See all Vancouver tours
607 tours & tickets
Things to do in Vancouver
See all things to do in Vancouver
An Insider’s Guide to LGBTQ+ Vancouver
An Insider’s Guide to LGBTQ+ Vancouver

Top 4 Spots for Culture Lovers in Vancouver


A woman looks out at Vancouver's glass skyscrapers
Hi, I'm Mandy!

Mandy Hegarty is a writer who specializes in food and travel. Currently based in Dublin, Ireland, she’s previously lived in New York, London, and Montreal. She has written for the likes of Time Out New York, Air Canada, and Singapore Airlines.

see more
Hi, I'm Mandy!

Mandy Hegarty is a writer who specializes in food and travel. Currently based in Dublin, Ireland, she’s previously lived in New York, London, and Montreal. She has written for the likes of Time Out New York, Air Canada, and Singapore Airlines.

see more

Vancouver’s cultural scene is shaped by the diverse communities that reside in the city. From contemporary art and towering totem poles to art deco architecture, here are a few ways to discover Vancouver’s eclectic cultural offerings.

Visit a museum or gallery

Outside Vancouver Art Museum on a sunny day. | Photo Credit: Lissandra Melo / Shutterstock

You’ll find a multitude of treasure-packed museums and galleries in Vancouver. Head to Vancouver Art Gallery to admire contemporary pieces, or to the Museum of Vancouver for a lesson in local history. Granville Island and South Granville are home to a high concentration of independent commercial galleries that are also well worth exploring.

Admire architectural landmarks

Vancouver Lookout is known for its observation deck. | Photo Credit: Lissandra Melo / Shutterstock

Though the majority of Vancouver’s buildings were constructed in the 20th century, there’s still a surprising amount of architectural variety in the city. Highlights include the art deco Marine Building (which doubled as the Daily Planet in Smallville); the neon-signed Vogue Theatre; the Hotel Europe building; and the flying-saucer-style Vancouver Lookout in the Harbour Center.

Learn about First Nations' cultures

Art in Stanley Park. | Photo Credit: canadastock / Shutterstock

Delve into Vancouver’s Indigenous heritage at the city’s Museum of Anthropology, where collections cover artworks and artifacts from First Nations communities and Indigenous cultures. Admire intricately-carved totem poles in Stanley Park and at Capilano Suspension Bridge Park, and learn about local Lil’wat Nation and Squamish Nation communities at Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre in Whistler.

Take a photography tour

A photographer admires the skyline. | Photo Credit: EB Adventure Photography / Shutterstock

If you want a cultural activity that allows you to get creative, consider joining a photography tour. Explore photogenic neighborhoods such as Granville Island, Chinatown, and Gastown with a guide who helps you capture frame-worthy images.

Find things to do in Vancouver

Keep reading

Keep exploring
See all Vancouver tours
607 tours & tickets
Things to do in Vancouver
See all things to do in Vancouver
An Insider’s Guide to LGBTQ+ Vancouver
An Insider’s Guide to LGBTQ+ Vancouver