Downtown

The downtown core is a vertual forest of glass and steel, an urban centre so livable that Vancouver’s city planners have been sought out to export their “Vancouver Model” of mixed-use, high-density design to international cities.

Robson Street, crammed with restaurants and brand-name chain stores, and Granville Street, a pedestrianized thoroughfare lined with pubs, clubs, cinemas and music stores, form the crossroads of the downtown core. Both offer a range of evening entertainment as well: dance clubs and casual live music venues, as well as opera, ballet and theatre at the Centre in Vancouver for Performing Arts (777 Homer St., 604-602-0616) and the Queen Elizabeth Theatre (Hamilton and Dunsmuir St., 604- 665-3050).

Students from university satellite campuses and ESL schools mingle with the power suits, street vendors and shoppers at Robson and Burrard Streets, one of the busiest intersections for foot traffic in Canada.

EAT:

Belgian waffles and the signature brioche at Lupo Caffè Bar, 1014 W. Georgia St., 604-685-1131.

DRINK:

A classic martini while relaxing in a luxurious armchair at the Bacchus Lounge in the Wedgewood Hotel, 845 Hornby St., 604-689-7777.

BROWSE:

Gorgeous accessories, like delicate shoulder- duster earrings by local designer Elsa Corsi, at Jeweliette, 692 Seymour St., 604-687-5577.