What to do in St. John's

Activities, attractions and tours

St. John\'s
St. John\'s
St. John\'s showing rugged coastline, general coastal views and a coastal town
St. John\'s which includes street scenes and a sunset as well as an individual femail
St. John\'s featuring a coastal town and rugged coastline

St. John's Attractions

The capital of Newfoundland, St. John’s is also the province’s biggest city but still a compact, friendly and easy place to explore. Based around the steep slopes of its harbour, the colourful houses and maze like streets are home to artists, musicians and a young, energetic crowd. St. John’s is America’s oldest city, a fact the locals are very proud of and are sure to let you know during your stay. Take in the views from Signal Hill, enjoy great dining options in the big choice of eateries or enjoy a pint of the local tipple in a pub on George Street. St John’s also makes a great base from which to explore more of Newfoundland and the Avalon Peninsula.

Areas & Neighbourhoods in St. John’s

Downtown - This is where you’ll find the best entertainment and the busy hub of the city. The colourful Victorian architecture is considered the place to live by the diverse mix of people that call this city home.

City East - This side of the city is where you’ll find the big green spaces and golf courses. It’s close to the airport and just a few minutes’ drive to the city centre, with some recently developed new neighbourhoods and highly sought after real estate.

City Centre - Essentially a combination of several historic neighbourhoods, including Georgestown and Churchill Square, complete with their charming tree lined streets. This is the real cultural hub of St John’s and a lively place to hang out.

City North - Based around the Kenmount Terrace and Kenmount Road parts of town, this is where you’ll find some of the major retail options in St John’s.

Things to See in St. John’s

There’s a big choice of museums to visit in St. John’s, including The Rooms cultural centre at Fort Townsend. The Royal Coastal Museum and Johnson GeoCenter are also well worth a visit and kids will love the Fluvarium, a part underground aquatic centre. The major historic sites of Signal Hill, where Marconi received the first transatlantic message in 1901, and the harbour are the city’s focal points. There’s also a good selection of outdoor space, with Bowring Park and Bannerman Park offering good recreation activities.

Things to Do in St. John’s

Throughout the year there’s a number of major festivals, including the legendary Newfoundland and Labrador Folk Festival in Bannerman Park, which takes place in early August. There’s also a thriving cultural and arts scene in the city, with the St. John’s Arts Centre and LSPU Hall at its hub. From the city, you can explore the East Coast Trail, a 150 mile coastal hike made up of 24 segments of varying lengths, with smaller haunted hikes around the city available too. Or you can hop on board a boat and take an iceberg tour out along the coast of the Avalon Peninsula.

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What to do in St. John's

Popular places to visit

George Street which includes street scenes and a hotel

George Street

Enjoy nights of singing, drinking, dancing and live music at the party capital of downtown St. John’s, two blocks of clubs and bars.

George Street
The Rooms showing theatre scenes

The Rooms

5/5(1 review)

Browse the work of talented artists and dive into thousands of years of history at the largest cultural center in Newfoundland.

The Rooms
St. John's cityscape, capital city of Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada

Port of St. John's

4.5/5(4 reviews)

Explore the waterfront in St. John's with a trip to Port of St. John's. Visit the shops and top-notch restaurants in this walkable area.

Port of St. John's
Cape Spear Lighthouse in the Avalon Peninsula near St Johns, Newfoundland, Canada.

Cape Spear Lighthouse

4.5/5(2 reviews)

You can learn about the history of St. John's with a stop at Cape Spear Lighthouse. Visit the shops and top-notch restaurants in this walkable area.

Cape Spear Lighthouse
Signal Hill which includes general coastal views as well as a small group of people

Signal Hill National Historic Site

5/5(5 reviews)

Retrace historic moments of this landmark hill, the site of wartime defenses and where the first transatlantic wireless signal was received.

Signal Hill National Historic Site
Built in the shape of a cross with material from Ireland -2017

Basilica Cathedral of St. John the Baptist

Basilica Cathedral of St. John the Baptist is just one of the places to see in St. John's, so why not enjoy the other things to explore during your travels? Visit the shops and lively bars in this walkable area.

Basilica Cathedral of St. John the Baptist
Quidi Vidi Village, St. John's, Newfoundland #aquatrove

Quidi Vidi Battery

You can find out about the history of St. John's when you stop by Quidi Vidi Battery. Visit the shops and lively bars in this walkable area.

Quidi Vidi Battery
Cabot Tower showing general coastal views and landscape views

Cabot Tower

5/5(1 review)

Enjoy panoramic views from the top of an iconic tower where a successful experiment heralded the start of the era of modern communications.

Cabot Tower

Memorial University of Newfoundland

Enjoy the student vibe when you visit Memorial University of Newfoundland during your trip to St. John's. Visit the shops and top-notch restaurants in this walkable area.

Memorial University of Newfoundland

Explore areas of 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
Canada, Central New Brunswick, Fredericton. City skyline from the Saint John River.

Central

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

Central
Panoramic view of the residential homes at The Battery in St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada.

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
Waterway leading to the ocean at Quidi Vidi

Quidi Vidi

Put aside a day for tradition, culture and food in Quidi Vidi, a coastal fishing village that combines a fascinating history with beautiful scenery and a thriving arts and crafts scene.

Quidi Vidi
Default Image

The Battery

When in The Battery, you can plan a visit to Johnson Geo Centre and Port of St. John's, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

The Battery
The Rooms featuring interior views

Ecclesiastical District

If you're spending some time in Ecclesiastical District, The Rooms and Anglican Cathedral of St. John the Baptist are top sights worth seeing.

Ecclesiastical District

 

Looking for fun things to do nearby? Check things to do near me to find and book the best things to do, fun activities, and top attractions wherever you happen to be.

 

 

Day trip destinations from St. John's

Vegan and GF food options 😍 and the prettiest presentation too!

Portugal Cove - St. Philips

Fishing community -2017

Petty Harbour-Maddox Cove

Hiking on the East Coast Trail. Sea spray on the rocks with an Oil Rig in the distance #ECT

Bay Bulls

#springfun Sitting on Topsail Mountain overnight looking Conception Bay, Newfoundland watching the sun set on a beautiful Spring evening in May #spring fun #sunset #Newfoundland

Conception Bay South

Frequently asked questions

Is St. John's worth visiting?
Renowned for its festivals and culture, finding fun things to do in St. John's is a breeze. Don't forget to add Cape Spear Lighthouse to your itinerary when here.
How do I spend a day in St. John's?
Cape Spear Lighthouse and Quidi Vidi Lake are two excellent places to begin your holiday adventures. Be sure to check out the shopping and dining options in St. John's while you're there too.
What is the top tourist attraction in St. John's?
The top tourist attraction in St. John's is Cape Spear Lighthouse, so make sure to add it to your sightseeing agenda.
Is three days enough to stay in St. John's?
Three days will give you enough time to tick off many city highlights, including Cape Spear Lighthouse, Basilica Cathedral of St. John the Baptist and Spirit of Newfoundland. The average stay in St. John's is two days. If you have the urge to extend your adventure, Harbour Grace isn't far away.
Is St. John's a walkable city?
Some leading sights in St. John's, such as Basilica Cathedral of St. John the Baptist and Spirit of Newfoundland, are within walking distance. You can also discover several of the city's popular neighbourhoods on foot. Only 0.32 kms (0.20 miles) from central St. John's is Downtown St. John's and Waterford Valley is 3 kms (2 miles) away.
What are some activities to do in St. John's with kids?
Deciding what to do in St. John's with kids has never been so easy. Whether you're taking a trip with toddlers or teenagers, there are many family-friendly tours and attractions to keep everyone busy here.

What to do in St. John's for adults?
There are lots of things to do in St. John's, with entertainment for adults of all ages. Round off your day with a visit to Suncor Energy Fluvarium or Newman Wine Vaults.
Are there free things to do in St. John's?
In St. John's, Basilica Cathedral of St. John the Baptist is a must-see spot for anyone wanting to tour the city without reaching for their wallet. Also, check out the other neighbourhoods and green spaces, and ask for recommendations from a local tour guide. It's a top way to find out about the best free things to do in St. John's.