Michael’s guidebook
Food scene
Top food and drinks within walking distance. Lots to choose from as this is the top retail and dining district in the city.
Now called Oxbar de Tapas. Delicious Spanish tapas style with a great happy hour 4- 6 pm at the high top bar - 50% off
47 locals recommend
Ox Bar de Tapas
Now called Oxbar de Tapas. Delicious Spanish tapas style with a great happy hour 4- 6 pm at the high top bar - 50% off
Great patio, cold beer, good pub food and Euro football (soccer). A local favourite + tradition.
147 locals recommend
The Ship & Anchor
534 17 Ave SWGreat patio, cold beer, good pub food and Euro football (soccer). A local favourite + tradition.
Analog Coffee 17 Ave
740 17 Ave SWA popular hangout - great for people watching
Philosafy Coffee
632 17 Ave SWNearby independent coffee house
Frenchie Wine Bar
616 17 Avenue SouthwestTucked in behind Una Pizza. Very small and intimate space
In between Una and Frenchies (literally sandwiched between the two in the same building), this restaurant serves very good Italian fare
6 locals recommend
Bread and Circus Trattoria
616 17 Ave SWIn between Una and Frenchies (literally sandwiched between the two in the same building), this restaurant serves very good Italian fare
Calcutta Cricket Club
1213 17 Ave SWModern twist on Indian food - great decor
A&W Canada
507 17 Ave SWA great fast food burger - open 24 hours
Tuk Tuk Thai
636 17 Ave SWGood take-out Thai (can eat in too). Tasty and inexpensive.
Delicious Hawaiian (Honolulu) inspired food - very fresh, light, interesting cocktails and quite trendy
26 locals recommend
Lulu Bar
510 17 Ave SWDelicious Hawaiian (Honolulu) inspired food - very fresh, light, interesting cocktails and quite trendy
Modern Mexican - good happy hour and a great selection of margaritas and tequila
97 locals recommend
Anejo
2116 4 St SWModern Mexican - good happy hour and a great selection of margaritas and tequila
Clive Burger
736 17 Ave SWProbably one of the better burgers in town.
Pigeonhole
306 17 Ave SWConsistently great food - upscale menu. Top notch chef.
JINYA Ramen Bar
1800 4 St SWIf you love ramen, this is a very good choice.
Known for all sorts of beer on tap, also has good food and brunch
88 locals recommend
National on 17th
550 17 Ave SWKnown for all sorts of beer on tap, also has good food and brunch
One of the best places to eat in the city. Fresh and vegetable-forward fare.
79 locals recommend
Ten Foot Henry
1209 1 St SWOne of the best places to eat in the city. Fresh and vegetable-forward fare.
Good place for cocktails. Look for the sign with the white cartoon tiger on the outside (no sign with the actual name).
42 locals recommend
The Milk Tiger Lounge
2004 4 St SWGood place for cocktails. Look for the sign with the white cartoon tiger on the outside (no sign with the actual name).
Proof
1302 1 St SWProbably the best place for cocktails in the area - if not all of Calgary
A charming speak-easy lounge hidden behind a bookcase. Good cocktails in a fun atmosphere.
39 locals recommend
Betty Lou's Library
A charming speak-easy lounge hidden behind a bookcase. Good cocktails in a fun atmosphere.
The Coup
924 17 Ave SWVegetarian fare at its finest
Morgan's Pub on Seventeenth
1324 17 Ave SWLine ups out the door on most days.
Pretty good pub and pub food for a chain restaurant/bar
93 locals recommend
Original Joe's Restaurant & Bar
2047 34 Ave SWPretty good pub and pub food for a chain restaurant/bar
Blaze Pizza
2032 4 St SWA good chain restaurant with fast-cooked Napoli style pizza. Affordable and fast.
Try this French Canadian Classic fare with more choices of toppings than you can handle
22 locals recommend
The Big Cheese Poutinerie
738 17 Ave SWTry this French Canadian Classic fare with more choices of toppings than you can handle
Croissant, pain au chocolat, eclair, baguette, sandwiches... mmmm
38 locals recommend
La Boulangerie Bakery Cafe
2435 4 St SWCroissant, pain au chocolat, eclair, baguette, sandwiches... mmmm
More delicious baked goods - very flaky croissants. Located in a gorgeous historic building
Butter Block & Co
908 17 Ave SWMore delicious baked goods - very flaky croissants. Located in a gorgeous historic building
Located in Inglewood/Ramsay district, this is one of about 6 craft breweries in the area (and probably the most interesting scenery). Start here and walk to Dandy Brewing, High Line Brewing, Ol' Beautiful, Revival Brewcade (arcade and beer!).
80 locals recommend
Cold Garden Beverage Company
1100 11 St SELocated in Inglewood/Ramsay district, this is one of about 6 craft breweries in the area (and probably the most interesting scenery). Start here and walk to Dandy Brewing, High Line Brewing, Ol' Beautiful, Revival Brewcade (arcade and beer!).
Hands down one of the best restaurants in the city and a great selection of wine (they help you choose based on your taste rather than selecting from a menu)
12 locals recommend
Bar Von Der Fels
1005A 1 St SWHands down one of the best restaurants in the city and a great selection of wine (they help you choose based on your taste rather than selecting from a menu)
Rose & Crown Pub
1503 4 St SWWing Wednesday and cheap beer
River Cafe
Upscale Canadiana food in a truly beautiful park setting
While in East Village, this is a great restaurant by local chef, Connie DeSousa (Top Chef Canada finalist). Shared space with a bakery and coffee shop in the historic Simmons building. Check out the roof top patio and watch the river flow by.
85 locals recommend
charbar
618 Confluence Way SEWhile in East Village, this is a great restaurant by local chef, Connie DeSousa (Top Chef Canada finalist). Shared space with a bakery and coffee shop in the historic Simmons building. Check out the roof top patio and watch the river flow by.
From the folks who brought you Calcutta Cricket Club, Una Pizzeria, Bread and Circus ... this is the real deal. Good burgers too. Taco Tuesdays for the win!
101 locals recommend
Native Tongues Taqueria
235 12 Ave SWFrom the folks who brought you Calcutta Cricket Club, Una Pizzeria, Bread and Circus ... this is the real deal. Good burgers too. Taco Tuesdays for the win!
A great place for brunch but you gotta check out their Build Your Own Caesar Bar (like a Bloody Mary). How many toppings can you add to make it a meal in a drink?
34 locals recommend
The Beltliner
243 12 Ave SWA great place for brunch but you gotta check out their Build Your Own Caesar Bar (like a Bloody Mary). How many toppings can you add to make it a meal in a drink?
While visiting the lovely Kensington area, treat yo'self to some really amazing cupcakes. Gluten free options available.
22 locals recommend
Crave Cookies and Cupcakes
57 Crowfoot Terrace NWWhile visiting the lovely Kensington area, treat yo'self to some really amazing cupcakes. Gluten free options available.
Regrub = Burger spelled backwards. They make a great one and some of the craziest milkshake concoctions you'll come across. Try not to count calories while you're here.
15 locals recommend
REGRUB - Beltline
625 11 Ave SWRegrub = Burger spelled backwards. They make a great one and some of the craziest milkshake concoctions you'll come across. Try not to count calories while you're here.
Famoso Neapolitan Pizzeria
2303 4 St SWGood pizza and family-friendly Italian fare
Happy hour 3 - 5 pm Mon - Fri - great menu of cheap eats and drink ($5 or $6 for pizza or wine/beer!!). Yummy pizza and great Italian food.
54 locals recommend
Cibo 17th
1012 17 Ave SWHappy hour 3 - 5 pm Mon - Fri - great menu of cheap eats and drink ($5 or $6 for pizza or wine/beer!!). Yummy pizza and great Italian food.
Tubby Dog
1022 17 Ave SWGourmet hot dogs and taco Tuesday!
Jelly Modern Doughnuts
1414 8 St SWSightseeing
Beautiful French style landscaping, fountains. Historic library
31 locals recommend
Central Memorial Park
1221 2 St SWBeautiful French style landscaping, fountains. Historic library
A lovely museum and gardens + restaurant. A charming snapshot of Calgary's history
27 locals recommend
Lougheed House
707 13 Ave SWA lovely museum and gardens + restaurant. A charming snapshot of Calgary's history
Banff
Just over an hour away to one of the most beautiful locations in Canada
Panoramic 360 view of the city and mountains. Plus a glass floor if you're brave enough...
757 locals recommend
Calgary Tower
101 9 Ave SWPanoramic 360 view of the city and mountains. Plus a glass floor if you're brave enough...
Central Library
800 3 St SECalgary's newest architectural marvel in a great neighbourhood
Where the Central Library is located, this is a perfect place to stroll or bike by the river, grab a coffee or lunch, or visit the National Music Center (part of the Music Mile)
79 locals recommend
East Village
Where the Central Library is located, this is a perfect place to stroll or bike by the river, grab a coffee or lunch, or visit the National Music Center (part of the Music Mile)
Learn about Canada's robust music scene, see the Rolling Stones mobile recording studio, check out the amazing architecture, play some instruments... and more. The heart of The Music Mile
261 locals recommend
Studio Bell, home of the National Music Centre
850 4 St SELearn about Canada's robust music scene, see the Rolling Stones mobile recording studio, check out the amazing architecture, play some instruments... and more. The heart of The Music Mile
Located in East Village, this legendary house of blues was rebuilt brick by brick as part of the rejuvenation of the neighborhood and as part of the National Music Center (and heart of the Music Mile). Catch some live music and southern style food. Great cocktails, too.
19 locals recommend
King Eddy
438 9 Ave SELocated in East Village, this legendary house of blues was rebuilt brick by brick as part of the rejuvenation of the neighborhood and as part of the National Music Center (and heart of the Music Mile). Catch some live music and southern style food. Great cocktails, too.
Restaurants, shops and historic sandstone buildings line this pedestrian-oriented street in downtown Calgary
132 locals recommend
Stephen Avenue Walk
340 8 Ave SWRestaurants, shops and historic sandstone buildings line this pedestrian-oriented street in downtown Calgary
Calgary Zoo
An inner city zoo on the river.
Groceries
Organic grocery store just steps away from the town house
19 locals recommend
Amaranth 4th Street Market
1407 4 St SWOrganic grocery store just steps away from the town house
Safeway Beltline
813 11 Ave SWGrocery chain
Safeway Mission Calgary
524 Elbow Dr SWGrocery chain
Groceries and ready-made food to go or dine in. New and trendy urban grocery store
7 locals recommend
Urban Fare
101-906 16 Ave SWGroceries and ready-made food to go or dine in. New and trendy urban grocery store
Health and wellness
Yoga Santosha Mission
1800 4 St SWA lovely yoga studio
In case you need medical help, it's just a couple blocks away.
31 locals recommend
Sheldon M. Chumir Health Centre
1213 4 St SWIn case you need medical help, it's just a couple blocks away.
Shoppers Drug Mart
815 17 Ave SWPharmacy and more
In case you feel like a work out, this gym is open 24 hours and only a few blocks away
18 locals recommend
GoodLife Fitness Calgary Mount Royal Village
880 16 Ave SWIn case you feel like a work out, this gym is open 24 hours and only a few blocks away
Oasis Wellness Centre & Spa
880 16 Ave SWA lovely spa, or should I say "spaaaaaaaaah". Enjoy some R&R.
Unique things to do
What do you get when you cross a counter at a bar with a multi-person bike? Find out as you pedal your way to some of the local craft breweries.
Pedal Pub Calgary
1417 9 Ave SEWhat do you get when you cross a counter at a bar with a multi-person bike? Find out as you pedal your way to some of the local craft breweries.
Go ziplining, summer bobsledding, mountain biking and more. Plus see Canada's Sports Hall of Fame and the home of the 1988 Winter Olympics (remember Cool Runnings and Eddie the Eagle?)
42 locals recommend
Winsport Arena
Canada Olympic Road SouthwestGo ziplining, summer bobsledding, mountain biking and more. Plus see Canada's Sports Hall of Fame and the home of the 1988 Winter Olympics (remember Cool Runnings and Eddie the Eagle?)
Check out the Beltline Urban Murals Project (BUMP) at https://yycbump.ca/ and tour the inner city's murals. Tons of great restaurants and shops along the way.
44 locals recommend
Beltline
Check out the Beltline Urban Murals Project (BUMP) at https://yycbump.ca/ and tour the inner city's murals. Tons of great restaurants and shops along the way.
It's a summer tradition to float down the Bow River in a raft. On hot days, there are practically traffic jams.
Lazy Day Raft Rentals (Baker Park)
It's a summer tradition to float down the Bow River in a raft. On hot days, there are practically traffic jams.
Ironwood Stage & Grill
1229 9 Ave SEA Calgary mainstay for live music every day of the week
PinBar
501 17 Ave SWPinball and drinks - a great place to spend all those weird Canadian coins
A decent-sized farmer's market with great food places for lunch and food vendors for everything from meats, seafood, cheese, produce, baked goods, honey, eggs and more! Open Fri - Sun
70 locals recommend
Crossroads Market
1235 26 Ave SEA decent-sized farmer's market with great food places for lunch and food vendors for everything from meats, seafood, cheese, produce, baked goods, honey, eggs and more! Open Fri - Sun
Calgary's first neighbourhood founded in the late 1800's by the North West Mounted Police. Now, it's one of the hippest and trendiest neighbourhoods in Canada with unique shops and great places to eat or drink. Heart of the Music Mile.
161 locals recommend
Inglewood
Calgary's first neighbourhood founded in the late 1800's by the North West Mounted Police. Now, it's one of the hippest and trendiest neighbourhoods in Canada with unique shops and great places to eat or drink. Heart of the Music Mile.
Where the iconic Peace Bridge is. A gorgeous inner city "island" park - home to many festivals and where you can catch Theatre Calgary's Shakespeare performances www.theatrecalgary.com. Get a picnic basket from River Cafe.
419 locals recommend
Prince's Island Park
698 Eau Claire Ave SWWhere the iconic Peace Bridge is. A gorgeous inner city "island" park - home to many festivals and where you can catch Theatre Calgary's Shakespeare performances www.theatrecalgary.com. Get a picnic basket from River Cafe.
A hidden gem in NW Calgary - rent a canoe or paddle boat, have a picnic or lunch at the restaurant.
128 locals recommend
Bowness Park
8900 48 Ave NWA hidden gem in NW Calgary - rent a canoe or paddle boat, have a picnic or lunch at the restaurant.
A 40 minute drive to this charming town brings you to an award-winning distillery. Taste small batch gins, whiskey, tonics and more. Worth the trip!
19 locals recommend
Eau Claire Distillery
113 Sunset Blvd SWA 40 minute drive to this charming town brings you to an award-winning distillery. Taste small batch gins, whiskey, tonics and more. Worth the trip!
Yuk Yuk's
218 18 Ave SEStand up comedy
One of the best dinosaur museums and one of the top fossil deposits in the world. 1.5 - 2 hour drive from Calgary.
135 locals recommend
Royal Tyrrell Museum of Palaeontology
1500 N Dinosaur TrailOne of the best dinosaur museums and one of the top fossil deposits in the world. 1.5 - 2 hour drive from Calgary.
Did you know that Calgary has the largest network of skywalks (we call them +15s) in North America? You can almost walk to any building without every stepping foot outside. Look for the +15 symbol and maps... you can be walking above traffic and avoid any bad weather.
97 locals recommend
Downtown
Did you know that Calgary has the largest network of skywalks (we call them +15s) in North America? You can almost walk to any building without every stepping foot outside. Look for the +15 symbol and maps... you can be walking above traffic and avoid any bad weather.
Rent bikes, skis, snowboards, inflatable rafts and more! Get out and enjoy!
14 locals recommend
Sports Rent
4424 16 Ave NWRent bikes, skis, snowboards, inflatable rafts and more! Get out and enjoy!
Wading pool in the summer and ice skating in the winter. This is where the Olympic Medals were awarded in the 1988 Winter Olympic games.
68 locals recommend
Olympic Plaza
228 8 Ave SEWading pool in the summer and ice skating in the winter. This is where the Olympic Medals were awarded in the 1988 Winter Olympic games.
Did you know that Calgary has the largest bike pathway network in North America? Over 750km and counting! Rent a bike or walk along the pathways.
Calgary Greenway Bike Path
Calgary Greenway Bike PathDid you know that Calgary has the largest bike pathway network in North America? Over 750km and counting! Rent a bike or walk along the pathways.
Basketball, ping pong and more in this new, cool inner city park. Visit while in East Village
The Bounce Outdoor Basketball Courts
Basketball, ping pong and more in this new, cool inner city park. Visit while in East Village
shopping
A great little shop with gifts, cards, jewellery, books, local artisan goodies and tasteful souvenirs. Something for everyone.
16 locals recommend
Steeling Home
1010 17 Ave SWA great little shop with gifts, cards, jewellery, books, local artisan goodies and tasteful souvenirs. Something for everyone.
So many shops along 17th Avenue - it's worth a leisurely stroll along the famous Red Mile.
60 locals recommend
17 Avenue Southwest
17 Avenue SouthwestSo many shops along 17th Avenue - it's worth a leisurely stroll along the famous Red Mile.
Known as The Mission District and just down the street - some unique shops and restaurants as you stroll toward the Elbow River.
4 Street Southwest
4 Street SouthwestKnown as The Mission District and just down the street - some unique shops and restaurants as you stroll toward the Elbow River.
In addition to shopping local hand-make "upcycled" goods, you can rent a bike here and explore Calgary's 750+ km of bike paths.
8 locals recommend
Reworks Upcycle Shop
5248 Queen Victoria RoadIn addition to shopping local hand-make "upcycled" goods, you can rent a bike here and explore Calgary's 750+ km of bike paths.
CF Chinook Centre
6455 Macleod TrailA favourite shopping mall
Downtown mall within walking distance. While there, visit Stephen Avenue Walk (pedestrian street), historic Hudson's Bay department store and Olympic Plaza
310 locals recommend
Core Shopping
324 8 Ave SWDowntown mall within walking distance. While there, visit Stephen Avenue Walk (pedestrian street), historic Hudson's Bay department store and Olympic Plaza
Neighborhoods
One of the oldest neighbourhoods in Calgary and also in the top 10 trendy areas in Canada! Lots of unique shops and food places + a large concentration of craft brewers
161 locals recommend
Inglewood
One of the oldest neighbourhoods in Calgary and also in the top 10 trendy areas in Canada! Lots of unique shops and food places + a large concentration of craft brewers
A short walk down 4th Street south takes you to this charming area near the Elbow River. Restaurants, groceries, coffee shops, and shopping galore! And a great bakery (La Boulangerie)
44 locals recommend
Mission
A short walk down 4th Street south takes you to this charming area near the Elbow River. Restaurants, groceries, coffee shops, and shopping galore! And a great bakery (La Boulangerie)
Probably the most popular strip in Calgary, which also leads directly to the Stampede Grounds and Saddledome. Also known as the Red Mile during the Calgary Flames hockey playoff run, this street is full of restaurants, lounges, pubs, ice cream shops, coffee houses, bakeries and great shopping.
60 locals recommend
17 Avenue Southwest
17 Avenue SouthwestProbably the most popular strip in Calgary, which also leads directly to the Stampede Grounds and Saddledome. Also known as the Red Mile during the Calgary Flames hockey playoff run, this street is full of restaurants, lounges, pubs, ice cream shops, coffee houses, bakeries and great shopping.
At the cross roads of Kensington Road and 10th Street NW, lots of shopping, delicious cupcakes, pubs, restaurants, groceries and more!
45 locals recommend
Kensington Road Northwest
Kensington Road NorthwestAt the cross roads of Kensington Road and 10th Street NW, lots of shopping, delicious cupcakes, pubs, restaurants, groceries and more!
Calgary's oldest and newest neighbourhood. Visit Fort Calgary, the new Central Library, New Music Center, stroll along the river pathway and more!
79 locals recommend
East Village
Calgary's oldest and newest neighbourhood. Visit Fort Calgary, the new Central Library, New Music Center, stroll along the river pathway and more!
The area that the town house is located in is full of great shops, restaurants, bars, food places and the home of the BELTLINE URBAN MURALS PROJECT (BUMP). Stroll around the neighbourhood to view the murals painted by artists from around the world.
44 locals recommend
Beltline
The area that the town house is located in is full of great shops, restaurants, bars, food places and the home of the BELTLINE URBAN MURALS PROJECT (BUMP). Stroll around the neighbourhood to view the murals painted by artists from around the world.