The best bars and nightclubs to experience Ottawa’s nightlife.
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.
2SLGBTQ+ in Ottawa
Ottawa is an inclusive and diverse destination that welcomes all visitors with open arms. The city’s walkable and vibrant downtown offers easy access…
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
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…
Chamberfest Concert Series
Make sure to catch an incredible music show from this Concert Series this fall and winter. Featuring Canadian and international artists, this season’s…
Help Santa Toy Parade
Come see Santa Claus and friends at this popular parade! If you can, bring a gift or donation for the Salvation Army's Toy Mountain, to help those in…
Les Violons du Roy – 40th Anniversary Celebration!
In celebration of their 40th anniversary, Les Violons du Roy will present a special performance of selected works by George Frideric Handel featuring…
Money in 10 Questions: Kids Edition
Money. What do kids want to know about it? What do they need to know? A play-based exhibition where kids learn the basics of money and personal…
Music and Beyond
Experience a unique blend of classical music and other disciplines, such as drama, poetry and even science, during Ottawa’s Music and Beyond festival.
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.
Other neighbourhoods you might be interested in
ByWard Market neighbourhood and Rideau Street
The ByWard Market neighbourhood boasts many boutiques, restaurants, coffee shops and bars making it a must-visit destination.
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.
