Ottawa Neighbourhoods Guide: 7 Best Areas to Explore

Exploring Ottawa Neighbourhoods is the best way to understand the city. Even though the capital is small and easy to get around, each area has its own pace, shaped by history, architecture, local culture, and proximity to iconic sites. Taking a lazy stroll through Ottawa’s districts is how visitors can determine where to stay, where to roam, and how to experience the city beyond headline attractions.

This guide deconstructs some of Ottawa’s key neighborhoods for visitors, what each is known for, who it’s best suited to, and how they fit into a short or longer visit. Whether it’s a first-time trip, a weekend getaway, or a slow-paced city break, knowing about Ottawa’s neighbourhoods will help you make better choices and enjoy the city more. For a complete overview of the city, including attractions, itineraries, and travel tips, see this Ottawa Travel Guide.

What Are the Best Neighbourhoods to Explore in Ottawa?

The best neighbourhoods to explore in Ottawa include Downtown, ByWard Market, Centretown, The Glebe, Westboro, and Hintonburg, each offering distinct attractions and local character.

Ottawa’s neighbourhoods are close together and well-connected, making it easier to experience several in one trip. Downtown attracts many tourists, but you can explore the neighbourhood and find quieter streets with local cafés, independent shops, and lush green spaces that capture a more lived-in side of town.

Downtown Ottawa: Landmarks and Walkability

Downtown Ottawa is the city’s most walkable area and home to Parliament Hill, national museums, and major attractions

Downtown Ottawa is the heart of the city, where most first-time visitors will want to start. This is where you would find Parliament Hill, the Rideau Canal locks, Major’s Hill Park, and many of Canada’s national museums. Pedestrianised paths guide visitors to major sights along the Ottawa River and the canal; streets are numbered to facilitate pedestrian traffic. Many of the city’s highlights are covered in this guide to the best things to do in Ottawa, which pairs well with exploring nearby neighbourhoods.

Downtown is ideal for travellers who want to see Ottawa’s most iconic landmarks in a short amount of time. Hotels in this area provide easy access to attractions, transit, and dining, making it a practical base for short stays.

Best for: For first-timers and long layovers, rushing to see the sights

ByWard Market: Food, Shopping, and Nightlife

ByWard Market is Ottawa’s most vibrant area, famous for its restaurants, bars, markets, and nightlife, and is close to Parliament Hill.

Just east of downtown, ByWard Market is one of Ottawa’s oldest and most vibrant neighbourhoods. During the day, visitors find fresh produce, specialty food shops, and boutiques. In the evening, the area transforms into a social hub with restaurants, patios, and bars.

For travellers interested in nightlife and dining, ByWard Market is one of the top places to stay and offers easy access to major sights. At night, that part of city life can be busy and noisy, but it offers an incomparable atmosphere for those who want to be in the thick of things.

Best for: Food lovers, nightlife, social travellers, and younger visitors

Centretown: Local Life in the City Core

Centretown is a quieter, more residential option that’s still close to downtown attractions.

Just south of Parliament Hill, Centretown combines residential streets with cafés and small restaurants, along with lots of city life. This feels a bit less touristy yet is still within easy walking distance of the downtown attractions and the Rideau Canal.

Visitors staying in Centretown experience Ottawa at a slower pace. Tree-lined streets, neighbourhood bakeries, and local shops make it a comfortable base for longer stays or travellers who prefer a calmer environment.

Best for: Longer stays, quieter accommodation, walkable but local atmosphere

The Glebe: Independent Shops and Green Space

The Glebe is an attractive area with cafes and boutique stores, and is within reach of the Rideau Canal.

The Glebe lies south of downtown and is a beloved neighbourhood in Ottawa. The area along Bank Street is lined with independent shops and cafés, and has several boutique and bookstore cafés.

The neighbourhood’s proximity to the Rideau Canal encourages an active walking and cycling community year-round. The Glebe has a laidback and community-oriented atmosphere that offers a break from the hustle and bustle of downtown.

Best for: Couples, relaxed city breaks, shopping, and strolling

Westboro: Outdoor-Focused and Trendy

Westboro is a stylish neighbourhood with outdoor access, modern dining, and riverfront paths.

Positioned west of downtown, along the Ottawa River, Westboro is known for its active vibe, trendy coffee shops, and riverfront access. Cyclists, runners, and folks who like to be by the water and in green spaces flood the area.

Westboro has a modern, residential feel and an easy commute to downtown. It’s an ideal choice for visitors looking for a good mix of city life and outdoor activities.

Best for: Active travellers, modern dining, scenic walks

Hintonburg: Arts, Food, and Local Culture

Hintonburg is a creative neighborhood known for its arts, indie restaurants, and strong community spirit.

Hintonburg, east of Westboro, is one of Ottawa’s most intriguing cultural neighbourhoods. The bars spill out of old industrial buildings, turned into galleries and cafes, and some of the city’s best spots to discover independent food.

This neighborhood is a rare find for those who wish to venture off the beaten track. It offers an insight into the changing cultural landscape of Ottawa.

Best for: Food enthusiasts, arts lovers, repeat visitors

Is Ottawa Walkable Between Neighbourhoods?

Ottawa has many walkable neighbourhoods, such as Downtown, ByWard Market, Centretown, and The Glebe.

Ottawa is compact enough that visitors can easily walk or cycle between downtown neighbourhoods. The Rideau Canal and the Ottawa River offer scenic pathways that link major areas, so walking can be part of the experience rather than just a means of getting somewhere.

In more distant neighborhoods, public transit makes carless commutes reliable.

Where Should You Stay in Ottawa?

Downtown and ByWard Market are best for short stays, while Centretown, The Glebe, and Westboro work better for longer visits or those seeking a quieter stay.

Choosing where to stay depends on travel style. Visitors focused on sightseeing benefit from staying downtown. Those looking for nightlife prefer ByWard Market. Travellers seeking comfort and local atmosphere often choose Centretown or The Glebe.

How Many Neighbourhoods Can You Visit in One Trip?

Most visitors manage to explore two to four Ottawa neighbourhoods during a two- or three-day visit.

With short distances, it’s not unrealistic to see several neighbourhoods without rushing. A typical Ottawa Itinerary includes the Downtown and ByWard Market one day, and the Glebe or Westboro the next.

Longer visits will allow time to check out Hintonburg and the nearby green spaces.

Are Ottawa’s Neighbourhoods Worth Exploring?

Ottawa’s neighborhoods provide depth and local character that extend beyond the city’s big attractions.

Ottawa is not only about national landmarks, but also about the day-to-day, creativity, and slower pace that characterize its neighbourhoods. Visiting them makes a regular sightseeing holiday into a richer travel experience.

Plan Your Neighbourhood-Focused Ottawa Trip

Ottawa is a series of neighbourhoods that are easy to get in and out of, distinctively individual, and conveniently interconnected. Whether you opt to live right in downtown or head out to the quieter residential areas, every neighbourhood offers something special to the city. For official visitor information, maps, and event updates, consult the official Ottawa tourism website.

For more in-depth planning, check out other Ottawa guides that include itineraries, what you can do there, how to get there and around, and when to travel.

Ottawa Neighbourhoods FAQs