ByWard Market
Ottawa's oldest and busiest neighbourhood: outdoor market stalls, BeaverTails, the National Gallery and Notre-Dame Cathedral nearby, and the city's densest nightlife.
The Glebe
A leafy, walkable neighbourhood along Bank Street, south of downtown, full of independent shops, cafés and brunch spots, with the Rideau Canal on its doorstep.
Lansdowne Park
The Glebe's events hub: TD Place games and concerts, restaurants, the Aberdeen Pavilion, a farmers' market and, in winter, the Christmas market. See the TD Place and Lansdowne guide.
Westboro
Richmond Road's boutiques, outdoor stores (MEC included) and restaurants, a short walk from Westboro Beach and the river pathway.
Hintonburg
Wellington West's creative streak: cafés, bakeries, craft breweries, galleries, street art and the Great Canadian Theatre Company. Walk to the river at Remic Rapids for the rock sculptures in summer.
Little Italy
Preston Street is lined with restaurants, patios and gelato shops, beside Dow's Lake and next to Chinatown. It's one of the city's best dinner-and-stroll streets.
New Edinburgh
A quiet heritage neighbourhood by the Rideau River, next to Rideau Hall (free tours and grounds) and the Rideau Falls, with Beechwood Avenue's cafés and Rockcliffe Park's lookouts nearby.
Orléans
East-end, largely francophone suburb: Petrie Island's beaches and trails, the Shenkman Arts Centre's shows and exhibits, and Princess Louise Falls.
Kanata
Home to Canadian Tire Centre, the Tanger Outlets and Kanata Centrum, with the Diefenbunker and Carp 15 minutes north. See the Canadian Tire Centre guide.
Barrhaven
A family suburb in the south end with big parks, sports centres and the Jock River, 15 minutes from Manotick and its working 1860s mill.
Run a business in one of these neighbourhoods? Ask about a featured listing.
FAQ
What is the best neighbourhood to explore in Ottawa?
For visitors, the ByWard Market and the Glebe are the most walkable, with Westboro, Hintonburg and Little Italy close behind.
What is there to do in Hintonburg?
Cafés, bakeries, craft breweries, galleries and street art along Wellington Street West, plus the Great Canadian Theatre Company.
What is there to do at Lansdowne Park?
Games and concerts at TD Place, restaurants and shops, the Aberdeen Pavilion, a farmers' market, and the Christmas market in winter.
The weekend, sorted
One short email on Thursdays: what's worth doing in Ottawa and the Gatineau Hills this weekend, and nothing you'll skip.
Some links on this page are affiliate links. If you book through them we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Prices, hours and seasons change, so confirm with the venue before you go.