An Art Lover’s Guide to Vancouver in 24 Hours

Vancouver Mural Festival, 2017
Vancouver Mural Festival, 2017 | © Christine Rondeau / Flickr | © Christine Rondeau / Flickr

Vancouver is a great city to visit if you love art and culture. From indigenous and contemporary art to local artists, there is a gallery to suit everyone, and it is also home to many art-related restaurants and cafés. Here is our art lover’s guide to the city, perfect if you only have 24 hours to seek out the best.

Must-visit museums

Museum of Vancouver
One of Vancouver’s top museums, the Museum of Vancouver was founded to “inspire a deeper understanding of Vancouver through stories, objects, and shared experiences.” One of the most popular past exhibitions was Vancouver in the Seventies, which included 400 photographs from this era. Permanent exhibitions include Neon Vancouver | Ugly Vancouver, which features neon signs from the 1950s through the 1970s. The “visually stunning” photographic-based exhibition, City on Edge: A Century of Vancouver Activism, explains how protests have shaped the city’s identity.
Insider Tip: If you have extra time, the Museum of Vancouver sits in Vanier Park, which is also home to the Vancouver Maritime Museum and H.R. MacMillan Space Centre.
Museum of Vancouver, 1100 Chestnut Street, Vancouver, BC, Canada, +1 604 736 4431

speech icon man in bubble

Destinations Unlocked:

Let our travel expert Stefano help you find your perfect Culture trip

Looking for an expert's perspective?

Uncover my top 3 recommended places from each continent on the map.
speech icon man in bubble
left arrow trip map

CentralAmerica

GORGEOUS GUATEMALA

Gorgeous Guatemala

5 days . Mini
speech icon man in bubble

1. Guatemala

An express adventure for those with limited time off. Prepare yourself incredible experiences. You will hike a volcano, visit mayan temples and witness a ceremony and take in beautiful colonial Antigua.

Next

right arrow next slide
left arrow trip map

CentralAmerica

BEACHY BELIZE

Beachy Belize

5 days . Mini
speech icon man in bubble

2. Belize

A quick trip not too far away for those seeking a relaxing mini break. You will have plenty of free time to relax but also some awesome activities to experience the rainforest and the caribbean sea.
left arrow previous slide

Next

right arrow next slide
left arrow trip map

CentralAmerica

COLONIAL MEXICO

Colonial Mexico

5 days . Mini
speech icon man in bubble

3. Mexico

An exciting mini trip exploring the lesser known colonial towns of central Mexico. This is hte perfect trip for someone with limited time off and still wants to turn on explorer mode and do something different.
left arrow previous slide

Back to Map

left arrow trip map

SouthAmerica

ADVENTUROUS ECUADOR

Adventurous Ecuador

8 days . Epic
speech icon man in bubble

1. Ecuador

A remarkable 8 days adventure through the Andes and the Amazon rainforest. The best choice for adventure seekers wishing to visit the 2 most iconic areas of South America, in only 1 week and no flights.

Next

right arrow next slide
left arrow trip map

SouthAmerica

ANCIENT PERU

Ancient Peru

9 days . Epic
speech icon man in bubble

2. Peru

An alternative itinerary to classic Peru, from Cusco to Arequipa. This itinerary is great combination of highlights Cusco and Machu Picchu with the lesser known Arequipa and Colca Canyon.
left arrow previous slide

Back to Map

left arrow trip map

Europe

SEDUCTIVE SOUTHERN ITALY

Seductive Southern Italy

10 days . Epic
speech icon man in bubble

1. Italy

The ultimate Italian experience from the vibrant streets of Naples to the breathtaking sceneries of the Amalfi Coast followed by Matera and down to Puglia with its golden beaches, intense flavours and fascinating destinations.

Next

right arrow next slide
left arrow trip map

Europe

EDINBURGH AND THE SCOTTISH HIGHLANDS BY TRAIN

Edinburgh And The Scottish Highlands By Train

7 days . Culture
speech icon man in bubble

2. Scotland

Embark on this great adventure starting from London all the way to Scotland with a true Scottish experience made of breathtaking sceneries, whisky tasting and ..lots of fun! Ideal for train lovers and explorers.
left arrow previous slide

Next

right arrow next slide
left arrow trip map

Europe

COMPLETE PORTUGAL BY TRAIN

Complete Portugal By Train

8 days . Culture
speech icon man in bubble

3. Portugal

A wonderful train journey around Portugal, from the romantic city of Porto to the Douro Valley, to the beautiful Aveiro all the way to Lisbon and Sintra. The perfect trip to train, culinary and culture lovers.
left arrow previous slide

Back to Map

left arrow trip map

Asia

SOULFUL SOUTH KOREA

Soulful South Korea

10 days . Epic
speech icon man in bubble

1. South Korea

Discover incredible temples, mountains and modern cities on this 10 day adventure. This trip is perfect for those seeking immersion in the cuisine, culture and natural wonders of South Korea.

Next

right arrow next slide
left arrow trip map

Asia

THAILAND, CAMBODIA & VIETNAM

Thailand, Cambodia & Vietnam

11 days . Epic
speech icon man in bubble

2. Thailand

From Bankgok to Angkor Wat to Ho Chi Minh City and everything in between - adventure through the heart of South-East Asia. Taste the delights, see history brought to life and unwind on a Mekong River cruise.
left arrow previous slide

Next

right arrow next slide
left arrow trip map

Asia

SECRETS OF SRI LANKA BY TRAIN

Secrets Of Sri Lanka By Train

10 days . Culture
speech icon man in bubble

3. Sri Lanka

A fantastic adventure that showcases Sri Lanka's fantastic landscapes, wildlife and flavours. With 3 epic rail journeys, 3 UNESCO heritage sites and time to relax, this trip has loads to offer at a great price
left arrow previous slide

Back to Map

left arrow trip map

Africa

EPIC MOROCCO

Epic Morocco

11 days . Epic
speech icon man in bubble

1. Morocco

An epic journey across Morocco: from Casablanca to Marrakech, through the blue city of Chefchaouen to the wonders of the desert and deep to the High Atlas Mountains - this trip has it all! Ideal for true explorers!

Next

right arrow next slide
left arrow trip map

Africa

ULTIMATE EGYPT

Ultimate Egypt

9 days . Epic
speech icon man in bubble

2. Egypt

From Cairo to Aswan, this trip brings the land of the pharaohs to life. You'll visit the Pyramids, Valley of the Kings and Luxor Temple and cruise down the Nile in style. This is the perfect way to explore Egypt.
left arrow previous slide

Next

right arrow next slide
left arrow trip map

Africa

IMMERSIVE KENYA

Immersive Kenya

8 days . Epic
speech icon man in bubble

3. Kenya

An immersive blend of culture and wildlife for first time travelers to Africa. Learn about Nairobi, sample local coffee in the Aberdares and finish up with a fantastic safari stay in the Masai Mara.
left arrow previous slide

Back to Map

Neon Vancouver

Museum of Anthropology
Designed by renowned Canadian architect Arthur Erickson, the Museum of Anthropology is home to one of the world’s best collections of Northwest Coast First Nations Art. It also has the world’s biggest collection of Bill Reid work, who was a well-known Haida First Nations artist. Some of the current exhibitions in late 2017 include Trace of Words: Art and Calligraphy from Asia, In a Different Light: Reflecting on Northwest Coast Art, and Amazonia: The Rights of Nature.
Insider Tip: Try and plan your visit for the end of the day and sunset. The museum’s stunning cliffside location at Point Grey is a fantastic viewpoint.
Museum of Anthropology, 6393 NW Marine Drive, Vancouver, BC, Canada, +1 604 822 5087

Museum of Anthropology

Cafés

The Gallery Café
The Gallery Café is a bit of a hidden secret in Vancouver, located in the Vancouver Art Gallery (one of the next stops). The café serves fresh, local food that’s never premade. Their menu includes soups, sandwiches, and quiches. In the summer months, they also open their patio, adorned with flowers and plants that transform it into an inner-city oasis. Not many locals realize The Gallery Café exists.
The Gallery Café, Vancouver Art Gallery, 750 Hornby Street, Vancouver, BC, Canada, +1 604 688 2233

Kafka’s Coffee & Tea
Located at the intersection of Main Street and Broadway in Mount Pleasant, Kafka’s Coffee & Tea is more than just a coffee shop. They are serious about their coffee, with four different brewing methods: espresso, nitro cold brew, pour over, and siphon. Kafka’s also supports local artists by allowing them to use their space to exhibit their work, which includes paintings, photography, and graphic design work. You never know what will be gracing the walls at Kafka’s.
Kafka’s Coffee & Tea, 2525 Main Street, Vancouver, BC, Canada, +1 604 569 2967

Inside Kafka’s Coffee & Tea

Must-visit galleries

Vancouver Art Gallery
“Founded in 1931, the Vancouver Art Gallery is recognized as one of North America’s most respected and innovative visual arts institutions.” The art gallery, housed in the city’s former courthouse, is a must-visit for art lovers in Vancouver. It established an Institute of Asian Art, and it features many exhibitions from contemporary, prominent, and up-and-coming Asian artists. It also exhibits work from local artists, including Douglas Coupland and Emily Carr, one of Canada’s most famous modern artists.
Vancouver Art Gallery, 750 Hornby Street, Vancouver, BC, Canada, +1 604 662 4700

Summer at Vancouver Art Gallery

Bill Reid Gallery of Northwest Coast Art
If you miss the Museum of Anthropology, this is an excellent alternative. Established in 2008, the Bill Reid Gallery, named after Bill Reid who was not only an artist but also a sculptor, master goldsmith, writer, and spokesman, is Canada’s only public gallery dedicated to contemporary Northwest Coast indigenous art. The gallery is home to three main highlights: Reid’s bronze and stone sculptures, his gold and silver jewelry, and a large totem pole carved by Haida Gwaii’s James Hart. Although Reid’s displays are permanent, there is always a new exhibition to broaden your knowledge of all types of First Nations art.
Insider Tip: The Bill Reid Gallery lies close to Vancouver Art Gallery, so try and see these in the morning before lunch at The Gallery Café.
Bill Reid Gallery of Northwest Coast Art, 639 Hornby Street, Vancouver, BC, Canada, +1 604 682 3455

Looking through Bill Reid Gallery’s windows

The Polygon Gallery
Opening in November 2017, The Polygon Gallery in North Vancouver is a short ferry ride from downtown Vancouver. It offers something different for art lovers visiting the city, as it will be a public art gallery focusing on photography and media-based art. The first exhibition at The Polygon Gallery is entitled N. Vancouver, which will feature work from many local artists.
The Polygon Gallery, 101 Carrie Cates Court, North Vancouver, BC, Canada, +1 604 986 1351

The Polygon Gallery’s impressive location

Vancouver murals tour

Vancouver Mural Festival has a detailed map online of Vancouver’s best street art displays, which makes it easy to follow along and see some of the impressive local works for yourself. However, the team also does weekly tours in the spring and summer, as well as private tours year-round (for a minimum of six people).

Artsy restaurants

Havana Restaurant
Havana’s specialty is “Pacific Northwest cuisine with a Caribbean influence.” The restaurant’s menu includes tapas, tacos, paella, and jambalaya. Located on Commercial Drive, one of Vancouver’s coolest neighborhoods, Havana is also home to a theater and art gallery. Performances include comedy shows, plays, and cabaret shows. The art gallery is great to browse following a meal. Visit their website for more information on current exhibitions.
Havana Restaurant, 1212 Commercial Drive, Vancouver, BC, Canada, +1 604 253 9119

Dining at Havana

The Whip Restaurant and Gallery
A self-proclaimed “neighborhood favorite,” The Whip Restaurant and Gallery features deliciously fresh meals and rotating exhibitions from local artists. The restaurant also supports the local community by serving beers from many of Vancouver’s breweries. The team at Whip encourages customers to linger over lunch and dinner and enjoy both the gallery and cozy atmosphere.
The Whip Restaurant & Gallery, 209 6th Avenue East, Vancouver, BC, Canada, +1 604 874 4687

culture trip left arrow
 culture trip brand logo

Volcanic Iceland Epic Trip

meet our Local Insider

Hanna

women sitting on iceberg

HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN A GUIDE?

2 years.

WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT YOUR JOB?

It's the personal contact, the personal experiences. I love meeting people from all over the world... I really like getting to know everyone and feeling like I'm traveling with a group of friends.

WHAT DESTINATION IS ON YOUR TRAVEL BUCKET-LIST?

I have so many places on my list, but I would really lobe to go to Africa. I consider myself an “adventure girl” and Africa feels like the ULTIMATE adventure!

culture trip logo letter c
group posing for picture on iceberg
group posing for picture on iceberg

Every CULTURE TRIP Small-group adventure is led by a Local Insider just like Hanna.

map of volcanic iceland trip destination points
culture trip brand logo
culture trip right arrow
landscape with balloons floating in the air

KEEN TO EXPLORE THE WORLD?

Connect with like-minded people on our premium trips curated by local insiders and with care for the world

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.

X

Holiday Sale Offers on Our Trips

Incredible Savings

Edit article