Vancouver is a very diverse city that can be under appreciated by those going for a short visit. Most stick to Metrotown and other large shopping centres and never get a feel for Vancouver as a whole. This is my Best of Vancouver list, which isn’t entirely off the beaten path.

Clothing

 True Value Vintage Clothing (710 Robson St.) - For retro looks up to the 80’s.

Cheap Thrills (852 Granville St.) - For accessories for anyone and punk/Goth apparel
Hitz Boutique (716 Robson St.) - A good place to get up to the minute skate and snow apparel, gear and accessories. I can’t even count how many Tony Hawk hoodies they had.

Obstruction (1112 Davie) - I think they have the best local hoodies in the city. They also have the best customer service of any fashionable shop I’ve ever been to.

Music

A&B Sound ( Seymour St.) - Extensive selection, excellent prices. What more could you ask for?

Virgin Megastore (788 Burrard St.) - Atmosphere that’s what. Virgin has a very cool environment as well as a selection comparable to A&B. Usually they’re a bit pricier though. Virgin also carries books, McFarlane toys, software, video games, vinyl and Video/DVD.

Food

Liberty Bakery (3699 Main St.) - Breads, muffins, soups and lots of chocolate treats. The Liberty cafe is a great place to stop for a quick cup of coffee

Hidemi (409 Hastings W) - On the good part of Hastings, Hidemi offers an extensive selection of Japanese candies. They even have samples. The merchandise is available either by weight or prepackaged.

99 cent pizza - A Vancouver staple and the locations are innumerable.

Subeez (891 Homer St.) - My personal favourite. The food is always interesting, the atmosphere is great (especially at night) and the servers are friendly.