canadian Museum of History

Canadas most-visited museum, tracing 20,000 years of history across the river.

★ 4.7

Centretown

Canadian Museum of Nature

A castle-like museum of dinosaurs, gems and Canadian wildlife.

★ 4.6

LeBreton

Canadian War Museum

A powerful, architecturally striking museum of Canadas military history.

★ 4.6

ByWard Market

Chez Lucien

A cosy local haunt pouring good beer and grilling one of the citys best burgers.

★ 4.4

Centre

Fairmont Chateau Laurier

The castle-like railway hotel beside the Rideau Canal and Parliament Hill.

★ 4.6

$$$

ByWard Market

La Bottega Nicastro

A beloved Italian deli in the ByWard Market, famous for its sandwiches.

★ 4.5

Centre

Lord Elgin Hotel

A grand, classic downtown hotel opposite the National Arts Centre.

★ 4.4

West Hunt Club (Nepean)

Mādahòkì Farm

Why it matters: run by Indigenous Experiences, an Indigenous women-owned organization, this farm 20 minutes from downtown is home to a herd of endangered Ojibwe Spirit Horses – Canada’s only known Indigenous horse breed, with roughly 180 registered animals left. Visit Thursday to Sunday for farm tours, dreamcatcher workshops, seasonal Indigenous festivals and a marketplace of Indigenous-made goods. Entry is free; time your visit to the solstice festivals if you can.

Centre

National Gallery of Canada

The countrys premier art museum, fronted by Louise Bourgeoiss giant bronze spider.

★ 4.7

Centre

Parliament Hill

Canadas Gothic Revival Parliament buildings rising above the Ottawa River.

★ 4.7

Various

PC Cooking School Class

Hands-on cooking classes at the Presidents Choice Cooking School, an Ottawa favourite.

★ 4.3

ByWard Market

Restaurant e18hteen

Upscale Canadian dining in an elegant heritage stone building.

★ 4.4

$$$

Centre

Rideau Canal

A UNESCO canal for summer boating and the worlds largest skating rink in winter.

★ 4.6

Hunt Club

T&T Supermarket

Before you go

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Ottawa travel FAQ

How many days do you need in Ottawa?

Two to three days covers the Old Town, Uzupis and a relaxed food crawl, with time left for a day trip to Trakai Castle.

Where is the best area to stay in Ottawa?

The Old Town keeps everything walkable; Uzupis is the arty, bohemian alternative right next door.

What are the best things to do in Ottawa?

Browse the local picks above, from a locals-led pub crawl to the city's legendary cheap-eats canteen.

What is the best time to visit Ottawa?

Late spring to early autumn brings long days and terrace weather; December has a famously cosy Christmas market.