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

4.5/5(439 reviews)

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

4.5/5(331 reviews)

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

4.5/5(41 reviews)

You can get tickets for a performance at National Arts Centre on your trip to Ottawa. Experience the acclaimed art scene 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

4.5/5(152 reviews)

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 fascinating museums in this walkable area.

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

Peace Tower

4.5/5(14 reviews)

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

Lord Elgin Hotel

Lord Elgin Hotel

4 out of 5
100 Elgin St, Ottawa, ON
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is ₩213,702 per night from Nov 14 to Nov 15
₩213,702
₩253,559 total
Nov 14 - Nov 15
includes taxes & fees
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! (2,503 reviews)
A lovely classic old hotel, albeit one in the midst of significant renovation. That said, surprisingly good value in an expensive hotel city and very well located for anything you might need in Byward Market, University of Ottawa and downtown/Centretown.

Reviewed on Nov 2, 2025

Lord Elgin Hotel
Fairmont Chateau Laurier

Fairmont Chateau Laurier

4.5 out of 5
1 Rideau St, Ottawa, ON
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is ₩225,102 per night from Nov 14 to Nov 15
₩225,102
₩267,085 total
Nov 14 - Nov 15
includes taxes & fees
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! (2,881 reviews)
All in all a fantastic hotel. Convenient for walking most places, clean, great service. The lounge was lovely, with excellent food and drinks.

Reviewed on Nov 4, 2025

Fairmont Chateau Laurier
Les Suites Hotel Ottawa

Les Suites Hotel Ottawa

4 out of 5
130 Besserer St, Ottawa, ON
The price is ₩189,368 per night from Nov 9 to Nov 10
₩189,368
₩224,686 total
Nov 9 - Nov 10
includes taxes & fees
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! (5,138 reviews)
Staff was super friendly. Room was great and very clean.

Reviewed on Oct 30, 2025

Les Suites Hotel Ottawa
Ottawa Embassy Hotel

Ottawa Embassy Hotel

3.5 out of 5
25 Cartier St, Ottawa, ON
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is ₩193,252 per night from Nov 14 to Nov 15
₩193,252
₩229,294 total
Nov 14 - Nov 15
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3.5-star hotel in Ottawa. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in our ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,135 reviews)
Nice view. I didnt try food

Reviewed on Nov 6, 2025

Ottawa Embassy Hotel
The Metcalfe Hotel

The Metcalfe Hotel

4 out of 5
123 Metcalfe Street, Ottawa, ON
The price is ₩232,106 per night from Dec 7 to Dec 8
₩232,106
₩275,394 total
Dec 7 - Dec 8
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star hotel in Ottawa. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and room service. Our guests praise the restaurant and the helpful staff in our ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,329 reviews)
Welcoming staff, clean rooms but an odd smell to the building at times.

Reviewed on Nov 3, 2025

The Metcalfe Hotel
ANDAZ OTTAWA BYWARD MARKET, BY HYATT

ANDAZ OTTAWA BYWARD MARKET, BY HYATT

4 out of 5
325 Dalhousie Street, Ottawa, ON
The price is ₩199,028 per night from Dec 7 to Dec 8
₩199,028
₩236,147 total
Dec 7 - Dec 8
includes taxes & fees
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! (1,847 reviews)
Room was excellent, staff friendly and overall good experience

Reviewed on Nov 5, 2025

ANDAZ OTTAWA BYWARD MARKET, BY HYATT
See all 534 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
Skate on the world's largest ice rink. Every year at this time, Gatineau and Ottawa host a shared event called Winterlude. It's a festival that I've gone to since I was a little girl. It's a lot of fun for the whole family. All the events are free of charge and the festival snow bus is also free that takes you to different locations where events are being hosted and run about every 15 minutes. You can expect music, sledding, tubing, ice skating on the Rideau Canal, original snow taffy made with real maple syrup, ice sculptures, free hot chocolate, coffee at some locations, and so much more. I highly recommend if you are in the area. #Winterlude #Quebec #Ontario #Gatineau #Ottawa #tourism #Thingstodo #Festival #NationsCapital

Golden Triangle

Golden Triangle is known for its abundant dining options, and you can plan a trip to Elgin Street and Ottawa City Hall while you're in town.

Golden Triangle
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
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