Known as the “jewel in the crown” of Canada, Toronto is a bustling city, home to an eclectic mix of culture, adventure, and food.
While Toronto International Travel Tips– a vibrant destination for those escaping the conventional tourism and not just visiting the tourist brochure, this article is a plus.
This travel guide takes a deep dive into the city and uncovers all the iconic sights and local neighborhoods. Whether you’re into art, food, outdoor activities, or sports, Toronto has something for you.
Dig in and see how Toronto is more than just a destination.
Discover Iconic Landmarks
1. CN Tower
The CN Tower is one of Toronto’s most iconic landmarks. It’s not just a sight to admire from a distance—it offers thrilling experiences up close.
The Edge Walk lets you step out onto a ledge with nothing beneath you but open air.
At the 360 Restaurant, you can enjoy a meal with a fully rotating view of the city. And don’t miss the Glass Floor—it's the perfect spot for that iconic photo.
Cost: Admission is about $40, plus more for the Edge Walk and food.
Transport: Easy to get to by subway or streetcar.
Estimated Time Spent: 2-4 hours including activities.
Tips for Visiting: Visit on a sunny day and reserve your Edge Walk spot early in advance, as it fills quick!
2. Royal Ontario Museum
The museum, better known as ROM, is a massive collection of art, culture, and nature.
The dinosaur exhibit is super popular (especially for the children), and the world culture exhibits provide some fascinating insights into a variety of histories.
Be sure to do one of their tours or workshops! It’s an opportunity to view art and history from across the world.
Cost: Adult admission is around $23, depending on the temporary exhibitions.
Transport: Located right by Museum Subway Station–so convenient.
Estimated Time Spent: For 3 to 4 hours.
Tips for Visiting: If you want to beat the crowds, come early. Take your student ID for discounts!
3. Toronto Islands
Toronto Islands are the perfect getaway from the city--only a few minutes outside the central business district.
Bike rentals are available to explore the island, but take a picnic and enjoy the view of the city skyline. It will let you feel like a vacation in Toronto.
Cost: Ferry $8 rental extra.
Transport: Take the ferry from the Jack Layton Ferry Terminal.
Estimated Time Spent: Half–full day.
Tips for Visiting: When in doubt, check ferry schedule online.
4. Casa Loma
Casa Loma is a huge castle right in the heart of Toronto. As you explore its ornate rooms, you’ll feel like you’ve gone back in time. Be sure to visit the gardens as well, as they provide some great views of the city.
The castle puts on seasonal events too, such as a haunted Halloween house.
Cost: Admission costs approx. $30 for adults.
Transport: Accessible by subway and a brief walk.
Estimated Time Spent: Spend 2-3 hours wandering.
Tips for Visiting: Weekdays are quieter.
5. Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada
Ripley’s Aquarium lets you explore the depths of the oceans without even getting wet. The underwater tunnel is mesmerizing, and you can even interact with stingrays. Catch one of their dive shows for an entertaining experience.
Cost: Adult tickets cost roughly $40 each.
Transport: Located just next to the CN Tower, public transit available.
Estimated Time Spent: About 3 hours to visit properly.
Tips for Visiting: Be sure to buy your ticket(s) for the tower in advance. Consider visiting earlier or later in the day.
Explore the Unique Charm of Toronto’s Neighborhoods
6.Kensington Market
Kensington Market is a lively, colorful neighborhood in Toronto that is full of character and personality. Graffiti lines the streets and provides a stark contrast to the activity of the nearby stores.
It’s home to vintage shops as well as independent businesses selling handcrafted goods. The neighborhood is a hot spot for artistic and free-thinking individuals, ensuring each visit is a different experience than the last.
Cost: Almost everything is free. The only exception is if you’d like to join any particular activities or events.
Transport: Accessible from TTC streetcar or a short walk from Spadina or Queen’s Park subway stations.
Estimated Time Spent: Recommend allowing 2-3 hours to tour.
Tips for Visiting: Spend a Sunday afternoon — the streets pulsate with life and sound.
7. Distillery District
The Distillery District is the historic heart and soul of Toronto. Its meticulously restored Victorian industrial buildings make it feel as though you’re walking through a different era.
Join a walking tour to get an introduction and then explore its galleries, shops, and studios on your own. Home to plenty of breweries and distilleries, this is a great place to sample craft beer and spirits.
Recommendation Reason: For history and art enthusiasts.
Cost: Tours can be $20, or you can just explore.
Transport: You can walk there from Union Station or take the King streetcar.
Estimated Time Spent: A solid 3-4 hours is best, though longer if you like to drink.
Tips for Visiting: Winter holidays for magical Christmas market.
8. Chinatown
One of the largest in North America, Chinatown in Toronto is vibrant, authentic, and full of activity.
Here you’ll find everything from street markets and herbal medicine to delicious and inexpensive food (try the dim sum or the noodles) at any of the hundreds of budget-friendly restaurants.
The neighborhood also hosts street festivals and performances, so there’s often a festive energy in the area.
Recommendation Reason: Takes you from Toronto to China and back.
Cost: Reasonably priced for dining and shopping.
Transport: Easy to reach by Spadina or Dundas streetcar and walking from downtown.
Estimated Time Spent:3 hours or even more if you dwell on it.
Tips for Visiting: Plan your visit during as festa for the liveliest vibe.
9. Little Italy
Little Italy is a piece of Europe in the middle of Toronto. With its street-side cafes and traditional Italian restaurants, it’s a great place to kick back with a gelato or espresso.
And, in case you’re missing Italy, there are a couple of theaters in the area that show classic Italian films. Walk around the area and you’ll take in the relaxed, friendly atmosphere, which is just as welcoming as it is charming.
Cost: Diverse dining options at affordable prices.
Transport: To College streetcar or a short walk from Ossington subway.
Estimated Time Spent: Plan to spend at least 2-3 hours to soak it in.
Tips for Visiting: Come on Italy Day for outdoor partying.
10. Greektown
Greektown is probably the liveliest neighborhood in the city and the place to go to experience Greek culture and cuisine. The food is amazing; you’ll find all the Greek favorites like souvlaki and baklava, and you can easily pretend you’re on Mykonos.
Here you can also discover live music at the Danforth Music Hall or participate in local revelry at the Taste of the Danforth festival.
Cost: There are dining options for all budgets.
Transport: Take the Bloor-Danforth subway line to Pape or Chester.
Estimated Time Spent: Plan on at least a half-day, for a meal most.
Tips for Visiting: Don’t miss the Taste of the Danforth festival for some delicious food and entertainment.
Enjoy Culinary Delights
11. St. Lawrence Market
But more than a market to do your food shopping, St. Lawrence Market is a foodie dream come true.
There are tons of places to try gourmet and local foods from many different vendors. There are even culinary classes and cooking demonstrations to learn how to make a new dish.
Cost: Free to enter, but bring your wallet for tasty treats.
Transport: Easy to reach by the TTC. King Station steps away.
Estimated Time Spent: Allow 2-3 hours for exploration and tastings.
Tips for Visiting: Show up early for optimal choice and to beat the crowds.
12. World-Class Dining
The restaurants in Toronto are like a trip around the world. With everything from high-end establishments to hole-in-the-wall joints, the city doesn’t disappoint when it comes to dining.
Reserve a table at one of its renowned fine dining spots, check out some of the ethnic enclaves for traditional international dishes, and hit up one of the local food festivals or pop-up dinners that happen throughout the year.
They offer some truly amazing and one-of-a-kind dining experiences.
Cost: Range from budget to luxury depending on the one you choose.
Transport: All are possible, but the best way is just to walk, especially in eater-heavy areas.
Estimated Time Spent: Usually takes 2-3 hours, though many allow longer if there’s a festival.
Tips for Visiting: Reserve if you’re going somewhere popular to guarantee you get a table.
13. Chocolateries and Bakeries
Sample chocolate and baked goods. Satisfy your chocolate cravings with a visit to one of Toronto’s best chocolateries, such as Soma Chocolate.
You can also enjoy amazing buttery croissants at some of the city’s best bakeries, or even sample some decadent cake.
Cost: Moderate, but it depends on what you go for.
Transport: And many are located in busy downtown neighborhoods convenient to TTC.
Estimated Time Spent: Plan on spending 2 hours strolling and snacking.
Tips for Visiting: Make sure to visit more than one to sample various sweets.
14. Food Tours
Take a deeper dive into Toronto’s food scene with a food tour. Tours through various neighborhoods and styles of cuisine, giving you a “greatest hits” and an indication of the culinary diversity of the city, from trying dim sum in China town to experience Italian specialties in Little Italy — and everything in between.
They’re a great way to learn about the city’s rich food scene and have some fun too.
Cost: Prices are flexible (normally from $50 to $100).
Transport: Walking tours in small areas, beginning frequently in the middle of town.
Estimated Time Spent: Usually three to four hours, depending on the length.
Tips for Visiting: Book ahead and bring good-walking shoes.
15. Breweries and Craft Beer
The craft beer craze has hit Toronto hard and many breweries have popped up all over the city, each with unique beers to try.
Visit for a tour to see how their beer is made, sample some flavors, and perhaps even chat a bit with the brewers of your newest favorite beer.
Some breweries are constantly hosting different events while others come up with seasonal brews. Beer snob or beer novice, you’re going to love it here.
Cost: Typical tastings and tours cost $10-$30.
Transport: Lots of breweries are downtown. You can take the bus.
Estimated Time Spent: Plan to spend 2–3 hours per brewery.
Tips for Visiting: There’s a lot of breweries lumped together, so you can easily do a few in a day.
Engage in Toronto’s Arts and Entertainment
16. Theatre District
Ever been somewhere where you feel like every corner is waiting for a story? Toronto’s Theatre District is one of those places.
There is everything from a Broadway spectacle to a small improv performance.
You can spend all night at a comedy club or take a tour of what’s going on, but wherever you do, it’s a memory you won’t forget.
Cost: Ticket prices can vary greatly: even on the low end, a ticket to a smaller production will usually cost you $20 or more, while at the high end, for one of the major productions on Broadway, expect to pay well over $150.
Transport: Located just steps from St. Andrew Station, easily reached by subway.
Estimated Time Spent: Allow for 3-4 hours for a complete night out.
Tips for Visiting: Book ahead for in-demand activities to reserve the top spots.
17. Art Gallery of Ontario
The Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO) is an amazing place that buzzes with excited art aficionados.
It has huge rooms, diverse exhibits, and seems like a place where art from every corner of the planet goes to die – in a good way.
There are interactive art displays and guided educational tours as well. Everywhere you look you’ll spot something you love. Or someone.
Cost: General admission for adults is approximately $25, with adolescents 25 or under admitted for free on Wednesday.
Transport: Over by St. Patrick Station on the subway line.
Estimated Time Spent: Put aside 3-4 hours for a visit (more if you love museums).
Tips for Visiting: Check to see if there’s a special exhibit or workshop that you might enjoy.
18. TIFF Bell Lightbox
The TIFF Bell Lightbox feels like a home for cinephiles. It is the heart of the Toronto International Film Festival as well as offering film screenings and interactive exhibits on a regular basis.
Experience unique cinema in a vibrant space that highlights world cinema.
Cost: Ticket prices and fees vary by event, but are usually between $10–$30ären.
Transport: Get here by subway too, as it’s near St. Andrew.
Estimated Time Spent: Allow 2-3 hours depending on how many screenings you go to.
Tips for Visiting: Check out the schedule in the days leading up to find any one-off screenings and events.
19. Street Art and Graffiti Alleys
Toronto’s street art scene is incredible. It’s colorful and creative and everywhere you look you’ll find murals and paintings and art on the walls.
It’s a photographer’s dream destination and just a great place for anyone who loves cool, expressive artwork.
There’s lots of great guided graffiti tours that can show you some of the different artists and works.
Cost: And you’re free to take a self-guided tour, too. (It costs$20or so for a guided one.)
Transport: In a downtown area with a good selection of art.
Estimated Time Spent: Spend 2 hours walking these colorful lanes.
Tips for Visiting: Sturdy shoes and a camera for art displays are a must, too.
20. Live Music Venues
Toronto’s music scene is as varied as the population, including small acoustic shows and large concerts. See bands at small venues, or bigger acts at bigger venues.
Festivals make it even more exciting, making the whole city essentially a playground for music. Ideal for music fans eager to mix with the in-crowd and delve into all types of music.
Cost: Pricing depends entirely on the event, although they typically start around $10 for most concerts.
Transport: Venues are spread out across the city, but most can be reached by subway or streetcar.
Estimated Time Spent: Plan to spend 2-3 hours, depending on the event/show.
Tips for Visiting: You can find concerts and ticket discounts on social media and venue sites.
Outdoor Adventures and Green Spaces
21. High Park
High Park is the largest public parkin Toronto and a great escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. This won green space offers hiking and walking trails, playgrounds, and lots of various sporting activities to do.
There’s even a zoo you can visit and you can see cherry blossoms here in the spring. It’s a great place to relax, spend time with family, or step into nature without leaving the city.
Cost: No Entry Fee.
Transport: Accessible by High Park Station on the Bloor-Danforth Subway Line.
Estimated Time Spent: Allow a few hours up to a full day.
Tips for Visiting: There are also some beautiful cherry blossoms in the park in late April and early May.
22. Toronto Waterfront
The Toronto Waterfront offers excellent views of Lake Ontario. You can rent bikes and go for a ride, or simply walk around the waterfront and get some exercise.
In warmer weather, the waterfront hosts outdoor concerts, festivals, and art markets, too. If you’re looking to get out on the water, you can take a paddleboarding or sailing lesson.
Cost: Take a hike; hire some gear.
Transport: It is close to a subway and a few blocks from Union Station.
Estimated Time Spent: 2-4 hours, depending on what you do.
Tips for Visiting: Summer is the best season to enjoy the lively atmosphere and outdoor activities.
23. Allan Gardens Conservatory
Tucked away in the heart of the city lies the Allan Gardens Conservatory, an indoor botanical oasis. This lovely greenhouse has an extensive array of exotic and seasonal plants growing inside.
It’s a great place to visit for anyone with a green thumb or who just wants to spend some peaceful time hanging out in the tropics.
Cost: Free entrance.
Transport: College Streetcar or College or Queen’s Park Subway Stations a short walk (30 minutes).
Estimated Time Spent: Spend 1-2 hours enjoying the lush setting.
Tips for Visiting: The place blooms during special flower shows.
24. Evergreen Brick Works
Evergreen Brick Works is a cool place because it’s both steeped in history and dedicated to sustainable programs. It used to be an old industrial area turned into an innovative community space dedicated to ecology and the arts.
You can go hiking on the trails, visit the farmers’ market, or take an eco-tour on how we can better preserve our environment.
Cost: Free admission; tours and programs are a charge.
Transport: Can be reached by a short shuttle bus from Broadview Station.
Estimated Time Spent: Allow half a day to make most of your visit.
Tips for Visiting: See if they have any workshops or events scheduled.
25. Tommy Thompson Park
Known as one of the best places for bird watching in the province, Tommy Thompson Park is actually a man-made peninsula, built in part by dropped-off construction materials during the making of Toronto subway tunnels.
Cycling its picturesque trails is a perfect escape and a wonderful, unique way to experience the city.
Cost: No entry fee.
Transport: Weekends by car, anytime on bike.
Estimated Time Spent: If you take that advice, this place will be a breeze.
Tips for Visiting: To get the most out of the experience, bring your own binoculars or sign up for a guided bird watching tour.
Sports and Recreation
26. Attending a Local Sports Event
Attending a sporting event in Toronto is a lot of fun. Whether it’s the Leafs skating on the ice or the Raptors making a basket, Toronto fans are passionate and lively.
The atmosphere is always amazing at venues like the Scotiabank Arena — it’s sure to be a festive day out, even if you’re not a fan of basketball or hockey.
Cost: Tickets can cost as little as $30 and as much as $200+ depending on the event and where you want to sit.
Transport: Accessible via TTC subway, and the arena is downtown Toronto-based.
Estimated Time Spent: Expect to spend around 3 hours (with pre and post-game).
Tips for Visiting: Get here early, take it all in, and buy a fan jersey as a souvenir.
27. Waterfront Sports
Lake Ontario is the perfect playground in Toronto. Rent a kayak or canoe and cut through the water, or try some stand-up paddleboarding. Sailing lessons and tours are available too, providing an opportunity to view the city skyline from out on the water.
Cost: Prices are different but kayak rentals start around 25 dollars.
Transport: Best reached by subway and a short walk from downtown Toronto.
Estimated Time Spent: It takes 2-3 hours to explore.
Tips for Visiting: Book ski gear ahead on weekends to guarantee availability.
28. Golf Courses
If you’re a fan of golf, there are quite a few quality, well-maintained courses in Toronto. Some are even challenging enough to provide a decent round for more advanced players, while others have introductory lessons/clinics.
Courses are set amongst the trees and offer a great place to enjoy the outdoors and work on your swing for a day.
Cost: Expect to pay $40+ for golf.
Transport: Golf courses are mostly out of town, a few city courses can be reached by TTC.
Estimated Time Spent: Plan on spending 3-4 hours (more if you’re playing 18.)
Tips for Visiting: Pre-booking your tee times is the best way to avoid delays.
29. Skating at Nathan Phillips Square
In the winter, you have to skate at Nathan Phillips Square. The square’s outdoor rink is the heart of wintertime activity in the city, where you’ll find holiday lights and the famous Toronto sign.
Whether you’re racing or falling all over the place, it doesn’t matter — just enjoy the experience.
Cost: If you have your own skates, skating is free; rentals are approximately $10.
Transport: Located downtown, in short walking distance of the subway.
Estimated Time Spent: 1-2 hours is perfect for a fun outing.
Tips for Visiting: Hit the ice in the evening for a magical scene with the rink illuminated.
30. Rock Climbing
Toronto’s rock climbing is also abundant, with indoor facilities welcoming people of all experience levels. The variety of wall and bouldering options makes it easy to train, regardless of the season.
Outdoor enthusiasts can join a guided rock climbing outing to explore some beautiful natural rock formations just a short drive from the city.
Cost: Day passes cost as little as $20 indoor gyms.
Transport: Indoor gyms. Outdoor spots are just a car-ride out of the city.
Estimated Time Spent: 2-3 hours, depending on how wild and crazy you are.
Tips for Visiting: Just wear something athletic and comfortable, and, if you’re a beginner take a class to learn safely.
FAQ
1. How do I get around Toronto?
Toronto has an easy-to-use and inexpensive public transit system (TTC) with subways, buses, and streetcars.
2. When is the best time to visit Toronto?
Toronto is a place you can enjoy at any time of year. Head there in summer for various festivals, or in winter to experience them all dressed up for the holidays, complete with an outdoor ice skating rink.
3. What is the local cuisine in Toronto?
Toronto has all kinds of food: peameal bacon sandwiches, restaurants of every ethnicity you can imagine.
4. Are there free attractions in Toronto?
Yes, some places like High Park and the Art Gallery of Ontario on specific evenings.
5. Can I use credit cards in Toronto?
Most places in Toronto will take your credit card, but it’s good to get cash.
6. What languages are spoken in Toronto?
Most speak English, but, being multicultural, you also hear a variety of other languages.
Conclusion
Exploring Toronto is like a treasure hunt. Each neighborhood and landmark reveals a piece of its diverse character. Diversity is everywhere, from the towering CN Tower to Kensington Market's bohemian streets.
Toronto seamlessly melds history with modernity, captivating travelers. Whether sampling diverse cuisines or catching a game, you'll discover something extraordinary along the way.
Dive into the arts scene, relax on the Toronto Islands, or enjoy global cuisines. Toronto isn't just about tourist attractions; it's in the city's daily life and the locals' hospitality.
Toronto is ready to be your next amazing destination!