St. John's Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

St. John\'s
St. John\'s showing rugged coastline, general coastal views and a coastal town
Photo provided by Newfoundland and Labrador Tourism
St. John\'s featuring a coastal town and rugged coastline
St. John\'s showing general coastal views, rocky coastline 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 kilometres) of walking trails that links St. John’s to surrounding villages and attractions.

St John's city centre 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(7 area reviews)

The abundant dining options and waterfront views are top of the list for many visitors to Downtown St. John's. A stop by George Street or Atlantic Place might round out your trip.

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

Quidi Vidi

You'll enjoy the parks and historical sites in Quidi Vidi. You might want to make time for a stop at Quidi Vidi Lake or Signal Hill National Historic Site.

Quidi Vidi
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West End

If you're spending some time in West End, Village Shopping Centre and Lester's Farm Market are top sights worth seeing.

West End
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Central

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

Central
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The Battery

When in The Battery, you can plan a visit to Johnson Geo Centre and Signal Hill National Historic Site, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

The Battery
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Churchill Park

If you're looking for some top things to see and do in Churchill Park and surrounding area, you can visit Confederation Building and Suncor Energy Fluvarium.

Churchill Park
Sandman Signature St. John's Hotel
Sandman Signature St. John's Hotel
3.5 out of 5
227 Kenmount Road, St. John's, NL
The price is £128 per night from 22 Jun to 23 Jun
£128
22 Jun - 23 Jun
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3.5-star business-friendly hotel in St. John's. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and 2 restaurants. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,936 reviews)
"Quick check in with comfortable beds. Everything was in good condition in the room. No complaints."

Reviewed on 15 Jun 2025

Sandman Signature St. John's Hotel
Jag Boutique Hotel
Jag Boutique Hotel
4.5 out of 5
115 George Street West, St. John's, NL
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in St. John's. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, 2 bars/lounges and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the restaurant and the bar in ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,416 reviews)
"Great rock n roll themed hotel in downtown St. John's. Staff friendly, room clean and well appointed, bed comfy. Excellent meals at Zimmy's and also at Exile. Awesome theming throughout the hotel. Enjoyed the 8th floor lounge, Mojo's, too. Minor repairs needed in room, but despite bringing to the ..."

Reviewed on 14 Jun 2025

Jag Boutique Hotel
Hampton Inn & Suites by Hilton St. John's Airport
Hampton Inn & Suites by Hilton St. John's Airport
4 out of 5
411 Stavanger Drive, St. John's, NL
The price is £127 per night from 1 Jul to 2 Jul
£127
1 Jul - 2 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star golf hotel in St. John's. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in their ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,002 reviews)
"Staff was helpful on check in and out. Breakfast was great with more options than I expected. Shuttle, while in the shop, was easily rectified with taxis arranged both ways. Room was clean and quiet. 7 mins away from the airport so great location for a night before an early flight."

Reviewed on 12 Jun 2025

Hampton Inn & Suites by Hilton St. John's Airport
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.
Jelly Bean Row - Upper Suite
Jelly Bean Row - Upper Suite
St. John's, NL
Stay at this holiday home in St. John's. Enjoy laundry facilities. Popular attractions George Street and The Rooms are located nearby.
10/10 Exceptional! (3 reviews)
Perfect for exploring down town.
"The stay was great. The lint trap in the dryer needs to be cleaned regularly and the outside dryer termination should be checked. Both were plugged making iit take forever to dry cloths"

Reviewed on 20 May 2025

Jelly Bean Row - Upper Suite
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 Wi-Fi, parking (surcharge) and laundry facilities. Popular attractions George Street and The Rooms are located ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (142 reviews)
"We thought it was a beautiful place to stay. Very clean, easy to get to. Lots of restaurants in the area. The condo itself was very clean, comfortable beds."

Reviewed on 12 Jun 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, Newfoundland & Labrador
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! (94 reviews)
All the best
"Absolutely wonderful clean huge rooms comfortable bed perfect view had some amenities ie coffee tea shampoo and conditioner etc. It really was amazing. All of it"

Reviewed on 25 May 2025

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

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