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Robson Street
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
30 reviews for Robson Street
30 reviews in English
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Review from John J.
Vancouver, BC
4/3/2012
Great atmosphere.
Great shopping experience.
Something for everyone. -
Review from Eric B.
6/11/2011
Robson Street is a major thoroughfare in Downtown and the West End. Its core commercial blocks from Burrard Street to Jervis are also known as Robsonstrasse. Its name honours John Robson, a major figure in British Columbia's entry into the Canadian Confederation, and Premier of the province from 1889 to 1892. Robson Street starts at BC Place Stadium near the north shore of False Creek, then runs past Vancouver Library Square, Robson Square and the Vancouver Art Gallery, until coming to an end at Lost Lagoon in Stanley Park.
I manage to find my way to Robson Street every time I come to Vancouver. I also used to buy more stuff when the Loonie was at a 30% Discount to the US Dollar. But there are still sales, and it's fun to window shop, people watch, and other wise enjoy this part of Vancouver (rain or shine). I'm particularly prone to stop at one of the Roots stores, Chapters and the Fairmont Vancouver Hotel just a block off the main drag. I've also stayed at the Listel Hotel on the West End side. Robson must also have some pretty high retail rental rates, considering the higher end chain places that have entered this market over the years. It's also the most expensive property on the Canadian Monopoly board. -
Review from Heather H.
11/30/2010
This will seem a little over the top. But as tourist from the states, to hit this: Is like hitting the holy grail of shopping in Vancouver!
I'm starting to feel more and more jealous that Canada has better stores and all so nicely lined up on this long boulevard too! Zara, Lush, Bebe, fancy toiletries shops, Roots, BCBG, Tiffanys, Coach, Cartier all the pretty things I cannot yet afford.
Pull out the Amex cards!!! -
Review from Kymberli C.
7/14/2011 1 Check-in Here
We stayed super close to Robson Street during our stay in Vancouver. It was really packed because it was Game 2 of the Finals, so they were showing the game on a big screen on the street. Luckily, they won that night so it was just a big celebration! It was fun to walk around and shop. There were a lot of high end stores and a lot of boutique shops. There are tons of places to eat at too, and bars to stop by and get a drink. There are also maps on most of the street corners which I thought was very smart for tourist like us!
Listed in: Vancouver in 1.5 days...
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Review from Ken N.
11/4/2010
Girls, go here.
Boys, leave your wallet back at the hotel.
Downtown Vancouver's primary shopping area. Various high end stores and boutique shops, restaurants and the best part, not many bums vs. cities like San Francisco and Manhattan. Nice area to stroll around even if you don't want to shop. Looks nice at night too.
The shopping area is around Robson and Burrand Street. Along Robson and Granville is the Entertainment District (more bars and clubs).
Expect to pay more to shop here. I checked around on clothing prices and everything was anywhere from $10-$30 more expensive than the states. Take into account the exchange rate and 12% tax here. No shopping spree for the GF. I guess the surcharge goes to the extra clean streets.Listed in: VanCity!
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Review from Jamie W.
10/14/2010
I haven't lived in Vancouver for ten years now, but every time we visit, we seem to make our way downtown to shop on Robson. The only problem is... well, we never end up actually buying anything. And for some reason it always seems to be raining!
As for the stores, they are pretty run of the mill. There really isn't anything on this street that you can't get at any decent sized mall. If you're an American or used to American shopping, Robson Street might actually come off a little lack-luster in their offerings.
So why do we head out there year after year? I'm really beginning to question that myself. Probably nostalgia. It was the "thing" to do when I was a teenager growing up in the Lower Mainland.
Now that I'm an adult, there are quite a few decent restaurants and bars to acquire "shopping fuel" along the way and it is occasionally nice to shop outside (even if it always seems to be pouring cats and dogs). There are more coffee shops than anything else though.... and they are always packed! Coffee shops are to Vancouver what nail salons are to Orange County!
Some of my favourite stores... French Connection, Blue Ruby and Roots (I know it's cliche but it makes me feel Canadian!).
The street is always busy with tourists and locals alike. It is very clean compared to Granville and other neighbouring streets. Watch out for pickpockets and purse snatchers though... some lowlife was being cuffed by an undercover officer as we crossed the street last weekend. As nice a town as Vancouver is, it is FULL of people trying to take what isn't there's and tourists make for easy pickings. -
Review from phillip w.
9/12/2008
Robson street~
You will probably see me here most of the time when I go to YVR.
I drink my coffee and relax here
I get my fill of gelato here
I go shopping here
I get my fill of tastey korean food here
I can enjoy my day just walking down this street
all I need is sun, a mocha and a cigarette~ -
Review from Jenni B.
4/29/2009
Robson is handy for a day of shopping when you do not want to be couped up in a mall. In addition to the shoppes there are lots of restuarants and coffee stops along the way, though admittedly the cafes mostly seem to be Starbucks or Blendz... caffine nonetheless.
The funnest thing about Robson by far though is the people watching. Sit yourself down at a cafe patio and just watch the people passing by and eavesdrop on conversations... things just seem to be colorful here.
Just be ready when heading down to Robson the annoyance of way too many people, and for some reason people like to walk [slowly] in rows of 6 people taking up the entire sidewalk... it's beyond me why. Also don't expect any special/atypical shoppes. -
Review from Darien C.
BC
12/12/2008
As previously attested, Robson is Vancouver's go to shopping district. All the main chains stores dot this street.
Restaurants are conveniently located to keep your sustenance levels up, Starbucks services your caffeine needs.
The prices are admittedly high, but you can find what you need if you search hard enough. Personally, I rarely shop on this strip. Its clichéd fashions and everyone has them.
Dig deeper in this city, hit Gastown or Main Street for unique items that weren't puked up by American Apparel. -
Review from Kristen M.
8/15/2010
A popular tourist destination in Vancouver, BC.
I thought it was okay, maybe it's because I have a bunch of these stores back at home. Maybe it was because I don't shop at the expensive stores since I'm a broke college student. Maybe it was because there was a lot of people walking down on the street, which kinda reminded me of the streets of NYC.
If you aren't into the shopping and just here to window-shop and look around then do head over and check out Robson Street. I have yet to try the restaurants in this area but I'm pretty sure they would be legit since they are in a mainstream location.
I agree with Phuc B., that there weren't too many bums hanging out on this street. But by the surrounding areas, there were many more lurking for change.
Overall, a solid A-OK! -
Review from Laurie R.
8/6/2008
Robson's Street is Vancouver's answer to Rodeo Drive.
Gucci, Armani, Virgin Records, Bebe and then homegrown favorites like Lush, Roots, and Aritzia.
For some bling - check out Blue Ruby, Saatchies & Saatchies and Plenty.
And then there's the Food! You need to keep your energy up for all the shopping.
Try Cin-Cin or the Cactus Club. There's a Starbucks on every corner and they are all busy.Listed in: Red, White & You! C eh? N eh?…
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Review from A C.
9/11/2011
It's a nice outdoor shopping venue, but it's nothing you haven't seen before.
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Review from Anita T.
Toronto, ON
8/27/2008 1 photo
Oh Robson Street. This is Vancouver's version of Toronto's Bloor Street, New York's SoHo district, and California's Rodeo Drive.
There is an abundance of shopping on Robson but the core of it runs from Robson and Granville to Robson and Bute. Anything you are looking for in Vancouver, you will find. From Armani Exchange and Banana Republic to Aritzia and Blue Ruby... the possibilities are endless!
And there are many awesome restaurants on this street as well - from the world famous Cactus Club and Milestones to the fancy Cin-Cin and Joe Fortes where celebrities are often spotted! -
Review from Nancy C.
8/11/2011
Was I on the wrong street? Because I do not get how this place could be worth more than three stars. The shops were alright, nothing too unique. Most of the stores I could find in my area.
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Review from Megan S.
12/6/2008
Robson Street is for the brand conscious. Those who say- an AX t-shirt is worth the 70% markup. Do you only buy jeans on it that have a little Eagle on the back pocket? Maybe you like to assert your womanliness with a shirt that says BEBE?
If being a walking billboard is your thing- than Robson is your place. The brands vary from ridiculously expensive to moderate. But you're not going to find anything unusual down here.
Also- every so often the random tourist shop- because there's a lot of those down here. -
Review from marianne w.
1/14/2009 2 photos
Robson Street is a hotspot for shopping and eating in Vancouver. My BF and I took a tour late night when we were in Vancouver. Although everything was closed, we enjoyed the nice walk, street decorations and the window shopping. We also saw a guy take off his pants in the middle of the intersection to let loose- intoxicated people have no shame!
The following afternoon we came back to Robson Street and decided to shop and looked around when the stores were open. We were aiming hard for going to shops that weren't offered in the US, but there definitely is a lot of similarity. -
Review from Luisa S.
Vancouver, BC
8/30/2008
Comparisons to Bloor and Rodeo Drive are expected. As with any major shopping street in any city, it draws a wide variety of local and foreign retailers, tourists and locals. Brands like Club Monaco, French Connection and Banana Republic line the street alongside countless restaurants. Robson anchors the whole area, providing a clear way to offshoot other side streets that hold more high-end powerhouses, such as Tiffany's, Gucci and Louis Vuitton.
Always busy and very international, Robson Street is an integral part of Vancouver culture. -
Review from Cameron M.
Toronto, ON
12/11/2008
It's easy to shit on Robson as a local. It's a very annoying place to be that just kind of lays out a lot stores and restaurants that have other locations elsewhere. It's busy and loud and generally a quagmire of annoyance if you have any goal or any time limit. That said, as a tourist destination it does deliver.
If you're new to the city and especially new to Canada, Robson is a good place to start. It has a bunch of major Canadian and American clothing stores in big outlets and features a good cross section of eateries. You can get sushi and curry and Italian all on the same strip.
So yes, if you ask a local we're going to roll our eyes and tell you that you can find better versions of everything someplace else. But if you've got a day to wander and just absorb some shopping and food, there's few places in the city that have it all together on one strip and so close to other downtown attractions. -
Review from Heather J.
2/15/2010
This has become the tourist destination of the Olympics. Currently most of the street is roped off and pedestrian only for the occasion and let me tell you the millions have arrived!
Pretty much every shop you would want will be somewhere along here or very close by among a side street and in between them are numerous restaurants with vastly different flavors.
A great experience. -
Review from BB H.
Burnaby, BC
3/7/2010
At the bottom end near Denman are some great Korean restaurants (haven't tried the Japanese as I can eat that at home so...). In the middle are the usual trendy clothes stores but check out the J-convenience store Konbiniya between Bute and Jervis.
Robson Square was a blast during the Olympics but usually it's hippy dippy burnout hanging out on the stairs there or some dopey protestors. Who knows what will happen when the art gallery moves from that location.
Further down is a great block near Richards with J-bakery, a super falafel shop, Japadog storefront location and a Gyudon place then H-Mart (Korean supermarket) across the street.
Down further and Rosie's pub across from the Central Library is fantastic if you want to catch the game and eat decent seafood dishes (usual fish and chips and salmon sandwiches are great).
Then right at the east end of the street is BC Place.
All it really needs to make it 5 stars is a brighter sheen to it. Maybe some neon, maybe some more streetlife...I have no idea but the potential is there to make for a GREAT street. -
Review from Amy C.
3/1/2011
So I heard this is the place to be if you're looking to do some damage to your wallet.. It's almost like Beverly Hills/Soho/Hikers? You have your upscale stores.. and your trendy stores.. then there are your I want to stay warm stores... Plenty of sweaters to choose from. :D
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Review from Reginald W.
5/23/2011
Went here a couple years ago for vacation. I wanna go back here again. Had lunch here, and had a great time around the area.
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Review from Tom W.
Vancouver, BC
10/2/2008
Robson St - where the only shopkeepers who can afford to rent space here are either major, expensive chains, or merchants selling stuff with a high profit margin. Where looking good is what it's all about. Where people over 35 are way too old. Where people-watching (mostly tourists) and window-shopping are the only reasonably-priced activities you should indulge in.
Commercial Drive is far more interesting. Winners and Walmart have better prices. Richmond has better Asian cuisine, but hey...Robson St is easy to get to and sometimes that's a good thing -
Review from Joolie T.
4/2/2009
being that i was only 17 when i first became fascinated with Vancouver... Robson Street was where little teenagers like myself would shop til i dropped. as the years went by, i ended up liking this street less and less. the appeal and quality wasn't cool anymore.
dining, shopping, browsing, etc. - everything i used to love doing here in my teens all came to a halt after many years of returning back to B.C.
however, for those that have never visited the area before... i would recommend this area. the locals and the constant visitors of Vancouver like myself... tend to stay clear away. -
Review from MiKA D.
8/22/2008
You cannot go wrong shopping on Robson in Vancouver. It's just a whole mecca of stores you can't find in the US. I had a lot of fun walking around and kickin' it with friends here. It's definitely interesting when you people watch here; definitely alof of European influenced clothing which I totally dig.
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Review from Sasha R.
9/7/2008
This is a fun shopping destination, think a cleaned up fresh Telegraph Ave, in Berkeley, Ca or a Harvard Sq. in Boston, Ma. The shops are both chains and spots that are harder to find in the states, Mexx, London Drugs... We had a fun time just window shopping, as we got to Robson pretty late, but I could have dropped some serious bank had the shops been open.
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Review from Erwin S.
7/12/2011 1 Check-in Here
Ok... Nothing special IMHO.
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Review from Phuc B.
5/5/2010
as a tourist destination: 4 stars, lots of people, nice easy stroll, not too many bums
as a shopping spot: 2 stars, might be good for you if you aren't living in a big city, but being from LA, this place is below average, pretty expensive too
as a place for dining: 5 stars, you can find cheap hole in the walls or pay more $$$, you can find whatever type of food you're lookin for, and a lot of them are open late -
Review from Scotty D.
11/28/2008 1 photo
this is a great place to walk around, shop or just take in the local sights. my first tim in vancouver i just had to get out on my own and walk around and see all that vancouver had to offer and robson street had it all. it rained all day but it just felt so good to be out there and walk around in that area seeing all of the great shopping, grocery stores and restaurants. it's alot like vancouver but with much more all in one place and just as many asians. if your eve up there and love to shop you'll really love this spot.
Listed in: If I only had 1 year to live…, A YELP Christmas Story
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Review from H H.
3/29/2010
Up and down the street were your typical boutique stores as well as independent stores that looked the same after a few were passed. The area could get quite crowded. It seemed as if this street was the best that downtown Vancouver could offer - something somewhat entertaining; you can find all these stores in NYC, Chicago, or anywhere else, for that matter. Not that impressed.
