Summary
From sophisticated cocktail spots to hard-partying clubs, Vancouver nightlife is diverse: there really is something for everyone.
Most Vancouver nightlife and bars are concentrated into five nightlife districts, each with their own unique vibe and appeal, including downtown Vancouver’s Granville Street, Gastown, and Yaletown.
1. Hard-Partying & Club Hopping in the Granville Entertainment District
Address
932 Granville St, Vancouver, BC V6Z 1L2, Canada
Phone: +1 604-331-7999
Downtown Vancouver’s Granville Street is ground-zero for hard-partying Vancouver nightlife. Stretching from Nelson St. to Robson St., this area is packed with bars and nightclubs, making it easy to club-hop from one destination to another.
Home to several of Vancouver’s top nightclubs—including The Roxy and The Belmont Bar—Granville Street attracts twenty- and early-thirtysomethings looking to drink, mingle, dance, and showcase their party attire.
Weekends are bustling on Granville Street: be prepared for entrance lines at the hottest clubs.
2. High-Style & Celebrity-Spotting in Yaletown
Address
350 Davie St, Vancouver, BC V6B 5Z6, Canada
Phone: +1 866-642-6787
High-tech professionals, trendy socialites, and multiple celebrities (after all, Vancouver is Hollywood North) populate the stylish Vancouver nightlife district: Yaletown, primarily on Hamilton Street and Mainland Street.
Yaletown’s nightlife is ultra-trendy, epitomized by celebrity hotspots like OPUS Bar (at the Opus Hotel), the ever-popular Bar None, and the “Hey, isn’t that a Canucks player?” Glowbal. If you’re looking to dress to impress, sip on expensive cocktails, and be part of the scene, this is the place for you!
3. Local Pubs, Chic Cocktails & Dancing in Historic Gastown
Address
248 E Georgia St, Vancouver, BC V6A 1Z7, Canada
Phone: +1 604-688-9779
In terms of nightlife diversity, no district can compete with the ever-evolving Gastown. This historic area offers everything from casual, local pubs such as the Irish Heather to upscale cocktail spots like L’Abattoir and The Diamond.
Gastown’s crowds are equally varied. Pubs and cocktail bars attract a wide range of ages, while dance clubs like The Lamplighter and The Blarney Stone cater more to a younger audience.
4. Gay & Queer Nightlife on Davie Street
Address
1022 Davie St, Vancouver, BC V6E 1M3, Canada
Phone: +1 604-681-6180
For vibrant gay nightlife, look no further than Davie Street in downtown Vancouver. This lively area boasts numerous clubs, bars, and eateries, with Celebrities being Vancouver’s premier gay club.
5. Hipster Nightlife & Live Music on Main Street / SoMa
Address
4210 Main St, Vancouver, BC V5V 3P9, Canada
Phone: +1 604-558-4047
Main Street has long been considered hipster-central, and the nightlife in the area known as SoMa exudes a casual, relaxed vibe. The focus is primarily on music and atmosphere rather than style and decor, making it considerably less “meat market” than downtown clubs. (Meeting new people might be a challenge in this laid-back environment.)
For live music, consider venues like The Main, Cottage Bistro, and The Biltmore.
