Find Car Rentals in Ottawa
What are the top attractions in Ottawa?
Must-see places, ranked by popularity
Quick answer 16 top-rated attractions in Ottawa, ranked by traveler popularity. Tickets & tours bookable via Viator with free cancellation on most experiences.
Book Ottawa Attractions & Tours on Viator300,000+ experiences worldwide • Free cancellation on most bookings • Instant confirmation
Browse →
★ 4.7
Parliament Hill
Wellington St, Ottawa, ON K1A 0A9, Canada
Explore →39,849 reviews
★ 4.7
Canadian Museum of Nature / Musée canadien de la nature
240 McLeod St, Ottawa, ON K2P 2R1, Canada
Explore →14,903 reviews
★ 4.8
Canadian War Museum
1 Vimy Pl, Ottawa, ON K1A 0M8, Canada
Explore →10,660 reviews
★ 4.6
Canadian Museum of History
100 Rue Laurier, Gatineau, QC K1A 0M8, Canada
Explore →14,530 reviews
★ 4.7
National Gallery of Canada
380 Sussex Dr, Ottawa, ON K1N 9N4, Canada
Explore →10,711 reviews
★ 4.7
Canada Aviation and Space Museum
11 Aviation Pkwy, Ottawa, ON K1K 2X5, Canada
Explore →7,628 reviews
★ 4.5
Canada Science and Technology Museum
1867 St. Laurent Blvd, Ottawa, ON K1G 5A3, Canada
Explore →9,129 reviews
★ 4.4
Casino du Lac-Leamy
1 Bd du Casino, Gatineau, QC J8Y 6X4, Canada
Explore →9,546 reviews
★ 4.8
Notre Dame Cathedral Basilica
385 Sussex Dr, Ottawa, ON K1N 1J9, Canada
Explore →4,430 reviews
★ 4.7
Andrew Haydon Park
3127 Carling Ave, Nepean, ON K2H 5A6, Canada
Explore →3,403 reviews
★ 4.8
Major's Hill Park
Mackenzie Ave, Ottawa, ON K1N 6Z4, Canada
Explore →2,899 reviews
★ 4.6
Commissioners Park
Preston Street and, Queen Elizabeth Driveway, Ottawa...
Explore →2,946 reviews
★ 4.6
Royal Canadian Mint
320 Sussex Dr, Ottawa, ON K1A 0G8, Canada
Explore →2,964 reviews
★ 4.6
Ottawa Sign, ByWard Market
6 York St, Ottawa, ON K1N 6Z6, Canada
Explore →2,823 reviews
★ 4.5
Canada Agriculture and Food Museum
901 Prince of Wales Dr, Ottawa, ON K2C 3K1, Canada
Explore →2,970 reviews
★ 4.6
Vincent Massey Park
Heron Rd, Ottawa, ON K1V 2E4, Canada
Explore →2,165 reviews
What are the best tours and experiences in Ottawa?
Hop-on-hop-off, food tours, day trips, skip-the-line tickets
Quick answer Top tour formats in Ottawa include hop-on-hop-off bus loops, food and walking tours, day trips, and skip-the-line attraction tickets. All bookable through Viator or GetYourGuide with free cancellation on most options.
Viator300,000+ experiences • Free cancellation
Book →
GetYourGuideFree cancellation • Instant booking
Book →
Hop-On Hop-Off
Walking Tours
Food Tours
Day Trips
Boat Cruises
Skip-the-Line
Private Tours
Adventure Tours
Photography Tours
Night Tours
Hop-On Hop-Off BusHop-On Hop-Off Bus in Ottawa
Book on Viator • Free cancellation
Book →
Food and Wine ToursFood and Wine Tours in Ottawa
Book on Viator • Free cancellation
Book →
City Walking ToursCity Walking Tours in Ottawa
Book on Viator • Free cancellation
Book →
Day TripsDay Trips in Ottawa
Book on Viator • Free cancellation
Book →
Boat and CruisesBoat and Cruises in Ottawa
Book on Viator • Free cancellation
Book →
Skip-the-LineSkip-the-Line in Ottawa
Book on Viator • Free cancellation
Book →
Private ToursPrivate Tours in Ottawa
Book on Viator • Free cancellation
Book →
Nightlife ToursNightlife Tours in Ottawa
Book on Viator • Free cancellation
Book →
Photography ToursPhotography Tours in Ottawa
Book on Viator • Free cancellation
Book →
Helicopter ToursHelicopter Tours in Ottawa
Book on Viator • Free cancellation
Book →
Where to eat and go out in Ottawa?
Restaurants, bars, and entertainment
Quick answer Browse top-rated restaurants, nightlife venues, and live shows happening now in Ottawa. Listings ranked by traveler ratings; tickets and tables bookable directly through partner sites.
Where to Eat
Mandarin Restaurant$$
★ 4.7
Agha Turkish Restaurant Ottawa$$
★ 4.8
Gyubee Japanese Grill (Merivale)$$
★ 4.9
JOEY Rideau$$
★ 4.7
JOEY Lansdowne$$
★ 4.7
Nordik Spa-Nature - ChelseaRestaurant
★ 4.4
Gyubee Japanese Grill (Ottawa)$$
★ 4.8
Fairmont Château LaurierRestaurant
★ 4.4
Nightlife
Zak's Diner$$
★ 4.2
LOCAL Public Eatery Lansdowne$$
★ 4.6
The Keg Steakhouse + Bar - Hunt ClubBar / Club
★ 4.5
Chelsea Pub$$
★ 4.3
The Grand Pizzeria and Bar$$
★ 4.2
Moxies Hunt Club Restaurant$$
★ 4.4
The Lieutenant's Pump$$
★ 4.3
Tavern On The Hill$$
★ 4.2
Shows & Events
Letlive, Oxymorrons, FITHAug 18
CAD 39
Atlético Ottawa vs. Vancouver FCAug 19
Rock of the 80'sAug 19
The WallflowersAug 20
Brooklyn Vegan Presents: Swervedriver raise atAug 20
CAD 49
Ottawa Rapid FC vs. Vancouver Rise FCAug 22
The Wiggles - Tree of Wisdom Spectacular!Aug 26
SOLD OUT - August 27 - The Chef's Table / Chef à l’afficheAug 27
Where can I shop in Ottawa?
Malls, markets, and retail districts
Quick answer Top shopping destinations in Ottawa from major malls to local markets. Browse the rail below for hours, locations, and ratings.
★ 4.3
CF Rideau Centre
50 Rideau St, Ottawa, ON K1N 9J7, Canada
View →
★ 4.4
Bayshore Shopping Centre
100 Bayshore Dr, Ottawa, ON K2B 8C1, Canada
View →
★ 4.4
Costco Wholesale
1849 Merivale Rd, Nepean, ON K2G 1E3, Canada
View →
★ 4.5
Costco Wholesale
4315 Strandherd Dr, Ottawa, ON K2J 5P8, Canada
View →
★ 4.3
Costco Wholesale
1405 Blair Towers Pl, Ottawa, ON K1J 1A5, Canada
View →
★ 4.2
St. Laurent Shopping Centre
1200 St. Laurent Blvd, Ottawa, ON K1K 3B8, Canada
View →
★ 4.3
Les Promenades Gatineau
1100 Bd Maloney O, Gatineau, QC J8T 6G3, Canada
View →
★ 4.4
Costco Wholesale
$$
View →
★ 4.6
Costco Business Centre
1900 Cyrville Rd, Ottawa, ON K1B 3V5, Canada
View →
★ 4.6
Farm Boy
Train Yards, 830 Belfast Rd, Ottawa, ON K1G 0Z4...
View →
★ 4.0
Billings Bridge Shopping Centre
2269 Riverside Dr., Ottawa, ON K1H 8K2, Canada
View →
★ 4.2
Canadian Tire
Carlingwood Shopping Centre, 2165 Carling Ave, ...
View →
★ 4.1
Carlingwood Shopping Centre
2121 Carling Ave, Ottawa, ON K2A 1H2, Canada
View →
★ 4.3
Farm Boy
193 Metcalfe St, Ottawa, ON K2P 0S5, Canada
View →
★ 4.0
Canadian Tire
330 Coventry Rd, Ottawa, ON K1K 2C6, Canada
View →
★ 3.9
Walmart Supercentre
450 Terminal Ave., Ottawa, ON K1G 0Z2, Canada
View →
What events are happening in Ottawa?
Concerts, sports & shows in the next 90 days
Quick answer 47 upcoming events in Ottawa across the next 90 days, including concerts, sports, and live shows. Tickets via Ticketmaster.
Letlive, Oxymorrons, FITH
Aug 18, 2026
Get Tickets →
SportsAtlético Ottawa vs. Vancouver FC
Aug 19, 2026
Get Tickets →
ConcertRock of the 80's
Aug 19, 2026
Get Tickets →
The Wallflowers
Aug 20, 2026
Get Tickets →
Brooklyn Vegan Presents: Swervedriver raise at
Aug 20, 2026
Get Tickets →
Ottawa Rapid FC vs. Vancouver Rise FC
Aug 22, 2026
Get Tickets →
The Wiggles - Tree of Wisdom Spectacular!
Aug 26, 2026
Get Tickets →
EventSOLD OUT - August 27 - The Chef's Table / Chef à l’affiche
Aug 27, 2026
Get Tickets →
EventSOLD OUT - August 28 - The Chef's Table / Chef à l’affiche
Aug 28, 2026
Get Tickets →
SportsAtlético Ottawa vs. Inter Toronto FC
Aug 28, 2026
Get Tickets →
EventSOLD OUT - August 29 - The Chef's Table / Chef à l’affiche
Aug 29, 2026
Get Tickets →
ConcertKruelty, Dead Heat, Anhedonia, Force Of Will, Pinpoint, Enhanced Lethal Abilities, Acid Rot
Aug 29, 2026
Get Tickets →
EventSOLD OUT - August 30 - The Chef's Table / Chef à l’affiche
Aug 30, 2026
Get Tickets →
Ottawa REDBLACKS vs. BC Lions
Aug 30, 2026
Get Tickets →
Ottawa REDBLACKS | Official Ticket + Hotel Packages
Aug 30, 2026
Get Tickets →
Houndmouth: The Lordy Tour
Sep 4, 2026
Get Tickets →
Jackson Dean
Sep 4, 2026
Get Tickets →
Atlético Ottawa vs. Pacific FC
Sep 5, 2026
Get Tickets →
Deux Voix, Une Capitale - Michel Pagliaro
Sep 5, 2026
Get Tickets →
Ottawa Rapid FC vs. Roses de Montréal FC
Sep 6, 2026
Get Tickets →
The Great Gatsby (Touring)
Sep 8, 2026
Get Tickets →
2026 IWBF Wheelchair Basketball World Championships Day 1 Pass
Sep 9, 2026
Get Tickets →
Sports2026 IWBF Wheelchair Basketball World Championships Women's CHN vs AUS
Sep 9, 2026
Get Tickets →
Sports2026 IWBF Wheelchair Basketball World Championships Women's GER vs JPN
Sep 9, 2026
Get Tickets →
Concert
AUG
18
Letlive, Oxymorrons, FITH
2477 Kaladar Avenue, Ottawa, ON
Get Tickets
CAD 39
Sports
AUG
19
Atlético Ottawa vs. Vancouver FC
1015 Bank Street, Ottawa, ON
Concert
AUG
19
Rock of the 80's
211 Bronson Ave., Ottawa, ON
Concert
AUG
20
The Wallflowers
47 Rideau Street, Ottawa, ON
Concert
AUG
20
Brooklyn Vegan Presents: Swervedriver raise at
211 Bronson Avenue, Ottawa, ON
Get Tickets
CAD 49
Sports
AUG
22
Ottawa Rapid FC vs. Vancouver Rise FC
1015 Bank Street, Ottawa, ON
Arts & Theatre
AUG
26
The Wiggles - Tree of Wisdom Spectacular!
1015 Bank St., Ottawa, ON
Event
AUG
27
SOLD OUT - August 27 - The Chef's Table / Chef à l’affiche
1 Elgin, Ottawa, ON
Event
AUG
28
SOLD OUT - August 28 - The Chef's Table / Chef à l’affiche
1 Elgin, Ottawa, ON
Frequently asked questions about Ottawa
Common traveler questions answered
What are the top things to do in Ottawa?
Ottawa offers world-class attractions, guided tours, restaurants, nightlife, shopping districts and live events. Explore the rails above for ranked attractions, food & drink picks, shows and experiences happening in the next 90 days.
How many days do I need in Ottawa?
Most travelers find 3-5 days is enough to see the main attractions in Ottawa, with extra time for day trips or beach time. Long weekends (3 days) work for highlight tours; a full week lets you slow down and explore neighborhoods, cuisine and nearby destinations.
What's the best way to get around Ottawa?
Public transport, walking, taxis and rideshares cover most central areas. Renting a car gives you the most flexibility for day trips, beaches, and destinations outside the city center, with all major suppliers available at Ottawa / Rockcliffe Airport (YRO).
When is the best time to visit Ottawa?
Shoulder seasons (spring and autumn) typically offer the best balance of weather, crowds, and prices. Summer brings peak attractions and events but also the highest hotel rates and longest queues. Check current event listings above to align your visit with festivals or shows that interest you.
Where is the best area to stay in Ottawa?
Central neighborhoods near top attractions are convenient for first-time visitors. Compare hotel rates from hundreds of sites using the KAYAK link in the sidebar to find the right balance of price, location, and amenities for your trip.
Do I need a car in Ottawa?
It depends on your itinerary. For city-focused trips with central hotels, public transport and rideshares often work fine. If you plan beach days, day trips, or visits to suburbs and surrounding areas, a rental car is usually faster and cheaper than booking individual transfers.