Downtown Ottawa

Ottawa

Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica which includes heritage elements, heritage architecture and a church or cathedral
Downtown Ottawa
Downtown Ottawa
Downtown Ottawa
Downtown Ottawa

Discover art, delve into history and savour 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 centre 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, theatre 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

Things to do


Top hotels in Downtown Ottawa

Fairmont Chateau Laurier

Fairmont Chateau Laurier

4.5 out of 5
1 Rideau St, Ottawa, ON
The price is €156 per night from 2 Sept to 3 Sept
€156
2 Sept - 3 Sept
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 ...
Fairmont Chateau Laurier
Les Suites Hotel Ottawa

Les Suites Hotel Ottawa

4 out of 5
130 Besserer St, Ottawa, ON
The price is €98 per night from 1 Sept to 2 Sept
€98
1 Sept - 2 Sept
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 ...
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 €109 per night from 7 Sept to 8 Sept
€109
7 Sept - 8 Sept
includes taxes & fees
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 ...
Sonder by Marriott Bonvoy Arlo Apartments Downtown
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 €154 per night from 31 Aug to 1 Sept
€154
31 Aug - 1 Sept
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 ...
Lord Elgin Hotel
Ottawa Marriott Hotel

Ottawa Marriott Hotel

4 out of 5
100 Kent St, Ottawa, ON
The price is €132 per night from 1 Sept to 2 Sept
€132
1 Sept - 2 Sept
includes taxes & fees
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 ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,341 reviews)
"Good location!"

Reviewed on 26 Aug 2025

Ottawa Marriott 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 €144 per night from 1 Sept to 2 Sept
€144
1 Sept - 2 Sept
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 ...
ANDAZ OTTAWA BYWARD MARKET, BY HYATT
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 neighbourhoods around Downtown Ottawa

Byward Market featuring outdoor eating, a city and markets

ByWard Market

A noteworthy feature of ByWard Market is its popular shops. While you're in town, be sure to stop and check out Byward Market Square and Rideau Centre.

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(15 area reviews)

Known for its abundant dining options and interesting museums, there's plenty to explore in Centretown. Top attractions like Elgin Street and Canadian Museum of Nature are major draws, and you can catch the metro at Parliament Station or Lyon Station to see more of the city.

Centretown
Canadian Museum of History featuring skyline and modern architecture

Hull

4/5(2 area reviews)

Hull is a destination visitors seek out for its interesting museums, casinos and stunning river views. You might want to check out attractions like Canadian Museum of History or Casino du Lac Leamy while you're exploring the neighbourhood.

Hull
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Old Ottawa East

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
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Downtown Gatineau

4.5/5(2 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

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