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Shopping & districts

Little Italy

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Little Italy

Little Italy

Located along Preston Street, this neighborhood serves as the center of Ottawa's Italian community. Visitors go here to find specialized Italian groceries, bakeries, and restaurants. The area is designed for walking, allowing travelers to explore the local shops and dine in a setting that reflects Italian culture.

Getting There

The district is located just west of the city center. It is accessible via local bus routes or a short taxi or rideshare trip. From the downtown core, the journey typically takes about 5 to 10 minutes depending on traffic.

Suggested Duration

Allow 2 to 4 hours to explore the main stretch of Preston Street. This provides enough time to visit a few shops and have a meal without rushing.

When to Visit

The area is most active during dinner hours and weekends, which is when it becomes crowded. Summer is a popular time to visit due to outdoor seating and seasonal events. For a quieter experience, visit during weekday afternoons.

Nearby Attractions

Because of its central location, this neighborhood can be combined with other nearby sites:

  • West Centretown (0.5km)
  • Dominion Observatory (1.2km)
  • Hintonburg (1.4km)
  • National Holocaust Monument (1.4km)

Updated September 8, 2026 · Edited by the World by City editors

Tickets & tours

Admission prices and opening hours change often, so we don't list them here. Check what's on sale and at what price below — booking ahead can cut the queue at some places.

This place may not appear in the results — some sites are free to enter or sell tickets only at the gate.

Stays near Little Italy

Sorted by distance, walkable ones first. Distances are straight-line.

Map and place data © OpenStreetMap contributors

Little Italy Nearby stays

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Good to visit alongside

West Centretown

Shopping & districts

West Centretown

West Centretown is a neighborhood in downtown Ottawa, home to Little Italy and Chinatown. It's a place where you can enjoy a variety of food and cultures together.

0.5 km away

Dominion Observatory

Attraction

Dominion Observatory

The Dominion Observatory was a former observatory on the grounds of the Central Experimental Farm in Ottawa, operating from 1902 to 1970 and leading Canada's astronomical and geodetic research. Its Romanesque Revival main building still stands, offering a glimpse into its history.

1.2 km away

Hintonburg

Shopping & districts

Hintonburg

A neighborhood west of downtown Ottawa, where distinctive shops and cafés line Wellington Street West. With Parkdale Public Market nearby, it's a great spot to stroll through one of the city's trendiest areas.

1.4 km away

National Holocaust Monument

Heritage & monuments

National Holocaust Monument

A memorial site about 1.5 km from Ottawa's Parliament Hill, located across from the Canadian War Museum. Designed by architect Daniel Libeskind, it's a quiet place to reflect on history.

1.4 km away

LeBreton Flats

Shopping & districts

LeBreton Flats

This neighborhood lies in Somerset Ward in downtown Ottawa, near Centretown and Chinatown. It borders the Ottawa River to the west and north.

1.4 km away

Canadian War Museum

Museums & galleries

Canadian War Museum

This is Canada's national war museum in Ottawa, presenting the country's military history through a range of exhibits and memorial spaces. Located in a large building near the Ottawa River, it houses a wide array of artifacts and records to explore.

1.5 km away