Things to do in Toronto

Insider tips: Planning a trip to Toronto

Mayuri is the founder of ToSomePlaceNew, which covers European destinations and cultural travel. A history graduate and an MBA by qualification, she found her true calling in digging a city’s past and discovering their unique nuances. She is based in Canada, and travels with her husband. Find more about Toronto on her blog.

What should I do on my first trip to Toronto?

On your very first trip to Toronto, the CN Tower is not to be missed. It is one of the iconic landmarks in the city, and is located in the downtown core area. With a structure of 553.3 m-highs, this observation tower welcomes you to amazing views of Toronto and the harbourfront area. The thrilling EdgeWalk is a popular activity here for adrenaline junkies. Take a stroll along the Harbourfront, or canoeing on Lake Ontario. If you like castles, pay a visit to Casa Loma and don’t forget to snap a Instagrammable photo!

What are some hidden gems to see in Toronto?

The beauty of Toronto lies in its neighborhood vibes. Visit the Kensington Market area for one. Admire the colorful houses, boutiques and quirky cafes. Another cool neighborhood is Danforth (which is easily accessible by public transportation); it is home to Greek restaurants and from here you can also embark on easy hikes, and soak in city views from the Chesterhill Lookout point.

How much time should I spend in Toronto?

Plan to spend at least 3 days in Toronto to explore the city’s highlights. For your Toronto itinerary, set aside one day to discover the downtown core highlights like CN tower, Harbourfront, Casa Loma, Eaton Centre, Rogers Centre, Royal Ontario Museum, etc. Second day is all about picking a neighbourhood and exploring it intimately. My favoirtes are Kensington Market & Chinatown, and Distillery District (opt for a bike or food tour in this area). Leave the final day for a day trip to Niagara!

What food is Toronto known for?

Toronto's main dish is a veal sandwich. Other food items to try out are street food, poutine, peameal bacon sandwich, hot dog and sausages.

What is the best way to get around Toronto?

The best way to explore Toronto is a mix of public transportation, walking and tours. Use LRT and buses to get to various districts in Toronto. Public transportation is safe and reliable. Once you are in the neighbourhood, walking or bike tours are a great option to understand the city’s past!

What are the best months to visit Toronto?

The best time to visit Toronto is in late spring, and fall months, so that’s late April through May and September through October. During these months the weather is mild and lovely for outdoorsy activities like hikes, picnics and festivals. Summers are peak tourist season, and hotels and flights are usually pretty expensive.

What is Distillery District known for?

Distillery District is a hip neighborhood in Toronto. Once an industrial district (mills), it was opened in 2003 as a premier arts, culture and entertainment destination. From bike and history tours, to haunted ghost walks and stunning restaurants, this area is worth visiting and adding to your Toronto trip!

What are the best neighborhoods for food?

The best neighborhoods for food are Downtown Core (for all types of cuisines, cafes and fine dining), Distillery district (bars, restaurants), ChinaTown & Gerrard Street (Asian/Indian), Danforth (Greek restaurants).

What are the best neighborhoods for shopping?

The best neighborhoods for shopping are Downtown Core/Eaton Centre, Yorkdale, ChinaTown, and Toronto Premium Outlets at Halton Hills.

What neighborhood should I stay in when I visit Toronto?

The best area to stay in Toronto for a short trip is the Downtown Core. You can find luxury and mid budget hotels in Queens West and the Entertainment District for a comfortable stay, with easy access to restaurants, bars, shops and sightseeing attractions!

Read our complete guide to Toronto, or discover the city's best experiences.