The Ultimate Toronto Travel Guide: What to See, Do, and Eat

So you’re planning a trip to Toronto – but where do you even start? With hundreds of neighborhoods, endless food options, and iconic attractions, the choices can feel overwhelming. You want to experience the real Toronto – not just the tourist traps-but you don’t want to miss the essentials either.

Here’s the thing: as someone who has lived in Toronto for nearly 6 years and still explores it like a wide-eyed visitor, I’ve got the inside scoop. Whether it’s finding the perfect hotel in a vibrant neighborhood, uncovering where locals actually eat, or knowing which museums and markets are worth your time, this guide is built to help you plan a trip that’s both unforgettable and stress-free.

This isn’t a generic travel checklist. It’s a curated, expert-backed resource packed with local gems, helpful links, and smart shortcuts to make the most of your Toronto experience.

Let’s get you set up with everything you need to see, do, and eat your way through one of the most dynamic cities in North America.

Where to Stay in Toronto

Toronto is made up of distinct neighborhoods, each offering a unique vibe. Here’s where to stay depending on your style and what you want to experience:

Top Areas to Stay

Downtown/Union Station: Central, well-connected, great for first-timers.
Entertainment District: Best for nightlife, restaurants, and walkability.
Yorkville: Upscale, quiet, and perfect for shopping lovers.
West Queen West: Trendy, creative, full of boutique hotels and indie stores.

If you want even more options, I put together a full breakdown of the Best Hotels in Downtown Toronto for First-Time Visitors — covering everything from luxury splurges to stylish boutique stays.

Recommended Hotels

Fairmont Royal York: Historic elegance and directly across from Union Station.
1 Hotel Toronto: Eco-luxury, rooftop pool, and beautiful interiors.
The Drake Hotel: Artsy and energetic, located in vibrant Queen West.
The Anndore House: Modern and stylish, a great base near Bloor-Yorkville.
Shangri-La Toronto: Five-star sophistication with a gorgeous spa, located right between downtown and the Entertainment District.

Pro Tip: If you’re flying in, staying near Union Station makes taking the UP Express train from Pearson Airport quick and easy.

Getting Around the City

Public Transit (TTC): The subway, streetcars, and buses are reliable and easy to use. Grab a Presto card for convenience.
Walking: Many neighborhoods are extremely walkable – especially downtown.
Rideshare: Uber and Lyft are available city-wide.
CityPASS Toronto: Includes access to CN Tower, Ripley’s Aquarium, and more – perfect for first-time visitors.

Top Things to Do in Toronto

Toronto blends iconic landmarks with laid-back, local energy. Here’s a breakdown of must-see spots:

Iconic Attractions

CN Tower: Go for the views, stay for the EdgeWalk (if you dare).
Ripley’s Aquarium: Underwater tunnels and glowing jellyfish make this fun for all ages.
Royal Ontario Museum (ROM): One of Canada’s largest museums, known for natural history and cultural artifacts.
Casa Loma: Explore a gothic-style castle right in the middle of the city.
St. Lawrence Market: Grab a peameal bacon sandwich and browse local delicacies.

Neighborhoods to Explore

Distillery Historic District: Cobblestone streets, art galleries, chocolate shops, and Instagram-worthy backdrops.
Kensington Market: Bohemian, eclectic, and full of multicultural eats.
Queen Street West: Great for shopping, people-watching, and catching Toronto’s creative spirit.
Toronto Islands: Take the ferry to escape the city for a beach, bike ride, or picnic.

Museums & Culture

Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO): Home to over 95,000 works of art.
Hockey Hall of Fame: A pilgrimage spot for sports lovers.
Bata Shoe Museum: Quirky, unique, and more interesting than you’d expect.

Must-Do Day Trips

Niagara Falls: Just 1.5 hours away-book a day tour or rent a car.
Stratford: Shakespeare, charming streets, and great food.
Prince Edward County: Ideal for wine lovers (check out wine tours!).

What to Eat in Toronto

Toronto is one of the most diverse food cities in the world. You can find authentic global cuisines across nearly every neighborhood.

Restaurants Worth Booking

Alo: Consistently ranked among the top restaurants in Canada (prix fixe).
Richmond Station: Cozy, seasonal, and a local favorite by a Top Chef Canada winner.
Pai: Northern Thai flavors and always packed (book ahead).
Grey Gardens: Cool wine bar meets inventive, vegetable-forward plates.
Gusto 101: Rooftop patio and house-made pasta in a converted auto shop.

Local Faves & Street Eats

Carousel Bakery (St. Lawrence Market): For a proper peameal bacon sandwich.
Pizzeria Libretto: Authentic Neapolitan pizza in multiple neighborhoods.
Banh Mi Boys: Vietnamese-fusion sandwiches with bold flavor.

Best Food Markets

Kensington Market: Grab empanadas, tacos, bubble tea, and Caribbean patties—all within a few blocks.
Stackt Market: A modern container market with food stalls, beer gardens, and pop-ups.

Where to Drink in Toronto

Whether you want craft beer, a great cocktail, or gin tasting, the city delivers.

Cocktail Bars

BarChef: Molecular cocktails and stunning presentation.
Civil Liberties: Hidden gem—no menu, just trust the bartender.
Mother: Sustainable, ingredient-driven cocktails with major flavor.

Craft Beer Spots

Bellwoods Brewery: Patio perfection and award-winning brews.
Steam Whistle: Located at the historic Roundhouse, right by the CN Tower.
Blood Brothers Brewing: Funky and creative brews in a warehouse setting.

Distilleries & Gin Tasting

Spirit of York: Premium gin and vodka in the Distillery District.
Toronto Distillery Co.: Organic spirits in a cool industrial space.
Reid’s Distillery: Gorgeous space with a gin garden and cocktail flights.

Tour Tip: Book a Distillery District walking tour or craft beer tour for a guided taste of Toronto’s scene.

Essential Travel Tips for Toronto

Currency: Canadian Dollar (CAD). Most places accept credit/debit or mobile pay.
Tipping: 15–20% standard at restaurants and bars.
Weather: May to October is ideal for sightseeing and festivals.
Safety: Toronto is one of the safest big cities, but standard travel smarts apply.
Language: English is primary, but you’ll hear dozens of languages around the city.

Plan Your Trip

Use this checklist to start locking in your trip:

The Ultimate Toronto Travel Guide: What to See, Do, and Eat