Choose Your Own Downtown Adventure: Cozy Itinerary

This itinerary is based on all things ‘cozy.’ As Old Man Winter has arrived, we’ve created the ultimate list of cozy things to do Downtown that will leave you feeling warm and toasty on the inside.

Choose your own downtown adventure and decide how you'd like to spend your day. Your itinerary could include a warm cup of coffee, a peaceful bookstore, a hearty meal, a thought-provoking film or a magical cocktail. Do one or do them all; the choice is yours. Ready, set, explore!

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Warm sips

There’s no better feeling than enjoying a hot cup of your favourite beverage. Get a jolt of caffeine at one of these incredible Downtown coffee shops.

Aggüdo Coffee Roasters

Discover the true taste of organic Ethiopian coffee.

Website: Aggüdo Coffee Roasters
Where: 338 10 Street N.W. #6
Parking:

St John's Parkade (Lot 67) - 1110 3 Avenue N.W.
Lido Parkade (Lot 68) - 1075 2 Avenue N.W.
On-street parking

Cafe Alchemist

Cafe Alchemist is a health-conscious fast-casual cafe, offering a variety of food and drink options with a focus on quality and locally sourced ingredients.

Website: Cafe Alchemist
Where: 850 - 2 Street S.W
Parking:

City Centre Parkade (Lot 25) - 340 10 Avenue S.W. / 221 9 Avenue S.W.
Lot 7 (Downtown) - 208 9 Avenue S.W.
On-street parking

Higher Ground in Kensington

Established in 1982, Higher Ground has been long committed to promoting community and sustainability on a local and global scale. They ensure their coffee is 100% organic, fair trade and rain forest alliance certified.

Website: Higher Ground
Where: 1126 Kensington Rd N.W.
Parking:

Lot 23 (Hillhurst) - 1101 Memorial Drive N.W.
Lot 37 (Sunnyside) - 1056 Memorial Drive N.W.
Lot 57 (Kensington) - 1210 Kensington Road N.W.
On-street parking

I Love You Coffee Shop

I Love You Coffee Shop is inspired by Japanese jazz bars & plays vinyl albums all day. They serve everyone from early morning commuters, mid-day mums, dads and kids, to late night music lovers.

Website: I Love You Coffee Shop
Where: 348b 14 Avenue S.W.
Parking:

Lot 82 - 1520 4 Street S.W.
On-street parking

Caffè Beano

Calgary's #1 independent coffee shop.

Website: Caffè Beano
Where: 1613 - 9th Street S.W.
Parking:

Lot 46 (Cliff Bungalow) - 17 Avenue and College Lane S.W.
Lot 76 (Cliff Bungalow) - College Lane, 17 Avenue and 5A Street S.W.
On-street parking

Loophole Coffee Bar

Loophole Coffee Bar is a neighborhood coffee shop that transforms into a music venue by night. Located in west downtown Calgary, their cozy atmosphere welcomes you for a morning shot of espresso and for a late night live music hang out.

Website: Loophole Coffee Bar
Where: 1040 8 Avenue S.W.
Parking:

Lot 83 (Downtown West) - 940 8 Avenue S.W.
Lot 64 (Downtown West) - 825 11 Street S.W.
On-street parking

Philosáfy Coffee

Philosáfy Coffee, pronounced fi-los-uh-fee, draws inspiration from western world history when coffee was first introduced – philosophers would often hang out in cafés to contemplate ideas.

Website: Philosáfy Coffee
Where: 632 17 Avenue S.W.
Parking:

Lot 45 (Cliff Bungalow) - 17 Avenue and 5A Street S.W.
Lot 46 (Cliff Bungalow) - 17 Avenue and College Lane S.W.
Lot 76 (Cliff Bungalow) - College Lane, 17 Avenue and 5A Street S.W.
On-street parking

Monogram

Amazing coffee is just one small part of who they are. To Monogram, coffee represents an incredible opportunity to positively change people’s lives, through meaningful connection and generous service.

Website: Monogram
Where: 420 2 Street S.W.
Parking:

Harmony Parkade (Lot 40) - 112 5 Avenue S.W.
On-street parking

Alforno on 7th Street

Right in the heart of Eau Claire, Alforno offers freshly baked, hand-made pastries & bread as well as brunch, lunch & dinner, alongside our sustainable coffee program.

Website: Alforno
Where: 222 7 Street S.W.
Parking:

Lot 6 (Louise Bridge) - 311 8 Street S.W.
Lot 58 (Downtown) - 935 4 Avenue S.W.
On-street parking

Phil & Sebastian

At Phil & Sebastian, it’s not so much a business as it is the single-minded pursuit of a better cup of coffee.

Website: Phil & Sebastian
Where: #248, 414 3 Street S.W.
Parking:

Harmony Parkade (Lot 40) - 112 5 Avenue S.W.
On-street parking

Rosso

Rosso believes the ritual of coffee is not merely a routine, but rather an act intertwined with a sense of romance and richness.

Website: Rosso
Where: 1402 9 Avenue S.E.
Parking:

Lot 44 (Inglewood) - 1301 9 Avenue S.E.
Lot 81 (Inglewood) - 712 12 Street S.E.
On-street parking

Deville Coffee

Deville is a group of coffee crafters & baked goods dreamers. Locally owned by people who live in the communities we operate, Deville works with a talented team to source, roast, and serve our customers.

Website: Deville
Where: 600 – 6 Avenue S.W.
Parking:

Harmony Parkade (Lot 40) - 112 5 Avenue S.W.
Convention Centre Parkade (Lot 60) - 727 1 Street S.E.
Lot 7 (Downtown) - 208 9 Avenue S.W.
On-street parking

ANALOG

Analog was founded with the view that every cup of coffee poured should be something special, and that ‘good enough’, is never good enough.

Website: Analog
Where: 740 17 Avenue S.W.
Parking:

Lot 45 (Cliff Bungalow) - 17 Avenue and 5A Street S.W.
Lot 46 (Cliff Bungalow) - 17 Avenue and College Lane S.W.
Lot 76 (Cliff Bungalow) - College Lane, 17 Avenue and 5A Street S.W.
On-street parking

The Roasterie

Savor the essence of Calgary in every cup at The Roasterie. Unforgettable coffee experiences await in Alberta's vibrant heart.

Website: The Roasterie
Where: 314 10 Street N.W.
Parking:

St John's Parkade (Lot 67) - 1110 3 Avenue N.W.
Lido Parkade (Lot 68) - 1075 2 Avenue N.W.
Lot 37 (Sunnyside) - 1056 Memorial Drive N.W.
On-street parking

MobSquad Café

Where Calgary’s highest-quality collisions happen!

Website: MobSquad Café
Where: 150 9 Avenue S.W. #2100
Parking:

Lot 7 (Downtown) - 208 9 Avenue S.W.
City Centre Parkade (Lot 25) - 340 10 Avenue S.W. / 221 9 Avenue S.W.
Convention Centre Parkade (Lot 60) - 727 1 Street S.E.
On-street parking

Photo credit: Eli Clark

Book lovers

There’s something charming and romantic about stepping into a bookstore; the cozy ambience invokes a magical atmosphere where every book is an invitation to dream, and every nook and cranny offers the chance to find a hidden treasure. Enjoy exploring these Downtown bookstores!

Sigla Books

Hard-to-find titles are often lined up on the same shelf at Sigla Books, making for a browsing experience that online shopping can still not duplicate.

Website: Sigla Books
Where: 1040 8 Avenue S.W.
Parking:

Lot 83 (Downtown West) - 940 8 Avenue S.W.
Lot 64 (Downtown West) - 825 11 Street S.W.
On-street parking

Another Dimension Comics

Established in 1983, Another Dimension has been serving the comic book community in Alberta for nearly four decades! Comics, toys and so much more.

Website: Another Dimension Comics
Where: 424 B 10 Street N.W.
Parking:

St John's Parkade (Lot 67) - 1110 3 Avenue N.W.
Lido Parkade (Lot 68) - 1075 2 Avenue N.W.
On-street parking

Fair’s Fair

Serving Calgary since 1988, Fair’s Fair Books offers quality used books at fair prices and with exceptional service.

Website: Fair’s Fair Books
Where: 907 9 Avenue S.E.
Parking:

Lot 43 (Inglewood) - 880 11 Street S.E.
The Confluence Historic Site and Parkland - 750 9 Avenue S.E.
On-street parking

The Next Page

Independent bookstore in Inglewood.

Website: The Next Page
Where: 1217A 9th Ave SE
Parking:

Lot 43 (Inglewood) - 880 11 Street S.E.
Lot 44 (Inglewood) - 1301 9 Avenue S.E.
Lot 81 (Inglewood) - 712 12 Street S.E.
On-street parking

Shelf Life Books

Shelf Life Books is an independent bookstore specializing in high quality literature, Canadian authors, small presses, children’s books, and diverse voices across all genres. They are locally owned, dog friendly, and open 7 days a week.

Website: Shelf Life Books
Where: 1302 4 Street S.W.
Parking:

Lot 82 - 1520 4 Street S.W.
On-street parking

Downtown libraries

Not in the mood to buy a book? No problem, visit these two iconic libraries in the heart of our city.

Photo credit: Colin Way

Memorial Park Library

Memorial Park Library was Alberta’s first public library. The effort to build it was spearheaded by Annie Davidson, one of Calgary’s cultural pioneers, beginning in 1906.

Website: Memorial Park Library
Where: 1221 2 Street S.W.
Parking:

Lot 82 - 1520 4 Street S.W.
City Centre Parkade (Lot 25) - 340 10 Avenue S.W. / 221 9 Avenue S.W.
On-street parking

Calgary Central Library

Calgary Central Library is the keystone location of Calgary Public Library, offering books, computers, programs, and more.

Website: Calgary Central Library
Where: 800 3 Street SE
Parking:

Lot 77 (East Village) - 415 7 Avenue S.E.
Lot 78 (East Village) - 424 8 Avenue S.E.
Lot 79 (East Village) - 427 8 Avenue S.E.
Platform Innovation Centre Parkade (Lot 62) - 399 9 Avenue S.E.
Lot 55 (East Village) - 724 4 Street S.E.
On-street parking

Comfort food

Calgary is home to some of the best chefs and restaurants in Canada, and Downtown is where the culinary magic is happening. Dig-in to these delicious comfort dishes. Yum-Yum!

The Wednesday Room

What to eat: Wagyu burger
Website: The Wednesday Room
Where: 100 118 8 Avenue S.W.
Parking:

Convention Centre Parkade (Lot 60) - 727 1 Street S.E.
Lot 7 (Downtown) - 208 9 Avenue S.W.
On-street parking

Model Milk

What to eat: Fried chicken
Website: Model Milk
Where: 308 17th Avenue S.W.
Parking:

Lot 82 - 1520 4 Street S.W.
On-street parking

Vintage Chophouse

What to eat: Steak!
Website: Vintage Chophouse
Where: 320 11 Avenue S.W.
Parking:

City Centre Parkade (Lot 25) - 340 10 Avenue S.W. / 221 9 Avenue S.W.
On-street parking

The Casbah

What to eat: Couscous khoudra
Website: The Casbah
Where: 720 11 Avenue S.W.
Parking:

On-street parking

River Cafe

What to eat: Lamb Sirloin
Website: River Cafe
Where: 25 Prince’s Island Park S.W.
Parking:

Lot 59 (Sunnyside) - 200 Memorial Drive N.W.
On-street parking

Luca Restaurant

What to eat: Fettucine
Website: Luca Restaurant
Where: 524 10th Avenue S.W.
Parking:

City Centre Parkade (Lot 25) - 340 10 Avenue S.W. / 221 9 Avenue S.W.
Centennial Parkade (Lot 54) - 608 9 Avenue S.W. / 823 5 Street S.W.
On-street parking

Silver Dragon Restaurant

What to eat: Peking duck
Website: Silver Dragon Restaurant
Where: 106 3 Avenue S.E.
Parking:

Lot 26 (Chinatown) - 307 1 Street S.E.
Lot 888 (Chinatown) - 109 Riverfront Avenue S.E.
Harmony Parkade (Lot 40) - 112 5 Avenue S.W.
On-street parking

LuLu Bar

What to eat: Fried coconut squid
Website: LuLu Bar
Where: 510 17 Avenue S.W.
Parking:

Lot 82 - 1520 4 Street S.W.
Lot 45 (Cliff Bungalow) - 17 Avenue and 5A Street S.W.
On-street parking

Shiki Menya

What to eat: Menya Jiro Kei
Website: Shiki Menya
Where: 824 1 Avenue N.E.
Parking:

On-street parking

OEB Breakfast Co.

What to eat: Banana cream pie french toast
Website: OEB Breakfast Co.
Where: #110 222 5 Avenue S.W.
Parking:

Harmony Parkade (Lot 40) - 112 5 Avenue S.W.
On-street parking

Cluck ‘N’ Cleaver

What to eat: Mother Clucker
Website: Cluck ‘N’ Cleaver
Where: 1511 14 Street S.W.
Parking:

On-street parking

Native Tongues Taqueria

What to eat: Carnitas
Website: Native Tongues Taqueria
Where: 235 12 Avenue S.W.
Parking:

City Centre Parkade (Lot 25) - 340 10 Avenue S.W. / 221 9 Avenue S.W.
On-street parking

Pie Junkie

What to eat: Classic apple pie
Website: Pie Junkie
Where: 1081 2 Avenue N.W.
Parking:

Lido Parkade (Lot 68) - 1075 2 Avenue N.W.
Lot 37 (Sunnyside) - 1056 Memorial Drive N.W.
St John's Parkade (Lot 67) - 1110 3 Avenue N.W.
On-street parking

Tubby Dog

What to eat: The Sumo
Website: Tubby Dog
Where: 100A, 1210 8 Street S.W.
Parking:

On-street parking

Kim Anh Vietnamese Submarines

What to eat: Korean BBQ pork submarine
Website: Kim Anh Vietnamese Submarines
Where: 626 17 Avenue S.W.
Parking:

Lot 45 (Cliff Bungalow) - 17 Avenue and 5A Street S.W.
Lot 46 (Cliff Bungalow) - 17 Avenue and College Lane S.W.
Lot 76 (Cliff Bungalow) - College Lane, 17 Avenue and 5A Street S.W.
On-street parking

Pat and Betty

What to eat: Pork belly and scallops (with caviar)
Website: Pat and Betty
Where: 1217 1 Street S.W.
Parking:

On-street parking

Ramen Arashi

What to eat: Spicy tonkotsu
Website: Ramen Arashi
Where: 1240 Kensington Road N.W. #103
Parking:

Lot 57 (Kensington) - 1210 Kensington Road N.W.
On-street parking

Class Clown

What to eat: Coney Island Cowboy
Website: Class Clown
Where: Suite 106, 1711 4 Street S.W.
Parking:

Lot 82 - 1520 4 Street S.W.
Lot 45 (Cliff Bungalow) - 17 Avenue and 5A Street S.W.
On-street parking

Photo credit: Sofia Gauvin

Film buffs

Check out one of these film festivals happening Downtown in November.

Photo credit: Clinton Hallahan

Calgary European Film Festival

Check out the 13th Calgary European Film Festival!

Website: Calgary European Film Festival
Where: Globe Cinema, 617 8 Avenue S.W.
When: Nov. 1 –10
Parking:

Centennial Parkade (Lot 54) - 608 9 Avenue S.W. / 823 5 Street S.W.
On-street parking

CUFF.Docs Documentary Film Festival

The CUFF.Docs Documentary Film Festival showcases the best in non-fiction films. The event presented by the Calgary Underground Film Festival screens 15+ full-length features, as well as shorts, varying in subject, style and genres within the art form.

Website: CUFF.Docs Documentary Film Festival
Where: Globe Cinema, 617 8th Avenue S.W.
When: Nov. 20 – 24
Parking:

Centennial Parkade (Lot 54) - 608 9 Avenue S.W. / 823 5 Street S.W.
On-street parking

GIRAF Animation Festival

GIRAF Animation Festival is a celebration of independent animation, a showcase of the best of what's being created here in Canada and around the world.

Website: GIRAF Animation Festival
Where: Globe Cinema, 617 8 Avenue S.W.
When: Nov. 14 – 17
Parking:

Centennial Parkade (Lot 54) - 608 9 Avenue S.W. / 823 5 Street S.W.
On-street parking

Calgary Justice Film Festival

The Calgary Justice Film Festival (CJFF) showcases a mix of social justice and environmental films. The best part is that CJFF is free to attend, so it’s easy to catch one of these flicks.

Website: Calgary Justice Film Festival
Where: The Confluence Historic Site & Parkland, 750 9 Avenue S.E.
When: Nov. 21 – 23
Parking:

The Confluence Historic Site and Parkland - 750 9 Avenue S.E.
On-street parking

Downtown movie theatres

In the mood for an independent movie or the latest Blockbuster? Visit these two Downtown movie theatres.

Globe Cinemas

Globe Cinemas is a classic movie house dedicated to bringing Calgarians quality movies of all varieties. They are also proud to participate in many of the wonderful annual film festivals this city has to offer.

Website: Globe Cinemas
Where: 617 8th Avenue S.W.
Parking:

Centennial Parkade (Lot 54) - 608 9 Avenue S.W. / 823 5 Street S.W.
On-street parking

The Plaza Theatre

The historic Plaza Theatre is an independent cinema in Calgary that hosts screenings, film festivals and events.

Website: Plaza Theatre
Where: 1133 Kensington Road N.W.
Parking:

Lot 57 (Kensington) - 1210 Kensington Road N.W.
Lot 23 (Hillhurst) - 1101 Memorial Drive N.W.
Lot 37 (Sunnyside) - 1056 Memorial Drive N.W.
Lido Parkade (Lot 68) - 1075 2 Avenue N.W.
On-street parking

Photo credit: Kelly Hofer

Hidden gems

We’re not joking around; some of these hot spots are actually hidden! No splashy signs or red carpets here, so be sure to keep your eyes-peeled for the secret entrance. Enjoy a night-cap at one of these Downtown speakeasys and cocktail bars.

Paper Lantern

Tucked away in a Chinatown basement lies this tropical and Vietnamese escape.

Website: Paper Lantern
Where: Basement, 115 2 Avenue S.E.
Parking:

Lot 888 (Chinatown) - 109 Riverfront Avenue S.E.
Lot 26 (Chinatown) - 307 1 Street S.E.
Harmony Parkade (Lot 40) - 112 5 Avenue S.W.
On-street parking

Betty-Lou’s Library

Take a step back in time when you walk through the hidden door of Betty-Lou’s Library and have a seat in a vintage velvet chair.

Website: Betty-Lou’s Library
Where: The Devenish Building, 908 17 Avenue S.W.
Parking:

Lot 46 (Cliff Bungalow) - 17 Avenue and College Lane S.W.
Lot 76 (Cliff Bungalow) - College Lane, 17 Avenue and 5A Street S.W.
On-street parking

Business and Pleasure

Sometimes you can have both.

Website: Business and Pleasure
Where: 1327a 9 Avenue S.E.
Parking:

Lot 44 (Inglewood) - 1301 9 Avenue S.E.
Lot 81 (Inglewood) - 712 12 Street S.E.
Lot 43 (Inglewood) - 880 11 Street S.E.
On-street parking

Untitled Champagne Lounge

Welcome to a world of exquisite champagnes.

Website: Untitled Champagne Lounge
Where: 104, 620 8 Avenue S.W.
Parking:

Centennial Parkade (Lot 54) - 608 9 Avenue S.W. / 823 5 Street S.W.
On-street parking

Cannibale

Sample delicious food and drink.

Website: Cannibale
Where: 813 1 Avenue N.E.
Parking:

On-street parking

Proof

At Proof they all care about drinks and good times… a lot! Everyone working at Proof is fully immersed in cocktail culture. They live and breathe this stuff and if you love it as much as they do, they will geek-out with you!

Website: Proof
Where: 1302 1 Street S.W.
Parking:

On-street parking

Shelter

SHELTER exists for the weary urban traveler to step into a new world, a private alcove offering a selection of delicately crafted cocktails, precisely chosen wines, and a variety of shared tasting plates to sate one’s hunger.

Website: SHELTER
Where: 1210 1 Street S.W.
Parking:

On-street parking

Prickett Richard

Prickett Richard is a cocktail bar in the underbelly of Comery Block Barbecue.

Website: Prickett Richard
Where: 1B 638 17 Avenue S.W.
Parking:

Lot 45 (Cliff Bungalow) - 17 Avenue and 5A Street S.W.
Lot 46 (Cliff Bungalow) - 17 Avenue and College Lane S.W.
Lot 76 (Cliff Bungalow) - College Lane, 17 Avenue and 5A Street S.W.
On-street parking

Graybar

At Graybar they're always grateful, never bored. With every sip, they seek to help the Inn From the Cold provide warmth, shelter and security for homeless children and their families. #Cocktails4Charity

Website: Graybar
Where: DM @grateful_gray to arrange booking and donation.
Parking:

On-street parking

Heliopolis Social Cafe

Heliopolis Social Cafe is a luxurious lounge to socialize, enjoy exquisite bites & sip on signature drinks.

Website: Heliopolis Social Cafe
Where: 817 1 Street S.W.
Parking:

Lot 7 (Downtown) - 208 9 Avenue S.W.
City Centre Parkade (Lot 25) - 340 10 Avenue S.W. / 221 9 Avenue S.W.
Convention Centre Parkade (Lot 60) - 727 1 Street S.E.
On-street parking

The Bourbon Room

Whiskey. Cocktails. Soul.

Website: The Bourbon Room
Where: 341 10 Avenue S.W.
Parking:

City Centre Parkade (Lot 25) - 340 10 Avenue S.W. / 221 9 Avenue S.W.
On-street parking

Charlie’s Watch Repair

Hidden inside Salt & Brick, step through the guise of Charlie's Watch Repair, a place where time both stands still and travels at the whim of our patrons.

Website: Charlie's Watch Repair
Where: 211 10th Ave SW
Parking:

City Centre Parkade (Lot 25) - 340 10 Avenue S.W. / 221 9 Avenue S.W.
Lot 7 (Downtown) - 208 9 Avenue S.W.
On-street parking

Photo credit: Colin Way

Getting here

Get Downtown by using one of these modes of transportation.

Calgary Transit: You can get Downtown with Calgary’s Public Transit system. For more information on Calgary city buses or the CTrain, including schedules, maps, passes, and fares, visit Calgary Transit.

Photo credit: Colin Way

Walk, wheel, or run: Downtown is accessible by walking, wheeling, or running.

Photo credit: Colin Way

Parking: Find the perfect parking spot using our interactive On-street Parking Map, which shows the exact rates and times in each parking zone. You can also enjoy free parking after 6 p.m. every day and all day on Sundays!

When you park with Calgary Parking, you're not just parking—you're helping to support local and fund city initiatives. For more updates about parking spots, promos and more, please visit Calgary Parking.

Photo credit: Calgary Parking

Choose Your Own Downtown Adventure: Cozy Itinerary

#EXPLOREDOWNTOWNYYC Choose your own downtown adventure

Get in touch

Warm sips

Aggüdo Coffee Roasters

Cafe Alchemist

Higher Ground in Kensington

I Love You Coffee Shop

Caffè Beano

Loophole Coffee Bar

Philosáfy Coffee

Monogram

Alforno on 7th Street

Phil & Sebastian

Rosso

Deville Coffee

ANALOG

The Roasterie

MobSquad Café

Book lovers

Sigla Books

Another Dimension Comics

Fair’s Fair

The Next Page

Pages

Shelf Life Books

Downtown libraries

Memorial Park Library

Calgary Central Library

Comfort food

The Wednesday Room

Model Milk

Vintage Chophouse

The Casbah

River Cafe

Luca Restaurant

Silver Dragon Restaurant

LuLu Bar

Shiki Menya

OEB Breakfast Co.

Cluck ‘N’ Cleaver

Native Tongues Taqueria

Pie Junkie

Tubby Dog

Kim Anh Vietnamese Submarines

Pat and Betty

Ramen Arashi

Class Clown

Film buffs

Calgary European Film Festival

CUFF.Docs Documentary Film Festival

GIRAF Animation Festival

Calgary Justice Film Festival

Downtown movie theatres

Globe Cinemas

The Plaza Theatre

Hidden gems

Paper Lantern

Betty-Lou’s Library

Business and Pleasure

Untitled Champagne Lounge

Cannibale

Proof

Shelter

Prickett Richard

Graybar

Heliopolis Social Cafe

The Bourbon Room

Charlie’s Watch Repair

Getting here