Toronto was a total surprise to me… In a great way, obviously! It’s one of those cities that you visit that just feels so buzzing as soon as you arrive, and a place that I’m already itching to get back to. Now, one of the things that makes it so special is that some of the best things to do in Toronto are dotted all across the city. I mean, it’s a city that has so much diversity that you’ll need days (if not weeks) to see everything.
When I visit a new place for the first time, I always have a mix of sheer excitement and being totally daunted at all the things I want to see. It’s amazing but also totally exhausting, that’s why I wanted to show ya some of the key spots I think you might like.
With that in mind, I wanted to share some of the best things to do in Toronto if it’s your first time visiting. Take a look at some of the best things to do in Toronto.
1.) Watch the sunset at the CN Tower
For one of the best views of Toronto, you’ll want to head up to the CN Tower, which is perched right in the downtown district of the city.
Now, one of my favourite times to visit the CN Tower is at sunset, where you’ll be able to watch a gorgeous orange glow bathe the whole of the city. It’s certainly one of the best things to do in Toronto if you’re looking for a view.
Once you’re there, make sure to walk the glass floor and pop up to the Skypod (even higher than the main deck). If you’re feeling extra brave, go outside on an edge walk that looks equally terrifying and totally cool!
Just be aware it can get quite busy at peak times, so expect a queue. Oh, and keep an eye out for the weather. The CN Tower is so tall that it can be shrouded in fog and clouds in the height of winter.
Also, to make things cheaper and to save money on your trip to Toronto, make sure to grab this Toronto City Pass. It gets you straight into the top 5 attractions in Toronto (the CN Tower included), and you’ll save close to 40% with this. It’s great if you’re going with the whole family, as you can save a heap of money.
You can read our full post on going up the CN Tower
2.) Explore the gorgeous Casa Loma
Perched in Midtown Toronto, Casa Loma (which you can read more about in our blogpost) is a gothic-style castle that sits overlooking downtown Toronto. About 25 minutes from the harbourfront by cab, it’s also easy to reach using public transport and is well worth a visit to see a different side to the city.
Once inside, make sure to explore the great hall, the huge dining room, the stunning conservatory and the Stairs to Towers (where you’ll get some epic views of the city).
Now, to ensure you get in at your chosen time, make sure to book this advanced Casa Loma entry ticket. This way, you’ll avoid the queues and peak times and ensure you head straight inside. We love it here.
Read more: Our visit to Casa Loma
3.) Find the best coffee spots
Yeah, there’s a whole heap of the best things to do in Toronto that don’t just involve attractions. One of the things I love most about visiting new cities is finding out little haunts and joints where locals visit. With coffee being one of my favourite ways to do that.
As you stroll around, make sure to keep your eyes peeled for the best coffee spots in Toronto. One of my favourites has to be Rooster Coffee and Dineen Coffee Co. The latter makes the best cortados and matcha lattes in all of Toronto. Both create an incredible brew in a really funky setting.
Looking for a great hotel in the centre of Toronto? Make sure to book this room at the totally cool Ace Hotel. We’ve always loved staying in this hotel in Toronto, especially as it’s right across the road from the Waterworks Food Hall. It’s incredible. Plus, they have the Alder restaurant and the most amazing Lobby Bar for chilled drinks in the evening. It’s perfect.
Read more: Best coffee spots in Toronto
4.) Take a day trip to Niagara Falls
So, one cool thing about Toronto is that it’s only about a 130-minute drive to Niagara Falls and the beautiful town of Niagara-on-the-Lake. You can literally do the drive (there and back) in one day if you’d like.
Just follow the Queen Elizabeth Way past Hamilton whilst following the lake’s edge, and soon enough, you’ll have arrived! Once here, make sure to look out for some of the best views of Niagara Falls and pop over to the beautiful and historic town of Niagara-on-the-Lake.
Read more: How to get the best views of Niagara Falls
5.) Find the tastiest food
Toronto has a huge number of amazing restaurants to try all across the city. It’s one of those cities where you could eat out every day of the year and still not touch the surface of places to visit.
For some absolute gems you can’t miss in Toronto, make sure to grab a table at Prime Seafood Palace, which is a stunning place to eat for the best seafood and meats. We absolutely loved it here – though, make sure to book your table in advance. Spaces fill up fast on weekends.
For a great lunch spot or evening tipples, head to Waterworks Food Hall. This is a foodie paradise for lunch, with heaps of vendors selling everything from Ramen, jerk chicken, loaded poutine and artisanal coffee spots. We love it. Plus, if you’re arriving in the evening, make sure to visit Grape Witches within the Waterworks Food Hall. They really know their wines, and it’s such a friendly spot.
Finally, for great Mexican food, head to Campechano. It’s a typical Mexican taqueria, and they serve some of the best tacos in all of Ontario. It’s a totally chilled and unfussy spot that’s perfect for dinner with friends.
Read more: Best restaurants to visit in Toronto
6.) Explore the Distillery District
Perched just east of Downtown, the Distillery District is a historic landmark and neighbourhood that’s filled with some of the best things to do in Toronto.
If you’re feeling hungry, pop into the Mill Street Brewery (and try a tasty tap ale, too). For some of the best desserts, pop into The Sweet Escape. And, finally, for the very best local accessories, pop into Corktown Designs.
Best of all, there’s always a huge array of events going on at the Distillery District, so make sure to check their schedule.
Another gem of a hotel in Toronto is the Soho Hotel. This uber luxe property is right in the heart of Downtown Toronto and makes for the perfect location if you’re visiting the city for a long weekend. For an extra special stay at the Soho Hotel, book one of their Residences Suites. They are iconic!
Read more: Fun things to do in Ontario
7.) Visit Toronto’s Chinatown
China Town has existed in Toronto since the late 19th Century, and it’s still a hive of activity to this day. In my opinion, it’s easily one of the best neighbourhoods to explore if you’re looking for reasonably priced but high-quality eateries. You’ll also notice a huge array of fresh produce markets, stalls and community gardens.
If you’re hungry, pop into Dumpling House (Google Maps pin). It’s a totally unfussy and informal restaurant that’s got some of the best dumplings in the city. Just make sure to take cash; they don’t accept cards.
8.) Have a tipple of Icewine
Possibly one of Ontario’s most famous tipples… Icewine! This very sweet wine is quite similar to a dessert wine, really. I’m almost certain you’ll love it if you’ve got a sweet tooth. Now, most of the best restaurants in Toronto will have icewine on their menu. If not, just ask. The Vidal seems to be most common, but there are a few other varieties, too.
If you want to visit an actual icewine vineyard, pop over to some of these, about a 1.5-hour drive from downtown Toronto.
Read more on what it’s like to visit an Icewine Vineyard
9.) Stroll around St. Lawrence Market
This is literally one of the best things to do in Toronto if you love stuffing your face, like me!
In so many ways, St. Lawrence Market reminds me of Borough Market in London. With its cool vibes, amazing food and quirky stalls, it’s a great little spot to spend a hungry few hours. Once inside, find a stall and food you like and set up to create your favourite lunch.
It really is a yummy spot to visit.
Read more: Fun things to do in Ontario
10.) Find some art at AGO
The Art Gallery of Ontario is one of the best galleries to visit, not just in the city but in all of Canada. The gallery itself has a huge array of permanent and temporary indoor exhibitions to wander around, which is even better if the weather takes a turn for the worse.
Once inside, make sure to see the incredible Indigenous, Canadian and contemporary art exhibitions that are housed here.
11.) Find the best places to stay
Obviously, it’s likely you’ll need somewhere to stay if you’re visiting Toronto for a few days (or more). To be honest, you’re going to be spoilt for choice! We checked into the stunning Shangri-La, right in the heart of the city. It has some incredible views and is only about a 10-minute walk from the CN Tower. This suite, within the Shangri-La, is just immense and one of the best spots in all of Toronto to call home while in the city. We loved our stay!
Read more: Fun things to do in Ontario
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