St. John's

Travel Guide

St. John\'s
St. John\'s featuring rocky coastline, a coastal town and general coastal views
Photo provided by Newfoundland and Labrador Tourism
St. John\'s showing a coastal town and rugged coastline
St. John\'s featuring rocky coastline, general coastal views and a coastal town

Find the "City of Legends" at Canada's easternmost point. Explore its dramatic iceberg-spotted coast and enjoy its distinctly artistic atmosphere.

St. John's locals pride themselves on their city's artistic flair and the stunning natural attractions that surround them. The city was first settled by Europeans around the beginning of the 16th century. Fertile fishing grounds and a pivotal trading location has meant that St. John's has grown to a population of around 100,000 inhabitants today.

Begin your sightseeing with a stroll along Water Street in downtown St. John’s. This thoroughfare, believed to be one of the oldest in North America, has the city’s Visitor Information Centre and plenty of places to dine and shop. At the southern end of the street, you’ll find the Railway Coastal Museum. Browse its exhibits that tell the story of Newfoundland's century-old railway and shipping services.

Head north along Water Street and turn into Duckworth Street to reach The Rooms, an important cultural space that brings together a museum, gallery and archives. Just a few minutes’ walk from here is the Anglican Cathedral of St. John the Baptist. The city’s other major religious building is the Roman Catholic Basilica Cathedral of St. John the Baptist.

See where some of the stone that was used to build the basilica came from at Signal Hill. Admire sweeping views from this landmark of communications and military history. Nearby, learn about the geology of the area at the Johnson GEO Centre. Find out what native flora and fauna grows and lives in this part of the world at the Memorial University of Newfoundland (MUN) Botanical Garden.

Experience nature in a more wild setting as you tour the waters on a boat trip. Spot humpback whales swimming between dramatic icebergs. You can also look for whales on land at the Cape Spear Lighthouse National Historic Site, located at the most easterly point of land in North America. The Visitor Centre at the restored lighthouse has exhibits on the history and traditions of lighthouse keeping.

Venture farther afield with a visit to the village of Quidi Vidi, a quaint fishing settlement. You can reach Quidi Vidi via the Grand Concourse, 75 miles (120 kilometers) of walking trails that links St. John’s to surrounding villages and attractions.

St John's city center is a 10-minute drive from its international airport. Get around town using taxis or the local metro bus service.

Where to stay in St. John's

Johnson Geo Centre

Downtown St. John's

4.5/5(116 area reviews)

Historic core meets business hub, this area boasts office buildings, hotels, and a vibrant entertainment scene. Discover local art galleries, bookstores, and The Rooms cultural facility, while enjoying unique shopping experiences.

Downtown St. John's
Cabot Tower featuring general coastal views and landscape views

Quidi Vidi

Discover "The Gut" harbor and Quidi Vidi Lake in this charming area, where you can visit the Quidi Vidi Brewing Company and Village Artisan Studios. Explore the Quidi Vidi Battery Provincial Historic Site and dine at the restored Mallard Cottage.

Quidi Vidi
I. love. Lester's Farm. It brings colour and joy to even the coldest and dreariest July winter days

West End

While visiting West End, you might make a stop by sights like Village Shopping Centre and Lester's Farm Market.

West End
Default Image

Central

While Central isn't home to many top sights, Mile One Centre and George Street are some notable places to visit nearby.

Central
Default Image

Churchill Park

While there might not be top attractions in Churchill Park, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Confederation Building and Suncor Energy Fluvarium.

Churchill Park
Neighbourhood built on the slopes of Signal Hill overlooking St. John's Harbour

-2017

The Battery

Perched on the slopes of Signal Hill, this picturesque area boasts steep inclines and vibrant houses. Explore Chain Rock, a historic landmark, and enjoy captivating harbor views.

The Battery
Holiday Inn St. John's Conference Centre by IHG

Holiday Inn St. John's Conference Centre by IHG

3.5 out of 5
180 Portugal Cove Road, St. John's, NL
$154 nightly
The price is $183 total per night from Aug 28 to Aug 29
$183 total
Aug 28 - Aug 29
Total includes taxes and fees
Stay at this 3.5-star business-friendly hotel in St. John's. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in ...
7.6/10 Good! (1,020 reviews)
"Awesome pleasantly surprised!!"

Reviewed on Jul 26, 2025

Holiday Inn St. John's Conference Centre by IHG
Jag Boutique Hotel

Jag Boutique Hotel

4.5 out of 5
115 George Street West, St. John's, NL
$176 nightly
The price is $210 total per night from Aug 25 to Aug 26
$210 total
Aug 25 - Aug 26
Total includes taxes and fees
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in St. John's. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 bars/lounges, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the restaurant and the bar in ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,551 reviews)
"Very hip, rock n roll hotel. Funky vibe."

Reviewed on Jul 27, 2025

Jag Boutique Hotel
Sandman Signature St. John's Hotel

Sandman Signature St. John's Hotel

3.5 out of 5
227 Kenmount Road, St. John's, NL
$180 nightly
The price is $213 total per night from Aug 30 to Aug 31
$213 total
Aug 30 - Aug 31
Total includes taxes and fees
Stay at this 3.5-star business-friendly hotel in St. John's. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 2 restaurants. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (2,063 reviews)
"We stay there everytime we visit St. Johns. Quiet area and easy access to all amenities."

Reviewed on Jul 28, 2025

Sandman Signature St. John's Hotel
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Water Street and HarborGate Condos

Water Street and HarborGate Condos

4 out of 5
204 Water Street, St. John's, NL
Stay at this 4-star condo in St. John's. Enjoy free WiFi, parking (surcharge), and laundry facilities. Popular attractions George Street and The Rooms are located ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (154 reviews)
"Perfect accommodation, within walking distance of restaurants, nightlife and St John's cultural sights. Lots to see and do. The condo was beautifully decorated and well equipped. The communication from Earl was excellent both about the accommodation and the area."

Reviewed on Jul 20, 2025

Water Street and HarborGate Condos
Downtown Executive Best View, Fireplaces, Apartment#3<br>

Downtown Executive Best View, Fireplaces, Apartment#3<br>

St. John's
Stay at this apartment in St. John's. Enjoy a water park, laundry facilities, and patios. Popular attractions The Rooms and Port of St. John's are located ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (104 reviews)
"This was our first VRBO experience… we couldn’t have been more pleased. Any questions or concerns I might have had were immediately answered by Kathie … she was very helpful. The suite was comfortable, had all the amenities as advertised. We were very impressed and I would highly recommend."

Reviewed on Jul 29, 2025

Downtown Executive Best View, Fireplaces, Apartment#3<br>
Jelly Bean Row - Upper Suite

Jelly Bean Row - Upper Suite

St. John's
Stay at this vacation home in St. John's. Enjoy laundry facilities. Popular attractions George Street and The Rooms are located nearby.
9.2/10 Wonderful! (9 reviews)
Beautiful rental and convenient location
"Booking and communication with host was so easy. Everything was ready when we arrived. The place is amazing inside. Very cozy! Very clean, bright, spacious, has all the amenities you need. We stayed for 10 days and loved having a laundry and fully equipped kitchen, plenty of linens. Temperature was ..."

Reviewed on Jul 10, 2025

Jelly Bean Row - Upper Suite
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Things to do

Cities near St. John's

Other places like St. John's