Coming to Vancouver for the FIFA World Cup? Here’s How to Get the Full Experience

Qatar’s 2022 hosting of the FIFA World Cup went down in history as the first Arab country to ever host the games, improving foreign perspectives of the country and causing a tourism boom in the following years. Vancouver is a dream for the adventurous tourist. With mountains, beaches, hiking trails, and food from every cuisine, all accessible from the city’s downtown, it is a perfect city to act as one of the FIFA World Cup’s 2026 co-hosts and offers an experience wholly different from that of Qatar. If you are flying in from the Gulf with tickets to a match in Vancouver, make the most of your time here. The city never runs out of new things to discover, and indulging in what it has to offer will only enhance your World Cup 2026 experience. As a longtime Vancouver resident who frequently plays tour guide for her family back home, plan early and get the most out of your time here.

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Neighborhoods

Vancouver has so many neighborhoods, all appealing to different types of tourists, that creating a travel itinerary can be daunting. Everyone looks for something different in a vacation, and each area offers a unique experience. Here’s my general rundown of Vancouver’s areas and what you can expect from them:

• Downtown Robson

Arguably the biggest and most mainstream shopping area in the city, where most big-scale hotels are located. With the CF Pacific Centre Mall and Holt Renfrew, you have access to affordable and luxury shopping all within the same vicinity of each other. The streets surrounding the malls have other large brand stores, exclusive to Canada and the US, that would be an exciting stop for any first-time traveller to the area.

• Gastown

A historical area, Gastown is a waterfront neighborhood within the downtown area. Buildings are older, the restaurants are more moody, and the shops are filled with local brands and small businesses to explore. You can find many historic Vancouver monuments, such as the Gastown Steam Clock, a favorite among many tourists.

• English Bay/Stanley Park

If you prioritize being active on vacation, walk or bike along the seawall through English Bay to Stanley Park. The clear and sunny June and July weather in Vancouver means the temperature won’t be too harsh, Stanley Park will be blooming, and the views along English Bay will give you a stunning sunset every time.

• Kitsilano

Kitsilano perfectly depicts a beachside neighborhood. Like Gastown, it features local shops and trendy restaurants but with a brighter, coastal feel. Grab a coffee or matcha before heading down to Kitsilano Beach, browse local shops along your walk, and end at a popular patio restaurant after watching the sunset.

• Main Street

This neighborhood definitely appeals to a younger crowd, dominated by vintage shops, craft breweries, little boutiques, and a close proximity to public transit lines. A mix of old charm and modern culture, it would be easy to spend a full day here, and it acts as a representation of the true local experience.

Now, these would not be classified as neighborhoods, but one cannot leave Vancouver without visiting one of the many mountains that surround the city. While you may not get the true winter break experience of staying in a ski lodge and racing down the slopes, the mountains still have a lot to offer in the summer. For a day trip, I would suggest Grouse Mountain. However, if you have time for an overnight stay, then a couple of days in Whistler Village is a must.

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Hotels

In terms of where to stay, it’s hard to go wrong with anywhere within downtown Vancouver. With the city’s well-structured public transportation system, it’s easy to get to the BC Place stadium from anywhere near the city center.

If you just want a rest and some downtime between viewing matches at the stadium, you can invest your travel budget into one of the many stunning hotels located downtown. For some general hotel recommendations, the Fairmont Hotel Vancouver, Hotel Georgia, and the Shangri-La are no-brainers for a luxury experience that will leave you feeling like you are on vacation.

My personal favorite would be the Sylvia Hotel on English Bay, especially if you are an outdoorsy person and would appreciate the proximity to English Bay and the Seawall. There’s no better time to take advantage of the weather; early summer in Vancouver gives you so many options for outdoor activities.

However, if you are going on this trip intending to enjoy the World Cup to the fullest, many rooms in the JW Marriott Hotel have a direct view into the BC Place stadium. Many tourists who came to Vancouver for Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour took advantage of this tip, not buying tickets for matches and instead watching it all from the comfort of their hotel window.

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Restaurants

The Vancouver food scene is known for being diverse; if it exists somewhere, then you can find it in Vancouver. However, a downside to the city is that Halal food is not as accessible as it would be within the Gulf. That is not to say that it doesn’t exist, and the demand is present and evident within the community. There are quite a few Halal restaurants that are cult classics within the city, drawing in Muslim and non-Muslim diners alike.

• Zarak by Afghan Kitchen on Main St.

Zarak is best known to locals as a place for upscale fusion brunch with an extensive, heritage-inspired, dinner menu. The food can be enjoyed family style and is an homage to the owners’ Afghan backgrounds. The brunch is elegant, and the dinner feels homestyle, pairing it with their incredible mocktails makes for a perfect meal.

• Vonns by English Bay

This restaurant acts as a meeting place for all Vancouver Arabs and Muslims. A rare find in Western Canada, a restaurant serving Halal American-style food. Their menu boasts smashburgers, Philly cheesesteaks, and steak, all done with extraordinary quality and a beachfront view.

• Sushi Mugen on Davie

You have not been to Vancouver if you have not tried sushi here. With the city’s proximity to the ocean, it’s hard to go wrong with any sushi spot. Sushi Mugen is a guaranteed crowd pleaser with high-quality fish, beautiful presentation, and creative dishes, it is an easy recommendation.

• East is East on West Broadway

Another fusion restaurant, this restaurant’s menu is inspired by countries and cuisines along the Silk Road, showing the connections between them. I would personally recommend the Silk Route Feast Tasting Menu; everything on their menu is worth a try.

• Salt and Steak in Delta

This restaurant is a classic Western steak restaurant; dark, classy, and with a menu full of options. They have the largest mocktail menu in all of British Columbia, with their beef, lamb, and chicken all being Halal-Certified. While it may be a little out of your way, it is absolutely worth a visit.

• Akbar Joojeh in North Vancouver

With a bright and colorful interior, North Vancouver is the home of Persian food in Vancouver, and Akbar Joojeh is a crowd favorite. Perfect after a venture out of downtown, looking for generous portions and a lively atmosphere.

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Vancouver is more than just a pit-stop for your World Cup experience. The city is a lively place to be, only getting livelier with the upcoming games. We’re ready to show off, and planning early will help you take advantage of this beautiful host city from beyond the stadium.