Experience the best of Toronto

Places to stay

From boutique inns to lavish resort-style hotels and everything in between, including several MICHELIN-recognized properties, find the perfect place to stay in Toronto. 

Centrally located options include:

Shangri-La Toronto

Every detail of this five-star, Asian-inspired hotel exudes artistry and elegance, from the impressive steel sculpture by Shanghai-based artist Zhang Huan to the sublime spa, floor-to-ceiling windows and heated bathroom floors.

Location: 188 University Avenue, Toronto

Ace Hotel Toronto

This architecturally noteworthy boutique hotel is a recent Toronto addition and within walking distance of shopping and attractions in the downtown district. 

Location: 51 Camden Street, Toronto

Bisha Hotel

A chic hotel located in the heart of Toronto’s entertainment district, it features a rooftop lap pool and an entire floor designed by musician, artist and designer Lenny Kravitz.

Location: 80 Blue Jays Way, Toronto

1 Hotel Toronto

Natural design elements, including a Flora Lounge, reclaimed wood and upcycled materials, emphasize sustainability without compromising luxury.

Location: 550 Wellington Street West, Toronto

Hotel X Toronto

With several dining options, fitness facilities such as tennis courts, spas and pools, lounge and entertainment spaces, including a theatre and sublime water views, this luxury lakefront hotel embodies the urban resort experience. 

Location: 111 Princes’ Boulevard, Toronto

Double Tree by Hilton 

Centrally located close to Nathan Philips Square, Toronto City Hall and the Art Gallery of Ontario, this budget-friendly property includes a pool, sauna, fitness centre and 24-hour market.

Location: 108 Chestnut Street, Toronto

See the city sights

Don’t miss Toronto’s world-renowned attractions. 

Hit the highlights on a guided walking, cycling or bus tour. The Toronto City Pass is your passport to four top attractions at significant savings. Hop on and hop off the red City Sightseeing double-decker bus, arrange a walking tour with Tour Guys or explore the city on two wheels with Toronto Bicycle Tours. 

Sights to see include:

CN Tower 

Soar to the top of one of the tallest structures in North America in just 58 seconds. Take in panoramic, floor-to-ceiling views of the city from three kilometres (1.86 miles) up. Dine at the revolving 360 Restaurant and, if you dare to do the EdgeWalk, get harnessed up for a thrilling, hands-free outdoor walk atop the tower’s main observation deck, 116 stories above ground.

Location: 290 Bremner Boulevard, Toronto

Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada

Home to over 20,000 marine animals from across the globe, this is one of the largest indoor aquariums in North America. Popular attractions include a mesmerizing underwater tunnel and interactive exhibits with sharks, rays and other fascinating sea creatures.

Location: 288 Bremner Boulevard, Toronto

Hockey Hall of Fame 

Explore interactive exhibits showcasing the rich history of hockey, legendary players and iconic memorabilia, including the coveted Stanley Cup.

Location: 30 Yonge Street, Toronto

Casa Loma

This grand Gothic Revival-style mansion was built in the early 20th century and features stunning gardens, secret passageways and opulent rooms.

Location: 1 Austin Terrace, Toronto

Art, culture and entertainment

Visit galleries, museums and theatres by day and explore Toronto’s vibrant nightlife and live music scene after dark. Get started with:

Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO)

One of the most distinguished collections in North America, the AGO contains over 90,000 works of art, including classic, contemporary, Canadian and Indigenous. Architect Frank Gehry designed the building.

Location: 317 Dundas Street West, Toronto

Royal Ontario Museum (ROM)

Discover world culture, natural history and art in Canada’s largest museum. The striking contrast between the modern Michael Lee-Chin Crystal addition and the original heritage structure makes this one of Toronto’s architectural landmarks.

Location: 100 Queens Park, Toronto

Mirvish Theatre 

Mirvish hosts world-class Broadway productions and performances in a prestigious group of landmark downtown venues, including the Royal Alexandra, Princess of Wales, and CAA Ed Mirvish theatres.

Ballet and opera

Toronto’s top ballet and opera companies offer interpretations of classic productions like The Nutcracker and contemporary stories performed on state-of-the-art stages at Roy Thomson Hall and the Four Season Centre for the Performing Arts. 

Little Canada

This immersive experience and unique miniature museum showcase some of Canada's most iconic cities, landmarks and landscapes. 

Location: 10 Dundas Street East, Basement2, Toronto

Browse diverse neighbourhoods

Toronto is comprised of iconic neighbourhoods, each with distinct character, culture, cuisine, shopping and attractions. 

You can easily spend the better part of a day exploring these hotspots, all within walking distance from the downtown core.

Toronto City Centre

Toronto’s bustling downtown and Entertainment District (also known as Downtown West) is where you can eat, drink, shop and play in the heart of the city. 

Visit the Eaton Centre for retail therapy, go bowling at The Ballroom, grab a bite to eat at Stackt Market and laugh out loud at YuksYuks. In winter, ice skate by the “Toronto” sign at the iconic outdoor rink at City Hall and spend summer afternoons by the rooftop pool at Chez Lavelle or sunny lounge overlooking the city at Kōst. Visit The Well on Front Street for retail therapy and entertainment.

Kensington Market

Kensington Market is an eclectic treasure trove of vintage shops, fusion cafés and vibrant graffiti next door to the bustling shops and Asian restaurants in Toronto’s Chinatown. Foodies are in for a treat, from sharables at Dim Sum King, tacos at Seven Lives or spicy Jumbo Empanadas to the carefully curated wine selection and small plates at Grey Gardens.

Distillery District

A few blocks west of the downtown core, Toronto’s Old Town neighbourhood includes St. Lawrence Market and the historic Distillery District. This historic pedestrian-only neighbourhood is popular with well-preserved industrial 19th-century buildings and cobblestone streets lined with art galleries, studios and installations, shops, restaurants, bars and a brewery. 

Browse food vendors and specialty merchants in St. Lawrence Market, established in 1803 and recognized by National Geographic Traveler as one of the world’s top food markets. Be sure to try the famous Peameal Bacon Sandwich from Carousel Bakery.  

Bloor-Yorkville

For couture shopping, sophistication and celebrity sightings, head to Bloor-Yorkville—think of it as Toronto’s Park Avenue. With a blend of historic Victorian charm and modern architecture, this neighbourhood is home to designer boutiques, luxury hotels and upscale dining. One of the best views of downtown is from the rooftop cocktail bar at the Park Hyatt.

West Queen West

Noted by Vogue Magazine as one of the coolest neighbourhoods in the world, Queen Street West runs through Toronto’s fashion district. It’s a lively mix of indie shopping, local art, dining, live music and nightlife, punctuated by The Drake Hotel and Gladstone House, two hotbeds of culture. 

Toronto Islands

Explore Toronto’s vibrant waterfront. Start at the Harbourfront Centre, an art, culture and music hub. Just a 15-minute ferry ride from the Harbourfront, Toronto Islands is a car-free summertime oasis of parklands, gardens, pathways and beaches, including the clothing-optional beach, Hanlon’s Point.

Noteworthy culinary experiences

Toronto’s diverse culinary landscape reflects its multicultural character with cuisines and flavours from every corner of the world. Find everything from local coffee hangouts, casual brunch spots and brewpubs to gourmet fine dining and celebrated chef-run restaurants. 

MICHELIN restaurants

Toronto is the first Canadian city to be recognized in the MICHELIN Guide, with over a dozen restaurants starred and even more awarded the prestigious Bib Gourmand. Make reservations at Sushi Masaki Saito, Toronto’s first and only two-starred restaurant or at White Lily Diner, recognized by MICHELIN as a Bib Gourmand and Green Star winner for sustainability.

Winterlicious 

Bring your appetite for Toronto’s highly popular, fixed menu, food and drink event during winter. Choose from many menu options featuring an appetizer, a main course and a dessert from Toronto’s hottest restaurants. 

Popular Toronto restaurants 

From sushi to smash burgers, arepas to ramen, mom-and-pop diners to molecular gastronomy, Toronto’s food culture is a thriving mosaic of delicious cuisines representing cultures worldwide. Discover landmark restaurants in Toronto that are easily accessible on foot or by transit, such as Mother’s Dumplings in Chinatown, Lahore Tikka House in Little India or Canoe Restaurant, overlooking downtown from the 54^th floor.

Festivals and pro sports events

Each season brings a new roster of sporting events and cultural festivals, so there’s always something to celebrate and cheer in this city.

Watch pro sports

From hockey to basketball, football and baseball, Toronto is home to several professional sports teams and hosts big events in golf, motorsports and even the upcoming World Cup, so there’s a good chance you’ll be able to catch sporting action during your visit. 

Toronto Pride Festival 

This month-long celebration of the LGBTQ+ community culminates in the famous pride parade that draws millions of visitors worldwide each summer.

Toronto Caribbean Carnival 

Revel in the midsummer rhythms and colourful parade during North America’s largest celebration of Caribbean culture, food, music and traditions.

Canadian National Exhibition (CNE) 

Signaling the end of summer, the CNE is an iconic fair featuring amusement rides, live entertainment, food vendors and exhibits that’s been beloved Toronto tradition for over a century.

Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF)

Each year in September, the stars light up the city for ten days during TIFF, one of the world’s largest and most prestigious film festivals, showcasing the best in international cinema.

Royal Agricultural Winter Fair 

Country comes to the city each year in November at the world’s largest combined indoor agricultural fair and international equestrian competition, showcasing livestock, local food, and rural traditions.

Getting here and around

By air

Most flights into Toronto land at Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ), approximately 30 kilometres (18 miles) northwest of the city centre. Travel downtown by UP Express, transit, taxi, Uber or Lyft. Several major car rental companies operate at Terminal 1.

By land

Check border wait times and find out what else you’ll need to know to cross the border into Canada. Consider parking at an end-line station and into downtown by subway or GO Transit train to avoid traffic or park your car at Pearson Airport and take the UP Express train to downtown. 

Getting around

Toronto’s transit system includes an extensive city streetcar, subway and bus network. Buy a TTC Day Pass to move around the city at your leisure.

Know before you go

Visit Destination Toronto for more local insight and trip planning information.

Weather 

Ontario is a four-season destination, and temperatures and weather change dramatically throughout the year. Learn more about the weather in Ontario and get suggestions on what to pack and how to prepare for your trip to Toronto.

Currency, measurements and holidays

If you’re travelling from another country, helpful things to know about Ontario include Canadian currency, measurements and public holidays acknowledged in the province.

Safety information

Emergencies aren’t always the first thing we consider when planning a vacation, but knowing who to contact in an emergency is important. 

Land acknowledgement

The City of Toronto lies on the traditional territory of many First Nations Peoples, including the Mississaugas of the Credit, the Anishnabeg, the Chippewa, the Haudenosaunee and the Wendat.