Vancouver City Hall, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada

Getty Images/AWL Images RM


Architecture fans should save time for one of Vancouver's best art-deco buildings. Completed in 1936, its highlights include a soaring, Gotham-style exterior as well as an interior of streamlined signs, cylindrical lanterns and embossed elevator doors. Snap some photos of the statue of Captain George Vancouver outside, then check out the handsome wooden heritage mansions on surrounding Yukon St and W 12th Ave. Finally, snag a table at the public plaza next to City Hall for some grand mountain-framed cityscape views.

If you're on a deco roll, make sure you also hit downtown's magical Marine Building.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Fairview & South Granville attractions

1. Olympic Village

0.81 MILES

Built as the home for 2800 athletes during the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games, this glassy waterfront development became the city's newest…

2. Macaulay & Co Fine Art

0.86 MILES

One of the area's top smaller galleries represents a stable of brilliant, newer artists who may be the next big thing. Look out for eye-popping…

3. David Lam Park

0.93 MILES

A crooked elbow of landscaped waterfront at the neck of False Creek, Yaletown's main green space is sometimes used for free alfresco summer movie…

4. Engine 374 Pavilion

0.96 MILES

May 23, 1887, was an auspicious date for Vancouver. That's when Engine 374 pulled the very first transcontinental passenger train into the fledgling city,…

6. Equinox Gallery

0.97 MILES

One of Vancouver's oldest established private galleries, Equinox pioneered this area's arty new credentials by being one of the first big names to move…

7. Science World

0.98 MILES

Under Vancouver's favorite geodesic dome (OK, it's only one), this ever-popular science showcase has tonnes of hands-on galleries and a cool outdoor park…

8. Monte Clark Gallery

0.99 MILES

Joining its arty, white-walled brethren here in 2013, Monte Clark is well worth a look. Past exhibitors have included photography by local-boy-made-good…