Things to Do in Toronto
50 curated spots from Toronto itineraries
Activities & Attractions
30 curated experiences
St. Lawrence Market
Browse the market hall, sample local specialties, and pick up snacks for later in the day.
1h 30m · Free
Royal Ontario Museum (ROM)
Explore natural history, world cultures, and special exhibits in Toronto’s flagship museum.
2h · $26-35
Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO)
Large art museum with Canadian, Indigenous, and international collections, plus striking architecture and a good shop.
2h · $25-30
CN Tower
Ride up to the observation deck for sweeping city and lake views; consider the EdgeWalk if you want a serious adrenaline rush.[3][5]
2h · $45-80
Harbourfront Centre & Waterfront Walk
Stroll the boardwalk along Lake Ontario, watch boats, and enjoy public art and views of the islands.[3]
1h 30m · Free
Kensington Market
Explore colorful streets filled with vintage shops, record stores, small grocers, street art, and independent boutiques.
1h 30m · Free (shopping extra)
Spirit of York Distillery Co. Tasting
Sample locally produced gin or vodka in a stylish tasting room after dinner.
1h · $20-35
Toronto Islands Day Trip
Take the ferry to the islands for easy hiking/walking trails, skyline views, and a low-effort nature escape.
3h · $10-$20 including ferry
Art Gallery of Ontario
Spend a few hours with major Canadian and international art collections in a comfortable indoor setting.
2h 30m · $30-$35Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO) Exterior & Free/Reduced Areas
Walk up from the waterfront via the downtown core to admire the Frank Gehry–designed facade and neighborhood architecture; time your visit for a free or discounted entry period if available, or enjoy the public areas and exterior for photos.[2][6]
1h 30m · $0-20 (often discounted/free at certain times)
Bloor West Village Stroll
Walk the main street just north of the park with bakeries, cafés, and small local shops.
1h · Free (shopping extra)
Bluffer’s Park Beach
Relax on the sandy beach at the base of the Bluffs, with calm water and cliff views.
2h · Free
Centre Island Beach & Boardwalk
Relax on the sandy beach, swim in Lake Ontario in season, and walk the boardwalk toward Ward’s Island.
2h · Free
Chinatown (Spadina Avenue)
Walk along Spadina and Dundas to browse grocers, bakeries, herbal shops, and street stalls in one of Toronto’s major Chinatowns.
1h · Free (food extra)
College Street Bar Hopping (Little Italy)
After dinner, wander College Street’s bars and gelato shops, stopping wherever feels lively for a nightcap or dessert.
1h 30m · $10-30
Distillery District Evening Walk
Explore cobblestone lanes, art galleries, and historic brick buildings turned into shops and studios.[3]
1h 30m · Free (shopping extra)
Distillery District Exploration
Cobblestone streets, galleries, street art; photography highlight at golden hour with warehouse reflections; no restrictions.
2h · Free
Distillery Historic District
Stroll the cobblestone lanes, pop into art galleries and boutiques, and use the brick warehouses and courtyards as romantic photography backdrops.
1h 30m · Free (shopping extra)
Distillery Historic District Walk
Stroll the pedestrian-only cobblestone streets, peek into galleries, chocolate shops, and small design boutiques, and photograph the red-brick industrial architecture.
2h · Free (shopping extra)
Downtown Free Explore (Queen West to Entertainment District)
Wander along Queen Street West for shops and street art, then cut south toward the Entertainment District’s theatres and bar-filled side streets.
2h · Free (shopping extra)
Ferry to Toronto Islands
Take the ferry from Jack Layton Ferry Terminal to Centre or Ward’s Island for car-free paths and great skyline views.[3][5]
1h · $10-15
Graffiti Alley
Three-block stretch of ever-changing street art a short walk from Kensington and Queen Street.[3]
45m · Free
Graffiti Alley (Rush Lane)
Pedestrian laneway just south of Queen Street West featuring ever-changing murals and street art.
30m · Free
Harbourfront & Waterfront Trail Walk
Start near Harbourfront Centre and walk the lakeside promenade, watching boats on Lake Ontario and catching skyline reflections; detour to small parks and piers for photos and nature by the water.[2][6]
1h 30m · Free
Harbourfront Centre & Toronto Waterfront
Stroll the boardwalk, watch boats in the harbor, pop into Harbourfront Centre, and enjoy skyline and lake views.
1h · Free
Harbourfront Centre Walk
After returning by ferry, stroll along the waterfront promenades, check for any outdoor art or events, and sit by the lake.
1h 30m · Free
Harbourfront Live Music Nightlife
Catch jazz or folk at Harbourfront Centre stages; dusk lights for photos.
2h · $10-20
Harbourfront Photography Walk
Stroll boardwalk to CN Tower views; golden hour (sunset ~8PM summer) for skyline shots from pier edges; indoor alt: nearby aquarium exhibits.
2h · Free
High Park Hiking Trails
Explore forest paths, ponds, and ravines; you might spot birds, squirrels, and other urban wildlife along the way.[3]
2h · Free
High Park Zoo & Grenadier Pond
Walk by the small free zoo and circle Grenadier Pond, a peaceful spot popular with birdlife.
1h 30m · FreeRestaurants & Food
20 local favorites
Bar Isabel
Spanish-inspired restaurant with excellent charcuterie, whole grilled fish, and a strong cocktail and wine selection.
1h 30m · $40-55 per person
Cluny Bistro & Boulangerie
French-inspired bistro with a gorgeous interior; order the omelette or croque madame and share a pastry from the boulangerie.
1h 15m · $25-40 per person
Dineen Coffee Co. (Yonge & Temperance)
Elegant heritage café with excellent espresso drinks, pastries, and light breakfast plates in a beautifully restored space.
45m · $10-20 per person
El Catrin Destileria
Vibrant Mexican restaurant with a huge tequila list and shareable plates; book ahead on busy nights.
1h 30m · $30-50 per person
FIKA Café
Scandi-inspired café tucked in Kensington; order a cardamom bun, pastry, and a strong coffee to ease into the day.
45m · $10-18 per person
Miku Toronto
Contemporary Japanese restaurant known for aburi (seared) sushi and a solid sake and wine list, with views toward the lake.
1h 30m · $40-55 per person
Pai Northern Thai Kitchen
Bustling Thai restaurant famous for khao soi, pad thai, and curries—portions are generous and shareable.[5]
1h · $20-30 per person
Amsterdam BrewHouse on the Lake
Lakeside brewery restaurant with patio; share a pizza or fish tacos and sample local beer flights.
1h 15m · $25-45 per person
Ascari Enoteca (Queen East)
Cozy Italian spot; order fresh pasta, a shared antipasti plate, and a bottle of Italian or Ontario wine.
1h 30m · $35-50 per person
Balzac's Coffee Distillery
Artisan coffee and pastries in historic building.
45m · $10-12 per person
Banh Mi Boys
Grab a quick, affordable late breakfast or early lunch bowl/sandwich before shopping.
45m · $10-$18 per person
Bar Hop Brewco
Casual craft beer bar with elevated pub food—think burgers, tacos, and shareable snacks.
1h · $20-30 per person
Bar Raval
Gaudí-inspired tapas bar with standing counters; share pintxos, cured meats, and Spanish wines or vermouth.
1h 30m · $30-50 per person
Barque Smokehouse
Popular smokehouse a short walk from High Park; share brisket, ribs, or a platter.
1h 30m · $25-45 per person
Byblos Downtown
Eastern Mediterranean restaurant featuring dishes like lamb ribs, Turkish manti dumplings, and shared mezze.
1h 15m · $30-45 per person
C’est What
Cozy basement pub with a strong lineup of Ontario craft beers and comfort food like curries, burgers, and poutine.
1h 30m · $25-40 per person
Cafe Landwer (Bloor & Avenue)
Casual Mediterranean-inspired café; order shakshuka, halloumi breakfast, or classic eggs with excellent coffee.
1h · $20-30 per person
Cafe Landwer (University & Dundas)
Middle Eastern-influenced café with shakshuka, hummus plates, and strong coffee.
1h · $18-28 per person
Cafe Landwer (University Avenue)
Modern café with Middle Eastern–leaning breakfast dishes, shakshuka, and strong coffee near major museums.
1h · $15-25 per person
Cibo Wine Bar Yorkville
Italian dishes and a substantial wine list; share a charcuterie board, pasta, and a flight or couple of glasses of Ontario reds.
1h 30m · $35-50 per person