Where to Stay in Calgary (6 Best Places & Areas)

6 Best Neighborhoods & Areas to Stay in Calgary

Calgary is one of the easiest places to get around, as the city is laid out on a grid. Four quadrants make up Calgary’s layout – NW, NE, SW, and SE. 

It seems a little confusing at first, but just remember that “streets” run north-south and “avenues” run east-west. Centre Street divides the city’s east and west, while the Bow River divides north and south. 

Now, let’s get into the best neighborhoods to stay in the city.

Downtown

👉 Best Area For First-Timers | ✨ Best Downtown Hotels: The Dorian • Hotel Le Germain Calgary • Courtyard by Marriott Calgary Downtown • The Fairmont Palliser

For a first-time visit to Calgary, there’s nowhere better to stay than Downtown. It’s the most central part of the city and within walking distance of all of the city’s best attractions. 

I loved my five-night stay at the Courtyard by Marriott Calgary Downtown because it’s central with great access to public transportation, which I really appreciated as a solo traveller. It’s modern, has all the amenities, and I have not stopped talking about how comfy my bed was! I was treated so well here, too. The staff and their service were five-star! See my full hotel review here.

Although it was a little out of my budget for this trip, The Dorian is my top hotel in Calgary. I am obsessed with its gorgeous décor and fantastic dining. The beautiful Prologue Cafe saw me every morning for my coffee, and I had the most amazing lunch with a view at their in-house restaurant, The Wilde on 27. 

The Calgary Tower is the city’s most famous landmark, and I recommend starting your visit here. At 191 meters tall, it’s the perfect place to learn the layout of the city and get your bearings. Other notable Downtown attractions are the Devonian Botanical Gardens, Jaume Plensa’s sculpture “Wonderland,” The Bow high-rise, and Chinatown.

But my favourite part of Downtown is Stephen Ave, a historic and vibrant pedestrian street full of little shops and great dining. I was especially taken with all the old banks, which have been converted into fun pubs and restaurants. I really enjoyed my meal and the atmosphere at the James Joyce. 

Just know that while Downtown is a safe place to stay and there are always people around, you’ll want to remain vigilant in the area immediately east of the Calgary Tower at night. 

Pros of Staying in the Downtown Neighborhood:

• Central and walkable
• Lots of great attractions, restaurants and bars
• Easy access to public transportation

Cons of Staying in the Downtown Neighborhood:

• Hotels are more expensive
• Most of the central core lacks character
• Visible homelessness and drug addiction

Beltline

👉 Best Area For Dining & Nightlife | ✨ Best Beltline Hotels: Residence Inn by Marriott • Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Calgary Downtown • Hotel Arts 

When asking locals where to go in Calgary, most will immediately say “17th Avenue” in the Beltline. It’s easy to see why. The Beltline is just south of the Downtown core and easy to reach on foot. Here, you’ll be able to shop and dine to your heart’s content. 

The neighborhood is also the epicenter of the BUMP (Beltline Urban Murals Project) Festival. Walk around and see the 165 colorful murals adorning the area’s walls and buildings. 

If you’re keen to stay near the city’s best dining and nightlife, The Residence Inn by Marriott is a fantastic choice. It puts you right between Downtown and The Beltline, so everything is within a short walk. It’s also dangerously close to my favourite Eggs Benedict at Red’s Diner Fourth Street. 

Even though it was chilly when I visited, all of Calgary seemed to be out. The neighborhood’s vibe was super energetic, and I really enjoyed all of the lively bars and restaurants. I recommend visiting Lulu Bar for Happy Hour. I loved the ambience, and I’m still thinking about their cucumber salad!

The best time to visit the Beltline is during the 10 days in July when the famous Calgary Stampede rolls into town. The Scotiabank Saddledome and Stampede grounds are easy to reach on foot along 17th Ave. And the Sam Centre will give you the Stampede experience year-round.

The Beltline is Calgary’s most densely populated district, and much of it is residential. But I enjoyed visiting the Lougheed House National & Provincial Historic Site and Calgary Central Library & Memorial Park. It is always nice to experience a little history in the middle of a modern neighborhood. 

Pros of Staying in the Beltline Neighborhood:

• Hip bars and restaurants are everywhere
• Lots of shopping
• Vibrant and lively on weekends and sunny days
• Beautiful murals give the area an artsy vibe

Cons of Staying in the Beltline Neighborhood:

• Densely populated
• Crowded and noisy 
• Higher rates of petty crime and homelessness

Kensington

👉 Best Area For Artsy, Local Charm | ✨ Best Kensington Hotels: Hotel Arts Kensington• Vibrant and Modern Apartment

Kensington is a trendy neighborhood just north of Calgary’s Downtown. What this area lacks in big attractions, it makes up for in charm. It’s one of my favourite parts of the city. 

The Hotel Arts Kensington is the only hotel in the immediate area, but it always makes the list of Calgary’s best stays. The hotel is steps from Poppy Plaza with its incredible Downtown and river views. And it’s home to Oxbow, one of the city’s top restaurants. 

The neighborhood’s highlight is Kensington Road, lined with wonderful shops and restaurants. Be sure to pop into Hidden Gem artisan market, Pages bookstore, and Hot Wax Records if you’re looking to spend money. Stop for coffee at Higher Ground, and head to the Plaza Theatre to catch an indie flick. 

Kensington is an artsy neighborhood. Take to the streets to see over 30 installations and murals. And don’t miss a wander through the backstreets of Kensington Road. I was so enamoured with all the lovely houses. 

Pros of Staying in the Kensington Neighborhood:

• Walkable with tons of shopping and dining
• Near Downtown and the Bow River
• Trendy and community-oriented

Cons of Staying in the Kensington Neighborhood:

• Can be noisy, especially on weekends
• Visible drug use and homelessness, particularly around the Sunnyside C-Train station
• Limited parking during peak times and weekends

East Village

👉 Best Area For Young Urbanites | ✨ Best East Village Hotels: Alt Hotel Calgary East Village • Homewood Suites by Hilton Calgary Downtown • Hilton Garden Inn 

Calgary appears to be undergoing a lot of regeneration, and nowhere highlights this more than the East Village. This up-and-coming neighborhood is full of shiny new condos and beautiful places to walk. 

Since it’s so close to the Downtown core, there are lots of hotel options around the area. My favourite is the Alt Hotel Calgary East Village for its setting near the river. The hotel is surrounded by new residential towers, making it the perfect place for a quiet stay. I also love that Charbar, one of my favourite restaurants, is a short walk away in the historic Simmons Building. 

Although it’s on the edge of the city centre, there are still several attractions to put on your list. The Confluence Historical Site & Parkland, where the Bow and Elbow rivers converge, is a must for history lovers. Here, you’ll be able to visit Fort Calgary, an old police outpost. I also really love the park and its river views. 

And if you love music like I do, be sure to visit one of my favourite places in all of Canada: Studio Bell. This massive site contains actual recording studios and the National Music Centre. 

Five floors of exhibition space celebrate Canada’s iconic music industry. You’ll see four Canadian Music Halls of Fame, featured artist exhibitions (they were setting up Nelly Furtado’s during my visit), and you can try your hand at playing different instruments and recording your very own song. 

Afterwards, you’ll need a refreshment, so head to the famous King Eddy for a drink!

Pros of Staying in the East Village Neighborhood:

• Quiet and residential, but near the central core
• Easy to walk Downtown
• Near lots of parks and the River Walk 

Cons of Staying in the East Village Neighborhood:

• Further away from restaurants and nightlife
• Visible homelessness and drug addiction in the area
• Noise from construction projects

Inglewood

👉 Best Area For Historic Charm | ✨ Best Inglewood Hotels: Alt Hotel Calgary East Village • The Onyx Suite • East End Loft

Anyone fascinated by historic neighborhoods will love Inglewood. With the CP Rail lines on one side and the Elbow River on the other, Calgary’s oldest neighborhood is anchored by 9th Avenue, also known as “Music Mile.” 

While you can find apartment rentals here, there are no hotels. The Onyx Suite is a comfortable, no-frills option, while the East End Loft is bright and modern. However, the Alt Hotel Calgary East Village is a short, picturesque walk away, making it a convenient choice for anyone who wants to stay near this area. 

The strip of historical buildings along 9th have been converted into trendy shops and restaurants. I could have spent hours browsing around Hello Vintage, Fair’s Fair, and Recordland Limited. Art fanatics will definitely want to pop into the Esker Foundation. The street also has tons of great places to eat and drink. I absolutely loved the cicchetti at L’Olivo. 

This is the place to be for fans of live music. The Ironwood Stage & Grill is a Calgary institution, and it just so happened that one of my favourite bands was playing there during my visit! I was thrilled to have had the opportunity to check out this cool, intimate venue. The Attic Bar & Stage is also a place to keep on your radar for live performances. 

And if you need an escape from the hustle and bustle, Inglewood is home to a bird sanctuary, fish hatchery, and scenic river walk along the Elbow. I only had time for a walk along the river, but the natural surroundings were so peaceful, it felt like I was miles away from the city. 

Pros of Staying in the Inglewood Neighborhood:

• Beautiful historical buildings
• Great shopping, dining, and live music
• Community-oriented neighborhood

Cons of Staying in the Inglewood Neighborhood:

• Lacks hotels
• Further away from the Downtown attractions

Eau Claire

👉 Best Area For Families | ✨ Best Eau Claire Hotels: Sheraton Suites Calgary Eau Claire • The Westley Calgary Downtown • The Westin Calgary

Eau Claire is a fantastic area to stay if you’re travelling with kids (and even if you’re not). This small neighborhood sits on the banks of the scenic Bow River, just across from Prince’s Island. I think it’s the prettiest part of the city. You’ve got the Bow River Walk, the pedestrianized Eau Claire Plaza, and the island’s huge park all at your doorstep.  

I love the Sheraton Suites Calgary Eau Claire for its location next to the plaza, which is always bustling with activity and festivals. Chinatown is around the corner, and you’re just a couple of blocks away from the city’s central core. 

Eau Claire is also home to fantastic dining. JOEY and LOCAL Public House are popular choices for good food and fun vibes. And the River Café, across the bridge on Prince’s Island, has been included on Canada’s Top 100 Restaurants list. Although pricey, I loved my meal here, and the setting was so beautiful. 

And did you know that Calgary has a beach? Well, it’s right here in Eau Claire. You’ll find sand, lounge chairs, and umbrellas at this charming man-made beach in the plaza. 

Pros of Staying in the Eau Claire Neighborhood:

• Most scenic part of the city
• Lots of pedestrianized areas and places to walk or cycle
• Close to the Downtown core

Cons of Staying in the Eau Claire Neighborhood:

• Noise from the redevelopment of the area
• Further away from the C-Train and public transportation

Tips for Staying in Calgary

Make the Calgary Tower Your First Stop

If this is your first time visiting the city, start at the Calgary Tower. Located 191 meters above the Downtown core, you’ll get 360-degree views of the whole city, the surrounding countryside, and the majestic Rocky Mountains. Daredevils and children will enjoy the glass floor that looks down on the street below. 

Sunny days are perfect for a visit to the tower, but the city is famous for its big, beautiful sky, so come and watch a sunset here. Grab a quick snack at Tops, stay for dinner at the revolving Sky 360 Restaurant and Lounge, or enjoy a steak at Ruth’s Chris Steak House at the base of the tower. 

Not only did I love the views, but it was the perfect way for me to get my bearings. You can see all of the city’s major landmarks and get a sense of where each neighborhood is located. It made it much easier for me to find my way on the ground. 

The C-Train Is Free to Ride Downtown

Calgary’s C-Train system consists of two routes with a combined length of almost 60 kms. And for a 2.5 km stretch of Downtown, you can ride the rails entirely free of charge. 

The free fare zone runs between Downtown West/Kirby and City Hall/Bow Valley College stations. Outside of these boundaries, an adult fare will cost $4. 

Don’t Leave Home Without Your Layers

If you’re visiting Calgary any time other than the summer, be sure to bring layers because the city’s weather is ever-changing and unpredictable thanks to their infamous “Chinooks.” These gusty winds blow into the city from the Rocky Mountains and can change the temperature by the minute. For a comprehensive list of what to bring, bookmark our Canada packing list!

My trip to Calgary was in mid-March. I arrived on a warm, almost summer-like day. Locals made fun of my parka, I was so hot, and I regretted bringing it. However, five days later, on my last day, there was a huge dump of snow and the sub-freezing temperatures returned. 

Don’t Be Put Off by the Cold Weather

Because I visited Calgary during a cold and snowy time of year, the +15 skywalk network quickly became one of my favourite things about the city. 86 bridges connect over 130 buildings in the Downtown core. You can get most places you want to go without stepping foot outside. 

The bridges are heated and there is tons of shopping and dining throughout the system. You will find maps everywhere, but that didn’t stop me from constantly getting lost and turned around. Although these skywalks were made to be practical, I thought they were a fun way to experience Calgary. 

Visit for the Calgary Stampede

Grab your cowboy hat and boots and join over 1 million people for the annual Calgary Stampede! It’s absolutely one of the best times to visit Canada.

For 10 fun-filled days in early July, you’ll be treated to the world’s largest rodeo, chuckwagon races, concerts, parades, and exhilarating midway rides. And Stampede is legendary across Canada for its electric party atmosphere. 

During Stampede, hotels will be pricey and can fill up quickly. So, if you plan to visit, book well in advance so you don’t miss out!

This Is the Place for Steak

Calgary and its province of Alberta are the center of Canada’s cattle and meat-packing industry. Its cows are some of the world’s best due to superior grazing environments and nutrient-rich feed. They don’t call the city “Cowtown” for nothing. 

Carnivores will be in heaven here, as there is nowhere better in the country to indulge in a juicy steak than Calgary. You’ll find the meat to be tender and perfectly marbled. Some top steakhouses to visit are Caesar’s Steakhouse & Lounge, Vintage Chophouse & Tavern, and Hy’s Steakhouse & Cocktail Bar. 

FAQs about Calgary

How many days is enough for Calgary?

3-4 full days are enough to experience all of Calgary’s major attractions at a leisurely pace. But allow 5 days to a week (or more) if you plan to visit Banff and the Rocky Mountains. 

When is the best time to visit Calgary? 

Summer (July and August) is the best time to visit Calgary when the weather is warm, outdoor activities and festivals are in full swing, and the Stampede comes to town. 

Fall brings cooler temperatures, fewer crowds, and reduced prices. Although winter is cold and snowy, it’s the best time to hit the slopes in the nearby Rockies. 

Is Calgary safe? 

On the whole, Calgary is a safe city. As a solo female who went out almost every night, I felt safe taking public transportation and walking to and from my Downtown hotel. I also had a chance to visit the outer suburban areas, which I found to be quiet and family-friendly. 

But like most Canadian cities, there are significant problems with homelessness and drug addiction here. Being from Vancouver, this is nothing new to me. But I was quite surprised at how much street activity I saw in Calgary’s central core, especially since it was so cold. 

My local friends recommend avoiding the area immediately east of the Calgary Tower at night. I had no issues exploring there during the day, but there is a visible concentration of shelters and social services there, so their warning made sense. 

What areas of Calgary should I avoid staying in? 

Unless you are on a quick layover or have access to a vehicle, I would avoid staying near the airport, which is 17 kilometers outside of the city. I took public transportation to and from Downtown Calgary and it took an hour, so it felt quite far away. 

The suburban areas of Calgary seemed really nice. But the city is spread out and it is inconvenient to reach Downtown without a car. Other than the C-Train (which consists of only 2 lines) there is no rapid transit to get you to many of these areas quickly.  

What are the best parts of Calgary to stay for a weekend? 

For a quick weekend visit to Calgary, stay Downtown. It will put you in the center of everything, and nowhere is too far to walk or reach by public transportation. This is the best area of town to maximize your time on a short trip. 

What are the best parts of Calgary to stay with kids? 

The Eau Claire neighborhood is the best part of Calgary to stay with kids. You have the Bow River Walk, the car-free Eau Claire Plaza, and Prince’s Island all in a compact area. It’s the safest place to let the kids loose to explore. 

What are the best day trips from Calgary? 

The best day trips from Calgary are Banff National Park, Lake Louise, and Kananaskis for the stunning scenery of the Rocky Mountains. 

Drumheller will take you to the Alberta Badlands to experience the dinosaurs. And Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump is a UNESCO Heritage Site where you can see the remains of an ancient Indigenous hunting site, complete with buffalo skeletons.  

***

I hope this guide has helped you figure out where to stay in Calgary. It may seem like an ordinary city at first glance, but dig deeper and you’ll find a spirited culture, proud and diverse communities, and a strong sense of heritage. In Calgary, you’ll be welcomed with open arms as wide as that big blue sky. 

Planning on exploring even more of the province? Up next, check out our ultimate Alberta road trip itinerary!