3 Days in Vancouver: A Complete Guide for First Timers

Looking for the perfect way to spend 3 days in Vancouver? This Vancouver itinerary has you covered with the best places to explore, must-try eats, and a few hidden gems sprinkled in for good measure. After a 2-month backpacking trip through South America, I landed in Vancouver and quickly fell in love with the city. Since then, I’ve explored Vancouver and its stunning surroundings extensively.

If you’re looking for a local’s perspective on the best places to go, things to eat as well as unique Vancouver experiences, you’re in the right place.

Table of Contents

Overview: 3 Days in Vancouver Itinerary

Day 1	Gastown, Vancouver Chinatown, Science World, Yaletown
Day 2	Stanley Park, English Bay, Granville Island, Kits Beach
Day 3	VanDusen Botanical Garden, Jericho Beach, Spanish Banks

3 days in Vancouver, Fairmont Hotel and Robson Square in Vancouver — Fairmont Hotel and Robson Square in Vancouver

Highlights of 3 Days in Vancouver

Where: Vancouver, West Coast of Canada
Nearby airports: Vancouver International Airport, Seattle International Airport, Abbotsford Airport
Best time to visit: May to September, or December to March for winter activities
Where to stay: Downtown Vancouver, Coal Harbor, West End or Yaletown
How many days: at least 3 days, but more are recommended for the nearby outdoor attractions
Getting around: Vancouver is very walkable, but you can also take public transit (bus or Skytrain)
Local Food & Restaurants: Canadian dishes such as poutine or Asian cuisine

Best Time to Visit Vancouver

If you’re planning to spend 3 days in Vancouver and want to enjoy the best weather, aim for a trip between May and September. Vancouver is known for its rainy days; so much so that locals often call it “Raincouver.” Most of the rain falls in the fall and winter, but there’s usually a stretch in summer when it clears up completely. Just don’t expect it to last too long. By September, it often feels like someone flipped a switch and turned the rain back on.

Late spring and early fall are great times to explore the outdoors. You can hike, bike the seawall, or sip a drink by the beach while soaking in the mountain views. July and August are the warmest months, but also the busiest with tourists.

If you’re visiting in winter and love snow sports, the mountains around Vancouver offer some of the best skiing and snowboarding. You can even take a quick trip to Whistler, just a couple of hours away. Winter hiking in Vancouver is also a popular activity in the area.

For fewer crowds and better hotel rates, consider coming during the shoulder seasons in April, May, or October. The weather can be a bit unpredictable, but it’s a great way to enjoy the city without the summer rush.

Are 3 Days in Vancouver Enough? How Many Days to Spend

If it’s your first time visiting, 3 days in Vancouver is a great starting point to see the city’s main highlights. You’ll be able to explore popular neighborhoods as well as visit top attractions. However, with just three days, you might have to skip some of the outdoor adventures, such as hiking in Garibaldi Provincial Park.

With 4 to 5 days, you can go beyond the city and enjoy day trips near Vancouver to places such as the North Shore, Sunshine Coast, Salt Spring Island, or even Victoria.

While 3 days in Vancouver is ideal for first-timers looking for a fun city break, 5 days gives you the perfect mix of city life and outdoor activities. Of course, you could easily spend a full week or more discovering Vancouver and British Columbia.

But for now, let’s focus on what you can see and do with just 3 days in Vancouver.

Where to Stay on 3 Days in Vancouver

If it’s your first time visiting Vancouver, the best place to stay for 3 days is either in Downtown, Coal Harbor, West End or Yaletown. Not only are you close to the main attractions but also to the best restaurants and bars in Vancouver. While Vancouver is generally a safe city, I recommend avoiding the East Hastings area, especially the stretch past Gastown and around parts of Chinatown, particularly at night. This area is known for a high concentration of homelessness, which can make some visitors feel uneasy.

If you are looking for more budget-friendly accommodations, while still staying central, look into the Kits, Mount Pleasant and North Vancouver areas.

Getting Around Vancouver

While public transportation in Vancouver might not be as extensive as in some European cities, it’s still quite reliable and well-connected. If you’re spending just 3 days in Vancouver, there’s really no need to rent a car. This is especially true if you plan to stay within the main central areas. That said, if you want the freedom to explore places outside of downtown Vancouver at your own pace, renting a car could be a good option.

Downtown, Yaletown, and Gastown are all very walkable neighborhoods, perfect for exploring on foot. If walking isn’t your thing, consider renting a bike or joining a bike tour to see the city’s top sights.

To get to areas farther out, you can hop on the SkyTrain or take one of the city’s many buses. One unique part of Vancouver’s transit system is the SeaBus, a passenger ferry that crosses Burrard Inlet. I highly recommend taking it to North Vancouver for some of the best water views in the city.

You can use public transit by purchasing a Compass Card or simply tapping your credit card at station gates and on buses.

And if you’re heading to Granville Island, be sure to take one of the small harbour ferries. These charming little boats are a fun and scenic way to connect with the heart of the city.

3 days in Vancouver, harbour ferries from above

Good to Know: International debit cards often work like credit cards in Canada, especially when using public transit or paying at shops and restaurants. So, you can usually just tap your card for easy payments throughout your trip.

Where to Eat Out During 3 Days in Vancouver

Vancouver’s food scene is incredibly diverse, and 3 days is barely enough to scratch the surface. I have to admit, while the Asian cuisine here is absolutely amazing and a must-try, the Italian food doesn’t quite match the standards I’m used to back home. That’s why you won’t find many Italian spots on this list; I simply don’t go out for it often here.

Instead, I’ve put together a list of my favorite places to eat that offer a true Vancouverite dining experience.

Brunch Spots in Vancouver

Maxine’s Cafe & Bar: $$ | West End | brunch menu includes classics like eggs benedict and shakshuka, as well as craft cocktails and quality coffee
Per Se Social: $$ | Downtown | elegant interior and ideal if you’re staying near Robson Street
Homer St. Cafe: $$$ | Downtown | close to Yaletown as well, making it a very popular spot over the weekends
Elio Volpe: $$ | Mount Pleasant | newish spot outside of Downtown Vancouver, with an Italian-inspired menu

Note: I’ve intentionally left out some popular spots like Jam Cafe. While the food is good, they don’t take reservations, and the wait times can be incredibly long (sometimes over an hour). If you only have 3 days in Vancouver, I truly think your time is better spent exploring the city rather than standing in line.

Lunch & Dinner Spots in Vancouver

Danbo Ramen: $ | Downtown or Kits | amazing Ramen but also long lines, no reservations available
Guu Original Thurlow: $$ | Downtown | order a few of different plates to share with the table, my favorites are Takoyaki and Yaki Udon
Nightingale: $$$ | Downtown | I love the interior, order plates to share such as roasted cauliflower and pizza
Vancouver Lookout: $$$ | Downtown | touristy, revolving restaurant where view is really the highlight
Tom Sushi: $$ | West End | my favorite sushi place in Vancouver, try the pressed sushi
Fat Mao: $ | West End or Chinatown | known for its amazing soup noodle
La Belle Patate: $ | West End | classical Canadian dish: poutine, so simple but so good
Nuba: $$ | Gastown or Yaletown | Lebanese cuisine, vegetarian friendly
The Belgrad Kitchen: $$ | Gastown | love the interior and the Balkan food
The MacKenzie Room: $$$ | just outside Gastown | try their tasting menu for a real treat
Kissa Tanto: $$$ | Chinatown | Japanese-Italian fusion, highly recommend a reservation
Tasty Indian Bistro: $$ | Yaletown | Indian cuisine in a modern setting, big portions
Zarak by Afghan Kitchen: $$ | Mount Pleasant | for something different try this excellent Afghan restaurant

Breweries in Vancouver

Stanley Park Brewery: $$-$$$ | Stanley Park | prime location near English bay and excellent house-brewed beer
Craft: $$-$$$ | West End or Olympic Village | features over 100 local and international beers
Yaletown Brewery: $$-$$$ | Yaletown | offers a variety of house-brewed beers and food
Steamworks: $$-$$$ | Gastown | ideal location after walking around Downtown Vancouver

Cafes and Bakeries in Vancouver

Breka Bakery: $ | multiple locations | one of the few bakeries open 24/7
Cafe Portrait: $$ | West End | each wall is covered in portraits, try their signature drink: Turkish coffee
Kafka’s Coffee: $$ | Downtown | minimalist with in-house roasted beans
Matchstick: $$ | Downtown, Yaletown and others | don’t skip on the baked goods
JJ Bean Coffee Roasters: $-$$ | multiple locations | all baked goods are made fresh in-house daily
Ground for Coffee: $ | Kitsilano | one of the best cinnamon rolls in Vancouver

A Brief Overview of Vancouver’s History

Vancouver is a relatively young city with a rich history shaped by Indigenous cultures, colonial development, and global immigration. Originally, Vancouver was home to Indigenous people, including the Musqueam, Squamish, and Tsleil-Waututh Nations. At that time, these communities had a deep connection to the land and water.

3 days in Vancouver, Building in Gastown with the Vancouver Lookout in the background — Victory Square Neighborhood

European exploration began in the late 1700s, on the hands of a British naval officer known as Captain George Vancouver. He managed to map much of the coastline in 1792 and his name was later given to the city. Vancouver itself began as a settlement called Gastown in 1867, named after a talkative British seaman and saloon owner, “Gassy” Jack Deighton. It quickly grew around the logging industry and was incorporated as the City of Vancouver in 1886. That didn’t last long though, as a devastating fire destroyed much of it on the same day.

The arrival of the Canadian Pacific Railway shortly afterward turned Vancouver into a key port and economic hub, linking it to Eastern Canada and Asia. Through the 20th century, it developed into a multicultural city shaped by waves of immigration, especially from China, Japan, India, and more recently, Southeast Asia and the Middle East.

Today, Vancouver is recognized globally for its cultural diversity and natural beauty. Also, Indigenous people are still very connected to the Vancouver area and are working hard to take back their land, culture, and rights. Even though they faced many hardships in the past, like being forced off their land and unfair treatment, they are now rebuilding their communities, sharing their traditions, and making sure their voices are heard.

The Ideal Itinerary for 3 Days in Vancouver

If it’s your first time in Vancouver, I recommend spending the first 3 days exploring the main highlights. But, if you have some extra time, head out on some day trips near Vancouver, on the North Shore and surrounding mountains.

Day 1: Gastown, Vancouver Chinatown, Science World, Yaletown

Start the day with a walking tour from Gastown

When I first moved to Vancouver, I wanted to get a general overview of the city, main landmarks and neighborhoods. And what better way than a walking tour to do so? Even if you’re not into walking tours, I recommend to start your day from Gastown, the oldest neighborhood in Vancouver.

3 days in Vancouver, Downtown Vancouver, Gastown, Oldest neighbourhood in Vancouver — Street in Gastown, the oldest neighbourhood in Vancouver

Stop by the Gastown Steam Clock, and try to time your visit for the top of the hour to see it in action. The Gastown Steam Clock is not as old as it actually looks. It was only built in 1977 but it is made to look like a 19th-century timepiece.

3 days in Vancouver, Gastown Steam Clock — Gastown Steam Clock

3 days in Vancouver, side alley in Gastown — Side road in Gastown

Continue to Chinatown and visit the Dr Sun Yat Sen Classical Chinese Garden

If you decided to explore the Downtown Vancouver at your own pace, I would recommend continuing towards Chinatown. Full disclaimer, a section of this area is not very nice to walk around (especially East Hastings) but the Vancouver Chinatown is still worth a visit, even if a brief one.

3 days in Vancouver, Chinatown gates — Entrance to Chinatown in Vancouver

If you have the time, stop at the Dr Sun Yat Sen Classical Chinese Garden for a peaceful oasis in the middle of the city.

Walk to the Seawall and Science World

From Chinatown, it’s just a short walk to the Seawall and Science World, two of Vancouver’s most iconic attractions. You can enjoy the views from the waterfront before exploring the interactive exhibits at Science World.

3 days in Vancouver, Science World from the Seawall in Vancouver — Science World in Vancouver

Take one of the False Creek Ferries to Yaletown (or Granville Island)

If you’ve visited Science World and prefer to finish up the day in a more relaxed way, you can take one of the False Creek Ferries to Yaletown. Here, you can stop for a delicious coffee, warm meal or refreshing beer. Yaletown is a trendy neighborhood in Vancouver, famous for its great restaurants, lively bars and chic boutiques. A stop here, to finish up the day is definitely a must!

3 days in Vancouver, False Creek Ferries connecting to Granville Island — False Creek Ferries

On the other hand, if you still have a lot of energy or decided to skip Science World, you can head to Granville Island. If not, you can easily do it the next day.

Note: if you’re walking around Yaletown and West End, make sure you stop to check the George Leslie House and Spinning Chandelier. They’re not often flagged as a tourist attraction, but in my opinion their peculiarity makes them a must-see.

Day 2: Stanley Park, English Bay, Granville Island, Kits Beach

Rent a bike and cruise the Seawall

There are many car rental shops around Denman Street, where you can rent a bike to cruise the Seawall around Stanley Park. It’s definitely a must-do if you spend 3 days in Vancouver. After living in Vancouver for a few years now, I still love doing this in my free time. You could also walk it, but you need at least 3 hours to circle Stanley Park around. Remember that cycling Stanley Park is a one-way street, anticlockwise.

3 days in Vancouver, rent a bike and cycle around Stanley Park and the Seawall — Seawall in Stanley Park

On your way to the bike rental shop, head to the waterfront area to see Canada Place and the Waterfront Station. Both are two architectural icons part of Vancouver’s landscape.

3 days in Vancouver, Canada Place from Downtown Vancouver — Canada Place

A bit more hidden from the general crowds, is the Lost Lagoon. Before you finish the loop of Stanley Park, check it out. It’s a lovely lagoon in the heart of Vancouver where you can sometimes spot beavers as well.

Finish the loop in English Bay and stop in this neighborhood for a refreshing drink or delicious meal.

Note: if you have some extra time, you can also visit the Vancouver Aquarium.

Top Things To See in Stanley Park

While you visit Stanley Park do not miss the following attractions:

The Seawall: the world’s longest uninterrupted waterfront path (9 km)
Vancouver Aquarium: you get a closer look to sea creatures, such as sea otters and jellyfish
Totem Poles: displays First Nations history and happens to also be the most visited cultural site in British Columbia
Lions Gate Bridge: from Prospect Point you can have a fantastic view of this iconic bridge
Second & Third Beach: are ideal for watching the sunset, picnicking and swimming
Hollow Tree: is a over 700 year-old Western red cedar, located on the west side of the park
Lost Lagoon: here you can even spot some beaver residents while going on an easy walk

3 days in Vancouver, Totem Poles in Stanley Park — Totem Poles in Stanley Park

Head in the afternoon to Granville Island

You can easily start the day in Granville Island as well, but I prefer the afternoon so that you can enjoy the Seawall to yourself before the crowds block the traffic on the cycle path.

Take one of the False Creek Ferries to Granville Island and head to the Public market. If you’re a foody, this will be your paradise. There are so many different stands with mouthwatering samples that you’ll struggle to decide what to try. A must-stop is definitely Lee’s Donut Shop, which you’ll recognize by the line outside.

You’ll also find a lot of cute local shops on Granville Island, where you can buy some souvenirs from Vancouver.

While you’re on Granville Island, I recommend getting on a whale watching tour that departs from here. In fact, you can choose between Prince of Whales and Wild Whales Vancouver. It’s an incredible experience but if you’re short on time, or have done the tour in other areas, such as Hawaii, you can head to Kits Beach instead.

3 days in Vancouver, whale watching season and tours from Granville Island — Wildlife on our whale watching tour

Local Tip: if you’re visiting Granville Island in the afternoon, stop there for dinner and check a comedy show. It’s a lot of fun and the improv sessions are really worth a watch.

Finish up the day with a sunset from Kitsilano (Kits) Beach

From Granville Island, you can take another False Creek Ferry to Kits Beach. The beach itself can get easily overcrowded as it’s popular among locals. If you’re legs are still holding up, you can go for a short walk along the waterfront. Otherwise, relax and soak in the views of the Northshore mountains and Downtown skyscrapers.

3 days in Vancouver, sunset kayaking from Kitsilano — Kayaking from and around Kitsilano at sunset

Day 3: VanDusen Botanical Garden, Jericho Beach, Spanish Banks

Visit VanDusen Botanical Garden

Tickets: $11-$15 per adult | Transportation: #17 bus from Downtown Vancouver

Although the first 2 days in Vancouver have been quite packed, for the 3rd day I would recommend heading outside Downtown Vancouver area to visit the VanDusen Botanical Garden. The garden used to be a golf course, until it got shaped to today’s form.

Spot Rabbits at Jericho Beach and Enjoy a Beach Walk in Spanish Banks

Transportation: #4 and #84 buses, alternatively you can take a bike

Despite its sandy shores, Jericho Beach is really known for its rabbits. They are considered an invasive species, since they originated from domestic pets that were either abandoned or escaped.

3 days in Vancouver, Spanish Banks with a view of Vancouver — View from Spanish Banks

3 days in Vancouver, Bunnies at Jericho Beach — Jericho Beach’s local residents

Spanish Banks is just adjacent to Jericho Beach and is a continuation of the walk. I really love the views from here and the vast beaches.

Optional Day 4: Shopping on Robson Street, Vancouver Art Gallery

If you’d like to extend your 3 days in Vancouver by another day, you could head out shopping in Robson Street. Also, you can enjoy a few hours at the Vancouver Art Gallery. If you’re visiting during the first Friday of the month, the entrance after 4 pm is free.

3 days in Vancouver, Vancouver Art Gallery — Vancouver Art Gallery

If You’re Looking To Extend Your Trip

With more than 3 days in Vancouver, you can explore neighboring mountains, go on scenic road trips along the Sea to Sky Highway or spend a few days relaxing by the beach.

If you don’t have a car but still want to get out into the mountains, there are multiple trailheads you can reach by public transit from Downtown Vancouver.