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St. John’s is the capital of the Canadian province of Newfoundland and Labrador. It’s also the largest city in the area and is a colorful and vibrant city with a unique culture.
This city draws in creative people, from writers to musicians and great chefs, and this vibe is palpable everywhere you go.
When you wander around St. John’s, you’ll see brightly colored houses, lots of intriguing restaurants, and beautiful natural views. And you’ll also be impressed by how easy it is to find the coolest places to stay in St. John’s.
However, this city isn’t part of the normal tourist trail, so you might have some trouble finding the best places to stay in St. John’s. But you shouldn’t have any problems with that anymore with our St. John’s neighborhood guide.
- Where to Stay in St. John’s
- St. John’s Neighborhood Guide
- 4 Best Neighborhoods to Stay in St. John’s
- #1 Georgestown – Where to Stay in St. John’s First Time
- #2 The Battery – Where to Stay in St. John’s on a Budget
- #3 Quidi Vidi – Best Neighborhood in St. John’s for Families
- #4 Downtown – Best Area to Stay in St. John’s for Nightlife
- FAQ about Finding a Place to Stay in St. John’s
- What To Pack For St. John’s
- Buy Us a Coffee!
Looking for a specific place to stay? These are our highest recommendations for places to stay in St. John’s.
The Broke Backpacker is supported by you. Clicking through our links may earn us a small affiliate commission, and that's what allows us to keep producing free content 🙂 Learn more.
Newfoundland Beach House | Best Airbnb in St. John’s
Located just 20 minutes’ drive from the center of the city, this beach house is simply stunning. It’s perched along a cliff overlooking the coastline and is a great choice when you’re deciding where to stay in St. John’s for families if you want to be close to nature.
There’s room for up to 6 guests as well as 2.5 bathrooms, and all the amenities.
Super 8 by Wyndham St Johns | Best Hotel in St. John’s
Located in one of the best areas to stay in St. John’s if you want to be away from the city center but close enough to visit, this hotel offers the ideal mix of comfort and value. It provides a pool, free Wi-Fi, childminding services, and even water slides to keep the kids entertained.
The hotel is within a short drive from the city center and from natural areas where you can do some outdoor activities.
City Hostel | Best Hostel in St. John’s
This hostel in St. John’s is located right in the downtown area, close to all the best shops and restaurants. It’s five minutes’ walk from the Waterfront and offers a friendly atmosphere with few hassles.
The hostel offers private rooms and dorm beds, so it’s a great choice when you’re deciding where to stay in St. John’s on a budget.
Georgestown
Georgestown is the best neighborhood in St. John’s to stay in if you want to be surrounded by quirky charm. It’s a Neighborhood Improvement Area and was one of the first planned areas after the Second World War.
Quidi Vidi
If you’re trying to decide where to stay in St. John’s with kids, then this area is a great choice. It’s close enough to the city center to be convenient, you can actually walk from this area to Downtown.
Downtown
The Downtown area is the center of the city. This is where you’ll find all the best shops, restaurants, and hotels. If you like to be in the center of everything when you travel, this is the best neighborhood to stay in St. John’s.
St. John’s is a small city and it’s extremely walkable as long as you’re fairly fit. That’s a bonus because the public transport in this city isn’t as efficient as it could be, so you’ll probably spend a lot of time on your feet.
But once you get a taste of the bright, colorful neighborhoods and the exhilarating vibes, you won’t mind having to do all that walking.
Georgestown has to be one of the best places in St. John’s to stay. It’s located close to the city heart and has all the atmosphere and quirky charm that you could ever want to be in the middle of and experience.
But if you want to be close to the center but not right in it, then try The Battery. It’s a great choice when you’re deciding where to stay in St. John’s on a budget. And there are several interesting sites in the area too.
For lots of family friendly activities, look for St. John’s accommodation in Quidi Vidi on the lake. You’ll have easy access to all of the natural experiences that St. John’s is famous for in this part of the city.
And if you’re trying to decide where to stay in St. John’s for nightlife, then Downtown is the only choice. It has bars, restaurants, and clubs. And it’s also home to the city’s hip music scene, so you’ll find something to do every night of the week in this area.
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4 Best Neighborhoods to Stay in St. John’s
Whether you’re trying to decide where to stay in St. John’s for one night or for a longer stay, here’s where you should be looking.
Georgestown is the best neighborhood in St. John’s to stay in if you want to be surrounded by quirky charm. It’s a Neighborhood Improvement Area and was one of the first planned areas after the Second World War.
It’s also a very convenient area to stay in as it’s within walking distance of the Downtown area and ten minutes’ drive from the airport.
When you stay in Georgestown, you’ll find yourself charmed by Its energy and charm. The streets are lined with trees and it’s close to several of the city’s top attractions.
The buildings are brightly colored, cheerful, and they’re all different, which is a change from what you probably expect to see in a city.
Ryan Mansion | Best Luxury Hotel in Georgestown
If you’re trying to decide where to stay in St. John’s for families or just want a bit of luxury, this is ideal. It’s located close to Georgestown and offers large, elegant rooms with all the best finishing touches.
The rooms look like they could have come from another, more graceful time, and there’s a gym on site that you can use as well.
Beautiful Townhouse | Best Airbnb in Georgestown
This charming townhouse is located in the best neighborhood to stay in St. John’s if you like a quaint, colorful atmosphere. The furnishings are sleek and comfortable, and you’ll have the entire space to yourself.
It’s suitable for up to 6 guests and is ideally located for access to Georgestown and Downtown.
Cabot Guest House | Best Hotel in Georgestown
Located close to Georgestown, one of St. John’s best neighborhoods, this guest house provides comfortable, convenient facilities and lodgings. It has knowledgeable, friendy staff who can guide you during your stay.
The guest house also provides child care services, a restaurant, and spacious rooms with all the usual amenities.
Things to See and Do in Georgestown
- Just wander the streets and indulge in the whimsy of the painted houses.
- Visit the St. John’s Arts and Culture Centre to learn more about this neighborhood and the city as a whole.
- Try the local restaurants and cafes to eat like the locals do.
- Wander through the local shops for unique souvenirs.
- Walk into the Downtown area to get a taste of the heart of the city.
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View on OspreyThe Battery is a small neighborhood slightly north of the Downtown area but still close enough to be convenient. It’s the best area in St. John’s to stay in if you want to be close to the city center but a bit outside of the busy streets.
The Battery is a slightly quirky area, with colorful houses placed seemingly at random over the rocky terrain. This makes it an interesting, if tiring neighborhood to explore on foot.
For such a small area, The Battery contains a lot of history. It sits on the harbor and was vital for the defense of the city in both World Wars. Signs of this history can still be found in this area, including the sobering War Memorial.
The Bannerman Park Suite | Best Airbnb in The Battery
Whether you’re trying to decide where to stay in St. John’s for your first time or on a return trip, this is a solid choice. It’s located close to the Downtown area, for great convenience, and offers enough space for 2 people close to Bannerman Park.
The unit includes a private bathroom, a fully equipped kitchen, washer and dryer, fast Wi-Fi, and 2 fireplaces.
Admiral’s Adventures B&B | Best Hotel in The Battery
If you’re on a budget, this is a good choice for you. It’s located in the center of one of St. John’s best neighborhoods and offers clean, comfortable accommodation at a good price.
It’s ideally positioned for sightseeing as well, as it’s close to several popular tourist sites.
Monroe House Executive Guest Suites | Best Hotel in The Battery
This hotel in St. John’s offers the perfect combination of convenience and comfort. It has a lovely garden, games room, free Wi-Fi, and 7 spacious rooms that include all the essentials.
There’s also a swimming pool on site so you can enjoy some sunshine during your stay.
Things to See and Do in The Battery
- Visit Fort William, built in 1698 to protect the English against French opposition.
- Wander around Signal Hill to experience the history of the city.
- Marvel at the colorful houses throughout the neighborhood.
- Head up to Chain Rock, which was once pivotal in the city’s defense against German U-boats during World War II.
- Visit the War Memorial to pay your respects to the past.
If you’re trying to decide where to stay in St. John’s with kids, then this area is a great choice. It’s close enough to the city center to be convenient, you can actually walk from this area to Downtown.
And it’s also based around a lake, which means there are plenty of activities to keep the whole family occupied.
Quidi Vidi has a harbor known as ‘The Gut’ as well as several small businesses in case you don’t feel like heading into the city center. It’s a lovely area with lots of nature spots and ideal if you’re looking for a quiet vacation or easy access to outdoor activities.
Murlin’s Cottage | Best Airbnb in Quidi Vidi
If you like your creature comforts and want to be close to one of the best areas to stay in St. John’s, this cottage is a good choice. It’s small but very clean and close to well-known attractions like the National War Memorial and hiking trails.
It has all of the usual equipment and is close to supermarkets and local cafes.
Quidi Vidi Retreat | Best Hostel in Quidi Vidi
This St. John’s accommodation is basic but comfortable and offers comfortable surroundings that are suitable for any traveler. It’s close to local attractions and the rooms include a small kitchen and everything else you’ll need for a short or long stay.
The Inn By Mallard Cottage | Best Hotel in Quidi Vidi
Located in the best neighborhood in St. John’s to stay in, this budget option is clean, comfortable, and convenient. It offers 8 comfortable, spacious rooms with private bathrooms as well as an on-site bar where you can relax with a drink.
And it’s also close to shops and restaurants.
Things to See and Do in Quidi Vidi
- Check out the Quidi Vidi Battery Provincial Historic Site.
- Head into Downtown for great eats or some shopping.
- Go hiking along the East Coast Trail or one of the many others in the area.
- If you’re old enough, check out the Quidi Vidi Brewery.
- Sit by the lake and do some birdwatching.
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Grab an eSIM!The Downtown area is the center of the city. This is where you’ll find all the best shops, restaurants, and hotels. If you like to be in the center of everything when you travel, this is the best neighborhood to stay in St. John’s.
The two busiest parts of Downtown are the areas around Water Street and Duckworth Street. So, if you enjoy the crowds and a lively nightlife, find a hotel near these streets.
There’s a lot of life in this city, from the bustling music scene to the hip restaurants, and the crowded pubs. You’ll find that the best places to stay in St. John’s are found in this part of the city and are appealingly quirky and welcoming.
In fact, the whole city is like that, and if you enjoy that kind of vibe then you’ll enjoy yourself in this neighborhood.
Private House | Best Airbnb in Downtown
This house is perfect if you’re trying to decide where to stay in St. John’s with kids. It has 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms and enough space for up to 6 guests.
It’s right on the coast and close to nature areas and 10 minutes’ walk from the Downtown area. The apartment contains everything you’ll need for a short or long stay.
Abba Hostel Downtown | Best Hotel in Downtown
This hostel in St. John’s is ideally positioned if you want to be close to all the action. It’s close to George Street, where you’ll find lots of clubs and bars, as well as to other popular attractions.
The rooms are plain but comfortable and come at a great price.
Cantwell House Bed and Breakfast | Best Hotel in Downtown
This hotel is a great choice when you’re deciding where to stay in St. John’s for nightlife. There are lots of restaurants and bars nearby where you can grab a meal and a snack and it’s within walking distance of the city center and popular attractions.
There are 4 comfortable rooms available that include all the amenities.
Things to See and Do in Downtown
- Head out to try the city’s best restaurants and taste cuisine from all over the world.
- Grab your friends and make some new friends at the local bars.
- Check out the city’s trendy music scene.
- Just wander in and take in all the vibrant and slightly strange life all around you.
- Explore the city on food and work out your body at the same time.
- Head out to the natural areas for a change of pace with some wilderness hiking.
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Hide Yo’ Money!FAQ about Finding a Place to Stay in St. John’s
Here’s what people usually ask us about the areas of St. John’s and where to stay.
What To Pack For St. John’s
Pants, socks, underwear, soap?! Take it from me, packing for a hostel stay is not always quite as straightforward as it seems. Working out what to bring and what to leave at home is an art I have perfected over many years.
Ear Plugs
Snoring dorm-mates can ruin your nights rest and seriously damage the hostel experience. This is why I always travel with a pack of decent ear plugs.
Hanging Laundry Bag
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Sea To Summit Micro Towel
Hostel towels are scummy and take forever to dry. Microfibre towels dry quickly, are compact, lightweight, and can be used as a blanket or yoga mat if need be.
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Grayl Geopress Water Bottle
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Check out my definitive Hotel Packing list for even more top packing tips!
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance for St. John’s
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Final Thoughts on Where to Stay in St. John’s
Bright, colorful, exciting, and surrounded by some of the best nature experiences you can imagine. St. John’s is all of this and more.
This small city has a lot to offer intrepid travelers, nature lovers, and people who love food and a fun, vibrant culture. And if you want your hotel to match, it’s easy to find some of the quirkiest and coolest places to stay in St. John’s if you just look around a bit.
So, spend your next holiday amongst friendly people in the young-feeling, exciting city of St. John’s in Newfoundland.
- Check out our ultimate guide backpacking around Canada.
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- Swing by our super epic backpacking packing list to prep for your trip.
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Loved this post! I’ve been planning a trip to St. John’s and was struggling to decide on neighborhoods. The input on Quidi Vidi and downtown being the best areas for restaurants and nightlife was super helpful. Can’t wait to explore!