Toronto: what's actually worth it
Toronto’s soul was forged when refugees from the American Revolution arrived, bringing a resilient pragmatism that still defines its polite, diverse streets. You will feel this warmth in every corner store and community garden, where neighbors greet you with genuine curiosity rather than indifference. It is no longer just a collection of neighborhoods but a vibrant mosaic of cultures, offering an intimate, grounded experience for travelers who appreciate history woven into daily life.
Top things to do in Toronto
CN Tower
Tourist Attraction · ★ 4.6 (88,108 reviews)
Landmark, over 553-metre tower featuring a glass floor & a revolving eatery with panoramic views.
Check tours & tickets →Ripley's Aquarium of Canada
Aquarium · ★ 4.6 (69,435 reviews)
Expansive, modern aquarium with many species & habitats on display, plus events & classes.
Check tours & tickets →Royal Ontario Museum
Art museum · ★ 4.7 (43,443 reviews)
Sprawling natural history & world cultures galleries, plus dinosaur fossil skeletons.
Check tours & tickets →St. Lawrence Market
Market · ★ 4.6 (42,752 reviews)
Spacious market with 100+ vendors, bakers, butchers & artisans, with produce & antiques on weekends.
Check tours & tickets →Nathan Phillips Square
Plaza · ★ 4.6 (41,186 reviews)
Lively public space in front of city hall hosting events year-round & a busy ice rink in the winter.
Check tours & tickets →Canada's Wonderland
Amusement Park · ★ 4.4 (65,781 reviews)
Massive amusement park with some 200 attractions, rides including roller coasters & a water park.
Check tours & tickets →High Park
Park · ★ 4.7 (27,303 reviews)
Sprawling park with hiking trails, a zoo, sports fields & a large children's playground.
Check tours & tickets →Casa Loma
Museum · ★ 4.5 (34,133 reviews)
Grand 1914 castle featuring regular tours & gardens that are open seasonally.
Check tours & tickets →The Distillery Historic District
Tourist Attraction · ★ 4.6 (26,403 reviews)
A collection of boutiques, galleries, cafes & restaurants takes the place of a former distillery.
Check tours & tickets →Art Gallery of Ontario
Art museum · ★ 4.7 (19,355 reviews)
Large gallery with huge Canadian collection, European masterworks & a major Frank Gehry renovation.
Check tours & tickets →Where to eat
St. Lawrence Market
Market · ★ 4.6 (42,752 reviews)
Spacious market with 100+ vendors, bakers, butchers & artisans, with produce & antiques on weekends.
Website →JOEY King St
Restaurant · ★ 4.9 (14,159 reviews)
Relaxed, contemporary dining spot with a broad menu featuring international & regional dishes.
Website →PAI
Thai Restaurant · ★ 4.6 (15,032 reviews)
Nuit & Jeff Regular's casual Northern Thai spot serving dishes like salted crab & papaya salad.
Website →Earls Kitchen + Bar - Financial District (King & University)
Restaurant · ★ 4.6 (11,697 reviews)
Sleek, upscale chain serving gourmet burgers, global comfort food, cocktails, wines & beers.
Website →The Old Spaghetti Factory
Italian Restaurant · ★ 4.4 (14,091 reviews)
Family-friendly chain eatery featuring traditional Italian entrees amid turn-of-the-century decor.
Website →Black+Blue Toronto
Restaurant · ★ 4.7 (6,410 reviews)
Website →Chop Steakhouse & Bar
Steak House · ★ 4.9 (4,391 reviews)
Website →Jack's Sankofa Square
Bar & Grill · ★ 4.4 (9,556 reviews)
Website →Tours worth booking ahead
Toonie Tours Toronto | City Tours and Bike Rentals
point_of_interest, establishment · ★ 4.9 (3,404 reviews)
Check tours & tickets →Get outside
Edwards Gardens
Garden · ★ 4.7 (9,266 reviews)
Former estate garden with wildflowers, perennials & fountains, plus a botanical garden & gift shop.
Website →Bluffers Park & Beach
Park · ★ 4.6 (7,359 reviews)
Website →Scarborough Bluffs
City Park · ★ 4.7 (3,265 reviews)
Stretch of sedimentary rock cliffs bordering Lake Ontario, dotted with beaches, trails & parks.
Website →Tommy Thompson Park
Nature Preserve · ★ 4.7 (3,013 reviews)
Natural park on a narrow peninsula, with 10km of paved trails for walking, rollerblading & cycling.
Website →Kew Gardens
Park · ★ 4.7 (2,567 reviews)
Park with tennis courts, a baseball diamond, a wading pool & a winter ice rink, plus a bandstand.
Website →After dark
Earls Kitchen + Bar - Financial District (King & University)
Restaurant · ★ 4.6 (11,697 reviews)
Sleek, upscale chain serving gourmet burgers, global comfort food, cocktails, wines & beers.
Website →Black+Blue Toronto
Restaurant · ★ 4.7 (6,410 reviews)
Website →Scotland Yard Pub
Restaurant · ★ 4.7 (5,229 reviews)
Relaxed English-style standby offering drink specials from Sunday to Thursday & a menu of pub food.
Website →Loose Moose / Antler Room
Bar & Grill · ★ 4.3 (7,850 reviews)
2nd-floor spot with rustic tables, vintage signs & many beers on tap, plus tacos, burgers & snacks.
Website →More guides
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