Hamilton's downtown core is best explored on foot, though you may want a car to visit attractions in the outlying areas.
Architectural Gems -- Hamilton has a wealth of architectural design to appreciate, and if you're a fan of Victorian red-brick buildings, you'll be in heaven -- the only catch is that you need to know where to look. If this is a passion of yours, contact the Hamilton Regional Branch of the Ontario Architectural Conservancy (tel. 905/308-9790 or www.architecturehamilton.com). This not-for-profit group organizes walking tours as well as exhibitions exploring the fascinating history of the city and the people who built it.