If you’re looking for the best things to do in Gastown, you’ll be happy to hear there are plenty of fun things to see and do in this cute and tiny Vancouver neighbourhood.
Gastown is a historical neighbourhood known for its cute cafes, hip restaurants, and trendy boutiques housed in stunning Victorian architecture.
From the old brick buildings to the cobblestone streets, Gastown is such a charming and beautiful little neighbourhood to explore in Vancouver!
It’s actually the oldest neighbourhood in Vancouver, and it was named after a seaman named “Gassy” Jack, who opened the first saloon here in 1867.
He was called “gassy” because he talked a lot!
As people started moving into the area, they called it “Gassy’s Town”, which eventually became shortened to just “Gastown”.
It’s actually one of my fave areas to explore whenever I’m visiting Vancouver, and I love stopping by to shop and eat.
If you’re planning a trip to Vancouver, here are some other posts to help you plan your perfect trip:
- 48 hours in Vancouver
- Winter weekend in Vancouver
- Best things to do in Vancouver
- Things to do in North Vancouver
- Instagrammable spots in Vancouver
- Instagrammable cafés in Vancouver
- Best restaurants in Vancouver
- Dessert places in Vancouver
- Vancouver to Calgary road trip
If you’re looking for even more fun activities and things to do in Vancouver, be sure to check out some local tours!
Here are some of the best things to do in Gastown, including what to do, where to eat, and where to shop!
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Where to stay in Vancouver
If you’re looking to book your flights and hotels for Vancouver, I’d recommend booking on Expedia, so you can collect points towards free rewards and discounts!
Downtown Vancouver is very walkable, so it’s worth booking a stay in the downtown area.
Here are some of the best hotels in downtown Vancouver to stay at:
- Delta Hotels by Marriott Vancouver ($)
- Hilton Vancouver Downtown ($)
- Metropolitan Hotel Vancouver ($$)
- Fairmont Pacific Rim ($$$)
We’ve also stayed at the Radisson Hotel Vancouver Airport, which is a great option if you have a car rental (which we usually book on Expedia).
The areas surrounding Vancouver are also worth visiting, so I’d highly recommend booking a car rental for at least one or two days!
Airbnbs are a great budget-friendly alternative, especially if you stay in Burnaby or Richmond.
If you’re interested in staying in Airbnbs, I have a separate blog post all about how to find the best Airbnbs!
Best things to do in Vancouver’s Gastown neighbourhood
1. Sip on some coffee at a cute Gastown café
One of the best things to do in the Gastown neighbourhood is to hit up all the cool and unique local cafés.
If you’re feeling up to it, you can maybe even do a little café hop at a few of the best cafés in Vancouver.
Start your day off with some fresh brews at Milano, Timbertrain, or Revolver.
If you’re more of a tea person, pay a visit to The Birds & The Beets instead!
The entirety of Gastown is an Instagrammer’s dream, so it’s no surprise that all the cafés are as well.
Drink some coffee, do some people watching, and soak up the west coast atmosphere.
2. Do a photo walk around the historic neighbourhood
With all of its amazing historical architecture and waterfront views, Gastown is one of the most Instagram-worthy spots in Vancouver.
They even have their own flatiron building in the neighbourhood, and it’s definitely Instagrammable.
You’re going to want to bring along a camera (or your smartphone) for the ride!
Gastown is a pleasant area to walk around in and explore, but avoid walking too far east as it ain’t really nice down that way.
3. Enjoy plant-based lunch at Meet in Gastown
Gastown is home to some of Vancouver’s best restaurants, and you can find tons of great eats here.
Meet in Gastown is one of the best vegan Vancouver restaurants, and it’s located right in the heart of the neighbourhood.
For my omnivore friends, the food doesn’t “taste” vegan, so it’s a great spot for eaters of all diets.
It takes a lot to impress me with plant-based food, and Meet in Gastown is pretty damn great!
I’d definitely grab one of their burgers – they’re absolutely incredible.
If you’re a big foodie, you might also enjoy doing this 2.5 hour Gastown food tour, or this guided 3-hour food and history tour that partly takes part in Gastown!
LOCATION: 12 Water St, Vancouver, BC | Website
4. Go window shopping
There are so many cute little shops and boutiques in the Gastown neighbourhood, especially along West Cordova and Water Street.
Whether you’re just window shopping or actually shopping, Gastown is full of adorable little shops to explore!
You can spend at least a few hours exploring, browsing, and shopping at the different shops and boutiques in the area.
My sister and I did this together a few years ago, and we had such a fun time shopping our way through the neighbourhood!
You’ll find everything from local goods, to home decor, to clothing boutiques, and there’s a ton of good stuff.
Artemisia and The Latest Scoop are both great clothing boutiques if you’re into trendy women’s clothing, and Old Faithful Shop is a super cute home goods store.
5. Visit the Gastown Steam Clock
Pay a visit to the famous steam clock in Gastown, which isn’t really anything too crazy, but is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Vancouver.
It’s actually one of the only few steam clocks left in the world, which is pretty cool!
Unless you visit during less busy hours or wait around until all the tourists are gone, this high angle is the best crowd-less shot you’ll be able to get.
Find it right at the corner of Cambie and Water Street!
LOCATION: 305 Water St, Vancouver, BC | Website
6. Do the Lost Souls of Gastown tour with Forbidden Vancouver
Why not try a walking tour with Forbidden Vancouver?
I’d never done any walking tours before Lost Souls of Gastown, and it’s now something I would highly recommend to anyone with a taste in history.
We learned all about the history of Gastown, including why it’s actually called Gastown (spoiler: a dude named Gassy Jack opened up the first saloon here).
The fact that it’s an evening/night tour makes it all the more eerie and fun!
Don’t forget to bring cash on-hand to tip your tour guide.
7. Eat ice cream at Soft Peaks
Craving a sweet treat while wandering around Gastown?
Have some sweet, sweet dessert at this all-natural, organic soft serve ice cream shop.
Soft Peaks uses organic milk for their soft serve and local ingredients for their toppings, which is pretty amazing!
I love the Honeycomb Peak, which comes with a topping of local honeycomb.
LOCATION: 25 Alexander St, Vancouver, BC | Website
Vancouver flights & accommodations
Looking to book your flights and accommodations for Vancouver?
I love booking my flights and hotels on Expedia and collecting points towards free rewards.
Hotels are pretty pricy in Vancouver, but they’re great if you plan on only staying downtown and walking around without a car.
Downtown Vancouver’s very walkable!
I usually stay in Airbnbs when I visit Vancouver, and I have a separate blog post all about how to find the best Airbnbs.
Best things to do in Gastown:
- Sip on some coffee at a cute Gastown café
- Do a photo walk around the historic neighbourhood
- Enjoy plant-based lunch at Meet in Gastown
- Go window shopping
- Visit the Gastown Steam Clock
- Do the Lost Souls of Gastown tour with Forbidden Vancouver
- Eat ice cream at Soft Peaks
Gastown is one of my absolute favourite spots to explore in Vancouver – I just love how much history is behind this adorable area.
It’s a beautiful neighbourhood to visit, and is definitely worth a stop if you find yourself in Vancouver.
Whether you’re a local or a tourist, there are plenty of fun things to do and see in the Gastown neighbourhood!
If you’re looking for even more fun activities and things to do in Vancouver, be sure to check out some local tours!
Have you explored Gastown before? What are your favourite things to do in this historical Vancouver neighbourhood? Let me know on Twitter or Instagram!
If you’re planning a trip to Vancouver, here are some other posts to help you plan your perfect trip:
- 48 hours in Vancouver
- Winter weekend in Vancouver
- Best things to do in Vancouver
- Things to do in North Vancouver
- Instagrammable spots in Vancouver
- Instagrammable cafés in Vancouver
- Best restaurants in Vancouver
- Dessert places in Vancouver
- Vancouver to Calgary road trip
Gastown was named after “Gassy” Jack, a seaman who opened the first saloon here in 1867. He was called “gassy” because he talked a lot! As people started moving into the area, they called it “Gassy’s Town”, which eventually became shortened to just “Gastown”.
What a charming little place! Love the photos, babe 🙂
Enclothed Cognition
Thanks so much girl! Enjoy your weekend 🙂
The last time I was in Vancouver, I ended up leaving and going up to Whistler. I need to come back because it looks like a great place to visit!
Jordan xx
http://thehatlogic.com/they-come-in-twos-not-threes/
This is cute! At the end of the month I’m going to Portland and Seattle. I would love to squeeze in a day trip to Vancouver.
It’s definitely worth a visit, even for just a day trip! 🙂
It’ll definitely be worth it! 🙂
Gastown is so beautiful! I am glad you enjoyed it. There is so much to see in Vancouver.
Agreed! I’d love to explore Yaletown next time I visit!
Omg your photos look amazing <3 <3 <3 I'm so excited to be going back haha 🙂 It sucks you didn't see it when it was dark though 🙁 it's also gorgeous in the dark <3
Oooh maybe next time I’ll check it out at nighttime! Hope you enjoy Vancouver girl!! 🙂