Your TL;DR Travel Guide on What to Do in Vancouver
TL;DR: Whether it’s PSL season or the heat of summer, it’s nice to visit a cafe for a bit refreshing and recharging when out and about. Vancouver has a plethora of cafe options – each with a unique personality and full array of delicious treats. Numbers 4 and 5 on the list are my current favorites!
- A Local Favorite: Breka
- For the Modern City: Perfecto Cafe
- For Croissants + Coffee: Angus T
- A Classic Korean Cafe: Unni
- A Cozy Classic: Guffo
- Read More About British Columbia
There’s something about walking around the city and stopping by a cute, local cafe for a sweet treat – or at least that’s how I feel when I’m out and about. During my last visit to Vancouver, I wanted to try a few new spots and visit some of my favorites.
Some places, like Unni and Breka, continue to rank high on my coffee-shop list – but I also found some others (like Guffo!) which jumped up the list considerably.
So, if you’re in town and looking for the right setting to get some caffeine and a treat, read on for my current must-visits!
A Local Favorite: Breka
At a Glance:
Locations: Various
Based in B.C.
First Location: Sunset neighborhood
Special Features/Amenities: open 24/7
While walking near English Bay one morning, we stopped in to Breka’s for a Pumpkin Pie Latte (’tis the season). Now, I’ve spoken about Breka before, but I just want to reiterate how lovely and consistent my experience with this place has been.
A BC-based chain, Breka offers a mix of wide selection and great flavors. With a clean aesthetic and a full array of baked goods and soup, Breka is a lovely little stop on your way around town. They also offer some seasonal beverages and a classic sausage roll to get your day started.
For the Modern City: Perfecto Cafe
At a Glance:
Locations: Robson & Davie St
Based in B.C.
Special Features/Amenities: Unique drinks
Recently, I was out for some shopping in the Financial District one morning and happened upon Perfecto Cafe. Greeted by a modern interior, the little spot was filled with tables for chatting friends, colleagues on a coffee break, and a few folks working remotely.
In addition to the classic cafe offerings, Perfecto also had some unique items on the menu. I settled on an almond butter latte which had (as you might guess) that sweet taste of almonds with every sip.
For Croissants + Coffee: Angus T
At a Glance:
Locations: Various
First Location: 036 Mainland Street in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Based in B.C.
Special Features/Amenities: Delicious croissants
A little coffeeshop, Angus T has the standard cafe drink menu. The true shining star, however, are their croissants. An absolute treat, these croissants are decadent and delicious – a taste that stays on my mind between visits.
Angus T has a few locations in the Vancouver area, but it has become my usual stop when I’m at Park Royal.
A Classic Korean Cafe: Unni
At a Glance:
Locations: 1773 Robson Street
Vancouver, BC V6G 1C9
Based in B.C.
Special Features/Amenities: Lattes, baked goods
Unni is one of my staples in the region. I spend a lot of time on Denman and Robson because of its central location to Stanley Park, the Harbour, and all things downtown. Consequently, Unni is a no-brainer choice when I’m in the area. With a small street patio, Unni is a classic and cute spot that offers a bit of escape from the hustle of metro Vancouver.
Another locally-owned cafe, Unni balances a clean, modern aesthetic with comfort. If you are looking for your Americano fix or a strawberry latte, then Unni is a must-visit.
A Cozy Classic: Guffo
At a Glance:
Locations: 331 Howe St, Vancouver, BC V6C 3N2, Canada
Based in B.C.
Special Features/Amenities: Local art for sale; my top pick for comfy vibes
While walking along the Harbour, I decided to stop in somewhere near Gastown for a refresher. My search criteria? Cozy vibes.
The newest coffee shop on this list, Guffo is located around the corner from Canada Place. With a homey interior, Guffo feels like a lived-in, local hang. Featuring local artwork (for sale) on the wall and the cutest little mascot, Guffo checks all the boxes for a regular coffee joint.
The staff were incredibly friendly, and the interior was the perfect mix of funky, comfy, and delicious. I absolutely loved my time here and plan on visiting a lot in the future!
There are a ton of fantastic cafes based right out of Vancouver. If you’re looking for modern, cozy, chic, or tried & true, there is something for you in the city. What other coffee shops do you think are must-tries in the area?
TL;DR Travels 
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