Downtown Ottawa Travel Guide

Ottawa

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

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


Top hotels in Downtown Ottawa

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 ₹12,218 per night from 30 Jul to 31 Jul
₹12,218
₹14,497 total
30 Jul - 31 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this eco-certified hotel in Ottawa. Enjoy 3 restaurants, breakfast (surcharge) and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (2,567 reviews)
"Awesome and very comfortable property with very helpful and friendly staff!"

Reviewed on 18 Jul 2025

Fairmont Chateau Laurier
Lord Elgin Hotel

Lord Elgin Hotel

4 out of 5
100 Elgin St, Ottawa, ON
The price is ₹13,092 per night from 23 Jul to 24 Jul
₹13,092
₹15,534 total
23 Jul - 24 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star eco-certified hotel in Ottawa. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
9/10 Wonderful! (2,457 reviews)
"Awesome. Great staff. Friendly, helpful and professional."

Reviewed on 16 Jul 2025

Lord Elgin Hotel
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Downtown Ottawa East by IHG

Holiday Inn Express & Suites Downtown Ottawa East by IHG

2.5 out of 5
235 KING EDWARD AVENUE, Ottawa, ON
The price is ₹10,106 per night from 4 Aug to 5 Aug
₹10,106
₹11,991 total
4 Aug - 5 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Ottawa. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and a 24-hour fitness centre. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (2,309 reviews)
"Hotel was overall good but the neighborhood wasn’t safe there was so many homeless and garbage everywhere I don’t feel safe during the evening time so we didn’t go out at night strolling specially weather is much better during evening time but. Couldn’t enjoy that much and swimming pool water wasn’t ..."

Reviewed on 18 Jul 2025

Holiday Inn Express & Suites Downtown Ottawa East by IHG
Les Suites Hotel Ottawa

Les Suites Hotel Ottawa

4 out of 5
130 Besserer St, Ottawa, ON
The price is ₹10,451 per night from 20 Jul to 21 Jul
₹10,451
₹12,400 total
20 Jul - 21 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star eco-certified aparthotel in Ottawa. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, room service and a health club. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (4,684 reviews)
"We always love our stays here"

Reviewed on 14 Jul 2025

Les Suites Hotel Ottawa
Arc The Hotel

Arc The Hotel

4 out of 5
140 Slater St, Ottawa, ON
The price is ₹10,036 per night from 20 Jul to 21 Jul
₹10,036
₹12,848 total
20 Jul - 21 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this boutique hotel in Ottawa. Enjoy breakfast (surcharge), room service and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,019 reviews)
"We enjoyed our stay at ARC The Hotel. The location and convenience of being near many of the most loved coffee shops like Starbucks and Tim Hortons can't be beat. The rooms were clean and came with what I expect from a good hotel: it had a safe, a small fridge, plush robes, plenty of towels, great ..."

Reviewed on 16 Jul 2025

Arc The Hotel
University of Ottawa Residence

University of Ottawa Residence

2 out of 5
90 University Private, Ottawa, ON
The price is ₹7,627 per night from 21 Jul to 22 Jul
₹7,627
₹8,619 total
21 Jul - 22 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in Ottawa. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, parking (surcharge) and a 24-hour front desk. Popular attractions Byward Market Square and Rideau Canal are located ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (404 reviews)
"For the money this was a bargain, no frills safe and clean accommodation in central Ottawa. What’s not to like?"

Reviewed on 17 Jul 2025

University of Ottawa Residence
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 which includes street scenes, signage 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
Parliament Hill featuring nightlife, performance art and night scenes

Byward Market - Parliament Hill

If you're spending time in Byward Market - Parliament Hill, check out sights like Parliament Building or Parliament Hill and hop on the metro to see more of the city at Rideau Station or Parliament Station.

Byward Market - Parliament Hill
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Sandy Hill

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

Sandy Hill
Ottawa which includes 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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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 Travel Guide