The most vibrant neighbourhood with a huge variety of restaurants, cafes, bistros, as well as shops and entire shopping malls is called ByWard Market, located right in the heart of downtown Ottawa.

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Traditionally, the ByWard Market neighbourhood was the hub of Ottawa's French and Irish community, but over time it has transformed into a wonderfully colourful and cosmopolitan place.

Personally, I liked ByWard Market the best of all the areas in Ottawa and returned several times during my stay - especially for the great food!

A market with bistros, eateries and bars

The centrepiece of the entire neighbourhood is the handsome brick market building, whose immediate surroundings offer the most varied dining options.

Right inside the market is an absolutely fabulous French bistro, which is connected to a pretty cheap eatery.

The rest of the market is mostly occupied by souvenir shops or Chinese restaurants.

Around the market you'll find dozens of small stalls selling cuisines from all over the world, and on William Street there are many pubs and classic restaurants.

Ottawa sign

Instagram photo lovers can't miss York Street, one of the main pedestrian areas in the ByWard Market district.

At its western end, you'll find the popular tourist sign "OTTAWA".

The best hotels in ByWard Market

This neighborhood is definitely the best place to stay if you're looking for lively and bustling places even during nighttime hours.

Several hotels of well-known multinational chains operate here with very similar prices. We therefore select the best rated ones:

• Andaz Ottawa Byward Market ****
• Courtyard by Marriott Ottawa Downtown ***
• AC Hotel by Marriott Ottawa Downtown ****

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