The Vancouver Art Gallery is home to some of the best art in town. The art gallery lies in the heart of downtown and its exhibits rotate throughout the year to keep Vancouverites coming back. One of my favourite ones was the Monet exhibit that was on display in recent years. Locals know that the best time to visit is Tuesdays between 5:00-9:00 pm for the weekly admission by donation night. Otherwise, admission can be quite pricey, especially if you’re trying to stretch your dollar.
If you can’t make it inside, the building itself and surrounding area is certainly worth visiting. Stop by one of the nearby food trucks to grab your lunch and sit down on the Art Gallery steps to people watch and get the real Vancouver experience. Some local favourite food trucks in the area are Mom’s Grilled Cheese and Tacofino. Be sure to take a walk around the Art Gallery as well to explore some of the best parts of downtown.
Find your way with 192 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
"Bao Bei Chinese Brasserie" is one of the finest Chinese restaurants in Vancouver. I have a whole list of favorites there. Come prepared to share!
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"Granville Island Public Market" in Vancouver is very close to where I love, so I come here mostly to get veggies, some good meat and sweet treats!
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"CRAFT Beer Market" in Vancouver is my favourite place to sip a beer, relax and hang out with friends with one of the 140 beers on tap and some Maui ribs.
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"Steamworks Brewing Co" Vancouver (est 1995) is Canada's only steam-powered brewery! I don't know if it's the steam but the beers are fresh and tasty here.
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"Green Leaf Brewing Co." in Vancouver is a small brewery located in a cozy, waterfront market. It was the perfect cure after I came back from Bavaria...
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"The Roxy Cabaret" in Vancouver is my favorite club to dance to live music. Every Friday and Saturday there is always a good band playing...
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"Library Square Public House" in Vancouver is a great place to catch some soccer action on their big screens. They also have good specials on draft beers!
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"Lonsdale Quay Market" in Vancouver is home to more than 50 specialty shops, a restaurant and a brewery. I can easily spend a whole afternoon here...
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"Trees Organic Coffee" in Vancouver advertises itself as the maker of the 'best cheesecake in town'. I didn't believe them, but it's even better than that!
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"Meinhardt Fine Foods" in Vancouver is my go-to for an affordable, delicious lunch. I'm usually not a fan of buffet-style meals, but it's an exception...
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"Peak of Christmas at Grouse" is THE place to be for a taste of snow while in Vancouver. There's an outdoor skating rink, light walks, an open fire & more.
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"Thomas Haas" Vancouver is the celebrity pastry chef's shop. Once you enter this cafe, it stands out immediately, and he is genuinely friendly & welcoming.
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192 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
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✓ 192 Insider Tips