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    St. John's

    Canada

    St. John's

    CityCulture

    The harbour city of St. John's, the capital of Newfoundland and Labrador, welcomes you with a unique blend of maritime history and vibrant culture.

    by Felix Gillen

    1. Home
    3. Destinations
    5. Canada
    7. Newfoundland and Labrador
    9. St. John's
    The harbour city of St. John's, the capital of Newfoundland and Labrador, welcomes you with a unique blend of maritime history and vibrant culture. Here you'll find North America's oldest English settlement, its charm reflected in the colourful houses of "Jellybean Row". Visit the Signal Hill National Historic Site, from where Guglielmo Marconi received the first transatlantic radio signal, and enjoy panoramic views over the city and the sea. The cultural centre The Rooms offers insights into regional history and art. For an authentic experience of the former fishing village, a trip to Quidi Vidi is recommended. The best time to visit is summer, to avoid the often foggy days and experience the festivals.

    Sights in St. John's

    Discover the most important sights and attractions

    1Peter Lewis Gallery

    The Peter Lewis Gallery on Church Hill showcases the works of painter Peter Lewis: landscapes and coastal scenes from Newfoundland, and works by other provincial artists. The gallery is small, just a few steps from Duckworth Street – ideal for a quick stop when strolling downtown.
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    Signal Hill

    2Signal Hill

    Signal Hill towers over the narrow harbour entrance of St. John's, The Narrows. In 1762, it was the site of the last battle of the Seven Years' War in North America, and in 1901, Guglielmo Marconi received the first transatlantic wireless signal on the hill. At its summit stands Cabot Tower; from there, you gaze across the city, the harbour, and the open ocean – sometimes spotting icebergs in early summer. The North Head Trail leads along the cliffs for about ninety minutes, down into The Battery neighbourhood.
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    Basilica Cathedral of St. John the Baptist

    3Basilica Cathedral of St. John the Baptist

    The Basilica-Cathedral of St. John the Baptist stands prominently on the slope overlooking the downtown area and is visible from almost everywhere in St. John's. Built between 1839 and 1855 from granite and limestone, it was one of the largest churches in North America upon its completion. Its twin-towered design takes inspiration from Romanesque churches in Italy; inside, the gilded coffered ceiling and sculptures are particularly striking. The church is a National Historic Site.
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    City walks in St. John's

    Curated walking tours through the city's highlights, handpicked by experienced travel journalists.

    St. John's: Zwischen Hafencharme und Farbenpracht

    Entdecken Sie bei diesem zweistündigen Spaziergang das historische Herz von St. John's. Tauchen Sie ein in die maritime Geschichte, bewundern Sie die berühmten bunten Häuser und genießen Sie atemberaubende Ausblicke auf die älteste Stadt Nordamerikas.

    ~2 Std.
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    Stops (7)

    Essen & Trinken

    1

    Piatto Pizzeria + Enoteca St. John's Downtown

    Piatto on Duckworth Street bakes Neapolitan pizza in a wood-fired oven: a thin base, airy crust, and a few excellent ingredients. They also offer antipasti, salads, and an Italian wine list. The restaurant is popular and often full in the evenings – reserve or arrive early.
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    2

    The Fish Depot

    The Fish Depot on Duckworth Street is a fish shop and eatery combined. Behind the counter lies the local catch, which in the kitchen becomes Fish and Chips, fish soup, or a fish sandwich. Simple and good for a quick lunch downtown.
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    3

    Rocket Bakery & Fresh Food

    The Rocket Bakery on Water Street is a bakery, café, and lunch spot all in one. On display are bread, croissants, and cakes, plus soups, sandwiches, and ready-to-go meals. The spacious interior is a popular downtown meeting spot.
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    4

    The Adelaide Oyster House

    The Adelaide Oyster House on Water Street serves fresh oysters and small plates for sharing, often with Asian and Mexican influences, along with cocktails. The space is cramped, loud, and almost always full. Reservations are limited – expect a wait.
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    5

    Blue On Water

    Blue on Water is the restaurant of the small hotel of the same name on Water Street. The menu features Newfoundland fish and seafood, as well as meat dishes; the establishment is also known for its breakfast and weekend brunch. Reservations are recommended for dinner.
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    Food & Drink

    St. John's boasts a lively restaurant scene featuring Atlantic seafood; George Street is renowned for its densely packed pub scene.

    Fish and Chips with Codfish

    Fried cod is standard here, often with bread stuffing and gravy.

    Toutons

    Fried dough with molasses syrup is a traditional breakfast in Newfoundland.

    Screech-in

    In George Street pubs, you can be initiated as an honorary Newfoundlander by taking a shot of Screech rum and kissing a cod.

    St. John's: History, Architecture, and Maritime Heritage

    St. John's, the capital of Newfoundland and Labrador, is among the oldest European settlements in North America, with its history as a port city dating back to the late 15th century. For centuries, the city was a strategically important fishing port and a hub for transatlantic communication projects, such as Guglielmo Marconi's reception of the first wireless transatlantic signal in 1901. Its architecture is characterized by a mix of Victorian and Georgian wooden houses, often painted in vibrant colors – known as "Jellybean Row" – which cling to the steep hills and define a distinctive cityscape.The cultural fabric of St. John's is deeply rooted in its Irish and maritime past, which is reflected in its music, traditions, and distinct Newfoundland dialect. Local customs like "Kitchen Parties" or the "Screech-in" ritual, which welcomes visitors into the community, attest to a vibrant tradition of hospitality and storytelling. The resilience of the population in the face of the often harsh Atlantic conditions has shaped a unique, robust culture which manifests itself in art, music, and literature.

    Nightlife

    1

    House of Chords

    43 Golf Ave, St. John's, NL A1C 5C5, Kanada
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    2

    Wooden Walls Distilling

    Wooden Walls Distilling is a small distillery with its own cocktail bar in downtown St. John's. Gin, vodka, and other spirits are produced on-site and served neat or in cocktails at the bar. The name evokes the wooden ships of the former sealing fleet.
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    3

    The Ship Pub

    The Ship Pub is tucked away on a stairwell alley between Duckworth Street and Water Street. For decades, the pub has been the living room of St. John's music and art scene: Almost every evening, bands play, ranging from traditional Newfoundland music to indie rock. During the day, solid pub grub is served.
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    4

    Bev's Sports Bar

    Bev's Sports Bar is a simple sports bar in St. John's. The screens feature hockey and other sports broadcasts, alongside draught beer. It's a spot for locals, rather than for visitors seeking live music.
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    5

    Exile Restaurant and Lounge

    Exile is the restaurant and lounge of the JAG Hotel at the western end of George Street. The hotel is dedicated to 1960s and 70s rock, reflected in its decor and music. The lounge is suitable for a quieter drink before heading to the George Street pubs.
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    6

    The Black Sheep

    The Black Sheep on Water Street is a small bar with a stage. Local bands and singer-songwriters regularly play here, plus Open-Mic nights. A great spot if you're looking for live music away from the hustle and bustle of George Street.
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    7

    Peter Easton

    The Peter Easton Pub is a neighborhood pub above downtown, named after a pirate who plied his trade off Newfoundland in the early 17th century. Locals primarily drink their beer here. Simple, affordable, and without a tourist program.
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    8

    St. John's Fish Exchange Kitchen & Wet Bar

    St. John's Fish Exchange on Harbour Drive features a fish restaurant and a spacious bar right by the harbor. Its large windows offer views of ships at the quay. Dine here, or simply stop by later for cocktails and oysters at the bar.
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    9

    Underbelly

    Underbelly is a basement cocktail bar on Water Street, styled like a speakeasy. The focus is on carefully crafted drinks in subdued lighting. Seating is limited – on weekends, it's worth coming early.
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    Unterwegs vor Ort

    St. John's, Newfoundland's charming capital, is best explored on foot, especially its vibrant downtown and historic Water Street, which are very pedestrian-friendly. There is no subway or tram system here; instead, the Metrobus is the primary public transport, connecting central areas with the outskirts. For bus travel, it's advisable to purchase single tickets or consider multi-ride passes for longer stays; schedules and real-time information are available on the Metrobus website.Bicycles are an option, but the city's often steep hills and changeable weather present a challenge; e-scooters are only sporadically available. Taxis are easy to find, especially in busy areas and at the airport, while ride-sharing services like Uber do not operate in Newfoundland and Labrador. The best tip is to embrace walking to discover the unique atmosphere and hidden lanes, though you should be prepared for steep ascents and unpredictable weather.

    Accommodations in St. John's

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    Campgrounds in St. John's

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      • 1Peter Lewis Gallery3 days
      • 2Signal Hill4 days
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    Nearby

    Newfoundland and Labrador

    Newfoundland and Labrador

    Newfoundland and Labrador is Canada's easternmost province. In early summer, icebergs drift off the coast, Gros Morne National Park features fjords and the barren Tablelands, and L'Anse aux Meadows is home to North America's only confirmed Viking settlement. The capital, St. John's, is known for its colourful wooden houses.
    Cape Breton

    Cape Breton

    Cape Breton Island forms the northeastern part of Nova Scotia. Here you'll find the Cabot Trail, one of Canada's most famous coastal roads, the Bras d'Or saltwater lake, and a vibrant Gaelic and Acadian music tradition.
    Ostküste (Points East Coastal Drive)

    Ostküste (Points East Coastal Drive)

    Discover unspoiled beaches, historic lighthouses and charming fishing villages along this quiet route that leads to the island's hidden gems.
    Charlottetown

    Charlottetown

    Charlottetown, the capital of Prince Edward Island, is known as the birthplace of the Canadian Confederation. Here you'll find a charming blend of Victorian architecture and modern flair, especially in the historic city center. A visit to the Province House National Historic Site, where the Charlottetown Conference took place in 1864, offers deep insights into Canada's history. Along Peake's Wharf by the harbor, you can enjoy fresh seafood and experience the maritime ambiance. The city also serves as an ideal base for exploring the picturesque island and its coastal landscapes. For a relaxed exploration, a stroll through Victoria Row with its boutiques and cafés is recommended. The best time to visit is late spring or early autumn to enjoy the mild weather and avoid the summer tourist crowds.
    Prince Edward Island

    Prince Edward Island

    Prince Edward Island, in the Gulf of St. Lawrence, is Canada's smallest province, linked to New Brunswick by the 12.9-kilometer Confederation Bridge. Red sandstone cliffs, long beaches, lobsters, and mussels define the island, as does Green Gables in Cavendish, the inspiration for Lucy Maud Montgomery's novel "Anne of Green Gables."

    Sources & method

    • Photos: Wikimedia Commons, Unsplash. Each photo carries its credit.
    • Place data such as addresses and ratings comes from Google Maps.
    • The content is based on web research from public, traceable sources. How the content is made · The role of AI