Top Things to do in Halifax
The 10 Best Budget-friendly Things to do in Halifax, Halifax Region
Travelers say Halifax is best seen on foot, so park the car and start walking. Immerse yourself in Halifax's rich history at the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic, and be sure to survey the city from the 18th-century Citadel National Historic Site. Then walk into any of Halifax's great bars and restaurants and catch some live music to round out your day.
Restaurants in Halifax
1. Shakespeare by the Sea
2. Halifax Central Library
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1,108 reviews
Reviewed By RDHiscott - Lion's Head, Canada
This modern new building replaces the old Halifax Memorial Library on Spring Garden Road – it is a large building with open glass walls with great views of the city, along with a rooftop terrace with some spectacular paroramic vistas of the Halifax waterfront. Check out the modern art design of an entire wall devoted to cards from the library card catalogue of another era … some of us still remember doing library searches that way! Very impressive architecture, beautiful building!
3. Halifax Citadel National Historic Site of Canada
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3,717 reviews
Experience an exciting part of Canada's history by visiting this 19th-century fort with a sweeping view of downtown Halifax. Between May and October, the Citadel is brought to life by two historic regiments of the British Army - the pageantry of the 78th Highlanders and the precision of the Royal Artillery thrill visitors daily with live re-enactments. The skirl of the bagpipes mixes with the crack of a rifle and the assembly of recruits for the next foot drill. There's no shortage of authentic experiences to view and participate in! Kids will love the Xplorers Program - an activity book just for them. When the sun sets, it's time to experience the other side of the Citadel - join the Citadel Ghost Walk and experience the dark and errie lore from the early 1800's. Tours start mid-July and run every Friday and Saturday nights starting at 8:30pm until the end of October. Cash at the front gate.
Reviewed By SophiaIneson - Exeter, United Kingdom
I visited the Citadel as a solo traveller. I went on a free guided tour which was very informative and interesting, they have demonstrations throughout the day of shooting the rifles and the canon which goes off at noon. I would advise people to visit in the morning to make the most of it. They also have many exhibitions you can visit to warm up a bit of the weather is poor. The whole site is well maintained and all of the staff are in traditional costume which is really cool.
4. Maritime Museum of the Atlantic
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3,164 reviews
Immerse yourself in the rich marine history depicted by this museum's vast collection from binnacles and buoys to anchors and armaments.
Reviewed By B1698RKmichaelh - Burke, United States
This museum has some of the most beautiful ship models, sailboats of unique designs from the Maritime region and artifacts of the wrecks so abundant on the shoreline of Nova Scotia. And to add to this is actual artifacts from the Titanic! Including an actual deck chair. Great displays and fund for the whole family
5. Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,880 reviews
The Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21 is located in the national historic site at the Halifax seaport where nearly one million immigrants landed in Canada from 1928 to 1971. Today, as Canada’s sixth national museum, we share the ongoing story of immigration to Canada—past to present, and coast to coast. Our exhibits immerse visitors in the immigration experience and allow for a deeper understanding of how newcomers shape our country. Our staff and collections provide opportunities for visitors to discover the countless journeys to Canada and find their own family’s connection to the story. Countless Journeys. One Canada.
Reviewed By rayp775 - Ipswich, United Kingdom
Visited here on our first full day in Halifax and a short walk from our stay. Would certainly recommend the guided tour and our guide George, an immigrant who passed through Pier 21 added immensely to our enjoyment, being able to bring to life the process and hopes and fears of all those who journeyed to a new world. With many artefacts donated by families this offers a great insight into the development of both Halifax and wider Canada and its multi-cultural make-up today. Great visit.
6. Province House
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 93 reviews
Oldest provincial Parliament building still in use in Canada; a visit to its legislative library is recommended.
Reviewed By beaucaboo - Montreal, Canada
We were two adults that visited this site on August 23, 2019. We had the choice of doing the tour on our own or doing a guided tour. We opted for the guided tour . We only had to wait 5 minutes. Our tour guide was Binta. She was excellent, informative & told us interesting facts, stories & tidbits!! This place is crawling with history. It is also full of many original paintings. Our favourite was visiting the legislature, where laws are proposed, debated and either passed or defeated. Excellent. The library was also fascinating. After the tour, you are free to visit on your own, which we did. We saw two beautiful rooms on the ground floor. One room is called the Veterans' Room and the other room is directly opposite. Province House is well worth a visit!! Please note that you need a photo ID to enter. Also you need to go through a security check, similar to what happens at airports.
7. St. Paul's Church
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 178 reviews
Built from timbers brought by sea from Boston in 1749, this historic site was the cathedral of the first Anglican bishop of Nova Scotia.
Reviewed By yankeefan730 - Burlington, Canada
We just happened to be in Halifax during that city's Doors Open program, and so took advantage of the opportunity to visit St. Paul's Church which dates back to 1749. As a church with so much history, including a constant reminder of the Halifax Explosion, this church blends that history with a testament to its roots with numerous tablets situated around the walls. A colourful brochure helps guides visitors through the sanctuary while providing interesting details including the fact that it is the oldest building in Halifax..
8. Point Pleasant Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 830 reviews
Have a picnic with sweeping ocean views or hike through 186 acres of forest in one of Halifax's most cherished parks.
Reviewed By nroe - Brackley Beach, Canada
Halifax residents should be very proud of this gem of a green space at the tip of the city. Wonderful walks, great vistas, lots of parking, Dog friendly and lots of off leash areas for the furry pals. Bouncing back nicely from the hurricane damage of Juan.
9. Fairview Lawn Cemetery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 781 reviews
The final and noteworthy resting place for many of the victims of the Titanic.
Reviewed By championam - Paducah, United States
I have wanted to visit this cemetery since I was a small child and learned of its existence. I am not 47 years old and I will tell you that young kids that don't LOVE the Titanic won't have much fun here. It is nothing but 4 rows of 121 passengers of the RMS Titanic. There is not much to give you a clue as to whom the folks are so you may want to brush up on the names before you go. Buried here is a trimmer by the name of J Dawson (Joseph), a member of the band (John Hume), Sidney Goodwin who was the unknown child and James McGrady (the last body pulled from the Atlantic).
10. Art Gallery of Nova Scotia
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 408 reviews
Art museum focusing on provincial and Canadian artwork in various mediums.
Reviewed By BenLar137 - Calgary, Canada
There's so much here to like! We love how they used two of the historic buildings in downtown Halifax and joined them underground to make one larger gallery - possibly inspired by the Louvre. All the exhibits we saw on our visit in October were well thought out, and presented in a contemporary way. The highlight of our visit was the Maude Lewis exhibit, where they brought in the actual house she lived in, as well as an astounding collection of her work. What a tribute to an amazing artist! The other exhibits were interesting as well, especially a gigantic work by Ken Monkman. There's even a convenient, on-site restaurant. Having experienced how well they do what they do here, we would unreservedly recommend this for any visitor to the city with an hour to spare.
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