
St Johns
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
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Best light for photos

St Johns
Best Time
Best light for photos
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.
"The colourful houses and stunning harbour views make St. John's an unforgettable destination!"

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.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

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

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.

The Battery
Coastal neighbourhood
Picturesque area with colourful homes, historic fortifications, and stunning ocean vistas. Perfect for a scenic stroll.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Colourful Charm
Plan for the Unexpected
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
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.
Capture the colours :camera:
The vibrant houses are a major draw. Dedicate time to photography, especially around Jellybean Row.
Embrace local lingo :speech_balloon:
You might hear unique Newfoundland sayings! Volunteers at events are known for sharing them.
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.
Layer up for weather 🧥
Newfoundland weather is famously unpredictable. Pack layers to stay comfortable in changing conditions.
Capture the colours :camera:
The vibrant houses are a major draw. Dedicate time to photography, especially around Jellybean Row.
Embrace local lingo :speech_balloon:
You might hear unique Newfoundland sayings! Volunteers at events are known for sharing them.
What Travellers Say
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
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The primary way to reach St. John's is by flying into St. John's International Airport (YYT). 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! Many attractions are within walking distance. For areas further out, local buses and taxis are options.
Walking is the best way to truly appreciate the vibrant architecture of St. John's. Wear comfortable shoes as the city is built on hills.
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.
The drive from St. John's International Airport (YYT) to downtown typically takes about 20-30 minutes, depending on traffic.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Jellybean Row is a public street and can be visited and admired freely. It's a great spot for photos!
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.
Most of the city's charm, like walking through downtown and admiring the colourful houses, is free. However, specific attractions like museums or guided tours may have fees. Signal Hill has a fee for the visitor centre and parking.
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.
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.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Key landmarks include Jellybean Row for its colourful houses, Signal Hill for panoramic views, The Battery for its historic charm and coastal scenery, 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. 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. 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. 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.
🍽️ 🍽️ 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.
Many restaurants downtown offer fresh, local seafood. Popular spots include those along Water Street and Duckworth Street. 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.
Try toutons (fried dough), figgy duff (a steamed pudding), and local berry preserves. Ice cream shops also offer unique Newfoundland flavours.
St. John's has a lively pub scene, especially downtown, known for live traditional music and a friendly atmosphere. It's a great way to experience local culture.
📸 📸 Photography
Jellybean Row is a must for its colourful houses. Signal Hill offers panoramic city and ocean views. The Battery provides charming streetscapes and coastal scenery. 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.
While specific photography tours might be limited, many general city tours will take you to the most scenic and photogenic locations. 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. 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.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider whale watching tours (seasonal) for an exciting marine wildlife encounter. Many local pubs offer family-friendly dining options, and the city has several parks, like Bowring Park, perfect for a picnic or playtime. Just remember to pack layers and comfortable shoes for everyone, as the hills can be a challenge for little legs.
🚶 Budget Travelers
Look for local pubs for affordable and hearty meals, often featuring live music that adds to the atmosphere without an extra charge. Consider staying in hostels or guesthouses, which are often more budget-friendly than hotels. 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
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. Be prepared for a workout as you navigate these charming, but often challenging, inclines.
Key areas to experience this unique architecture include Jellybean Row, The Battery, and the general downtown core. 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
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. Packing layers is essential, including a waterproof and windproof jacket, to ensure you stay comfortable regardless of the conditions. 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. For destinations further afield, St. John's has a public bus system, and taxis are readily available. 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.






Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit