Ottawa is an inclusive and diverse destination that welcomes all visitors with open arms. The city’s walkable and vibrant downtown offers easy access…
Home of many commercial businesses as well as Ottawa’s Village, Centretown is a popular spot for both locals and tourists. Throughout the year you’ll find many events, festivals and parades being held in this vibrant neighbourhood!
Food + Drinks
Centretown has everything from refined restaurants to grab-and-go fare. Head to Sansotei Ramen for mouthwatering dishes. Try Cocotte Bistro for French cuisine. And find both unique and classic ice cream flavours at Moo Shu Ice Cream & Kitchen. On weekends, join the lineups for brunch at Wilf & Ada’s and sip a craft beer at Flora Hall Brewing.
Arts + Culture
Centretown is a dynamic area where you will find numerous buildings covered in stunning murals created by talented local artists. There’s also a Wallack Galleries location, the Bank of Canada Museum, and one of Ottawa’s premier nightclubs — City at Night.
There’s something for everyone in Centretown.
Outdoor activities
With six different green spaces to choose from within the Centretown area, you can easily get your nature fix right within the heart of Ottawa.
Shopping
Whether you’re looking for your new favourite bookstore, wellness shop, hair salon or more, Ottawa’s Centretown is full of incredible shopping experiences.
Find rare books at Book Bazaar, get your wellness and grocery needs at Herb & Spice Food & Wellness Shop, find men’s clothing and accessories at Stroked Ego and so much more.
Nightlife
Centretown is a densely populated area with plenty of bars and pubs to choose from! Experience Ottawa nightlife at these go-to neighbourhood locations.
Enjoy drinks and live music at the Atomic Rooster. Check out The Gilmour, a self-proclaimed “average Canadian Bar.” Find yourself inside of a speakeasy at Union Local 613. Or dance the night away at one of Ottawa’s top nightclubs, City at Night.
Swizzles Bar & Grill regularly hosts karaoke and drag show nights while Prohibition offers a New York-style gastropub perfect for cocktail nights.
Major annual events + sports
Every August, Bank Street becomes a colourful celebration during the Capital Pride Street Festival and Pride Parade. Don’t miss out on this vibrant celebration!
Explore the Centretown neighbourhood
Great patios by Ottawa neighbourhood
Check out some of the best restaurants, cafes, bars and pubs with outdoor spaces.
How to get to Centretown
Discover businesses in Centretown
Afterlight
Speakeasy lounge and listening bar with music curated by some of the capital's most prominent music selectors.
Arlo Restaurant
Award-winning Centretown restaurant and wine bar specializing in local, seasonal cuisine and organic wines.
Bank of Canada Museum
Create your own avatar and learn about the important role you play in the economy. Hands-on exhibits illuminate everything from the psychology of economic expectations to the history of bank note design.
City At Night
Underground electronic music venue programmed and hosted by the capital's most prominent DJs and promoters.
Flora Hall Brewing
Flora Hall Brewing is a neighbourhood gathering place designed from the ground up to welcome and delight our customers with delicious, award-winning beer, food cooked from scratch and warm service, all in a cozy heritage setting.
Grounded Kitchen, Coffee, & Bar
Looking for made-from-scratch gastropub food and great coffee in Ottawa’s downtown core? Find it at this neighbourhood spot with a great patio.
Find more businesses on the Centretown website.
Upcoming events in Centretown
Black History Month Activity at the Bank of Canada Museum
For Black History Month, learn about the story of Viola Desmond and design your own banknote while exploring the features of Canada’s polymer money…
Bougie Birch Dreamcatcher Workshop
Under the guidance of Indigenous artist and educator, Ashley Clark, craft your own dreamcatcher in a 2-3 hour session. The materials will be provided…
Brazilian X Latin Social Night!
Experience a vibrant Brazilian and Latin social and dance party. Enjoy handcrafted cocktails, learn energetic Brazilian dance moves with Brazily…
Butterflies in Flight
Step into a tropical paradise where over 100 live butterflies glide through lush greenery. Marvel at stunning species such as the blue morpho…
Capital Pride
Summer 2025, dates to be announced
During the third week of August every year, you can join in diverse celebrations of Ottawa's 2SLGBTQ+ community in parks, streets, clubs and other…
Centretown Cold Plunge
The Centretown Cold Plunge is Ottawa’s boldest winter challenge, hosted by the Centretown BIA at Uncommon in Snider Plaza from February 14–16, 2025…
Places to stay in Centretown
Alt Hotel Ottawa
This cheerfully minimalist modern hotel in Ottawa’s downtown business district is a short walk from many restaurants, shops, and meeting venues.
ARC The.Hotel
Unwind in a sophisticated downtown hotel rich with muted colours, solid limestone, dark woods and eye-catching fabric wall art.
Soho Residences Apartment Hotels at Soho Lisgar
Make yourself at home in a stylish, pet-friendly downtown suite, complete with kitchen, in-suite laundry, high-speed wi-fi and a smart TV with PVR.
Sonder The O'Connor
Apartment-style short- and long-term accommodation complete with all the amenities you would typically find in a hotel environment.
The Don Club Bed and Breakfast
Contemporary style meets cozy hospitality at this Centertown bed and breakfast with ensuite rooms and breakfast included.
Other neighbourhoods you might be interested in
Sparks Street and Parliament Hill
What to see and do on Canada’s Parliament Hill and Ottawa’s pedestrian-only Sparks Street.
Glebe and Old Ottawa South
Visit the Glebe neighbourhood in Ottawa for great restaurants, shopping boutiques and green spaces.
Chinatown
Ottawa’s Chinatown is a multicultural community bursting with flavour, art, street festivals and more. Explore the many restaurants and shops in this neighbourhood.
