Is Toronto Worth Visiting? My Honest Review in 2026
Toronto holds a special place in my heart because it’s basically my home and home base when I’m not traveling. I’ve spent countless days exploring every neighborhood, trying every restaurant I can find, and honestly… I might be a little biased. But that also means I know this city inside and out, the good, the not-so-good, and everything in between.
So is Toronto worth visiting? If you’re looking for a big, multicultural city with incredible food, diverse neighborhoods, and that perfect blend of urban energy without feeling overwhelming, then absolutely yes. But if you’re hoping for iconic landmarks at every corner or that classic “postcard perfect” vibe, Toronto might surprise you in different ways.
This guide will help you figure out if Toronto is the right destination for you, with my honest pros, cons, and what you can actually expect when you visit.
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Is Toronto Worth Visiting? My Quick Answer
Okay so obviously I’m going to say yes, but hear me out. Toronto is one of the most multicultural cities in the world, which means the food scene here is absolutely insane. You can have authentic dim sum for lunch, Ethiopian food for dinner, and Portuguese custard tarts for dessert… all in the same day. That alone makes it worth visiting in my opinion.
Beyond the food, Toronto has this really interesting mix of neighborhoods that all feel completely different from each other. You can go from trendy coffee shops and street art in Queen West to historic Victorian homes in Cabbagetown in like 20 minutes. The city has layers, and the more you explore, the more you find.
Toronto has this really laid-back energy compared to other big cities. It’s modern and bustling, but it doesn’t feel overwhelming or exhausting. If you’re into exploring neighborhoods, eating your way through a city, and experiencing different cultures all in one place, Toronto is absolutely worth your time.
What Visiting Toronto is Like
Before we dive into pros and cons, I want to give you a realistic picture of what a trip to Toronto actually feels like. This isn’t a city where you’re sprinting between major tourist attractions all day… because honestly, there just aren’t that many compared to other big cities.
Most days in Toronto look like this: coffee at a cute neighborhood cafe, wandering through different areas just to soak up the vibe, stopping for lunch at some hole-in-the-wall spot you found on Instagram, maybe checking out a museum or market, and then spending your evening at a restaurant or bar. It’s much more about the everyday experience than ticking off a huge list of sights.
The city is super walkable and bikeable in the core, and the TTC (Toronto’s public transit) can get you pretty much anywhere, even if it’s not always the fastest. Toronto feels big enough to have tons of options, but not so massive that it’s overwhelming. Compared to somewhere like New York, it’s definitely more chill and less in-your-face.
If you’re someone who loves structure and needs a packed itinerary to feel satisfied, you might find Toronto a little slower-paced. But if you’re happy just wandering, discovering new spots, and letting the day unfold naturally, you’ll probably love it here. Check out my Toronto itinerary guide for help planning your days!
5 Reasons to Visit Toronto
If you’re still deciding whether Toronto deserves a spot on your travel list, these are the biggest reasons I think the city is absolutely worth visiting.
1. The Food Scene is Unreal
Toronto is one of the most diverse cities in the world, and that shows up in the food in the best way possible. You can find authentic cuisine from literally every corner of the globe here, often cooked by people who grew up eating that food.
Chinatown has incredible dim sum and hand-pulled noodles. Little Italy serves up perfect pasta and espresso. Greektown has the best souvlaki you’ll ever have. Kensington Market is a mix of everything from Jamaican patties to vegan tacos. And the neighborhoods like Scarborough and Markham? That’s where you’ll find some of the most authentic Asian food outside of Asia.
Whether you’re into Michelin-level tasting menus or cheap street food, Toronto has it all. Honestly, the food alone is worth the trip. I’ve put together my favorite spots in my Toronto food guide if you want specific recommendations!
2. Every Neighborhood Feels Different
One of my favorite things about Toronto is how distinct each neighborhood feels. Queen West is artsy and edgy with vintage shops and street art. The Distillery District has cobblestone streets and Victorian industrial vibes. Yorkville is upscale and bougie with designer stores and fancy restaurants. Kensington Market is colorful, eclectic, and a little chaotic in the best way.
You can spend an entire trip just neighborhood hopping and never get bored. Each area has its own personality, its own coffee shops, its own food scene, and its own crowd. It makes the city feel way bigger and more interesting than it might seem at first glance. I break down all the best areas in my Toronto neighborhoods guide!
3. It’s Super Safe and Easy to Navigate
Toronto is one of those cities where you can walk around at night without constantly looking over your shoulder. Obviously you should still be smart and aware, but compared to a lot of other big cities, it feels really safe.
The city is also super easy to navigate. Most of the downtown core is laid out in a grid, so it’s hard to get totally lost. The TTC subway isn’t massive, but it covers the main areas you’ll want to visit. Streetcars and buses fill in the gaps. And if you’re comfortable walking or biking, you can cover a lot of ground without even needing transit.
For first-time visitors or solo travelers, Toronto is a really approachable city that doesn’t feel intimidating. Check out my solo travel in Toronto guide for more tips!
4. Tons of Free and Affordable Things to Do
While Toronto can be expensive in some ways (more on that later), there are actually tons of free or cheap things to do. Walking around neighborhoods like Kensington Market, Graffiti Alley, or the Distillery District costs nothing. The beaches along Lake Ontario are free and gorgeous in summer. There are tons of parks, including the Toronto Islands which you can reach by a cheap ferry.
Museums like the ROM and AGO have discounted or free evening hours. Markets like St. Lawrence Market are free to walk through (and you can sample tons of food). Street festivals happen all summer long. If you’re budget-conscious, you can absolutely have an amazing time in Toronto without breaking the bank.
5. Great Jumping-Off Point for Other Destinations
Toronto’s location makes it a perfect base for exploring other parts of Ontario and beyond. Niagara Falls is only an hour and a half away. You can do day trips to cute towns like Niagara-on-the-Lake or Port Hope. Algonquin Park is a few hours north if you want nature and hiking. Ottawa and Montreal are both easy weekend trips.
If you’re visiting from the US, Toronto is also just really easy to get to from most major cities. You can combine a Toronto trip with other Canadian destinations, or use it as a stopover between other places. It’s super well-connected. I cover the best options in my day trips from Toronto guide!
5 Reasons You Might Not Want to Visit Toronto
None of these are dealbreakers for me personally, but they’re things you should know before booking your trip, especially if you have specific expectations.
1. Toronto is Massive and Spread Out
Toronto is huge, like really huge. If you’re planning to stick to the downtown core, you’ll be fine. But some of the best food and most authentic cultural experiences are out in neighborhoods like Scarborough and North York. And getting there can eat into your day in a big way.
Just like Canada itself, Toronto sprawls. The TTC can get you to some outer neighborhoods, but it’s slow. You might find yourself spending 45 minutes to an hour each way on transit to reach certain spots. If you rent a car, traffic can be brutal, especially during rush hour.
This isn’t necessarily a bad thing, it just means you need to be strategic about planning your days and grouping activities by area. Otherwise, you’ll waste a lot of time traveling between neighborhoods. My where to stay in Toronto guide can help you pick the best base for your trip!
2. It Can Be Expensive
Let’s be real, Toronto is not necessarily a budget destination. Accommodation can be pricey, especially if you want to stay somewhere central. Going out to eat and drink adds up fast, especially at nicer restaurants or trendy bars. Even things like museum tickets and attraction entry fees aren’t exactly cheap.
That said, there are ways to do Toronto on a budget (cheap eats in Chinatown, free walking tours, picnics in parks). But compared to other North American cities, it’s definitely more expensive than places like Montreal or Austin.
3. You’ll Need to Learn the TTC System
Toronto’s public transit (the TTC) is totally doable once you get the hang of it, but it does take a bit of getting used to if you’re coming from cities with more extensive subway networks. The system has a few subway lines, plus streetcars and buses that fill in the gaps.
It’s not as intuitive as something like London or New York at first, but honestly, it works well once you understand the routes. If you’re staying downtown, you can walk most places or hop on the streetcar. For outer neighborhoods, you’ll want to plan your transit routes in advance or budget for the occasional Uber. Check out my guide to using Toronto public transit for tips on navigating the system!
4. Winter Can Be Brutal
I’m not going to sugarcoat it, Toronto winters are cold. Like, really cold. And it’s not just the temperature… it’s the wind coming off Lake Ontario that makes it feel even worse. Snow, ice, gray skies, and freezing temps from December through March.
If you visit in winter, you can still have a great time (holiday markets, cozy restaurants, ice skating), but you need to be prepared for serious cold. If you hate winter weather, definitely visit in spring, summer, or fall instead. Check out my best time to visit Toronto guide to plan around the weather!
5. It Can Feel a Little “Generic” at First
Toronto is a modern city, and that means a lot of glass condos, chain stores, and corporate buildings. If you stay in the Financial District or certain downtown areas, it can feel a bit sterile and corporate, kind of like any other North American city.
The personality of Toronto is really in the neighborhoods, not just the downtown core. So if you don’t venture out and explore, you might leave thinking “eh, it was fine but nothing special.” You have to dig a little deeper to find what makes Toronto unique.
Best Things to Do in Toronto
If you’re still deciding based on the pros and cons, here’s a quick look at some of the best things to do in Toronto. Maybe all you need is a little inspiration to picture what your trip could actually look like. For a complete list, check out my full things to do in Toronto guide!
Explore Different Neighborhoods
This is honestly the best way to experience Toronto. Queen West for vintage shops and street art. Kensington Market for eclectic vibes and food. The Distillery District for cobblestone streets and patios. Yorkville for upscale shopping. Little Italy, Greektown, Chinatown… each neighborhood has its own thing going on.
Eat Your Way Through the City
From dim sum in Chinatown to tacos in Kensington to fancy tasting menus in Yorkville, Toronto’s food scene is legitimately world-class. St. Lawrence Market is a must for food lovers. Don’t sleep on the suburbs either… Scarborough and Markham have some of the best Asian food you’ll find anywhere.
Visit the Toronto Islands
A quick ferry ride from downtown gets you to the Toronto Islands, which feel like a completely different world. Beaches, bike paths, picnic spots, and amazing skyline views. In summer, this is one of the best ways to spend an afternoon.
Go Up the CN Tower
Yes, it’s touristy. Yes, it’s expensive. But the view from the CN Tower is genuinely incredible, especially on a clear day. You get a full 360-degree view of the city, Lake Ontario, and even Niagara Falls in the distance if conditions are right. Go at sunset for the best experience.
Check Out the Museums
The Royal Ontario Museum (ROM) is one of the largest museums in North America with everything from dinosaurs to ancient Egypt to Canadian history. The Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO) has an incredible collection including tons of Canadian art. Both are worth a visit, especially if you catch them during free or discounted hours.
Walk Through the Distillery District
This pedestrian-only area is full of Victorian-era buildings that have been converted into galleries, boutiques, cafes, and restaurants. It’s super photogenic and has a completely different vibe from the rest of downtown. Great for an afternoon stroll or evening drinks.
Catch a Sports Game or Concert
Torontonians are passionate about their sports teams. Catching a Raptors, Leafs, or Blue Jays game is a really fun way to experience the local culture. Scotiabank Arena and Rogers Centre host tons of concerts and events too if sports aren’t your thing.
Day Trip to Niagara Falls
Niagara Falls is only about 90 minutes from Toronto, making it one of the most popular day trips. The Canadian side has the best views, and you can easily spend a full day exploring the falls, walking along the gorge, and checking out the touristy (but fun) Clifton Hill area.
Explore Graffiti Alley
This laneway in the Fashion District is covered in constantly-changing street art and murals. It’s totally free to walk through and makes for some amazing photos. It’s a small thing, but it’s one of those spots that shows Toronto’s creative side.
Spend Time at Kensington Market
This bohemian neighborhood is full of vintage shops, international food stalls, street art, and quirky stores. It’s the kind of place where you can spend hours just wandering around, grabbing snacks, and soaking up the eclectic atmosphere.
Who Should Visit Toronto
If you’re a foodie, Toronto should absolutely be on your list. The diversity of authentic cuisine here is hard to beat, and you could spend an entire trip just eating your way through different neighborhoods. If you love exploring cities by wandering through different areas, checking out local cafes and shops, and just soaking up the vibe, Toronto is perfect for that kind of travel.
Toronto is also great for people who want a safe, easy-to-navigate city that doesn’t feel overwhelming. It’s ideal for first-time solo travelers, families, or anyone who wants a big city experience without the intensity of somewhere like New York. The multicultural aspect means you’re constantly exposed to different cultures, foods, and perspectives all in one place.
If you’re looking for a destination that feels modern and cosmopolitan but still approachable and friendly, Toronto hits that sweet spot perfectly.
Who Shouldn’t Visit Toronto
If you’re someone who prefers compact, walkable cities where everything is close together, Toronto’s sprawl might frustrate you. The best experiences are often spread out across different neighborhoods, and getting between them takes time. If you only have a couple days and don’t want to deal with transit or Ubers, you might feel limited.
It’s also not the best choice if you’re on a super tight budget. While you can definitely find affordable things to do, accommodation and dining can get expensive quickly. If you’re looking for that ultra-budget backpacker experience, you might find Toronto a bit pricey.
And if you absolutely hate cold weather and can only travel in winter, Toronto might not be the most enjoyable destination. The winter months are genuinely freezing, and while there’s still stuff to do, it’s a very different experience than visiting in summer.
FAQ: Why Visit Toronto?
Is Toronto friendly to tourists?
Yes, Toronto is very tourist-friendly. Most people speak English (and many speak other languages too), the city is safe, and locals are generally helpful if you need directions or recommendations. The multicultural aspect means people are used to visitors from all over the world.
What are the pros and cons of visiting Toronto?
The biggest pros are the incredible food scene, diverse neighborhoods, safety, and ease of navigation. The city feels approachable and has tons of free or affordable things to do. The cons are that it’s quite spread out (getting between neighborhoods takes time), can be expensive, public transit isn’t amazing, winters are brutally cold, and the downtown core can feel a bit generic if you don’t explore beyond it.
Is Toronto expensive to visit?
Yes, Toronto can be expensive compared to other Canadian cities and many US cities. Accommodation is pricey, and dining out adds up quickly. However, there are ways to keep costs down with free attractions, cheaper eats in neighborhoods like Chinatown and Kensington Market, and taking advantage of happy hour specials.
When is the best time to visit Toronto?
Late spring through early fall (May to October) is ideal. Summer is when the city really comes alive with festivals, patios, beaches, and the best weather. Fall is gorgeous with changing leaves and fewer crowds. Winter can be beautiful if you don’t mind the cold, but spring (April-May) can be unpredictable with lingering cold and rain. Check out my best time to visit Toronto guide for month-by-month details!
How many days do you need in Toronto?
I’d say 3-4 days is the sweet spot for a first visit. That gives you enough time to see the main sights, explore a few different neighborhoods, eat at some great restaurants, and maybe do a day trip to Niagara Falls. If you want to really dig deep into the food scene and neighborhoods, a week wouldn’t be too long. My Toronto itinerary breaks down how to spend 3-5 days!
Final Thoughts on Is Toronto Worth Visiting?
Look, I know I’m biased because Toronto is basically my home base, but I genuinely believe it’s such an underrated city. It doesn’t get the hype that New York or Montreal get, and honestly? That’s kind of what makes it special.
Toronto isn’t going to wow you with iconic landmarks or picture-perfect postcard moments at every turn. But if you give it a chance and really explore beyond the downtown core, you’ll discover a city that’s incredibly diverse, welcoming, and full of hidden gems. The food alone makes it worth the trip in my opinion.
I really hope this guide helped you figure out if Toronto is the right destination for you. And honestly? I have a feeling it is. This city has a way of surprising people and growing on them the more time they spend here.
If you’re ready to start planning your trip, make sure to check out my other Toronto guides below to help you map out your days. I’m pretty sure you’re going to have an amazing time.
Check Out My Other Toronto Travel Guides
Best Time to Visit Toronto: My Weather Guide
Toronto Itinerary: How to Spend 3-5 Days in Toronto
Where to Stay in Toronto: My Top Neighborhoods & Hotels
Best Toronto Neighborhoods: My Complete Area Guide
Things to Do in Toronto: My Top Activities & Attractions
Toronto Food Guide: My Favorite Restaurants & Cafes
Kensington Market Toronto: My Complete Guide
The Distillery District: Is It Worth Visiting?
Solo Travel in Toronto: My Tips & Tricks
Day Trips from Toronto: My Favorite Escapes
