With its art crawls, lovingly restored historic buildings turned boutiques and bakeshops, and recent celebrity endorsements (film director Guillermo del Toro raved about the bookstores), Hamilton’s quiet cool is a refreshing detour.

If you’d like to spend your urban getaway like a local, hitting the top eat streets and shopping districts, here is your guide to the highlights of Hamilton’s most interesting ‘hoods:


Ottawa Street North

Known as the Design District, this is a neighbourhood best described as eclectic – where else could you combine antique hunting with noshing on locally famous waffles? Those celebrated waffles are found at Cannon Coffee Co., a recommended brunch pick where you can indulge in waffle sandwiches that are the perfect fuel for treasure hunting in the antique shops that dot the street. Down a flight of steps at Antique Avenue you’ll find a treasure trove of Eames chairs, mid-century modern furniture, and 70s signage. Add to your finds at Millionaire’s Daughter or Stardust Records, all great choices if you’re looking to indulge your love of secondhand. End your day with some sustenance at Hambugr or Canada’s first vegan-focused Boon Burger. If your tastes tend to Italian fare, you won’t go wrong at Café Limoncello.

Cannon Coffee Co.

James Street North

As this neighbourhood has evolved over the last few years it has truly come to embody the slogan “Art is the new Steel.” For many, the James Street North Art Crawl on the second Friday of every month is one of the best times to visit, and the chance to purchase a one-of-a-kind handmade item in a gallery, studio or store, or as you stroll the sidewalks filled with artisans and visual artists. But any time is a good time to explore the many artists’ galleries and co-operatives and the various independent retailers along this stretch.

This seven block district extends from Wilson to Murray Street. With its diversity of buildings, activities and people, the area is a real hub for shopping, galleries, and restaurants. For clothing, seek out unisex boutique O’s Clothes with labels like Fjallraven, Brixton and Penfield, and Pomp & Ceremony, or White Elephant, a clothing and lifestyle store focused on handmade and small-batch jewelry, accessories and gifts. Browse the eclectic mix of giftables, statement pieces and housewares at Pretty Grit, and don’t miss local favourite The Pale Blue Dot for antique and sustainable wares running the gamut of old and new.

Foodies will find their mecca here at The Hamilton Farmers’ Market, one of the largest and oldest in Canada and home of Canada’s first poke bar, Pokeh. Take a coffee break at Saint James Espresso Bar & Eatery or Mulberry Coffee House, where you can enjoy a gluten-free donut while sitting amongst local artwork. If you have a sweet tooth, drop in to Chocolat on James for treats like chocolate-covered gummy bears and truffles. Two great restaurant choices are The Burnt Tongue, a soup shop that has evolved to offering what is, to many, the best craft burger in Hamilton; and Saltlick Smokehouse, where the table decides together what meats will be served and can choose from unique menu items like Korean beef ribs and crispy pork belly nuggets.

The Burnt Tongue

Locke Street South

Another Hamilton neighbourhood that has seen a recent evolution, this street in the southwest of the city has turned from a quiet strip into a bustling area dotted with bars, cafes and on-trend home retailers.

Lulu & Lavigne Home Studio offers an inspirational mix of new and vintage home décor and lifestyle accessories. Take a shopping break Democracy Coffee House, an industrial-chic vegan café where a deliberate lack of wi-fi contributes to great conversation.

If you’re looking for a meal, established local favourites include NaRoma Pizzeria with its Roman style pies and Mattson & Co. for elegant surroundings. Perhaps the neighbourhood’s busiest homegrown restaurant is well-loved Earth to Table Bread Bar, serving up pizzas and burgers with an upmarket, slow-food sensibility and commitment to eating local.

Earth to Table Bread Bar

Westdale Village

Best known for its proximity to McMaster University, this area is also home to 80+ shops and restaurants including a number of not-to-be-missed spots. This vibrant, historic neighbourhood village is best explored by a trip down King Street West. Highlights in this ‘hood are eats at Delirious Burger Company, treats at Walker’s Chocolates, and desserts and live music at The Bean Bar. Shoppers will want to check out Mixed Media for art supplies and reading materials, Casual Gourmet for kitchenware, Take Note for stationery, and Dakota Mae for womenswear. Head to the outskirts of Westdale and you’ll find Fairweather Brewing with its taproom and bottle shop, as well the nature trails of Cootes Paradise.

Fairweather Brewing

In addition to amazing shopping, art and food, Hamilton is home to the world’s largest collection of waterfalls, one of Canada’s most beloved football teams, amazing museums and heritage sites, and a happening live music scene. When you’re ready to discover why everyone is buzzing about “The Hammer”, make sure to check out the city’s experiences, tours and travel deals.

Travel Deals View All >>

Experiences & Tours View All >>

Now thru September 29

Fall Planter Workshop

Centro Garden

437 Brant St, Burlington, ON L7R 2G3

Workshop time: 7:00-8:00 pm, Workshop fee: $25 / person - Order Online or Call the...

Now thru December 31

Friends & Family

iFLY Toronto

2007 Winston Park Drive, Oakville, Ontario, ON, L6H 6P5

10 Flights x 5 Flyers 10 flights to share - Up to 5 people From...

Now thru December 31

Traveling Art Retreats

studio k2

156 Parkdale Ave N, Hamilton, Ontario L8H 5X2

Sign up to their email list to stay updated

Now thru October 1

Tours of Auchmar

88 Fennell Avenue West, Hamilton ON

Dates: September 9 & 10, 16 & 17, 23 & 24, 30 & October 1...

Now thru October 31

Puddicombe Estate Winery Tour: Train, Taste, and Dessert

Puddicombe Estate Farms & Winery

1468 HWY 8, Winona, ON, L8E 5K9

Price: $22.95. Duration: 1.5 hour. ONLY AVAILABLE ON WEEKENDS.

Now thru December 31

Workshop & Retreat

Art Gallery of Hamilton

123 King Street West, Hamilton, ON, L8P 4S8

Workshops & Retreats available for a minimum of 15 people, maximum of 75. Have a...

Now thru October 31

Puddicombe Estate Winery: Pick Your Own Fruit

Puddicombe Estate Farms & Winery

1468 HWY 8, Winona, ON, L8E 5K9

Hours of Operation: 7-days per week from 8:30am - 4:30pm. The fruit you pick is...

Now thru December 31

Rum and Chocolate Pairing

Manns Distillery

581 West Street Brantford, Ontario

Book on your own time, requires a group of 8 or more

Now thru December 31

Sketching Thursdays

McMaster Museum of Art

McMaster University, 1280 Main Street West, Hamilton, ON, L8S 4L6

Now thru September 29

Full Moon Beach Yoga

Burlington Beach Rentals

1100 Lakeshore Road, Burlington, ON, L7S1A7

Now thru October 31

Introductory Outdoor Rock Climbing Lessons

Zen Climb

3A Marilyn Ave.Toronto, ON M1S 1B9

Pre-requisites: Being able to walk up a flight of stairs independently. Duration: 6.5 hours in...

Now thru January 1

Woodland Cultural Centre – Virtual Museum Tour

Woodland Cultural Centre

184 Mohawk Street, Brantford, ON, N3T 5V6

Similar Stories View All >>

Fall For Each Other: A Romantic Two-Day Road Trip Around Hamilton Halton Brant

Treat your fam to two days of non-stop fun!

Read More

A Fresh Fall Family Adventure in Hamilton Halton Brant

Treat your fam to two days of non-stop fun!

Read More

Water, Land, Air: Find Unexpected New Ways For Your Family To Play This Summer

Family Fun 3 Ways

Read More

Can’t-Miss Foodie Getaways

Delicious Restaurant & Room Pairings

Read More

Sunday Funday: 4 Relaxing Ways to Wrap Up The Week

Bringing back the concept of simple Sunday fun.

Read More

Take It Inside

Escape inside for a change.

Read More

Sneaky Spring Savings

5 Ways to Do More & Spend Less On Family Fun This Weekend

Read More

Escape To The Country

6 Rural Retreats To Replenish Your Spirit This Spring

Read More

A Taste of Indigenous Traditions

Fun new flavourful ways to explore Indigenous culture.

Read More

Exploring the HMCS Haida

The Fab Fall Road Trip Roundup

6 Amazing Autumn Drive Destination

Read More

The Like That, Try This Guide To Hamilton Halton Brant’s Beer, Wine and Spirits Scene

Stir Up Your Summer Drink Game

Read More

Get Travel OffersEvent Details and
Planning Ideas for Your Next Trip

Sign up to receive the latest Hamilton Halton Brant travel news delivered right to your inbox.