Downtown Ottawa

Ottawa

A large Gothic-style church with twin spires and a clock tower.
A city street with a mix of modern and historic buildings, including a red brick building with ornate details and a large clock tower in the background.
A modern glass building surrounded by lush green trees and grass.
A lock system, a museum, and a river.
A city square with historic buildings, a red bus, and a wooden bench.

Discover art, delve into history and savour natural beauty in the heart of Canada’s national capital, a delightful blend of old and new.

Where Québec meets Ontario and the Rideau Canal meets the Ottawa River lies the picturesque centre of Downtown Ottawa. Explore the city’s ceremonial sites and memorials, engage with art and history or simply indulge in riverside relaxation.

Begin with a walk through Confederation Park, viewing its fountain and gardens as well as the National Aboriginal Veterans Monument. Depending on the season, you might also join in public celebrations such as Winterlude, Canada Day or the Ottawa Jazz Festival.

Continue on to nearby Confederation Square, where the National War Memorial and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier pay tribute to the sacrifice of Canadians in war. Check the schedule for the adjacent National Arts Centre, a prestigious bilingual hub for ballet, theatre and classical music. Stroll the grounds at Parliament Hill and climb the iconic Peace Tower for gorgeous views.

Heading north, cross the narrow Rideau Canal and appreciate this vital waterway. Follow its path by tour boat, bike in warmer months or join locals to celebrate wintertime with seasonal treats and ice-skating. Visit neighboring Bytown Museum, which tells Ottawa’s story since its humble origins as a lumber town and military depot. Shop at the modern CF Rideau Centre or purchase local foodstuffs at the historic, sprawling ByWard Market.

Stop at the Notre-Dame Cathedral to admire its spires and interior. Services are conducted in English, French or a combination. Tour the Royal Canadian Mint to appreciate its historic riverside premises and learn the technical process involved in making coins.

Finally, travel to the National Gallery of Canada, an elegant glass-and-granite structure whose large windows offer lovely outlooks onto Parliament Hill and the water. Explore collections of Canadian and international art, including significant works by First Peoples. Complete your visit with a trip to the gift shop and a meal at one of the gallery’s in-house cafés.

Downtown Ottawa can be explored on foot or by bus. Travel from the airport by car in about 20 minutes.

Stay near popular Downtown Ottawa attractions

A historic building with a clock tower and a green roof.

Parliament Hill

9.0/10 (11,740 reviews)
Spend a day enjoying the lively debates, artworks, library and Gothic Revival architecture of Canada’s political heart.
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Things to do

Secrets of the Château Laurier Hotel Tour

Secrets of the Château Laurier Hotel Tour

S$34
per adult
98% of travellers recommend
Secrets of the Château Laurier Hotel Tour
Canadian War Museum Admission

Canadian War Museum Admission

S$24
per adult
98% of travellers recommend
Canadian War Museum Admission
Full-Day Montreal and Cruise Tour

Full-Day Montreal City Tour from Ottawa and optional city cruise

S$100
per adult
Full-Day Montreal City Tour from Ottawa and optional city cruise
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Top hotels in Downtown Ottawa

Fairmont Chateau Laurier

Fairmont Chateau Laurier

4.5 out of 5
1 Rideau St Ottawa ON
The price is S$250 per night from 24 Jul to 25 Jul
S$250
24 Jul - 25 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this luxury hotel in Ottawa. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, 3 restaurants and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in their ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (3,536 reviews)
"Perfect location. Showing some wear and tear here and there but overall a great place to stay!"

Reviewed on 8 Jul, 2026

Fairmont Chateau Laurier
Lord Elgin Hotel

Lord Elgin Hotel

4 out of 5
100 Elgin St Ottawa ON
The price is S$236 per night from 26 Jul to 27 Jul
S$236
26 Jul - 27 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Ottawa. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (3,141 reviews)
"I loved how big the bathroom area was disappointing on the room for the price we paid also the pool was dissatisfying as there was always to many people and smelled so strong of chlorine so we never went back while we were there for 5 days"

Reviewed on 9 Jul, 2026

Lord Elgin Hotel
Les Suites Hotel Ottawa

Les Suites Hotel Ottawa

4 out of 5
130 Besserer St Ottawa ON
The price is S$195 per night from 26 Jul to 27 Jul
S$195
26 Jul - 27 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly aparthotel in Ottawa. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, room service and a health club. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (5,661 reviews)
"At check in, we were notified there was no available parking. We had to park off property....and pay a daily rate every morning at 6am. The room was NOT clean. The garbage and recycling was FULL from the previous guests. We did not have clean towels, yet used ones were hung from previous guests. ..."

Reviewed on 10 Jul, 2026

Les Suites Hotel Ottawa
ANDAZ OTTAWA BYWARD MARKET, BY HYATT

ANDAZ OTTAWA BYWARD MARKET, BY HYATT

4 out of 5
325 Dalhousie Street Ottawa ON
The price is S$213 per night from 24 Jul to 25 Jul
S$213
24 Jul - 25 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Ottawa. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, 2 bars/lounges and a rooftop terrace. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (2,118 reviews)
"Room was clean with nice feel and well designed. Quiet as well. Suitable for.a.business trip"

Reviewed on 10 Jul, 2026

ANDAZ OTTAWA BYWARD MARKET, BY HYATT
Rideau Residence University of Ottawa

Rideau Residence University of Ottawa

2.5 out of 5
290 Rideau Street Ottawa ON
The price is S$133 per night from 2 Aug to 3 Aug
S$133
2 Aug - 3 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in Ottawa. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular attractions ...
7.4/10 Good! (697 reviews)
"It’s in the heart of downtown. It’s very convenient"

Reviewed on 9 Jul, 2026

Rideau Residence University of Ottawa
Metcalfe Hotel Ottawa by Gray Collection

Metcalfe Hotel Ottawa by Gray Collection

4 out of 5
123 Metcalfe Street Ottawa ON
The price is S$270 per night from 24 Jul to 25 Jul
S$270
24 Jul - 25 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in Ottawa. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and room service. Our guests praise the restaurant and the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,712 reviews)
"Just an amazing experience all around. 12/10 experience. Will be staying here every time we visit Ottawa. First time here and will be returning for life."

Reviewed on 10 Jul, 2026

Metcalfe Hotel Ottawa by Gray Collection
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Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Where to stay in Downtown Ottawa

Find the best Downtown Ottawa areas for the activities you enjoy most.
The exterior of the Canadian Tire Centre with hockey player images and the text "Ottawa Rising" and "Ottawa Debout".

Kanata

Kanata is known for its abundant dining options, and you can plan a trip to Canadian Tire Centre and Kanata Centrum Shopping Centre while you're in town.

A canal with boats, a bridge, and historic buildings with green roofs.

Nepean

Nepean is known for its ample dining options, and you can make a stop by Nepean Sportsplex and Bayshore Shopping Centre while in the area.

A street with The Grand, The Aldeburiner, and The Pour House.

ByWard Market

A noteworthy feature of ByWard Market is its popular shops. While you're in town, be sure to stop and check out Byward Market Square and Rideau Centre.

A collection of vintage biplanes on display in a museum.

Gloucester

Noted for its shopping and restaurants, there's plenty to explore in Gloucester. Top attractions like Place D'Orleans Shopping Center and Ernst & Young Centre are major draws, and you can hop on the metro at Blair Station or Cyrville Station to see more of the city.

A modern building with a distinctive dome and a Canadian flag.

Hull

Hull is a destination visitors seek out for its interesting museums, casinos and stunning river views. You might want to check out attractions like Canadian Museum of History or Casino du Lac Leamy while you're exploring the neighbourhood.

Downtown Ottawa