Urban Loft with a view | Best Airbnb in Ottawa
A few footsteps away from the Parliament Hill is this trendy and hip apartment right in the heart of Sparks Street. It’s super cozy couch, and view of the city makes you feel right at home. Don’t worry about driving much, its the perfect spot for work or play. Not to mention, the local cafes and bars are just downstairs and within walking distance!
Rideau Inn Ottawa | Best Budget Hotel in Ottawa
Rideau Inn is located in downtown Ottawa and offers great affordable accommodation in Canada’s capital. The comfortable rooms include air conditioning, a flat screen TV and a seating area. Some rooms have a private bathroom and others a shared bathroom. The hotel has a real family feel and the staff is helpful and friendly.
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Hi Ottawa Jail Hostel | Best Hostel in Ottawa
The HI Jail Hostel is one of the most unique prison hotels in both Ottawa and Canada! Located near ByWard Market in the heart of Ottawa, the Jail Hostel is a converted prison that offers unique accommodation where rooms are located in jail cells. Private rooms as well as single beds in dormitory rooms are available. A communal kitchen and a free wifi connection can be used by guests.
Ottawa is the federal capital of Canada. It is a very diverse city, and home to more than eighty different neighborhoods within its borders. Neighborhoods located in the heart of town are much smaller than residential ones. The most popular areas are the ones surrounding are being part of the centre, bordering the beautiful Ottawa River.
Visitors usually stick to what is dubbed as Centretown, which is a quite compact area that is easily toured by foot or using public transports. Several distinct neighborhoods can be identified within that area.
ByWard Market is a tourist favourite with all its restaurants, local shops and a vibrant nightlife. The actual market is also very popular with locals. By the Rideau Canal, theatres and museums have popped up everywhere. During the summer, festivals are held in this area. A lot of great Ottawa Airbnbs and apartment lets are situated around here for great nightlife access.
Pedestrians will love the car-free Sparks Street, where they will be able to find shops, restaurants, and street artists looking to entertain the crowd. Popular festivals such as the Capital Ribfest are also held there.
Outside of the centre’s borders, the Glebe offers an independent vibe filled with independent shops and restaurants. There, visitors will find relaxing parks, historic architecture and markets selling local products.
Ethnic communities are well represented in the centre of the city, with a bustling Little Italy and a lively Chinatown. Local specialities and a blend of Canada and its immigrants are a feast for the soul there.
If you are still confused about where to stay in Ottawa, here are more in depths descriptions of the 5 best neighborhoods to stay in Ottawa.
1. Sparks Street – Where to stay in Ottawa your first time
Sparks Street is located in the heart of Ottawa. It is a pedestrian street, so you will see no cars running here. Yet, the area is one of the most vibrant parts of Ottawa. International brands and independent shop owners are lined up here, providing a great experience for shopping lovers.
The nearby Parliament Hill will let visitors admire the beautiful neo-Gothic architecture of the Canadian Parliament. Guided tours of the buildings are available.
Sparks Street is also home to many popular festivals over the year, such as Ottawa Ribfest. Come and see who gets the Champion Belt for the best ribs of the year! And let’s not forget the very Canadian Poutinefest and indulge into the best fries of your life during the month of April.
Street artists are very popular on Sparks Street, and live statues even have their own annual event there. Sparks Street is the perfect place to get the first glimpse of Ottawa.
Urban Loft with a view | Best Airbnb in Sparks Street
A few footsteps away from the Parliament Hill is this trendy and hip apartment right in the heart of Sparks Street. It’s super cozy couch, and view of the city makes you feel right at home. Don’t worry about driving much, its the perfect spot for work or play. Not to mention, the local cafes and bars are just downstairs and within walking distance!
A Voyageur’s Guest House | Best Hostel in Sparks Street
There are no hostels around Sparks Street, but A Voyageur’s Guest House is a great option for cheap accommodation. It offers rooms with a shared bathroom fitted with air conditioning, heating and a TV. A good breakfast is served in the morning and a free wifi connection is provided.
Downtown Bed & Breakfast | Best Budget Hotel in Sparks Street
The Downtown Bed & Breakfast is a lovely guest house offering comfortable rooms with a shared bathroom. During the summertime, guests can relax in the garden by the fountain. The hotel is pet-friendly and provides vegetarian options for breakfast.
Radisson Hotel Ottawa Parliament Hill | Best Mid-Range Hotel in Sparks Street
The Radisson Hotel Parliament Hill is located a couple steps away from Sparks Street. The comfortable rooms all feature a private bathroom with a bathtub, air conditioning, a flat screen TV and a tea and coffee maker. The hotel also offers a fitness centre and an in-house bar.
Things to see and do in Sparks Street
- Shop til you drop at one of the numerous outlets of the street
- Pay your respects to fallen soldiers at the National War Memorial
- Learn about the history and politics of Canada at Parliament Hill
2. The Glebe – Where to stay in Ottawa on a budget
The Glebe is an up and coming neighborhood located just outside the centre core of Ottawa. It is often dubbed as the city’s best-kept secret as it is bustling with independently-owned shops and restaurants. Due to its location, it is one of the cheapest neighborhoods to stay in the city.
It is the perfect place to stay in if you love to find unique products you will not find anywhere else. In addition, dozens of small restaurants will let you sample some of the best food the city has to offer. Craft beers, locally roasted coffee and tasty snacks will provide the perfect pit stop after a long day out wandering around town.
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During the summer, the Escapade music festival gets the beats going and will swoop you in for a rave. If you are more of a sports fan, TD Place is home to the Ottawa Redblacks in football and the Ottawa Fury in soccer.
Ottawa Downtown Rideau Canal Glebe | Best Hostel in The Glebe
This guesthouse offers double and twin rooms in the Glebe. The bathroom is shared and the rooms are strictly non-smoking. A free Wifi connection is provided everywhere in the guest house. It is possible to park a car at the property on request.
Charming Downtown Apartment | Best Airbnb in The Glebe
If you wanna stay somewhere safe, with a reasonable price in the city, this is it! Right in the middle of the glebe and the glebe annex (downtown), so your not missing out on anything, and in case you want to go to the Rail, it’s about a 10-minute drive. It’s relaxing as well staying here with all the books and big L shape couch to lounge in after a night out on the town.
Cute Private Room with Desk | Another Great Airbnb in Glebe
Female travellers check out this amazing Airbnb in Glebe. If you’re watching your budget, you’ll absolutely love this affordable private room. Not only does it have a stylish decor, you can also make use of the big desk in your rooom – perfect for getting some work done on our laptop. You’ll be in the most popular part of Glebe, with loads of Yoga studios, cafes and other attractions around. If you’re staying longer than 5 days, you’ll also get a tatsy free breakfast provided by your kind host. Note that the Airbnb is only available for female travellers (the host is female too).
Things to see and do in the Glebe
- Cheer on Canadian football at TD Place
- Visit the farmers’ market and sample a selection of local products
- Taste the city at one of the area’s independent restaurants
- Sip on the finest coffee in one of the Glebe’s trendy coffee shops
3. ByWard Market – Best area to stay in Ottawa for nightlife
ByWard Market is one of the most popular places to stay in Ottawa. It is centrally located, just across the Rideau Canal from the Parliament Hill and Sparks Street.
ByWard Market is a historic place as it used to be one of Canada’s first and largest public markets. Today, the market is actually dozens of outdoors vendors flocking to the area and stay there between around 9 a.m and 5 p.m, depending on the weather.
One of the must-tries in the outdoor market in the famous Beavertail, a Canadian whole-wheat pastry that has been stretched to take the shape of an actual beaver tail. Any toppings can be added on top, from the traditional maple syrup to chocolate and peanut butter!
The area is also very popular with night owls, as many bars and clubs have opened up in the ByWard Market neighborhood. On weekends, the party usually goes on until the wee hours of the night.
Rustic and Chic ByWard Apartment | Best Airbnb in ByWard Market
Want some comfort and luxury for an affordable price? Look no further than this stylish home. With the massive window in the livingroom, you can enjoy a super bright and airy home, which can only be topped by the super cute and comfy bedroom. You’ll be located in a quiet residential street in the heart of downtown Ottawa, just steps from the Byward Market and the National Art Gallery. There’s a fully equipped kitchen with a dishwasher (thak god for that) and if you’re staying for a longer period, you can even make use of the washing machine.
Ottawa Backpackers Inn | Best Hostel in ByWard Market
The Ottawa Backpackers Inn is a cool hostel near ByWard Market that does not charge any membership fee! They offer private rooms with a shared bathroom as well as single beds in mixed and female only dormitory rooms. Guests can enjoy a common room to relax and a fully equipped kitchen to cook delicious meals.
ByWard Blue Inn | Best Budget Hotel in ByWard Market
ByWard Blue Inn is our top choice for where to stay in ByWard Market on a budget. The rooms feature a private bathroom, air conditioning, a flat screen TV and a tea and coffee maker. The in-house café serves a tasty breakfast in the morning, as well as an afternoon tea.
Swiss Hotel Ottawa | Best Mid-Range Hotel in ByWard Market
The Swiss Hotel Ottawa is an adult-only hotel located less than minutes walk away from ByWard Market and its outdoor vendors. The modernly decorated rooms are fitted with a hardwood floor and feature a private bathroom, air conditioning, a flat screen TV and a coffee maker.
Things to see and do in ByWard Market
- Shop around all year round at the outdoor market
- Dance the night away in some of Ottawa’s best clubs
- Enjoy a beer in a local brewery
- Grab a Beavertail from a shack
4. Westboro Village – Coolest place to stay in Ottawa
Westboro Village is a trendy Ottawa neighborhood and the coolest place to stay in Ottawa. Located in the Western part of the city, it is located away from the centre of town and offers a much different feel.
It has always been a very diverse neighborhood and has undergone significant urban rejuvenation since the 1990s. While it is now mostly residential and a favourite of families, Westboro is also full of small restaurants, independent shops and boasts lots of green areas.
Visitors will love walking or cycling on the river shoreline, and getting a real Ottawa feel in the streets from which tourist are mostly absent. During the winter, those activities turn into snowshoeing or cross country skiing.
While walking around, admire the murals painted by local artists and stop at one of the neighborhood’s iconic restaurants. Every year in August, the one of a kind dining experience Westboro offers is celebrated with the Fuse Street Festival.
Double Tree by Hilton Hotel Gatineau-Ottawa | Best Mid-Range Hotel in Westboro Village
The Double Tree by Hilton Hotel Gatineau Ottawa is located in Gatineau, just across the river from Westboro Village. The neighborhood is easily accessible via a bridge. The hotel offers luxurious amenities such as an 18-hole golf course, a spa centre, an indoor saltwater swimming pool and a restaurant.
Hipster Room for Wonderous Couples | Best Airbnb in Westboro Village
In the trendy heart of Westboro is this heritage home. Gotta say, one of the best amenities is the location! There are loads of cafes and shops within a 10-minute walk. And conveniently this place can sleep up to 4 people if you and some friends want a place to crash on your travels in a cool neighborhood this is the spot.
Motel Chateauguay | Best Hostel in Westboro Village
The Motel Chateauguay is the closest thing there is to a hostel around Westboro. It is located on the other side of the river, in Gatineau, and provides easy access to Westboro. The motel offers simple double and family rooms fitted with a private bathroom and air conditioning.
Travelodge by Wyndham Ottawa West | Best Budget Hotel in Westboro Village
Located on the southern end of Westboro, the Travelodge Ottawa West is the best choice for where to stay in Westboro on a budget. All rooms feature air conditioning and a private bathroom, as well as a tea and coffee maker. A water park is available on site at an extra cost.
Things to see and do in Westboro Village
- Take a walk or cycle along the river
- Mingle with locals in one of the trendy restaurants
- Cosy up in a local coffee shop
5. Downtown Rideau – Best neighborhood in Ottawa for families
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As its name suggests, the neighborhood of Downtown Rideau is located right in the heart of the city along the Rideau Canal.
The Downtown Rideau neighborhood is hustling and bustling all year round and is a great place for families to stay in Ottawa. Lots of fun activities are available, such as walking or cycling in the park or taking a cruise alongside the canal to learn how canal locks work. The Rideau Canal locks are a UNESCO World Heritage site.
During the winter, as the water freezes, the Rideau Canal turns into the largest ice skating rink in the world. Come have fun for a few hours and come mingle with locals who go to work…skating!
Arts lovers will appreciate Downtown Rideau as it is home to the National Arts Centre, where artistic shows are performed almost every day. If you are more into painting, the Ottawa Art Gallery displays the work of some of the best Canadian artists and is free of charge.
Charasmatic Living Space | Best Airbnb in Downtown Rideau
Enjoy this entire apartment to yourselves with the family being smack dab in the middle of downtown just off of Rideau. Go explore all the parks and nightlife, its nothing like you’ve seen before and luck you it’s just around the corner from home. This home is chic and has all the modern amenities needed when traveling with children, including a big screen tv for those rainy days you may need to camp indoors for a bit.
Novotel Ottawa | Best Mid-Range Hotel in Downtown Rideau
Not sure where to stay in Downtown Rideau? Novotel Ottawa is a great choice! The spacious rooms can accommodate up to 4 adults, and children under the age of 16 cans stay for free in their parents’ room. All bedrooms are fitted with a private bathroom, air conditioning and heating.
Hi Ottawa Jail Hostel | Best Hostel in Downtown Rideau
The HI Ottawa Jail Hostel is located in Downtown Rideau in the heart of Ottawa. It offers unique accommodation where rooms are located in jail cells. Private rooms, as well as single beds in dormitory rooms, are available. A communal kitchen and a free wifi connection can be used by guests.
Things to see and do in Downtown Rideau
- Learn about Ottawa’s history at the Bytown Museum
- Take a canal cruise and explore the UNESCO listed canal locks
- In the winter, ice skate on the frozen canal
- Go watch a ballet or a musical at the National Arts Centre
Here’s what people usually ask us about the areas of Ottawa and where to stay.
Pants, socks, underwear, soap?! Take it from me, packing for a hostel stay is not always quite as straightforward as it seems. Working out what to bring and what to leave at home is an art I have perfected over many years.
Check out my definitive Hotel Packing list for even more top packing tips!
ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing.
They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.
SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!
Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.
I love everything about Ottawa. It is a reasonably sized but vibrant city with a healthy amount of things to do and visit while on holiday. In the winter, you can skate on the frozen canal and during the summer, the river banks are a great place to take a stroll in greenery.
My favourite place to stay in Ottawa is around Sparks Street. It is a real pleasure to have no cars around and there is always something going on.
My number one hotel is the Alt Hotel Ottawa, located just a stone’s throw away from Parliament Hill and all the main sights.
If you prefer staying in hostels, Hi Ottawa Jail Hostel offers rooms and dorm beds in a unique setting in the heart of town.
Have I missed anything? Let me know in the comments!
And for transparency’s sake, please know that some of the links in our content are affiliate links. That means that if you book your accommodation, buy your gear, or sort your insurance through our link, we earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). That said, we only link to the gear we trust and never recommend services we don’t believe are up to scratch. Again, thank you!
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