Calgary is the largest city in the Alberta region and the fifth largest city in Canada. Sitting on Bow river, Calgary is known for its status of being Canada’s oil industry. Do you know that Calgary was and still very much still carries the status of a cowboy town? Much like Kansas City, Denver & Houston in the USA, Calgary was known as a town where beef is the king as there were huge ranches on the very outskirts of the city. Every summer the city hosted “Stampede” where rodeos, as well as massive parties, happened.

Calgary is a popular place for locals and tourists coming to Alberta to explore the beautiful nature of Canada. Located not too far from Banff national park, Calgary is a great entry point. Calgary will surprise you with the numerous skyscrapers in the city center and the number of great eatery places.

Start your day with brunch or coffee at Alforno bakery & cafe. Located near the Bow river, after your morning start, you can enjoy the walk around Peace bridge and Prince’s island park. It is an urban park in the north of downtown Calgary.  There are many great things happening in the park. From many festivals being held here, to picnicking, hiring a bike, or just enjoying the walk and the views of the city’s skyscrapers from the park.

After the walk in a park, walk back to downtown Calgary through Chinatown. Chinatown in Calgary is located along Centre street, where you can find many shops and restaurants. Calgary’s Chinese Cultural Centre with its traditional architecture and decor is the largest facility of its kind in North America. Walking down the Centre street you will pass by a 12-meter-high Wonderland sculpture made by a wire in front of large offices. The sculpture was made by the Spanish artist Jaume Plensa.

Continuing your walk towards Calgary Tower, on your right side you should walk through Stephen avenue walk. This is the main commercial street of Calgary, where you can find many shops and restaurants. Stroll through some places on this street for a quick lunch spot. Alternatively, go into the CORE shopping center which is stretched through a few streets. This main shopping center connects not only offices, and shops, but also offices. With the vast choice of food and products, you may also enjoy some relaxing time in the Devonian gardens. The beautiful indoor garden with many seating.

After your lunch break, head to Calgary Tower for a panoramic view of Calgary. The general admission is $18 and it offers you a 360-degree view of the city. There is also a restaurant in the tower if you wish to have a beautiful experience in Calgary. If you do have some more time, it is worth coming to Central Library for a short visit. This public library was officially opened to the public in 2018 and the modern architecture was designed by  American-Norwegian architecture firm Snøhetta and Canadian firm DIALOG. It is free to visit and stroll around the spacious atrium.

The view of Calgary is stunning by day as well as by night, because of its many skyscrapers light. Stop by Teatro restaurant for your fine dinner. The restaurant located in the old bank building offers Mediterranean cuisine and a large selection of wine. Calgary also offers great evening entertainment and nightlife, from quiet nooks by fire to throbbing dance music.

Start your day with breakfast or brunch in Vendome Cafe or OEB Breakfast Co. Catch a bus or get a cab to Scotman’s hill, this large green space on a riverbank is the highest point in Calgary where you can have a free lookout point on striking vistas of skyscrapers and landmarks in downtown of Calgary.

After that, a visit to Heritage Park is also recommended if you would like to explore Canada’s largest living history museum. Exhibits span western Canadian history from the 1860s to the 1950s. Many of the buildings are historical and were transported to the park to be placed on display. Others are re-creations of actual buildings. Check their website for any special events that may be happening there. The general admission to the park is $26.50 during summer time and $11 during the winter season.

Depending on how long you will stay there, whether you will make it as a full-day trip or just half a day, there is also one last thing worth mentioning and visiting whilst in Calgary – Glenbow museum. This large museum in the center of Calgary is dedicated to the art and history of Canada and the Alberta people. Pay attention to their opening hours! The museum is closed on Monday and on Fridays it is open until 8 pm.

Before leaving the city, book a table at Cleaver restaurant for your last meal. This European restaurant will offer you a large selection of food with a bold cocktail menu.