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Don’t judge the book by its cover

First impression is not always the real one. When Jetlag hits after touching down from a long trip, do not wander around Gastown between dawn and twilight, particularly on Hastings between Carrall and Main. It seems almost impossible to find a couple of hundred meters further down a whole different city, a shiny and bright side with its stunning waterfront and big cruises boats and two blocks away a gathering of homeless people, prostitutes and drug dealers. This neighbourhood is a must visit, it’s part of the history and the culture of Vanccouver, a place where two extremes meet, it’s a portrayal of our society with its problems and paradoxes.

Vancouver is one of the most livable and enjoyable cities of the World. Saw from above is green, ordered and relaxed. You can easily go around by bike or on foot. Walks in big parks and on the boardwalk makes you feel in a holiday resort rather than in the most populated city of British Columbia.

Here is a curated list of some of the places that are worth a visit, with no kind of conceit or whatsoever.

Must Visit

One tourist attraction that is worth checking out is the Vancouver Lookout. It allows you to see the city with another perspective. From above everything looks different, you’ll appreciate the streets and surroundings with different eyes. Also, going up with the elevator is freaking amazing.

Entering Dr Sun Yat-Sen garden you’ll get the feeling to be transported in a whole other world and dimension. Peace and blissfulness in a pond of waterlilies right in the middle of the mayhem of Chinatown.

Luck always helps, we found ourselves immersed in a top notch Monet and photography exhibition at the Vancouver Art Gallery but it also seems to be a place where you must pay a visit every time you have the chance to.

Mount Pleasant is a vibrant neighborhood. Artsy, with a lot of nice shops and restaurants, we advise to have a stroll in the streets or get a bike to fully experience it.

Vancouver’s Lung is Stanley Park. It’s a real forest in the city with lots of grass, trees and green.

Our favorite breakfast spot was at Matchsticks Coffee Roasters in Chinatown, hot bread gets out of the oven each morning and you can definitely taste it.

Meat & Bread is the right place for a quick morning snack. Porchetta Sandwich with mustard and white beer was incredible.

If you are around the Waterfront area during lunch time you have to consider Heritage Asian Eatery. There you’ll find really tasty cheap Asian fast food, that is cured in every aspect.

Anna’s favourite was at Mount Pleasant, south of Downtown. It’s a local craft Brewery called 33 Acres Brewing Company. We enjoyed a fresh beer with bread, butter, dried meat and a chill vibe.

When you go to Canada you must eat Poutine. It’s like visiting Italy and trying Pizza. Poutine is french fries, cheese and gravy all in one dish. Only way to give it a chance is to try it in a good restaurant: we chose Wildebeest. Best to be consumed with one of their great cocktails.