Toronto is one of the most vibrant and multicultural cities in North America. As Canada’s largest city, Toronto offers visitors endless opportunities for exploration and adventure. If you’re wondering what to do in downtown Toronto, this guide covers the top neighborhoods, attractions, activities, tours, events, restaurants, cafés, and more to help you make the most of your trip.
Explore Top Downtown Toronto Neighborhoods
Kensington Market
This bohemian neighborhood features a maze of narrow streets lined with Victorian homes housing cafes, vintage boutiques, art galleries, and diverse eateries. Don’t miss the opportunity to people-watch, shop for unique finds, view street art and graffiti, and sample global cuisine.
Top things to do:
- Shop for vintage items and handmade goods at the Sunday vintage market (the last Sunday of each month from May to October)
- Grab breakfast at Egg Bae or the Federation of Canadian Artists and Coffee Roasters
- Wander through the colorful streets and admire striking murals and street art
St. Lawrence Market Neighborhood
This historic market neighborhood dates back over 200 years and was named the world’s best food market by National Geographic. On weekends, the St. Lawrence Market building hosts 120+ vendors and merchants selling fresh produce, baked goods, cheeses, and more.
Top things to do:
- Take a guided food tour of St. Lawrence Market and sample local specialties
- Shop for fresh ingredients to take home or have a meal at one of the Market’s restaurants
- Visit on a Saturday morning when the Market is at its busiest
Distillery District
This pedestrian-only Victorian neighborhood contains cafes, restaurants, galleries, and shops set among the large-scale whiskey distillery buildings. It’s especially magical in the winter during the Toronto Light Festival.
Top things to do:
- Wander through the charming Victorian laneways and sample craft beverages at a distillery
- Check out the unique boutiques, artisan shops, cafes, and eateries
- Time your visit in January-February to catch the Toronto Light Festival
Harbourfront Centre
Stretching along the shore of Lake Ontario, this redeveloped neighborhood along Toronto’s waterfront features parks, public art, cultural venues, shops, restaurants, and stunning city skyline views.
Top things to do:
- Stroll through Harbourfront Centre, stop to admire the views and public art installations
- Catch a concert, theatrical performance, or dance show at one of Harbourfront Centre’s venues
- Dine at a waterfront restaurant while taking in the spectacular city vistas
Check Out Toronto’s Top Attractions
CN Tower
As one of Toronto’s most iconic landmarks, a visit to the immense 553m tall concrete tower is an absolute must. Ride up one of the glass elevators for panoramic views from the observation decks or revolving restaurant. For thrill-seekers, walk hands-free along the edge 116 stories up!
Insider tip: Visit at sunset on a clear day for the most stunning city vistas and sky colors.
Royal Ontario Museum
With an impressive collection of over 6 million artworks and artifacts, Canada’s largest museum dedicates galleries to art, culture, and natural history from around the globe. Don’t miss the iconic architectural wonder of the Michael Lee-Chin Crystal.
Insider tip: Weekday afternoons tend to be less crowded.
Toronto Islands
Accessible by ferry from downtown Toronto, this car-free archipelago offers both city skyline views and natural scenery. Wander, bike, or picnic while exploring the islands’ beaches, parks, attractions, and cute homes.
Insider tip: Rent a bike or walk to Ward’s Island for the best skyline views.
Ripley’s Aquarium
Get up close with over 20,000 aquatic animals including sharks, sea turtles, stingrays, and jellyfish at this popular indoor aquarium. Walk through an acrylic tunnel right under huge fish tanks for a unique immersive perspective.
Insider tip: Save time by pre-purchasing your entry tickets online.
Graffiti Alley
Admire colorful street art, huge murals, and ever-evolving graffiti along these three downtown alleyways. It sits parallel to the trendy Queen Street West fashion district.
Insider tip: Free to visit and always open!
Enjoy Top Tours and Activities
Food Tours
As one of the world’s most multicultural cities, Toronto offers the opportunity to eat your way around the globe! From Kensington Market to Chinatown, Little Italy, and more, numerous companies offer walking food tours to discover the city’s best eats.
Top picks: Toronto Food Tours’ St. Lawrence Market tour, Tasty Tours’ Kensington Market tour
Walking Tours
Joining a walking tour allows you to see top city sights while learning about Toronto’s history, architecture, food scene, and diversity from an informative local guide.
Top picks: Tour Guys’ Graffiti and Street Art tour, Bruce Bell Historical Walking Tours
Harbor and Island Boat Tours
For unique vantage points of Toronto’s skyline, historic islands, and waterfront, look into boat sightseeing cruises offered by companies like Great Lakes Schooner Company and Mariposa Cruises.
Insider tip: Time a sunset cruise for brilliant skyline views at golden hour!
EdgeWalk CN Tower
For thrill-seekers, walking hands-free around the roof of the CN Tower 116 stories up is the ultimate activity! Take in bird’s-eye views of Toronto while attached to an overhead safety rail via trolley and harness.
Insider tip: Not recommended for anyone with a fear of heights!
Royal Ontario Museum Tours
From kids’ workshops to Thursday Night Live parties to guided architectural tours, the ROM offers many unique ways to experience Canada’s largest museum.
Top picks: Guided tour of the ROM’s architectural history, Thursday Night Live DJ parties.
Catch Seasonal Events and Festivals
Throughout the year, downtown Toronto hosts exciting events and festivals suited to all interests. Here are the top seasonal highlights:
Winter – Cavalcade of Lights Festival, Winterlicious Food Festival, Toronto Light Festival
Spring – Toronto Comic Arts Festival, Spotlight Toronto Film Festival, Canadian Music Week Festival
Summer – Toronto Jazz Festival, Pride Toronto, Beaches International Jazz Festival, Taste of Toronto Food Festival
Fall – Toronto International Film Festival, Nuit Blanche Toronto, Toronto Waterfront Marathon
Where to Eat and Drink
Downtown Toronto spoiled diners with endless global dining options from 140+ cultural backgrounds. Foodie neighborhoods like Kensington Market, Little Italy, Chinatown, and Greektown house hidden gems between acclaimed celebrity chef establishments.
Top picks for global eats:
- Kensington Market: Seven Lives Tacos, Rasta Pasta, Otto’s Berlin Doner
- Chinatown: Mother’s Dumplings, Swatow, Rol San Restaurant
- Little Italy: Famiglia Baldassarre, Bar Raval, Café Diplomatico
- Greektown: Kostas Meat Market, Messini Authentic Gyros, Paramount Fine Foods
Top-rated fine dining:
- Alo Restaurant, Shoushin, Aloette, Buca, Canis
Trendy cocktail bars:
- Civil Liberties, The Cloak Bar, PrettyUgly Bar, Cold Tea Bar
Where to Stay
Downtown Core
Downtown Toronto offers ultra-convenient accommodations within walking distance to top attractions like the CN Tower, Rogers Centre, Ripley’s Aquarium, and Union Station transit hub.
Top hotel picks: The Ritz-Carlton Toronto, Shangri-La Hotel, Four Seasons Hotel Toronto, Thompson Toronto
Entertainment District
Surrounding busy Yonge-Dundas Square, the vibrant Entertainment District places visitors steps from theaters, shopping, restaurants, and nightlife along King and Richmond Streets.
Top hotel picks: The Adelaide Hotel Toronto, Hyatt Regency Toronto, Pantages Hotel Toronto Centre
Harbourfront
For cooling lake breezes within walking distance to Harbourfront Centre, Toronto Islands ferries, and the Distillery District, book accommodations along the scenic central waterfront.
Top hotel picks: Westin Harbour Castle, Radisson Admiral Hotel Toronto Harbourfront
Midtown
The midtown neighborhoods along Yonge Street north of Bloor provide a quieter, local atmosphere with boutique shops, cafes, and access to subway lines.
Top hotel picks: The Anndore House, Bedford House
FAQs About Visiting Downtown Toronto
How do I get around downtown Toronto?
Toronto has an excellent public transportation system of subways, streetcars, and buses. Walking and biking downtown is also highly feasible. Avoid driving yourself with expensive parking, traffic, and confusing one-way streets.
What is there to do in Toronto at night?
Downtown Toronto offers exceptional nightlife! Watch a show on Broadway-style Theatre Row, listen to live music in the Entertainment District, bar hop through trendy cocktail lounges, comedy clubs, and summer patio bars, or dance at Toronto’s best nightclubs.
What is the best way to experience Toronto on a budget?
Luckily most top downtown attractions like walking trails, parks, and neighborhoods can be enjoyed for free. For cheaper eats, grab snacks and pastries from bakeries, check out Chinatown restaurants, explore Kensington Market, and visit food markets for budget meal options.
What is the best time of year to visit Toronto?
The peak tourist season runs from May to September when the weather is mildest for enjoying outdoor patios, rooftops, parks, and summer festivals. However, winter months bring holiday magic, cheaper prices, fewer crowds, and indoor cultural events. Any season offers plenty to do!
How many days do I need in Toronto?
While a quick weekend or long layover allows visitors a solid downtown walking tour, to dive deeper into Toronto’s distinct neighborhoods, cultural scenes, and an array of cuisine, extend your stay to 5-7 days or longer. This city has hidden depths!
Start Planning Your Toronto Adventure!
Hopefully, this guide provides helpful inspiration, recommendations, and tips for experiencing the top things to do in Toronto’s bustling downtown. With world-class museums, Architecture, multicultural dining, and entertainment at your fingertips, Toronto offers immense urban adventures waiting to be uncovered at every turn!
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