Toronto is a vibrant city full of incredible attractions, world-class food, and cultural experiences. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a returning traveler, there’s always something new to explore. From iconic landmarks to hidden gems, here are the best things to do in Toronto.
Table of Contents: The Best Things to Do in Toronto for Tourists
- Kensington Market – a vibrant neighborhood full of art, food, and shopping
- CN Tower EdgeWalk – an adrenaline-pumping walk on Toronto’s tallest landmark
- Graffiti Alley (and Queen West) – experience the creative side of Toronto
- Royal Ontario Museum – a treasure trove of culture and history
- Tasty Tours – Toronto’s original food tour
- St. Lawrence Market – a food lover’s paradise with fresh, local produce
- Nathan Phillips Square (and City Hall) – a hub of history and activity
- Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada – an underwater adventure with marine life
- Distillery District – a historic district filled with art, culture, and craft drinks
- Art Gallery of Ontario – discover art from Canada and around the world
- Casa Loma – a majestic castle with secret passages and gardens
Bonus Options! (What to do if you have more time)
- Toronto Islands – a scenic getaway just a ferry ride away
- High Park – Toronto’s green oasis perfect for outdoor activities
- Toronto Zoo – a wildlife experience with over 5,000 animals
- Hockey Hall of Fame – a celebration of Canada’s beloved sport
Kensington Market
A vibrant neighborhood full of art, food, and shopping
Kensington Ave | kensingtonmarket.to
Kensington Market is one of Toronto’s most eclectic neighborhoods, known for its vibrant street art, vintage shops, and diverse food scene. It’s a great place to wander, grab a bite from local eateries, or shop for unique finds.
Local tip: Not every shop has a patio, but there are plenty of places to sit at Bellevue Square Park, a cute little park on Augusta.
CN Tower EdgeWalk
An adrenaline-pumping walk on Toronto’s tallest landmark
Experience the thrill of walking on the edge of Toronto’s most famous landmark. The CN Tower EdgeWalk lets you step outside onto a 116-story-high platform with breathtaking views of the city. This heart-pounding adventure is perfect for adrenaline seekers looking for a unique way to see Toronto.
Local tip: Try to book your EdgeWalk around sunset for an unforgettable view of the city lights.
Graffiti Alley (and Queen West)
Experience the creative side of Toronto
This is the best place to get cool photos for your social media! The laneway is covered in ever-changing street art, and the surrounding blocks of Queen West are lined with independent shops, casual cafés, and small galleries. It’s an easy area to wander without much of a plan and still stumble onto something interesting.
Local tip: Go to Graffiti Alley earlier in the day to get better lighting for your photos.
Tasty Tours
Toronto’s original food tour
If you love food, Tasty Tours is a must when visiting Toronto! This guided food tour takes you through Kensington Market or Downtown Toronto, where you’ll get to try a mix of international flavours, hear the stories behind the city’s food scene, and uncover some seriously good hidden gems.
Local tip: When booking, let them know if you have any dietary restrictions so they can accommodate. Whether you’re vegan, gluten-free, or halal, they’ve got you covered.
Royal Ontario Museum
A treasure trove of culture and history
One of Canada’s largest museums, the Royal Ontario Museum is home to fascinating exhibits on history, world cultures, and natural sciences. With its stunning architecture and world-class collections, it’s a must-visit for history and art lovers alike. From dinosaurs to Egyptian mummies, there’s something for everyone.
Local tip: Visit on the third Monday of each month after 5:30 PM for free general admission.
St. Lawrence Market
A food lover’s paradise with fresh, local produce
93 Front St E | stlawrencemarket.com
A paradise for food lovers, St. Lawrence Market is one of the best markets in the world. You can sample local delicacies like peameal bacon sandwiches, fresh cheeses, and artisan bread. The vibrant atmosphere and variety of stalls make it a great place to explore and grab a bite.
Local tip: Arrive early in the morning for the freshest selections and fewer crowds.
Nathan Phillips Square (and City Hall)
A hub of history and activity
Right in the heart of downtown, Nathan Phillips Square is one of those places you’ll likely pass through whether you plan to or not. The open plaza sits in front of the curved towers of Toronto City Hall, and just steps away from the historic Old City Hall, giving you a nice contrast between old and new Toronto architecture in one quick stop. Depending on the season, you might catch festivals, public art, or the winter skating rink in full swing. If you feel like shopping, you can also pop into Eaton Centre next door, North America’s busiest shopping mall.
Local tip: Visit in the evening to see the TORONTO sign lit up – especially in winter when the skating rink is open.
Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada
An underwater adventure with marine life
288 Bremner Blvd | ripleyaquariums.com
Get up close with marine life at Ripley’s Aquarium, home to thousands of sea creatures. Walk through the underwater tunnel as sharks swim overhead, or touch stingrays in the interactive exhibits. It’s a great indoor activity for families and ocean enthusiasts.
Local tip: Visit on weekdays for smaller crowds and a better experience.
Distillery District
A historic district filled with art, culture, and craft drinks
55 Mill St | thedistillerydistrict.com
Step back in time in Toronto’s historic Distillery District, a pedestrian-only area filled with charming cobblestone streets and Victorian architecture. Explore art galleries, boutique shops, and cozy cafés. During the winter, it transforms into a magical Christmas market.
Local tip: Check out the local breweries and distilleries for unique craft drinks.
Art Gallery of Ontario
Discover art from Canada and around the world
Discover Canadian and Indigenous art, as well as international masterpieces at the Art Gallery of Ontario. This renowned art museum houses thousands of works, from classical to contemporary art.
Local tip: On Wednesdays, admission is pay-what-you-can from 6 PM to 9 PM, making it a great deal for those on a budget.
Casa Loma
A majestic castle with secret passages and gardens
1 Austin Terrace | casaloma.ca
Step into a fairy-tale castle in the heart of Toronto. Casa Loma is a grand, historic mansion with stunning gardens and secret passages. Explore its lavish rooms, towers, and even a vintage car collection.
Local tip: Visit in the evening for a more magical experience when the castle is beautifully lit up.
If you have more time on your trip to Toronto, here are a few more suggestions for what to do in the city.
Toronto Islands
A scenic getaway just a ferry ride away
Toronto Islands | torontoisland.com
Escape the city and enjoy the natural beauty of the Toronto Islands. Rent a bike, relax on the beaches, or have a picnic with a view of the skyline. It’s a perfect getaway just a short ferry ride from downtown.
Local tip: Catch the ferry from the Jack Layton Ferry Terminal to get to the island, and skip the line by pre-ordering tickets online.
High Park
Toronto’s green oasis perfect for outdoor activities
1873 Bloor St W | highpark.org
Toronto’s largest public park, High Park offers a range of outdoor activities, including hiking trails, sports facilities, and a beautiful zoo. The park is also home to stunning cherry blossoms in the spring and a tranquil lakefront.
Local tip: While it’s not as grand as the Toronto Zoo (coming up next), admission to the High Park Zoo is free of charge.
Toronto Zoo
A wildlife experience with over 5,000 animals
2000 Meadowvale Rd | torontozoo.com
Meet over 5,000 animals at the Toronto Zoo, one of the largest zoos in North America. From giant pandas to polar bears, there’s a wide range of wildlife to see. The zoo also features walking trails and seasonal exhibits.
Local tip: Bring comfortable walking shoes. This zoo is huge, and you’ll be walking a lot!
Hockey Hall of Fame
A celebration of Canada’s beloved sport
Celebrate Canada’s beloved sport at the Hockey Hall of Fame. Explore the history of hockey, with exhibits featuring famous players, memorabilia, and interactive displays. It’s a must-see for hockey fans or anyone interested in the country’s sports culture.
Local tip: Don’t miss the chance to take a photo with the Stanley Cup! It is on display almost year-round, but the winning team gets to hold onto it for a short period of the summer.
Book a Toronto Food Tour to Experience Toronto the Tasty Way
Looking to bring more flavour to your Toronto visit? Join Tasty Tours for a Toronto food tour! Come on a memorable journey through some of the city’s tastiest neighbourhoods, including our Kensington Market Food Tour, the neighbourhood’s original and longest-running food tour. Perfect for solo explorers and groups alike, our experiences offer a delicious way to discover Toronto’s vibrant food scene while making memories along the way. Come see (and taste) the city like a local.
