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Downtown Eastside in Vancouver

Things to Do in Downtown Eastside, Vancouver

Expect a mix of local businesses, cafes, and restaurants like Phnom Penh and The Union in Downtown Eastside, but be aware of the visible homeless population and drug issues. The area is close to Rogers Arena and the scenic seawall.

Expect a mix of local businesses, cafes, and restaurants like Phnom Penh and The Union in Downtown Eastside, but be aware of the visible homeless population and drug issues. The area is close to Rogers Arena and the scenic seawall.

  • St. Lawrence RestaurantSt. Lawrence RestaurantFrench
  • The Mackenzie RoomThe Mackenzie RoomCocktail Bar
  • The Good SaunaThe Good SaunaSauna & Bathhouse
Plan Downtown EastsideFree and No sign-up

By TripSapien · Updated September 3, 2026

Top things to do in Downtown Eastside

  • The Good Sauna in Downtown Eastside, Vancouver

    The Good Sauna

    4.9 · 312
    Sauna & Bathhouse

    An outdoor sauna and cold plunge community experience with locations in Vancouver, Mission, and Port Moody, offering communal and private sessions.

    Mon
    Closed
    Tue–Thu
    4 PM – 9 PM
    Fri
    4 PM – 10 PM
    Sat
    10 AM – 10 PM
    Sun
    10 AM – 10 PM
  • Forastera Vintage in Downtown Eastside, Vancouver

    Forastera Vintage

    Flea Market
    Mon–Tue
    Closed
    Wed–Fri
    12 PM – 6 PM
    Sat
    12 PM – 5 PM
    Sun
    12 PM – 5 PM
    Map
  • Firehall Arts Centre in Downtown Eastside, Vancouver

    Firehall Arts Centre

    4.5 · 283
    Theater

    Community performing-arts facility & visual art gallery in a heritage fire station, plus workshops.

  • Space Lab in Downtown Eastside, Vancouver

    Space Lab

    Antique Market

    A Vancouver shop offering vintage decor, Italian and Scandinavian furniture, and vintage audio gear.

    Mon
    Closed
    Tue–Fri
    11 AM – 6 PM
    Sat
    12 PM – 5 PM
    Sun
    12 PM – 5 PM

Where to eat & drink in Downtown Eastside

  • St. Lawrence Restaurant in Downtown Eastside, Vancouver

    St. Lawrence Restaurant

    Michelin
    French· CA$100+

    Charm abounds at this beloved Québécois bistro. Sit close enough to Chef/owner Jean-Christophe Poirier's kitchen to experience the heady aromas of his refined yet indulgent French-Canadian cooking, featuring ethereal sauces and a…

    Mon
    Closed
    Tue–Fri
    5 PM – 10:30 PM
    Sat
    5 PM – 10:30 PM
    Sun
    5 PM – 10:30 PM
  • The Mackenzie Room in Downtown Eastside, Vancouver

    The Mackenzie Room

    4.6 · 1.1k
    Cocktail Bar· CA$100+

    The Mackenzie Room rightly describes itself as a “hidden gem,” as it really is waving the flag for culinary ambition in an area not overly encumbered with competitors.

    Mon–Tue
    Closed
    Wed–Fri
    5:30 PM – 10 PM
    Sat
    5:30 PM – 10 PM
    Sun
    5:30 PM – 10 PM
  • Barbara in Downtown Eastside, Vancouver

    Barbara

    Michelin
    Fine Dining· $$$$

    Chef Patrick Hennessy spent time at many top spots, including Eleven Madison Park in New York, but he is clearly at home at Barbara.

    Website
  • The Boxcar in Downtown Eastside, Vancouver

    The Boxcar

    4.7 · 561
    Cocktail Bar· $10-20

    Chill speakeasy in an intimate space featuring changing craft beer taps & creative cocktails.

    Mon–Thu
    4 PM – 1 AM
    Fri
    4 PM – 2 AM
    Sat
    4 PM – 2 AM
    Sun
    4 PM – 1 AM
  • Prototype Coffee in Downtown Eastside, Vancouver

    Prototype Coffee

    4.7 · 685
    Coffee Shop· CA$1–10

    A microroastery and tasting room in Vancouver specializing in roasting highly traceable specialty grade coffees, chosen for unique palates and exceptional quality.

    Mon–Fri
    8 AM – 4 PM
    Sat
    9 AM – 5 PM
    Sun
    9 AM – 4 PM
  • Café & Bakery illustration for Rumor Cafe

    Rumor Cafe

    4.9 · 133
    Café & Bakery· CA$10–20
    Mon–Fri
    8:30 AM – 3 PM
    Sat
    9 AM – 2 PM
    Sun
    Closed
  • Ask For Luigi Restaurant in Downtown Eastside, Vancouver

    Ask For Luigi Restaurant

    4.6 · 3.3k
    Italian· CA$30–90

    Cozy eatery serving large, refined Italian dishes meant for sharing, with gluten-free choices.

    Mon–Thu
    11:30 AM – 2:30 PM, 5 PM – 10 PM
    Fri
    11:30 AM – 2:30 PM, 5 PM – 11 PM
    Sat
    10 AM – 2:30 PM, 5 PM – 11 PM
    Sun
    10 AM – 2:30 PM, 5 PM – 10 PM
  • Café & Bakery illustration for Coca Leaf Cafe

    Coca Leaf Cafe

    4.7 · 286
    Café & Bakery
    Mon–Thu
    10 AM – 10 PM
    Fri
    10 AM – 11 PM
    Sat
    10 AM – 11 PM
    Sun
    11 AM – 6 PM
  • La Casa Gelato in Downtown Eastside, Vancouver

    La Casa Gelato

    4.4 · 4.9k
    Ice Cream· $$

    Legendary gelateria scoops dozens of varieties, ranging from classics to modern creations.

    Every day
    1 PM – 10 PM
  • Coastal Eden Cafe in Downtown Eastside, Vancouver

    Coastal Eden Cafe

    4.8 · 203
    Café & Bakery· CA$10–20

    A cafe that offers a spot to relax, a place to connect, and a chance to start new, open for dine-in.

    Mon–Fri
    8 AM – 4:30 PM
    Sat
    8 AM – 2 PM
    Sun
    Closed
  • Café & Bakery illustration for Railtown Café

    Railtown Café

    4.5 · 678
    Café & Bakery· CA$10–20

    Counter-serve cafe serving made-to-order sandwiches, pastries, breads & locally roasted coffee.

    Mon–Fri
    7:30 AM – 5 PM
    Sat
    10 AM – 4 PM
    Sun
    10 AM – 4 PM
  • Belgard Kitchen in Downtown Eastside, Vancouver

    Belgard Kitchen

    4.5 · 1.8k
    Restaurant· CA$20–80

    Lofty, wood-walled spot for gourmet pizzas & small plates of creative local fare, plus beer & wine.

    Mon–Thu
    11:30 AM – 9 PM
    Fri
    11:30 AM – 10 PM
    Sat
    10 AM – 10 PM
    Sun
    10 AM – 9 PM

Planning time in Downtown Eastside?

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Downtown Eastside map

Ranked using weather, setting, ratings, and review volume.

Map of Downtown Eastside with pinned top attractions (1 through 10)
  1. 1St. Lawrence Restaurant
  2. 2The Mackenzie Room
  3. 3The Good Sauna
  4. 4Forastera Vintage
  5. 5Barbara
  6. 6The Boxcar
  7. 7Prototype Coffee
  8. 8Rumor Cafe
  9. 9Ask For Luigi Restaurant
  10. 10Coca Leaf Cafe

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