St John's - Image 1
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St Johns

4.6
·491k reviews·, United Kingdom

Explore St. John's, Newfoundland, a city of vibrant colours, rich history, and breathtaking coastal views. Discover charming streets and friendly loca...

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Summer mornings

Best light for photos

CrowdMedium
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St John's - Image 1

St Johns

Best Time

Summer mornings

Best light for photos

CrowdMedium

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Explore St. John's, Newfoundland, a city of vibrant colours, rich history, and breathtaking coastal views. Discover charming streets and friendly locals.

4.6
(491k reviews)

"The colourful houses and stunning harbour views make St. John's an unforgettable destination!"

Vertical photo
TIP

Wear comfy shoes! 👟

St. John's is hilly! Comfortable footwear is essential for exploring the charming, but steep, streets.

Layer up for weather 🧥

Newfoundland weather is famously unpredictable. Pack layers to stay comfortable in changing conditions.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Jellybean Row

Jellybean Row

Downtown St. John's

Iconic row of brightly coloured houses, a photographer's dream. A must-see for its unique charm.

Instagram
Signal Hill National Historic Site

Signal Hill National Historic Site

Overlooking the city

Historic site with breathtaking panoramic views of the harbour and city. Great for history buffs and nature lovers.

Instagram
The Battery

The Battery

Coastal neighbourhood

Picturesque area with colourful homes, historic fortifications, and stunning ocean vistas. Perfect for a scenic stroll.

Instagram
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Planning Your Visit

Embrace the Colourful Charm

St. John's is famous for its vibrant, colourful houses that line the streets. Prepare for some hills as you explore downtown! 🏘️ The weather can change quickly, so pack layers. Instagram+1

Plan for the Unexpected

While known for its festive spirit, St. John's can surprise you with its weather. Snow can arrive late, and conditions can shift rapidly. TikTokInstagram Always check forecasts and be ready for anything!

Best Times

When
Summer mornings
Why
Best light for photos
Crowd
Medium
When
Holiday season evenings
Why
Festive lights & cheer
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

It’s the week before Christmas in St. John’s, and we’re still waiting for snow! Here’s 25 seconds of holiday cheer from Newfoundland🎄 #explorenl #newfoundland #christmas #explorecanada #canada #stjohnsnewfoundland #explorenewfoundland #stjohns #stjohnsnl #christmasincanada #cangeotravel #shareyourweather #christmasdecor
thelauraroxplorer
0 likes • 155.5K views

Wear comfy shoes! 👟

St. John's is hilly! Comfortable footwear is essential for exploring the charming, but steep, streets. Instagram

Layer up for weather 🧥

Newfoundland weather is famously unpredictable. Pack layers to stay comfortable in changing conditions. TikTokInstagram

We're dreaming of a colourful Christmas.⁣ ⁣ 📸:@thelauraroxplorer, St. John's #ExploreNL #ExploreCanada⁣ .⁣ .⁣ .⁣ #lifeofadventure #ourplanetdaily #amazingphotohunter #greatoutdoors #goexplore #beautifuldestinations #lonelyplanet #roamtheplanet
newfoundlandlabrador
4.7K likes • 80.4K views
Fresh snow, bold colours ☺️❤️🎨❄️ 📍War Memorial, The Battery, Downtown St. John’s, Bowring Park #newfoundland #nlwx #stjohnsnl #destinationstjohns
destinationstjohns
0 likes • 73.3K views

Capture the colours :camera:

The vibrant houses are a major draw. Dedicate time to photography, especially around Jellybean Row. Instagram

Embrace local lingo :speech_balloon:

You might hear unique Newfoundland sayings! Volunteers at events are known for sharing them. Instagram

'Who knit you?': We're talking Newfoundland in St. John's Volunteers are the back bone of any large-scale event and the ones at the Canada Games were truly a delight. Our team asked a few of them to go that extra-mile and share with us a famous Newfoundland saying and explain what it means. #newfoundland #stjohns Any more we should know?
cbc.sports
6.2K likes • 171K views

Tips

from all over the internet

Wear comfy shoes! 👟

St. John's is hilly! Comfortable footwear is essential for exploring the charming, but steep, streets. Instagram

Layer up for weather 🧥

Newfoundland weather is famously unpredictable. Pack layers to stay comfortable in changing conditions. TikTokInstagram

Capture the colours :camera:

The vibrant houses are a major draw. Dedicate time to photography, especially around Jellybean Row. Instagram

Embrace local lingo :speech_balloon:

You might hear unique Newfoundland sayings! Volunteers at events are known for sharing them. Instagram

What Travellers Say

4.6
(491k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise St. John's for its incredibly vibrant and unique colourful architecture, particularly Jellybean Row, and its stunning coastal scenery from spots like Signal Hill. The friendly locals and lively pub scene are also frequently highlighted as major draws. Some find the city's hilly terrain challenging, and the unpredictable weather can be a minor inconvenience.

What People Like

Colourful architecture
Friendly locals
Scenic coastal views

What People Dislike

Hilly terrain
Unpredictable weather

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The primary way to reach St. John's is by flying into St. John's International Airport (YYT). TikTok From the airport, taxis and ride-sharing services are available to take you to your accommodation. If you're driving from other parts of Canada, be prepared for a ferry journey or a long drive.

Downtown St. John's is very walkable, though be prepared for hills! Instagram Many attractions are within walking distance. For areas further out, local buses and taxis are options. Reddit

Walking is the best way to truly appreciate the vibrant architecture of St. John's. Instagram Wear comfortable shoes as the city is built on hills. Instagram

Yes, driving along the coast offers stunning views. The road to Signal Hill provides great vistas, and exploring the nearby communities like Petty Harbour is also recommended. Instagram

The drive from St. John's International Airport (YYT) to downtown typically takes about 20-30 minutes, depending on traffic. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, Jellybean Row is a public street and can be visited and admired freely. It's a great spot for photos! Instagram

Signal Hill is generally accessible year-round, but visitor centre hours vary by season. It's best to check the Parks Canada website for the most up-to-date information. Instagram

Most of the city's charm, like walking through downtown and admiring the colourful houses, is free. Instagram However, specific attractions like museums or guided tours may have fees. Signal Hill has a fee for the visitor centre and parking. Instagram

Yes, especially during peak season, it's advisable to book popular tours, such as boat tours or historical walking tours, in advance to secure your spot. Reddit

While there isn't a universal city pass, some attractions may offer combined tickets or discounts. It's worth checking individual attraction websites or local tourism information centres. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

Key landmarks include Jellybean Row for its colourful houses,Instagram Signal Hill for panoramic views,Instagram The Battery for its historic charm and coastal scenery,Instagram and the vibrant downtown area with its unique shops and pubs.

You can explore historic sites, enjoy scenic walks, go whale watching (seasonal), experience live music in pubs, and immerse yourself in the local culture. Instagram The city offers a mix of outdoor adventures and cultural experiences.

Absolutely! St. John's is incredibly photogenic with its colourful architecture, dramatic coastline, and historic sites. Instagram+1 Jellybean Row and Signal Hill are particularly popular photo spots.

Visit local pubs for live music and friendly conversation, explore the historic downtown, and engage with the welcoming locals. Instagram Trying local seafood is also a must!

Yes, the East Coast Trail offers spectacular coastal hiking opportunities with varying difficulty levels. Signal Hill also has walking paths with great views. Instagram

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

St. John's offers delicious seafood, particularly cod, lobster, and mussels. Don't miss trying traditional Newfoundland dishes like Jiggs' dinner and toutons. Reddit

Many restaurants downtown offer fresh, local seafood. Popular spots include those along Water Street and Duckworth Street. Reddit Ask locals for their current favourites!

While seafood is prominent, many restaurants are increasingly offering vegetarian and vegan choices. It's always a good idea to check menus online or ask your server. Reddit

Try toutons (fried dough), figgy duff (a steamed pudding), and local berry preserves. Ice cream shops also offer unique Newfoundland flavours. Reddit

St. John's has a lively pub scene, especially downtown, known for live traditional music and a friendly atmosphere. Instagram It's a great way to experience local culture.

📸 📸 Photography

Jellybean Row is a must for its colourful houses.Instagram Signal Hill offers panoramic city and ocean views.Instagram The Battery provides charming streetscapes and coastal scenery.Instagram Don't forget the colourful downtown streets!

Late afternoon or early morning light can be beautiful for capturing the colours of Jellybean Row without harsh shadows. Instagram

While specific photography tours might be limited, many general city tours will take you to the most scenic and photogenic locations. Reddit Consider hiring a local guide for a personalized experience.

A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the colourful streets and expansive views from Signal Hill. Instagram A telephoto lens can be useful for wildlife or distant harbour shots. Don't forget a sturdy tripod for low-light conditions.

Drone regulations vary. Always check Transport Canada guidelines and local bylaws before flying a drone, especially in populated areas or national historic sites like Signal Hill. Instagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

St. John's offers a surprisingly engaging experience for families. The colourful streets are a visual delight for children, making walks around Jellybean Row and The Battery feel like an adventure. Instagram Signal Hill National Historic Site provides open spaces for kids to run around and offers fascinating historical insights, often presented in an accessible way. Instagram

Consider whale watching tours (seasonal) for an exciting marine wildlife encounter. Reddit Many local pubs offer family-friendly dining options, and the city has several parks, like Bowring Park, perfect for a picnic or playtime. Instagram Just remember to pack layers and comfortable shoes for everyone, as the hills can be a challenge for little legs.

🚶 Budget Travelers

St. John's can be explored on a budget by focusing on its many free attractions. Walking tours of the colourful downtown, exploring Jellybean Row, and hiking parts of the East Coast Trail are all excellent, cost-free activities. Instagram+1 Enjoying the views from Signal Hill is also free, though parking fees may apply. Instagram

Look for local pubs for affordable and hearty meals, often featuring live music that adds to the atmosphere without an extra charge. Instagram Consider staying in hostels or guesthouses, which are often more budget-friendly than hotels. Reddit Taking advantage of the public bus system can also save money on transportation compared to taxis.

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Charm of St. John's Architecture

St. John's is renowned for its distinctive and vibrantly coloured houses, earning the nickname 'Jellybean Row'. This unique architectural style is a direct result of the city's history and its maritime environment. The bright colours were historically used to help sailors spot their homes from the sea, and today they create a cheerful and picturesque urban landscape. Instagram Exploring the narrow, winding streets reveals a charming mix of Victorian and modern designs, all painted in a dazzling array of hues.

Beyond the colours, the steep terrain of St. John's significantly influences its architecture. Many homes are built on hillsides, leading to unique street layouts and staircases. This topography also offers many vantage points for stunning views of the harbour and the Atlantic Ocean. Instagram Be prepared for a workout as you navigate these charming, but often challenging, inclines. Instagram

Key areas to experience this unique architecture include Jellybean Row, The Battery, and the general downtown core. Instagram+1 Taking the time to wander through these neighbourhoods on foot allows you to truly appreciate the character and history embedded in every colourful facade and winding street.

Navigating St. John's: Hills, Weather, and Getting Around

When planning your visit to St. John's, it's crucial to be prepared for its unique geographical and meteorological characteristics. The city is famously hilly, which contributes to its scenic beauty but requires comfortable footwear for exploration. Instagram Many visitors recommend wearing sturdy walking shoes or athletic shoes to comfortably tackle the inclines and cobblestone streets. Reddit

The weather in St. John's is notoriously unpredictable and can change rapidly. Even in summer, you might experience sunshine, fog, rain, and wind all in the same day. TikTokInstagram Packing layers is essential, including a waterproof and windproof jacket, to ensure you stay comfortable regardless of the conditions. Instagram This preparedness allows you to enjoy the city's outdoor attractions, from Signal Hill to coastal walks, without being deterred by the elements.

For getting around, the downtown area is best explored on foot. Instagram For destinations further afield, St. John's has a public bus system, and taxis are readily available. Reddit Renting a car can be beneficial if you plan to explore the wider Newfoundland region, but within the city itself, walking and public transport are often sufficient and more enjoyable for soaking in the atmosphere.

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