St. John's Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

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

5/5(4 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 Bowring Park are top sights worth seeing.

West End
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The Battery

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

The Battery
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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
The Rooms featuring interior views

Ecclesiastical District

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

Ecclesiastical District
The Murray Premises Hotel
The Murray Premises Hotel
3.5 out of 5
5 Becks Cove, St. John's, NL
The price is AU$157 per night from 18 Feb to 19 Feb
AU$157
includes taxes & fees
18 Feb - 19 Feb
Stay at this 3.5-star business-friendly hotel in St. John's. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,137 reviews)
"The young lady at the front desk who greeted us at 2:00 am after three delayed flights, was just delightful."

Reviewed on 14 Feb. 2025

The Murray Premises Hotel
Jag Boutique Hotel
Jag Boutique Hotel
4.5 out of 5
115 George Street West, St. John's, NL
The price is AU$164 per night from 17 Feb to 18 Feb
AU$164
includes taxes & fees
17 Feb - 18 Feb
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in St. John's. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and 24-hour room service. Our guests praise the restaurant and the ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,224 reviews)
"Great spot!"

Reviewed on 13 Feb. 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
The price is AU$164 per night from 19 Feb to 20 Feb
AU$164
includes taxes & fees
19 Feb - 20 Feb
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! (1,796 reviews)
"good location. good eateries attached."

Reviewed on 14 Feb. 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 St. John's Courthouse ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (136 reviews)
"As expected"

Reviewed on 21 Jan. 2025

Water Street and HarborGate Condos
Jelly Bean Row - Upper Suite
Jelly Bean Row - Upper Suite
St. John's
Stay at this vacation home in St. John's. Popular attractions George Street and Port of St. John's are located nearby.
Jelly Bean Row - Upper Suite
Jelly Bean Row - Lower Suite
Jelly Bean Row - Lower Suite
St. John's
Stay at this vacation home in St. John's. Popular attractions George Street and Port of St. John's are located nearby.
Jelly Bean Row - Lower 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.

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