Vancouver Named the Friendliest City in the World
Credit: Albert Normandin/ Tourism Vancouver
Earlier this summer, Vancouver was named the Friendliest City in the World 2019 as per global travel media site, Big 7 Travel. The site asked its audience of 1.5 million people where they would find the “friendliest city in the world.” Results showed that Asian cities rated highly overall, and several Canadian cities made it in the top 10. Vancouver, however, came out the winner overall. Other cities that made the list include Rome, Italy (50th), Sydney, Australia (41st), Montreal, Quebec (34th), Tokyo, Japan (28th), Nashville, Tennessee (8th), and Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia (2nd).
While you’re visiting the friendliest city in the world, you might as well check out a friendly neighbourhood. Mount Pleasant is aptly named, and one of Vancouver’s trendiest districts. Known for its local shopping, coffee shops, and restaurants, Mount Pleasant is also the home of the Vancouver Mural Festival that takes place every August.
Check out these cool spots while you’re there:
Opened in 2016 by the team behind Kitsilano’s successful farm-to-table neighbourhood restaurant, Fable. Chef Trevor Bird and team dish high-quality takes on comfort food on the corner of Main and Broadway streets.
One of the city’s most respected chefs, Andrea Carlson, works directly with growers to source unusual ingredients for her casual farm-to-table eatery that has its own little garden next door. It's also one of few places in Vancouver to serve "natural" wines.
Thoughtful all-vegetarian restaurant with an effortlessly cool cocktail program; also named one of the world’s best vegetarian restaurants by CNN.
Tucked into a historic old brewery building, award-winning Main St. Brewing reignites a time when breweries were plentiful in the Brewery Creek neighbourhood.
For beer fans, the ones that want to get inside and see how their team makes their beers, Red Truck is pleased to offer regular brewery tours with expert guides who can walk you through the painstaking multi-step process which turns the best grains and hops into the pride and joy that Red Truck put into bottles, cans, and kegs.
Their vision was born out of enjoyment for the binding elements of life. The spirit of community sharing; Drink, food, conversation, space, and ideas. 33 Acres carries a strong appreciation for the boundless limits created by hard work. The brewery is influenced by the natural elements of our surroundings, fueled by creative thinking, and driven to make the highest quality product
Whether you’re in search for a new pair of overalls or a vintage basketball jersey, F as in Frank pushes fashion boundaries, bringing fun and excitement to your shopping experience.
A streetwear staple for Vancouverites since 2013. Named after its address in SoMa, this store now has 2 locations in Vancouver, and in three other cities in Canada.
Wacky donuts from one of the city’s most creative donuteries, featuring flavours like Canadian Whisky Bacon, Earl Grey, and Spicy Chocolate with Caramel Popcorn.
A stone’s throw away from Main, on Quebec Street, lies Earnest Ice Cream, a Vancouverite’s go-to any time of the year. Try the spins on old classics like Cookies + Cream or Mint Chip, or be adventurous with rotating flavours like 33 Acres of Malt (from SoMa’s very own 33 Acres Brewery!) or Dark Chocolate Licorice.