If you are planning to visit Canada's capital, you will surely need to know which area is best where to stay in Ottawa.
Ottawa is full of attractions and offers many things to do, so it is essential to know the various areas for a stay in the city, so as to optimize the visit and not miss the main points of interest.
Thanks to this guide it will be easier to find the best hotel for your needs, in fact we will see the most suitable areas for visiting the tourist attractions, for the evening life, for a quiet stay and according to the season.
Where to Stay in Ottawa
Generally the most popular area to sleep in Ottawa is near the center, where there are several neighborhoods located in a strategic position to visit the city and reach most of the attractions on foot. The Downtown and the ByWard Market are certainly the most central ones, But also the Centretown it is a comfortable area to move around on foot only.
The nerve center of the city is the Parliament area, if you find a property close to Parliament Hill you will be in the perfect location.
Keep in mind that downtown accommodation generally has higher prices and if you come by car you must also add the cost of parking, which is usually quite high.
Alternatively, you could choose neighborhoods just outside the center but still within walking distance, such as the TheGlebe.
Let's see in detail the various areas recommended for a stay in Ottawa.
Downtown Ottawa
Downtown is the most central area, ideal for every need, for couples, families or business trips.
The Downtown area isn't that big and only takes up a few blocks. It is located between the Houses of Parliament and the Centretown. While a little further east you will find the Rideau Canal and the ByWard Market.
Choosing a property in Downtown means having all the best attractions of the city within walking distance.
During the summer you can stroll through the parks, ride a bike or take a boat ride along the canal. In winter, the canal turns into an incredible skating rink, the largest in the world.
Also in the Downtown is the famous one Sparks Street, a completely pedestrian shopping street, full of restaurants, bars and shops.
Especially if you are short on time, choosing to stay in Downtown is the best solution.
We stayed overnight at the hotel Lord Elgin and we had a very good time, perfect location, very close to the Parliament and located on Elgin Street, a nice boulevard where you will find different restaurants for every taste.
ByWard Market
If you are looking for a more lively area where you can have fun even in the evening, the area of ByWard Market it's what's right for you.
The neighborhood, which takes its name from the homonymous market, is largely pedestrianized and is full of restaurants, bars, pubs and shops. The perfect place to spend a pleasant evening, relax, have a drink or eat in the many clubs.
The location is strategic, just a few minutes walk from the Parliament and close to the best attractions of the city.
ByWard Market is one of the most touristic areas of Ottawa and is a valid alternative to Downtown for a stay in the capital of Canada.
Centretown
Centretown is located immediately south of Downtown and north of The Glebe. It is a residential neighborhood where you will find supermarkets, restaurants, clubs and pubs.
The location is still great for visiting Ottawa, as the main attractions are always within walking distance of a maximum of 20 minutes, depending on where the property is located.
So if you find a good offer in the Centretown area do not miss it, at most you will walk a little more.
The Glebe
If you are looking for a quiet and relaxing neighborhood just outside the center, The Glebe is your best choice. It is located just south of Centretown and is a trendy neighborhood, full of restaurants and shops of all kinds. The main activities focus on Bank street, a street particularly popular with local residents.
It is the right area to stay in Ottawa if you are looking for a more authentic and perfect place for those who love to walk. But above all it is one of the cheapest neighborhoods. Here you will also find affordable B & Bs, some of which also offer free parking.
However, the center is not far away and can be reached in about 25 minutes on foot.
Neighborhoods to avoid in Ottawa
Ottawa is a rather quiet and safe city. Obviously, as in any big city, there are areas that are best avoided, especially in the evening. Among these, located northeast of ByWard, is the Vanier area which does not enjoy a good reputation. Also not recommended because it is further away from the center.
Conclusions
We have seen the different options for where to stay in Ottawa. Of course, there is no better area than the other, it depends on what you are looking for. In any case, for a short tourist trip, the Center remains the best solution, especially if you plan to visit Ottawa in winter, when it is very cold, then if you find a hotel connected to a shopping center in the area, such as the Rideau Center, even better!
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