Charlotte CampbellDowntown Halifax is where old-school elegance fist bumps modern swagger. This place isn’t just any Canadian downtown—it’s THE downtown.
Whether you’re a local or just swinging by, you’ll get sucked into the rhythm of live music joints, quirky boutiques, world-class attractions, and a food scene that’ll make you wish you had a bottomless belly!
All you need to bring are your feet—okay, maybe some cash too.
And don’t even get us started on the Halifax waterfront—it’s your go-to for beer gardens, playgrounds, farmers’ markets, and museums. Seriously, it’s the Swiss Army knife of fun!
Our downtown Halifax is bold, a bit gritty, and dripping with character. This is where the city’s pulse beats loudest—and where we get to play!
So if you’re looking for things to do, and where to go, then this list is right up your alley!
Best Time to Go
The best time to visit downtown Halifax is from late spring to early autumn, although you can visit it any time of the year.
This time frame is ideal due to the milder weather, vibrant outdoor events, and easier accessibility to waterfront attractions and parks in downtown Halifax.
In particular, summer (June to August) offers warm weather perfect for exploring outdoor attractions, festivals, and the bustling waterfront.
Fall (September to October) brings cooler temperatures and stunning foliage, making it ideal for scenic walks and hikes. Winter (December to February) can be chilly with occasional snow, but it has its own charm with holiday events and cozy indoor activities.
If you want to avoid crowds, consider visiting in the shoulder seasons of spring (April to May) and fall. These times offer pleasant weather, fewer tourists, and often lower prices for accommodations and attractions.
How to Get Around Downtown Halifax
Trains: Halifax doesn’t have an extensive train system like some larger cities, but the VIA Rail Canada service connects Halifax with other major cities across Canada.
Buses: Halifax Transit operates a network of buses covering the entire city. A single trip costs around $2.75 CAD, and you can purchase tickets or use a pre-loaded transit card.
Taxis: Several taxi companies operate in Halifax, including Casino Taxi and Yellow Cab. Uber also operates in the city, providing a convenient alternative.
Car service: If you prefer a more personalized service, companies like World Class Executive Cars and Halifax Limo provide car service options for airport transfers and city tours.
Bicycles: Halifax is bike-friendly, with dedicated bike lanes and trails. Consider renting a bike to explore the city at your own pace.
Where to Stay in Downtown Halifax
The Prince George Hotel
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Website: https://www.princegeorgehotel.com/
Address: 1725 Market Street
Contact: +1 800-565-1567
Rates: $$$
The Prince George Hotel is where old-world elegance meets modern luxury. Centrally located, this place oozes sophistication with its plush rooms and top-notch amenities.
This hotel is perfect for those who appreciate the finer things in life, or at least like to pretend they do.
| Pro Tip: Ask for a room with a view of Citadel Hill—you’ll feel like royalty looking down upon your domain. |
The Halliburton
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Website: http://www.thehalliburton.com/
Address: 5184 Morris St
Contact: +1 902-420-0658
Rates: $$
Quaint, charming, and brimming with history—that’s the Halliburton for you! This boutique hotel offers a cozy atmosphere that makes you feel like you’re staying at a rich aunt’s house (the one who loves antiques and old stories).
Bonus points for the delightful courtyard garden where you can pretend to be royalty.
| Pro Tip: Book a table at their on-site restaurant, Stories. It’s one tale your taste buds will never forget. |
The Westin Nova Scotian
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Website: https://www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/yhzwi-the-westin-nova-scotian/
Address: 1181 Hollis St
Contact: +1 902-421-1000
Rates: $$
The harbor views from this hotel make Instagram filters redundant! If you’re still not convinced, then get the suites.
We’re talking spacious rooms, comfy beds, and a lobby that whispers “classy”. This hotel is conveniently close to the waterfront and the VIA Rail station, because nobody likes a long trek with heavy luggage.
| Pro Tip: Check out their afternoon tea—it’s like a posh British grandmother’s dream come true. |
HI Halifax Hostel
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Website: https://hihostels.ca/en/destinations/nova-scotia/hi-halifax
Address: 1253 Barrington St
Contact: +1 902-422-3863
Rates: $
When looking for a hotel that’s budget-friendly and bursting with character, then your answer is the HI Halifax Hostel! You can think of it as a social experiment where travelers from all corners of the globe come together to swap stories and snacks.
It’s the perfect spot if you’re keen to save your dollars for the local pub scene.
| Pro Tip: Bring earplugs. The walls are as thin as the patience of someone on a caffeine detox. |
Where to Eat in Downtown Halifax
The Bicycle Thief
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Website: http://bicyclethief.ca/
Address: 1475 Lower Water St
Contact: +1 902-425-7993
Hours:
- Open daily from 11:30 AM–11 PM
At The Bicycle Thief, you can find seafood dishes that could make Poseidon himself green with envy. Fresh catches served with an Italian twist in a swanky, waterfront setting? Yes, please!
Don’t forget to order the lobster linguine—it’s basically a seafood symphony in your mouth.
| Pro Tip: Reserve a window seat in advance. Waterfront views pair perfectly with that glass of Nova Scotian wine (or beer). |
The Five Fishermen Restaurant
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Website: http://fivefishermen.com/
Address: 1740 Argyle St
Contact: +1 902-422-4421
Hours:
- Open daily from 5–10 PM
The Five Fisherman Restaurant is a historic hotspot serving up seafood that’s almost too pretty to eat.
Located in a building with more ghost stories than an old lighthouse, this place is all about the ambiance and the chowder that could resurrect the dead.
| Pro Tip: Request a table in the wine cellar for an intimate dining experience. It’s like dining inside a luxurious cave. |
2 Doors Down
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Website: http://www.go2doorsdown.com/
Address: 1533 Barrington St
Contact: +1 902-422-4224
Hours:
- Sunday to Tuesday: 4–9 PM
- Wednesday to Thursday: 11:30 AM–2:30 PM, 4–9 PM
- Friday: 11:30 AM–2:30 PM, 4–10 PM
- Saturday: 4–10 PM
2 Doors Down is your fix for casual dining where local ingredients shine brighter than a summer day on the waterfront! There’s comfort food with a twist that’s perfect for those who believe calories don’t count on vacation.
Not sure which staple to try? Then get the burger—your diet starts never!
| Pro Tip: Check their daily specials board. It’s like a culinary lottery where everyone wins. |
EDNA Restaurant
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Website: http://ednarestaurant.com/
Address: 2053 Gottingen St
Contact: +1 902-429-2550
Hours:
- Closed on Monday
- Tuesday to Friday: 11:30 AM–2:30 PM, 5–10 PM
- Saturday: 5–10 PM
- Sunday: 10 AM–2 PM, 5–10 PM
Modern, cozy, and absolutely delicious—that’s the EDNA Restaurant for you! Here, you’ll find seasonal menus crafted with love and local produce.
It’s the kind of place where brunch turns into lunch and nobody minds.
| Pro Tip: Arrive early for brunch on weekends. The line can be longer than a Maritime winter, but the wait is worth every minute. |
What to Do in Downtown Halifax
Explore the Halifax Citadel National Historic Site.
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Website: https://parks.canada.ca/lhn-nhs/ns/halifax
Address: 5425 Sackville St
Hours:
- Open daily from 9 AM–5 PM
Ever wanted to step back in time and pretend you’re a swashbuckling pirate or a gallant soldier? If that’s the case, then the Halifax Citadel is your playground!
This historic fort sits proudly atop Citadel Hill, offering killer views of the city and a chance to brush up on your 19th-century warfare knowledge.
Oh, and keep an eye out for the kilted soldiers reenacting life in the 1800s—they’re the real MVPs of historical accuracy!
| Pro Tip: Catch the daily Noon Gun firing—you’ll jump out of your skin, but it’s worth it for the bragging rights! |
Visit the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic.
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Website: https://maritimemuseum.novascotia.ca/
Address: 1675 Lower Water St
Hours:
- Open daily from 9:30 AM–4:30 PM
If you’re a sucker for all things nautical, the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic is your treasure chest. From shipwreck artifacts to Titanic memorabilia, this place is a deep dive into maritime history.
And hey, don’t miss the stunning collection of model ships that’ll make you wish you had better hand-eye coordination for your childhood hobby.
| Pro Tip: Check out the CSS Acadia docked outside—she’s a salty old sea dog with stories to tell! |
Wander through the Halifax Public Gardens.
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Website: http://www.halifaxpublicgardens.ca/
Address: Spring Garden Rd
Hours:
- Open daily from 8:30 AM, closes 30 minutes before sunset
Ah, the oasis of Halifax, where flowers bloom and squirrels plot their nutty schemes! The Halifax Public Gardens are Victorian-era havens, perfect for a leisurely stroll or a romantic picnic.
We dare you to lose yourself in the manicured lawns and Instagram-worthy flower beds, and maybe even spot a duck or two plotting their next pond domination.
| Pro Tip: Visit in spring for the full-bloom spectacle—your Instagram feed (and followers) will thank you! |
Take a guided tour of Alexander Keith’s Brewery.
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Website: http://keiths.ca/
Address: 1496 Lower Water St #312
Hours:
- Closed on Sunday
- Monday to Friday: 11:30 AM–8 PM
- Saturday: 10 AM–8 PM
Just say hello to Halifax’s holiest hoppy site—Alexander Keith’s Brewery! Here, you can join a tour and let the spirit of good beer and even better stories wash over you.
You get to hear tales of Halifax’s legendary brewmaster and sample his liquid creations. It’s a history lesson you’ll actually want to pay attention to, topped off with a pint or two of liquid courage!
| Pro Tip: Stick around after the tour for live music and more beer at the brewery’s Red Stag Tavern. |
Shop for local crafts and souvenirs at the historic Halifax Farmers’ Market.
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Website: http://halifaxfarmersmarket.com/
Address: 961 Marginal Rd
Hours:
- Closed from Monday to Friday
- Saturday: 8 AM–2 PM
- Sunday: 10 AM–2 PM
You can always put your wallet on a diet and feast your eyes (and taste buds) at the Halifax Farmers’ Market. And it’s not your typical grocery run—it’s a celebration of local flavors, crafts, and community spirit.
From artisanal cheeses to handmade jewelry, you’ll find treasures that scream “I visited Halifax and didn’t just buy a tacky keychain.”
| Pro Tip: Arrive early on Saturday mornings for the best selection and freshest pastries. Oh, and bring your own reusable bags! |
