Guidebook for Vancouver
Food Scene
Friendly, skilled baristas who consistently make a great selection of coffee drinks. My favorite is the cortado. Perfect locally roasted beans with a good milk froth going on. Waffles & pastries are good if you have a sweet tooth.
Protip - divy and conquer: one of you grabs the coffee and the other the seats, as they fill up quite quickly.
33 abantu bendawo batusa
Timbertrain Coffee Roasters
311 W Cordova StFriendly, skilled baristas who consistently make a great selection of coffee drinks. My favorite is the cortado. Perfect locally roasted beans with a good milk froth going on. Waffles & pastries are good if you have a sweet tooth.
Protip - divy and conquer: one of you grabs the coffee and the other the seats, as they fill up quite quickly.
My absolute favorite coffee shop in Vancouver, hands down. Genuine, friendly baristas, HELLA amazing coffee. Get the drip, or try my fave: The cafe misto, which isn't even on the menu. They just opened up another section where you can check out and purchase the types of machinery they use for drip and other coffee. Worth a visit for sure.
189 abantu bendawo batusa
Revolver
325 Cambie StMy absolute favorite coffee shop in Vancouver, hands down. Genuine, friendly baristas, HELLA amazing coffee. Get the drip, or try my fave: The cafe misto, which isn't even on the menu. They just opened up another section where you can check out and purchase the types of machinery they use for drip and other coffee. Worth a visit for sure.
Good coffee, great donuts. Definitely try the combo. This location does REALLY fresh glazed donuts that are to die for. Fun fact: when I was in college, I would come back to Vancouver for winter break and this would be the place of choice for me to do work. One of my early ideas that developed into an Airbnb product originated from this very coffee shop!
122 abantu bendawo batusa
49th Parallel Café & Lucky's Doughnuts - MAIN
2902 Main StGood coffee, great donuts. Definitely try the combo. This location does REALLY fresh glazed donuts that are to die for. Fun fact: when I was in college, I would come back to Vancouver for winter break and this would be the place of choice for me to do work. One of my early ideas that developed into an Airbnb product originated from this very coffee shop!
Jamaican patties for $2.50 each. On wednesdays they do pizza-flavored patties.
11 abantu bendawo batusa
The Bakeshop
4021 Macdonald StJamaican patties for $2.50 each. On wednesdays they do pizza-flavored patties.
Authentic yet economic thai food that will make your taste buds burst. Highly recommended by my friends.
9 abantu bendawo batusa
Baan Wasana Thai Restaurant
2143 West 41st AvenueAuthentic yet economic thai food that will make your taste buds burst. Highly recommended by my friends.
JAPADOG
530 Robson StBecause what's better than hotdogs and japanese food together?
From my friend, Soraya - The ultimate coffee tour starting with the bastion that is Matchstick, continuing in mount pleasant at 33 acres, elysian, oh maybe before that check out the quaint marche st george, then traversing the east side to commercial drive - moja, prado, to be had with old italian gentlemen, then hop over to gastown to revolver, timbertrain, some nelson the seagull, over to chinatown to the other matchstick (cant get enough of that stuff) and some new ones i dont know about since im a foreigner now, then heading across the burrard bridge down to kits for some 49th parallel and yoga kale watching.
165 abantu bendawo batusa
Matchstick Fraser St.
639 E 15th AveFrom my friend, Soraya - The ultimate coffee tour starting with the bastion that is Matchstick, continuing in mount pleasant at 33 acres, elysian, oh maybe before that check out the quaint marche st george, then traversing the east side to commercial drive - moja, prado, to be had with old italian gentlemen, then hop over to gastown to revolver, timbertrain, some nelson the seagull, over to chinatown to the other matchstick (cant get enough of that stuff) and some new ones i dont know about since im a foreigner now, then heading across the burrard bridge down to kits for some 49th parallel and yoga kale watching.
From my friend, Soraya - The ultimate coffee tour starting with the bastion that is Matchstick, continuing in mount pleasant at 33 acres, elysian, oh maybe before that check out the quaint marche st george, then traversing the east side to commercial drive - moja, prado, to be had with old italian gentlemen, then hop over to gastown to revolver, timbertrain, some nelson the seagull, over to chinatown to the other matchstick (cant get enough of that stuff) and some new ones i dont know about since im a foreigner now, then heading across the burrard bridge down to kits for some 49th parallel and yoga kale watching.
45 abantu bendawo batusa
Elysian Coffee - Broadway
590 W BroadwayFrom my friend, Soraya - The ultimate coffee tour starting with the bastion that is Matchstick, continuing in mount pleasant at 33 acres, elysian, oh maybe before that check out the quaint marche st george, then traversing the east side to commercial drive - moja, prado, to be had with old italian gentlemen, then hop over to gastown to revolver, timbertrain, some nelson the seagull, over to chinatown to the other matchstick (cant get enough of that stuff) and some new ones i dont know about since im a foreigner now, then heading across the burrard bridge down to kits for some 49th parallel and yoga kale watching.
From my friend, Soraya - The ultimate coffee tour starting with the bastion that is Matchstick, continuing in mount pleasant at 33 acres, elysian, oh maybe before that check out the quaint marche st george, then traversing the east side to commercial drive - moja, prado, to be had with old italian gentlemen, then hop over to gastown to revolver, timbertrain, some nelson the seagull, over to chinatown to the other matchstick (cant get enough of that stuff) and some new ones i dont know about since im a foreigner now, then heading across the burrard bridge down to kits for some 49th parallel and yoga kale watching.
62 abantu bendawo batusa
Moja Coffee
1102 Commercial DrFrom my friend, Soraya - The ultimate coffee tour starting with the bastion that is Matchstick, continuing in mount pleasant at 33 acres, elysian, oh maybe before that check out the quaint marche st george, then traversing the east side to commercial drive - moja, prado, to be had with old italian gentlemen, then hop over to gastown to revolver, timbertrain, some nelson the seagull, over to chinatown to the other matchstick (cant get enough of that stuff) and some new ones i dont know about since im a foreigner now, then heading across the burrard bridge down to kits for some 49th parallel and yoga kale watching.
From my friend, Soraya - The ultimate coffee tour starting with the bastion that is Matchstick, continuing in mount pleasant at 33 acres, elysian, oh maybe before that check out the quaint marche st george, then traversing the east side to commercial drive - moja, prado, to be had with old italian gentlemen, then hop over to gastown to revolver, timbertrain, some nelson the seagull, over to chinatown to the other matchstick (cant get enough of that stuff) and some new ones i dont know about since im a foreigner now, then heading across the burrard bridge down to kits for some 49th parallel and yoga kale watching.
168 abantu bendawo batusa
Prado Cafe
1938 Commercial DrFrom my friend, Soraya - The ultimate coffee tour starting with the bastion that is Matchstick, continuing in mount pleasant at 33 acres, elysian, oh maybe before that check out the quaint marche st george, then traversing the east side to commercial drive - moja, prado, to be had with old italian gentlemen, then hop over to gastown to revolver, timbertrain, some nelson the seagull, over to chinatown to the other matchstick (cant get enough of that stuff) and some new ones i dont know about since im a foreigner now, then heading across the burrard bridge down to kits for some 49th parallel and yoga kale watching.
From my friend, Soraya - The ultimate coffee tour starting with the bastion that is Matchstick, continuing in mount pleasant at 33 acres, elysian, oh maybe before that check out the quaint marche st george, then traversing the east side to commercial drive - moja, prado, to be had with old italian gentlemen, then hop over to gastown to revolver, timbertrain, some nelson the seagull, over to chinatown to the other matchstick (cant get enough of that stuff) and some new ones i dont know about since im a foreigner now, then heading across the burrard bridge down to kits for some 49th parallel and yoga kale watching.
65 abantu bendawo batusa
Nelson the Seagull
315 Carrall StFrom my friend, Soraya - The ultimate coffee tour starting with the bastion that is Matchstick, continuing in mount pleasant at 33 acres, elysian, oh maybe before that check out the quaint marche st george, then traversing the east side to commercial drive - moja, prado, to be had with old italian gentlemen, then hop over to gastown to revolver, timbertrain, some nelson the seagull, over to chinatown to the other matchstick (cant get enough of that stuff) and some new ones i dont know about since im a foreigner now, then heading across the burrard bridge down to kits for some 49th parallel and yoga kale watching.
From my friend, Soraya - The ultimate coffee tour starting with the bastion that is Matchstick, continuing in mount pleasant at 33 acres, elysian, oh maybe before that check out the quaint marche st george, then traversing the east side to commercial drive - moja, prado, to be had with old italian gentlemen, then hop over to gastown to revolver, timbertrain, some nelson the seagull, over to chinatown to the other matchstick (cant get enough of that stuff) and some new ones i dont know about since im a foreigner now, then heading across the burrard bridge down to kits for some 49th parallel and yoga kale watching.
59 abantu bendawo batusa
49th Parallel Coffee Roasters Cafe
From my friend, Soraya - The ultimate coffee tour starting with the bastion that is Matchstick, continuing in mount pleasant at 33 acres, elysian, oh maybe before that check out the quaint marche st george, then traversing the east side to commercial drive - moja, prado, to be had with old italian gentlemen, then hop over to gastown to revolver, timbertrain, some nelson the seagull, over to chinatown to the other matchstick (cant get enough of that stuff) and some new ones i dont know about since im a foreigner now, then heading across the burrard bridge down to kits for some 49th parallel and yoga kale watching.
High end, hip and expensive sushi restaurant. Worth the wait, and worth the price. Every piece is flavorful, fresh, and umami. Get the Aburi sushi, it's a must have.
169 abantu bendawo batusa
Miku Vancouver
200 Granville StHigh end, hip and expensive sushi restaurant. Worth the wait, and worth the price. Every piece is flavorful, fresh, and umami. Get the Aburi sushi, it's a must have.
Get here early, and I really mean it, because locals and visitors alike will wait for these decadent dumplings for over an hour. They are authentic and SO YUMMY.
35 abantu bendawo batusa
Dinesty Dumpling House
1719 Robson StGet here early, and I really mean it, because locals and visitors alike will wait for these decadent dumplings for over an hour. They are authentic and SO YUMMY.
Small, Japanese family owned sushi bar in Kerrisdale. Used to frequent this place regularly and still have fond memories of their sushi and sashimi masterpieces. Get the Battera sushi, and be sure to try some of their more unique Nigiri.
24 abantu bendawo batusa
Ajisai Sushi Bar
2081 W 42nd AveSmall, Japanese family owned sushi bar in Kerrisdale. Used to frequent this place regularly and still have fond memories of their sushi and sashimi masterpieces. Get the Battera sushi, and be sure to try some of their more unique Nigiri.
Cheesecake Etc
2141 Granville StFor a romantic spot and rich cheesecake slices :)
From my friend, Anna M- Fat Mao in Chinatown is really cute - Thai noodles, Cuchillo Railtown. They have great Margaritas. It is kind of latin & mexican. Share plates, as the portions are quite large.
28 abantu bendawo batusa
Fat Mao Noodles
217 E Georgia StFrom my friend, Anna M- Fat Mao in Chinatown is really cute - Thai noodles, Cuchillo Railtown. They have great Margaritas. It is kind of latin & mexican. Share plates, as the portions are quite large.
Cafe Medina
780 Richards StGreat brunch spot
Fresh, consistent, and reasonably priced sushi. Can get crowded during dinner, but absolutely worth waiting for.
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Toshi Sushi
181 E 16th AveFresh, consistent, and reasonably priced sushi. Can get crowded during dinner, but absolutely worth waiting for.
Go for the omakase! Very pricey place, but the chefs really know how to bring out the flavors in each fish.
52 abantu bendawo batusa
Tojo's Restaurant
1133 West BroadwayGo for the omakase! Very pricey place, but the chefs really know how to bring out the flavors in each fish.
Minami
1118 Mainland StGolden ocean has the classic cart style dimsum service. On the weekends, the wait can be extremely long. A good time to get there is before 11:30, so that you can get a seat quickly. If you're a large group, you're better off making a reservation.
7 abantu bendawo batusa
Golden Ocean Seafood Restaurant
2046 W 41st AveGolden ocean has the classic cart style dimsum service. On the weekends, the wait can be extremely long. A good time to get there is before 11:30, so that you can get a seat quickly. If you're a large group, you're better off making a reservation.
The best dimsum is either in chinatown or richmond. Nothing beats asian food in these two places and at chef tony's, you're able to get really high quality dimsum.
8 abantu bendawo batusa
Chef Tony Seafood Restaurant
4600 No. 3 RoadThe best dimsum is either in chinatown or richmond. Nothing beats asian food in these two places and at chef tony's, you're able to get really high quality dimsum.
Everything Else
A kid friendly park near an elementary school. Good for early morning or late night strolls. My brother and I used to play swing tag at the playground. Ask me more if you're intrigued!
Trafalgar Park
2610 W 23rd AveA kid friendly park near an elementary school. Good for early morning or late night strolls. My brother and I used to play swing tag at the playground. Ask me more if you're intrigued!
Essentials
Groceries done right! Fresh organic produce, and lots of health conscious options for the food lover. It's a 10 minute walk from our home.
398 abantu bendawo batusa
Choices Markets
1202 Richards StGroceries done right! Fresh organic produce, and lots of health conscious options for the food lover. It's a 10 minute walk from our home.
Parks & Nature
Rent a bike nearby and cycle the scenic loop around Stanley park. Stop by one of the hidden beaches and turn over some rocks to find mini crabs hidden underneath! There are also some trails that you can take to really feel one with nature. Near the end of the loop, there is a beach and an outdoor pool that is great to hang out at during the summer time.
304 abantu bendawo batusa
Vancouver Seawall
Rent a bike nearby and cycle the scenic loop around Stanley park. Stop by one of the hidden beaches and turn over some rocks to find mini crabs hidden underneath! There are also some trails that you can take to really feel one with nature. Near the end of the loop, there is a beach and an outdoor pool that is great to hang out at during the summer time.
Kitsilano Beach Park
1499 Arbutus StLovely beach to hit up in the summer
Walk down the pathway and stop by the secret cove. It's where we used to hunt for oysters in the summer time.
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Jericho Beach Park
3941 Point Grey RdWalk down the pathway and stop by the secret cove. It's where we used to hunt for oysters in the summer time.
A challenging 2 hour hike that comprises of stairs that take you through layers of forests and up to the peak of Grouse Mountain. Locals come for the workout and views, and fitness fanatics come for the challenge. My best time up the 850m climb was 1 hour 20 minutes. The best time recorded ever was an astonishing 24 minutes!
233 abantu bendawo batusa
I-Grouse Grind Trail
6400 Nancy Greene WayA challenging 2 hour hike that comprises of stairs that take you through layers of forests and up to the peak of Grouse Mountain. Locals come for the workout and views, and fitness fanatics come for the challenge. My best time up the 850m climb was 1 hour 20 minutes. The best time recorded ever was an astonishing 24 minutes!
From my friend, Cameron - Definitely bike the Seawall around Stanley Park. It's even more fun to keep biking to False Creek and finish in Granville Island.
2658 abantu bendawo batusa
I-Park ye-Stanley
610 Pipeline RdFrom my friend, Cameron - Definitely bike the Seawall around Stanley Park. It's even more fun to keep biking to False Creek and finish in Granville Island.
Stawamus Chief
Hike the Stawamus Chief in Squamish!
Spend a day here, either on foot or on a boat. Find some caves, go cliff diving.
71 abantu bendawo batusa
Bowen Island
Spend a day here, either on foot or on a boat. Find some caves, go cliff diving.
Vanier Park
1000 Chestnut StBard on the Beach every summer!
Fireworks in the summer, chill nights, hot sunny days and ice cream. All good things. What I like about english bay is the eclectic groups of people that you can see lounging around during the evenings. Families having picnics on the beach, a group friends tossing a frisbee, the occasional stoners, and lots of couples all frequent this scenic spot.
537 abantu bendawo batusa
English Bay Beach
Beach AvenueFireworks in the summer, chill nights, hot sunny days and ice cream. All good things. What I like about english bay is the eclectic groups of people that you can see lounging around during the evenings. Families having picnics on the beach, a group friends tossing a frisbee, the occasional stoners, and lots of couples all frequent this scenic spot.
Vancouver's one and only clothing optional beach, frequented by friendly locals who bare all. I've come here on a summer night for beers and bonfires with friends. Bring along a guitar and make some new friends.
197 abantu bendawo batusa
Pacific Spirit Hostel
1935 Lower MallVancouver's one and only clothing optional beach, frequented by friendly locals who bare all. I've come here on a summer night for beers and bonfires with friends. Bring along a guitar and make some new friends.
Spanish Banks
Drinks & Nightlife
From my friend, Michelle - Cute little gastown bar! It's in a scenic and historic area of town.
66 abantu bendawo batusa
Six Acres
203 Carrall StFrom my friend, Michelle - Cute little gastown bar! It's in a scenic and historic area of town.
33 Acres Brewing Company
15 W 8th AveSightseeing
Scenic, thrilling, family friendly, and nature. You can walk across the bridge and along the cliffs. On quiet days, you may even be able to spot a wolf or bear down near the river.
1150 abantu bendawo batusa
Capilano Suspension Bridge
3735 Capilano RdScenic, thrilling, family friendly, and nature. You can walk across the bridge and along the cliffs. On quiet days, you may even be able to spot a wolf or bear down near the river.
From my friend, Anna - If it's warm out, the little swimming area in Lynn Valley is awesome.
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I-Centre ye-Ecology ye-Lynn Canyon
3663 Park RdFrom my friend, Anna - If it's warm out, the little swimming area in Lynn Valley is awesome.
From my friend, Anna - I think walking up Commercial Drive is kind of an adventure in itself... amazing coffee, cute vintage stores, live music sometimes.
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Commercial Drive
Commercial DriveFrom my friend, Anna - I think walking up Commercial Drive is kind of an adventure in itself... amazing coffee, cute vintage stores, live music sometimes.
Walk across the granville bridge into downtown. It's a 20 minute stroll from end to end, and the view of the channel and harbor is stunning. A really fun free thing that I always do when I'm back home.
Granville Bridge
Granville BridgeWalk across the granville bridge into downtown. It's a 20 minute stroll from end to end, and the view of the channel and harbor is stunning. A really fun free thing that I always do when I'm back home.
Burrard Street Bridge
Walk across it for the A+ Views!
Arts & Culture
From my friend, Anna - One of the last independent theatres in Vancouver and probably my favourite place when I'm home. There's cool midnight features every Friday and fun events like Rocky Horror and The Room! Alternatively, you could tell people to walk over the viaduct and relive the opening fight scene from Deadpool.
100 abantu bendawo batusa
Rio Theatre
1660 E BroadwayFrom my friend, Anna - One of the last independent theatres in Vancouver and probably my favourite place when I'm home. There's cool midnight features every Friday and fun events like Rocky Horror and The Room! Alternatively, you could tell people to walk over the viaduct and relive the opening fight scene from Deadpool.