Here's your insiders guide to what's actually worth it.

The Calgary Tower is one of the city's most recognizable landmarks. The observation deck delivers a stunning 360-degree view of downtown and the Rocky Mountains. It's  one of the best vantage points in the city. There's also a rotating restaurant at the top, Sky 360, if you want to make an experience of it.

If you're into zoos, the Calgary Zoo is one of the best in Canada and well worth a visit. There's exhibits featuring animals from across the globe and a large section of animals from Canada as well.

The National Music Centre might be the most interesting looking building in Calgary. Even if you just see the exterior it's worth your time. The exhibits inside are modern, interactive, and include a lot of unique historical items.

Heritage Park is a lovingly maintained historic village set-up you can find centrally in the city. Educational and fun, especially for families, it does a great job of bringing Alberta's past to life.

The Central Public Library is a stunning piece of contemporary architecture and entry is free.  If you have time, grab a coffee nearby and explore the surrounding East Village neighbourhood.

Telus Spark is one of the best science centres in the country. If you're travelling with kids, it's a must. Adults will enjoy it too, particularly the adults-only evening events held periodically.

Calgary has a legitimate craft beer scene. While breweries are scattered across the city, there's a cluster in an industrial area locals call the Barley Belt. It's somewhat walkable, or easy to Uber between spots for the ones that are further apart.

Yes, the World's tallest mural is in Calgary! And it's visible from the air as you fly in. The graffiti-style design is impressive at street level too. Worth seeking out it's located at 123 10th Ave SW, right near the Calgary Tower and easy to add to any downtown walk.

17th Ave is a lively neighbourhood filled with casual restaurants, bars, cafes, and unique boutique shops. During the summer, the patios spill onto the sidewalks and the whole strip feels like one long social gathering.

This downtown sculpture might be the best piece of art in Calgary. It's striking, larger than life, and completely free to see at any hour. Just don't climb on it (or else security will kindly stop you).

Calgarians call this "the bridge to nowhere" because there's no major destination on either end. However there are lovely river pathways on both sides. It's a great wander if you have a bit of time and want to explore by foot or bike.

Stephen Avenue is essentially a more corporate version of 17th Ave, It's busy with office workers and tourists enjoying the shops and restaurants during the day with a lively bar scene at night. It's also a nice spot for photos if you're looking for a good backdrop.

A beautiful green island park sitting in the middle of the Bow River, right next to downtown. It's free, scenic, and hosts several major festivals throughout the summer including the Folk Music Festival. A great spot for a picnic or a riverside walk.

One of Calgary's oldest and most characterful neighbourhoods, Inglewood is a great place to wander. There's numerous independent shops, vintage stores, coffee spots, and restaurants. It borders the river and has a distinct, eclectic personality that feels very different from downtown.

Calgary has one of the most extensive indoor elevated walkway systems in the world: the +15, named for the approximate height (15 feet) above street level. It connects much of downtown and is particularly interesting in winter when the city stays active despite the cold. Worth a wander even for a short stretch.

Kensington is a charming inner-city neighbourhood with over 250 independent shops, restaurants, and services. No big chain stores here — it's all local! It's also walkable from downtown, or easily reached via the Sunnyside C-Train station.