Where To Stay In Ottawa: 5 Best Areas & Neighborhoods

Ottawa gets a bad reputation for being a quiet government town, but that reputation completely ignores how cool its neighborhoods actually are. Canada’s capital is basically a collection of distinct little villages hooked together by parks, waterways, and great food. You can go from historic castle vibes to hip, artsy strip malls in a ten-minute drive. Finding the right spot to stay depends entirely on what kind of trip you want to pull off.

If you want to step outside your hotel and be right in the middle of everything, Downtown and the ByWard Market are the big heavy hitters. This is where you find giant landmarks like Parliament Hill and the Rideau Canal, which turns into the world’s largest ice rink every winter.

The ByWard Market area has been running as a public market since 1826, making it one of the oldest in the country. It is packed with street vendors, local shops, and late-night spots, plus it is the birthplace of the famous BeaverTails pastry.

Travelers looking for something a bit more local usually head toward places like The Glebe. The Glebe sits right along the canal and feels like a classic, walkable neighborhood filled with vintage shops, cozy cafes, and century-old homes.

For culture, check out Villa Stuck, the former home of artist Franz von Stuck. The museum hosts exhibitions and events. The historic Müller’sche Volksbad is another local landmark worth seeing.

Pick the right base camp, and Ottawa feels a lot less like a strict political hub and a lot more like a hidden gem.

In this travel guide:

Downtown

Best area for: shopping, nightlife, central stay

Downtown Ottawa strikes a great balance. You get rich political history, top museums, and impressive waterfront spaces right alongside cozy cafes and clean, walkable streets.

The area sits right along the Ottawa River and the historic Rideau Canal. It grew rapidly in the nineteenth century after Queen Victoria chose Ottawa as the capital, transforming a rough lumber town into a national hub. The heart of the area is Parliament Hill. You can watch the Changing of the Guard on the lawn or admire the gothic revival architecture of the Centre Block. Just steps away, the National Gallery of Canada showcases world-class art under its soaring glass towers.

For shopping and strolls, head to the pedestrian-only Sparks Street or walk along the Rideau Canal. In the winter, that canal turns into the world’s largest ice-skating rink, while summer brings continuous boat traffic.

When we need a break, we grab coffee at Little Victories Coffee Roasters on Elgin Street. They roast incredible specialty coffee and serve delicious seasonal pastries in a sleek, bright space. It is our favorite spot to recharge before exploring more of the city.

Best place to stay in Downtown Ottawa

ALT Hotel. Address: 185 Slater St, Ottawa, ON K1P 0C8, Canada.

ByWard Market

Best area for: nightlife, food, history

Although there are some great bars and restaurants Downtown, ByWard Market is the place to be to engage in nightlife. This is Ottawa’s home to the top nightclubs and bars.

ByWard Market has been a commercial hub since the early 19th century, and the market itself dates back to the days of Bytown, the settlement that became Ottawa. The current market building is the fifth one on the site, so there’s a surprising amount of history packed into these streets.

We usually start around the market stalls. In summer, the streets fill with farmers, food vendors, artists, and buskers. There are more than 500 businesses in the wider district, so there’s plenty to browse. Pick up some local produce, grab a Beavertail, or duck into one of the small shops around the market.

There’s plenty to do beyond eating, too. The National Gallery of Canada is right on the edge of the neighborhood, while the Bytown Museum gives us a closer look at Ottawa’s early history. Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica is another worthwhile stop.

When you need a coffee, Byward Café is right inside the market building. For breakfast, The King Eddy is a solid choice. Later, you can head toward Major’s Hill Park for views of Parliament Hill and the Ottawa River. It’s also an easy walk to the Rideau Canal, which becomes a giant skating rink in winter.

Best place to stay in ByWard Market

Château Laurier Fairmont Hotel. Address: 1 Rideau St, Ottawa, ON K1N 8S7, Canada.

The Glebe

Best area for: families, quiet life

Your escape from the hustle and bustle of city life can be found in The Glebe.

The Glebe blends historic charm, great food, and tons of green space right along the water. It stays energetic while keeping a welcoming, tight-knit neighborhood feel.

The name actually comes from the 1800s, when the land was a clergy reserve given to a local Presbyterian church. Now it is one of the most vibrant inner-city neighborhoods in the capital.

Quiet residential streets packed with gorgeous historic homes line the entire area. The commercial heart runs straight down Bank Street, full of indie bookstores, record shops, and local boutiques. This neighborhood is framed by the scenic Rideau Canal, where locals walk in the summer and skate during the winter months. At the south end sits Lansdowne Park. We usually go there for live events, sports games at TD Place, or the weekly farmers’ market.

The local food scene is always packed with great options. For a perfect coffee or light breakfast, we always hit up Little Victories Coffee Roasters on Bank Street. Their espresso is incredible, and the bright space is ideal for fueling up before a long walk along the canal pathways.

Best place to stay in The Glebe

Ashbury House Bed & Breakfast. Address: 303 First avenue, K1S 2G7 Ottawa, Canada.

Centretown

Best area for: food, entertainment, parks

Centretown gives you walkable streets, incredible historic architecture, and easy access to the city’s top sights without losing its cozy local feel.

Much of the area’s historic architecture dates from the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Centretown was also closely tied to Ottawa’s early development as Canada’s capital.

There’s plenty to see. The Canadian Museum of Nature is the big one, and the building itself is worth a look. It opened in 1912 and occupies Canada’s first purpose-built national museum building, which has a wonderfully castle-like look. The Bank of Canada Museum is another good stop, especially if you’re curious about money, economics, or just want to see some seriously oversized banknotes.

Bank Street is the main artery through the neighborhood. We found it easy to bounce between shops, cafes, pubs, and restaurants here. Centretown is also Ottawa’s official Queer Village, with plenty happening around the area throughout the year.

For breakfast, we’d go to Wilf & Ada’s on Bank Street. It’s a local favorite for a relaxed brunch. For coffee, Little Victories Coffee Roasters Queen is a solid pick. And if you’re still out after dark, there’s no shortage of bars and live music spots. Centretown doesn’t exactly shut down when the museums do.

Best place to stay in Centretown

SOHO Residences Lisgar. Address: 300 Lisgar Street, K2P 1T6 Ottawa, Canada.

Gatineau, Quebec

Best area for: waterfront, views

Finally, we have Gatineau, Quebec. You may be thinking, “Ottawa isn’t in Quebec” and you are correct! However, Gatineau is just a short drive across the Ottawa River away from the capital city. Thankfully, you do not need a passport to cross the border into Ontario, so you can move freely between the two provinces.

Various bridges cross the Ottawa River and provide you with either a long walk or a short Uber ride to Ottawa. In the summer, you can even take a water taxi which provides incredible views of the Ottawa skyline.

This is a great way to experience two different cities on your trip to Canada.

The old Hull area is the part we’d focus on. It has plenty of character and some surprisingly old architecture. The Quartier-du-Musée is one of the oldest neighborhoods on Île de Hull, with dozens of century-old buildings.

The big attraction is the Canadian Museum of History. The building alone is worth the short trip across the river. Inside, we can dig into Canada’s history, see the huge collection of Indigenous artifacts, and visit the Canadian Children’s Museum if we’re traveling with kids. The museum sits directly opposite Parliament Hill, so the river views are pretty great too.

We’d also make time for Jacques-Cartier Park and the riverfront. It’s an easy place to slow down after the museum. In summer, we can even hop on a water taxi back toward Ottawa.

For a quick bite, we’d stop at Bobino Bagel on Rue Laurier. It’s an easy breakfast or lunch stop, especially if we want something casual. For coffee, Café Cloudforest on Rue Eddy is another good pick. And if we have more time, Gatineau Park is the obvious next move for hiking, biking, or just getting some fresh air.

Best place to stay in Gatineau

Four Points by Sheraton Gatineau-Ottawa. Address: 35 Laurier Street, Hull, J8X 4E9 Gatineau, Canada.

Where travel experts stay in Ottawa

Want to know where travel critics from publishers like The New York Times, Frommer’s, Fodor’s and Lonely Planet stay in Ottawa? Check out our overview of all recommended hotels, hostels and B&Bs in Ottawa.

Budget

Swiss Hotel.

“Owner Sabina’s Swiss heritage is reflected in everything from the luxuriant buffet breakfast ($15) to the rooms’ design-savvy stencil decor. The 22 stylish rooms all have appliances such as espresso machines and iPads.” — Lonely Planet.

Address: 89 Daly Ave, Ottawa, ON K1N 6E6, Canada.

Mid-range

ALT Hotel.

“ALT Ottawa, opened this year with 148 rooms is an affordable, minimalist chic offering in the downtown business district, a few blocks from Parliament Hill. Unfinished concrete and high ceilings lend a stylish, industrial vibe to rooms.” — New York Times.

Address: 185 Slater St, Ottawa, ON K1P 0C8, Canada.

Luxury

Château Laurier Fairmont Hotel.

“Named after Canada’s seventh prime minister Wilfrid Laurier, Fairmont Château Laurier has dominated the Ottawa skyline since opening in 1912. Its elegant corridors and grand ballrooms witness countless international events and celebrity guests, and the hotel is almost as recognizable as its neighbor, Parliament Hill.” — Telegraph.

Address: 1 Rideau St, Ottawa, ON K1N 8S7, Canada.

FAQ: Ottawa hotel recommendations

If you’re looking for a budget, boutique, or luxury hotel in Ottawa-or maybe your travel plans require an excellent hostel? Want to know which hotel serves the best breakfast? Here are all those answers and more about where to stay in Ottawa.

Best time to visit Ottawa

If you are an enthusiast of outdoor activities and festivals, then the summer months from June to August would be an excellent choice.

During this period, Ottawa is vibrant with numerous events such as Canada Day celebrations, music festivals, and outdoor exhibitions. The weather is also warm and pleasant, making it ideal for sightseeing and exploring the city’s iconic landmarks such as the Parliament Hill and Rideau Canal.

However, if you are a fan of winter sports or want to witness the famous Winterlude festival, then the best time to visit Ottawa would be during the colder months of January and February.

Despite the chilly weather, the city comes alive with winter activities including ice skating on the world’s largest outdoor skating rink – the Rideau Canal Skateway, snow sculpture competitions, and various cultural events.

Best things to do in Ottawa

There are plenty of things to do in Ottawa and surrounding areas, including day trips, attractions, museums, sightseeing tours and many other activities. Here’s our list of 3 things you should definitely do when you’re in and around Ottawa:

2-Hour Ottawa Express City Bike Tour

See Rideau Hall, cycle the Rideau Canal path, plus see the War Memorial, Byward Market and more. Stop along the way to learn more about certain locations and get local tips from your guide. Price: $36. More info.

Ottawa: Sightseeing River Cruise

See Ottawa’s famous landmarks and enjoy entertaining commentary in both English and French on a must-do sightseeing river cruise. Learn fun facts from your bilingual and knowledgeable guide, and choose whether to begin your cruise in Ottawa or Gatineau. Price: $25. More info.

Ottawa Private Tour with a Local

Explore Ottawa with a passionate local who will show you all the hidden gems of the city and help you experience the city like a real local. Price: $27. More info.

More things to do in Ottawa

Deciding where to stay in Ottawa

To summarize, this travel guide has covered the best areas of Ottawa, as well as some hotel tips and things you can do. It’s now up to you to decide which area you prefer.

Top 5 neighborhoods to stay in Ottawa

• Old Town
• Centretown
• The Glebe
• ByWard Market
• Gatineau

As you have seen in this article, there are plenty of things to explore, and deciding where to stay in Ottawa is important. Whether you stay in Old Town, Centretown, The Glebe, ByWard Market or Gatineau, all those neighborhoods are in good locations.

The atmosphere of the area, whether you travel for leisure or business, whether you travel with your family or friends, and proximity to the attractions you prefer to visit should probably be the deciding factors. Whatever your preference is, you’ll have a great time in Ottawa.

Ottawa overview

More Ottawa tips

See our other guides about the best places to stay in Ottawa:

Hotels Ottawa

Hostels in Ottawa

Luxury hotels in Ottawa

Cheap hotels in Ottawa