PHOTOGRAPHS : ( LEFT TO RIGHT ) BY KELLY HOFER , COURTESY TOURISM CALGARY ; BY DAN CLAPSON , COURTESY TOURISM CALGARY

This laid-back , trendy neighbourhood is a hub for coffee shops and boutiques , located across the Bow River and connected to downtown by the iconic Peace Bridge .

E AT

There are numerous independent options with character if you ’ re looking for food . Start your visit with a coffee or tea among the locals in the spacious Higher Ground Café ( 1 ). For lunch and dinner , check out Vero Bistro Moderne ( 2 ) for fresh Italian fare — it ’ s the # 1 rated restaurant in Calgary on TripAdvisor — or Modern Steak ( 3 ) for a taste of Alberta Beef . Hayden Block ( 4 ) is a lively spot from lunch through late night with platters of smoked meats , communal tables , and lots of whiskey . Later on , go for local beers and pub food classics at Oak Tree Tavern ( 5 ) and stay for live music and the friendly atmosphere . End the night at Wine Bar Kensington ( 6 ) for a glass of vino in a cozy , intimate space . In the summer , go for drinks on the patio at Container Bar ( 7 , pictured ) for a unique experience .

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SHOP

You never know what you may find within the eclectic shops of Kensington ! A neighbourhood staple since 1978 , Hot Wax ( 8 ) sells used and new vinyl records of all genres and can assist with special orders . Shop for vintage-inspired women ’ s wear , jewellery , and accessories for the home at Purr ( 9 ), a boutique that often carries products made by local artists . Pick up some unique blends of loose tea leaves at Naked Leaf ( 10 ), or a new ( or vintage-inspired ) toy for your little one at Livingstone and Cavell ( 11 ).

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Catch a favourite feature film or an indie release in the retro Plaza Theatre ( 12 ). On Wednesday nights at 9:30 pm they host the Late Night at the Plaza adultsonly variety show . On Thursday nights , head to Vendome Café ( 13 ) for live music performed by local talent . Get some friends together to visit Hexagon Board Game Café ( 14 ), where you can play any of their hundreds of board games while enjoying coffee , wine , beer , and snacks .

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This trendy inner-city neighbourhood runs from Central Memorial Park down south to the Elbow River and intersects 17th Avenue . There are plenty of restaurants along the way and a bevy of locally-owned shops and coffee houses .

E AT

It ’ s always a fiesta at Añejo ( 1 ), a trendy Mexican restaurant with delicious tacos and a large selection of tequila . Some of the best cocktails in the city are shaken and stirred at Milk Tiger Lounge ( 2 ), a small bar with a hipster vibe . Anju ( 3 , pictured ) is a renowned restaurant that serves upscale Korean-influenced tapas and

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signature cocktails — their full menu is served until 1 am every night . If you ’ re craving Japanese food , the sushi , sake , and yakitori at Shokunin ( 4 ) will more than satisfy .

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Visit Krickets ( 5 ) for quirky books , cards , and various knick-knacks . Calgary is the only city in North America with Neal ’ s Yard Remedies ( 6 ), a British chain of organic beauty products .

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Art aficionados won ’ t want to miss Loch Gallery ( 7 ) to view Canadian and European historical works of significance . On Saturday nights , pop into Wurst ( 8 ), a contemporary German restaurant and beer hall , that features a live oompah band .