Downtown Ottawa

Ottawa

Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica showing a city, a church or cathedral and religious elements
Confederation Square which includes a city and heritage architecture
National Arts Centre which includes a garden
Bytown Museum showing a river or creek
Confederation Square which includes heritage architecture and a city

Discover art, delve into history and savor natural beauty in the heart of Canada’s national capital, a delightful blend of old and new.

Where Québec meets Ontario and the Rideau Canal meets the Ottawa River lies the picturesque center of Downtown Ottawa. Explore the city’s ceremonial sites and memorials, engage with art and history or simply indulge in riverside relaxation.

Begin with a walk through Confederation Park, viewing its fountain and gardens as well as the National Aboriginal Veterans Monument. Depending on the season, you might also join in public celebrations such as Winterlude, Canada Day or the Ottawa Jazz Festival.

Continue on to nearby Confederation Square, where the National War Memorial and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier pay tribute to the sacrifice of Canadians in war. Check the schedule for the adjacent National Arts Centre, a prestigious bilingual hub for ballet, theater and classical music. Stroll the grounds at Parliament Hill and climb the iconic Peace Tower for gorgeous views.

Heading north, cross the narrow Rideau Canal and appreciate this vital waterway. Follow its path by tour boat, bike in warmer months or join locals to celebrate wintertime with seasonal treats and ice-skating. Visit neighboring Bytown Museum, which tells Ottawa’s story since its humble origins as a lumber town and military depot. Shop at the modern CF Rideau Centre or purchase local foodstuffs at the historic, sprawling ByWard Market.

Stop at the Notre-Dame Cathedral to admire its spires and interior. Services are conducted in English, French or a combination. Tour the Royal Canadian Mint to appreciate its historic riverside premises and learn the technical process involved in making coins.

Finally, travel to the National Gallery of Canada, an elegant glass-and-granite structure whose large windows offer lovely outlooks onto Parliament Hill and the water. Explore collections of Canadian and international art, including significant works by First Peoples. Complete your visit with a trip to the gift shop and a meal at one of the gallery’s in-house cafés.

Downtown Ottawa can be explored on foot or by bus. Travel from the airport by car in about 20 minutes.

Popular places to visit

Parliament Hill showing heritage architecture and an administrative buidling

Parliament Hill

Spend a day enjoying the lively debates, artworks, library and Gothic Revival architecture of Canada’s political heart.

Parliament Hill
Byward Market featuring markets, outdoor eating and street scenes

Byward Market Square

Fresh local produce, artisanal handicrafts and historic courtyards are some of the many features of Ottawa’s oldest and busiest market.

Byward Market Square
National Arts Centre which includes a garden

National Arts Centre

You can get tickets for a performance at National Arts Centre on your trip to Ottawa. Experience the fascinating museums or attend a sporting event in this walkable area.

National Arts Centre
National Gallery of Canada featuring interior views as well as a large group of people

National Gallery of Canada

Explore art through the ages in this impressive collection of national and international works of art.

National Gallery of Canada
Rideau Mall

Rideau Mall

During your visit to Ottawa, you can browse for the perfect souvenirs at Rideau Mall. Discover the top-notch restaurants and acclaimed art scene in this walkable area.

Rideau Mall
Parliament Hill which includes an administrative buidling and heritage architecture

Peace Tower

This iconic tower is emblematic of Canada's political life and a memorial to those who lost their lives in war. Enjoy its architecture and views of the city.

Peace Tower

Downtown Ottawa Hotel Deals

Fairmont Chateau Laurier

Fairmont Chateau Laurier

4.5 out of 5
1 Rideau St, Ottawa, ON
The price is ₩214,460 per night from Sep 28 to Sep 29
₩214,460
per night
Sep 28 - Sep 29
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Ottawa. Enjoy 3 restaurants, breakfast (surcharge), and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (2,782 reviews)
"Architecture and history is beautiful. Lovely rooms and views"

Reviewed on Sep 19, 2025

Fairmont Chateau Laurier
Ottawa Marriott Hotel

Ottawa Marriott Hotel

4 out of 5
100 Kent St, Ottawa, ON
The price is ₩172,358 per night from Oct 10 to Oct 11
₩172,358
per night
Oct 10 - Oct 11
Book a stay at this eco-certified hotel in Ottawa. Enjoy breakfast (surcharge), valet parking (surcharge), and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the helpful ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,326 reviews)
"This is one of the nicest hotels we’ve stayed at. We weren’t even mad they were doing work on the windows while we were there. Parliament Hill is a stone throw away and a beautiful walk. The view from our balcony was gorgeous and we thoroughly enjoyed that you could stream from your own service accounts ..."

Reviewed on Sep 14, 2025

Ottawa Marriott Hotel
Les Suites Hotel Ottawa

Les Suites Hotel Ottawa

4 out of 5
130 Besserer St, Ottawa, ON
The price is ₩171,994 per night from Oct 10 to Oct 11
₩171,994
per night
Oct 10 - Oct 11
Stay at this 4-star eco-certified aparthotel in Ottawa. Enjoy free WiFi, room service, and a health club. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (5,005 reviews)
"The property is in a good location. Great restaurants just a few blocks away. But some of the rooms are in desperate need of updating. The carpet in our suite was awful. Not sure when shampooed last. Need to clean behind doors. Guests do"

Reviewed on Sep 20, 2025

Les Suites Hotel Ottawa
Sonder by Marriott Bonvoy Arlo Apartments Downtown

Sonder by Marriott Bonvoy Arlo Apartments Downtown

3.5 out of 5
88 Albert Street, Ottawa, ON
The price is ₩226,974 per night from Sep 28 to Sep 29
₩226,974
per night
Sep 28 - Sep 29
Stay at this 3.5-star aparthotel in Ottawa. Enjoy a fitness center, laundry facilities, and concierge services. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,061 reviews)
"It was nice that extra essentials were provided as we stayed for 7 nights. Good location. Poor lighting in the bathroom made makeup application difficult. Had to use a facecloth as an oven mitt."

Reviewed on Sep 20, 2025

Sonder by Marriott Bonvoy Arlo Apartments Downtown
ANDAZ OTTAWA BYWARD MARKET, BY HYATT

ANDAZ OTTAWA BYWARD MARKET, BY HYATT

4 out of 5
325 Dalhousie Street, Ottawa, ON
The price is ₩217,854 per night from Oct 10 to Oct 11
₩217,854
per night
Oct 10 - Oct 11
Stay at this 4-star eco-certified hotel in Ottawa. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 bars/lounges, and a rooftop terrace. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,805 reviews)
"Great stay! The room was clean and comfortable, but the highlight was the staff—so friendly, helpful, and welcoming. Would definitely stay here again! The location is excellent for the downtown area"

Reviewed on Sep 15, 2025

ANDAZ OTTAWA BYWARD MARKET, BY HYATT
Lord Elgin Hotel

Lord Elgin Hotel

4 out of 5
100 Elgin St, Ottawa, ON
The price is ₩211,775 per night from Oct 10 to Oct 11
₩211,775
per night
Oct 10 - Oct 11
Stay at this 4-star eco-certified hotel in Ottawa. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
9/10 Wonderful! (2,436 reviews)
Lovely stay
"I enjoyed my stay at the Lord Elgin Hotel. My room was huge for my just myself, which I appreciated after staying in hotels of much smaller size on the same trip. I appreciated the room service option for breakfast. The hotel is perfectly located to visit all the main attractions, nothing is far ..."

Reviewed on Sep 18, 2025

Lord Elgin Hotel
See all 507 properties in Downtown Ottawa
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Other neighborhoods around Downtown Ottawa

Byward Market featuring markets, outdoor eating and street scenes

ByWard Market

This downtown Ottawa's lively retail and entertainment district boasts a dense concentration of eateries, bars, and nightclubs, as well as an open-air market for fresh produce and flowers during warmer months. Cobblestone courtyards, historic buildings, and street entertainment add to the charm.

ByWard Market
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Sandy Hill

Shopping and restaurants are highlights of Sandy Hill. Make a stop by Rideau Centre or Rideau Mall while you're visiting, and jump aboard the metro at uOttawa Station to get around town.

Sandy Hill
Ottawa featuring snow

Centretown

4.5/5(135 area reviews)

Known for its ample dining options and fascinating museums, there's plenty to explore in Centretown. You can visit top attractions like Elgin Street and Canadian Museum of Nature, and jump on the metro at Parliament Station or Lyon Station to see more of the city.

Centretown
Canadian Museum of History which includes skyline and modern architecture

Hull

4/5(46 area reviews)

As the central business district and oldest neighborhood in Gatineau, this area boasts a cultural hub with the Canadian Museum of History and Casino du Lac-Leamy. Enjoy the transformed downtown, featuring restaurants, cafés, and stores.

Hull
The locks beside the Chateau Laurier

Old Ottawa East

3.5/5(8 area reviews)

While in Old Ottawa East, you'll enjoy the sporting events. Catch the metro at Lees Station to see top sights like Rideau Canal while you're in the area.

Old Ottawa East
Gatineau featuring tranquil scenes and snow

Downtown Gatineau

4/5(40 area reviews)

You'll enjoy the gardens and festivals in Downtown Gatineau. You might want to make time for a stop at Canadian Museum of History or Canadian Children's Museum.

Downtown Gatineau

Downtown Ottawa