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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
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★ 4.7
Parliament Hill
Wellington St, Ottawa, ON K1A 0A9, Canada
Explore →39,573 reviews
★ 4.7
Canadian Museum of Nature / Musée canadien de la nature
240 McLeod St, Ottawa, ON K2P 2R1, Canada
Explore →14,559 reviews
★ 4.8
Canadian War Museum
1 Vimy Pl, Ottawa, ON K1A 0M8, Canada
Explore →10,363 reviews
★ 4.6
Canadian Museum of History
100 Rue Laurier, Gatineau, QC K1A 0M8, Canada
Explore →14,198 reviews
★ 4.7
National Gallery of Canada
380 Sussex Dr, Ottawa, ON K1N 9N4, Canada
Explore →10,485 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 →8,950 reviews
★ 4.4
Casino du Lac-Leamy
1 Bd du Casino, Gatineau, QC J8Y 6X4, Canada
Explore →9,337 reviews
★ 4.8
Notre Dame Cathedral Basilica
385 Sussex Dr, Ottawa, ON K1N 1J9, Canada
Explore →4,318 reviews
★ 4.7
Andrew Haydon Park
3127 Carling Ave, Nepean, ON K2H 5A6, Canada
Explore →3,411 reviews
★ 4.8
Major's Hill Park
Mackenzie Ave, Ottawa, ON K1N 6Z4, Canada
Explore →2,811 reviews
★ 4.6
Commissioners Park
Preston Street and, Queen Elizabeth Driveway, Ottawa...
Explore →2,950 reviews
★ 4.6
Royal Canadian Mint
320 Sussex Dr, Ottawa, ON K1A 0G8, Canada
Explore →2,854 reviews
★ 4.5
Canada Agriculture and Food Museum
901 Prince of Wales Dr, Ottawa, ON K2C 3K1, Canada
Explore →2,902 reviews
★ 4.6
Vincent Massey Park
Heron Rd, Ottawa, ON K1V 2E4, Canada
Explore →2,098 reviews
★ 4.5
Lansdowne Park
1525 Princess Patricia Way, Ottawa, ON K1S 5J3, Canada
Explore →2,105 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.
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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
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Food and Wine ToursFood and Wine Tours in Ottawa
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City Walking ToursCity Walking Tours in Ottawa
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Day TripsDay Trips in Ottawa
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Boat and CruisesBoat and Cruises in Ottawa
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Skip-the-LineSkip-the-Line in Ottawa
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Private ToursPrivate Tours in Ottawa
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Nightlife ToursNightlife Tours in Ottawa
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Photography ToursPhotography Tours in Ottawa
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Helicopter ToursHelicopter Tours in Ottawa
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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$$
★ 4.7
Agha Turkish Restaurant OttawaRestaurant
★ 4.8
Gyubee Japanese Grill (Merivale)$$
★ 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$$
★ 4.5
The Keg Steakhouse + Bar - Hunt Club$$$
★ 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$$
★ 4.2
Shows & Events
Paper Moon Theatre Presents: Rock Of AgesJun 18
Moontricks, DREZJun 18
CAD 29
National Arts Centre Orchestra: Shelley, Grimaud & GershwinJun 18
Jessi Cruickshank DJ's: Evening Club - A Dance Party w/ Xav TrudeauJun 19
CAD 47
Paper Moon Theatre Presents: Rock Of AgesJun 19
Daniela Andrade - Oda TourJun 19
Michael BlausteinJun 20
Michael Blaustein: The Taste Me Tour: The Final LegJun 20
Where can I shop in Ottawa?
Malls, markets, and retail districts
Quick answer Top shopping destinations in Ottawa from major malls to local markets. Browse the rail below for hours, locations, and ratings.
★ 4.3
CF Rideau Centre
50 Rideau St, Ottawa, ON K1N 9J7, Canada
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★ 4.4
Bayshore Shopping Centre
100 Bayshore Dr, Ottawa, ON K2B 8C1, Canada
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★ 4.4
Costco Wholesale
$$
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★ 4.3
Costco Wholesale
$$
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★ 4.2
St. Laurent Shopping Centre
1200 St. Laurent Blvd, Ottawa, ON K1K 3B8, Canada
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★ 4.3
Les Promenades Gatineau
1100 Bd Maloney O, Gatineau, QC J8T 6G3, Canada
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★ 4.4
Costco Wholesale
$$
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★ 4.6
Costco Business Centre
1900 Cyrville Rd, Ottawa, ON K1B 3V5, Canada
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★ 4.6
Farm Boy
$$
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★ 4.0
Billings Bridge Shopping Centre
2269 Riverside Dr., Ottawa, ON K1H 8K2, Canada
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★ 4.2
Canadian Tire
Carlingwood Shopping Centre, 2165 Carling Ave, ...
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★ 4.1
Carlingwood Shopping Centre
2121 Carling Ave, Ottawa, ON K2A 1H2, Canada
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★ 4.3
Farm Boy
193 Metcalfe St, Ottawa, ON K2P 0S5, Canada
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★ 4.0
Canadian Tire
330 Coventry Rd, Ottawa, ON K1K 2C6, Canada
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★ 3.8
Walmart Supercentre
$
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★ 3.7
Walmart Supercentre
$
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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.
Arts & TheatrePaper Moon Theatre Presents: Rock Of Ages
Jun 18, 2026
Get Tickets →
ConcertMoontricks, DREZ
Jun 18, 2026
Get Tickets →
ConcertNational Arts Centre Orchestra: Shelley, Grimaud & Gershwin
Jun 18, 2026
Get Tickets →
Jessi Cruickshank DJ's: Evening Club - A Dance Party w/ Xav Trudeau
Jun 19, 2026
Get Tickets →
Arts & TheatrePaper Moon Theatre Presents: Rock Of Ages
Jun 19, 2026
Get Tickets →
Daniela Andrade - Oda Tour
Jun 19, 2026
Get Tickets →
Michael Blaustein
Jun 20, 2026
Get Tickets →
Michael Blaustein: The Taste Me Tour: The Final Leg
Jun 20, 2026
Get Tickets →
ConcertEmo Night Ottawa - Emo Prom
Jun 20, 2026
Get Tickets →
Arts & TheatrePaper Moon Theatre Presents: Rock Of Ages
Jun 20, 2026
Get Tickets →
Ottawa REDBLACKS vs. Toronto Argonauts
Jun 20, 2026
Get Tickets →
ConcertWintersleep - Wishing Moon Tour
Jun 20, 2026
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Ottawa Rapid FC vs. AFC Toronto
Jun 21, 2026
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Paper Moon Theatre Presents: Rock Of Ages
Jun 21, 2026
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Ottawa Blackjacks vs. Saskatoon Mamba
Jun 21, 2026
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Ottawa BlackJacks vs. Scarborough Shooting Stars
Jun 23, 2026
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ConcertNational Arts Centre Orchestra: Shelley Conducts Mahler???s ???Resurrection???
Jun 24, 2026
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ConcertMeghan Patrick - Golden Child Tour
Jun 25, 2026
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ConcertWe Were Sharks, Keep Flying, Fake Friends
Jun 26, 2026
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Bud Light Escapade Music Festival
Jun 26, 2026
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Stuff You Should Know Live
Jun 26, 2026
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Bud Light Escapade Music Festival
Jun 27, 2026
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Daniel Tosh - My First Farewell Tour
Jun 27, 2026
Get Tickets →
Chicago
Jun 27, 2026
Get Tickets →
Arts & Theatre
JUN
18
Paper Moon Theatre Presents: Rock Of Ages
4837 Albion Road, Ottawa, ON
Concert
JUN
18
Moontricks, DREZ
2477 Kaladar Avenue, Ottawa, ON
Get Tickets
CAD 29
Concert
JUN
18
National Arts Centre Orchestra: Shelley, Grimaud & Gershwin
53 Elgin St., Ottawa, ON
Arts & Theatre
JUN
19
Jessi Cruickshank DJ's: Evening Club - A Dance Party w/ Xav Trudeau
211 Bronson Avenue, Ottawa, ON
Get Tickets
CAD 47
Arts & Theatre
JUN
19
Paper Moon Theatre Presents: Rock Of Ages
4837 Albion Road, Ottawa, ON
Concert
JUN
19
Daniela Andrade - Oda Tour
27 York Street, Ottawa, ON
Arts & Theatre
JUN
20
Michael Blaustein
1 Elgin, Ottawa, ON
Arts & Theatre
JUN
20
Michael Blaustein: The Taste Me Tour: The Final Leg
1 Elgin, Ottawa, ON
Concert
JUN
20
Emo Night Ottawa - Emo Prom
27 York Street, Ottawa, ON
Get Tickets
CAD 13-26
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.