Best Places in Toronto
1. Ferdi's, Toronto
Weekend takeaway counter operating out of a Dupont Street laneway. The brief menu of British fish and chips, handmade sausages, and chip buttys routinely sells out shortly after opening.
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Weekend takeaway counter operating out of a Dupont Street laneway. The brief menu of British fish and chips, handmade sausages, and chip buttys routinely sells out shortly after opening.
Substantial district spanning several neighborhoods in northern Toronto. The area includes important museums, The Science Centre, farmer markets, botanical gardens, and a multitude of other leisure spaces.
Hole-in-the-wall spot serving takeaway mac and cheese late into the evening. Flavor options include pulled pork, carbonara, and even a vegan edition. In warmer weather, patrons can take a seat in the patio seating area.
This independent not-for-profit arts center is housed within a former distillery. Focus is placed on youth productions and training - turning an evening's entertainment into a worthwhile cause.
Centered around College Street, this district is famous for its Italian stores, pizzerias, and produce markets. Come nightfall; these busy streets become a destination for students and hipsters frequenting the many pubs and bars.
One of Toronto's most diverse neighborhoods, Koreatown's population comprises university students, creators, and upper-middle class families. The Bloor Street community is lively and welcoming. Bars and eateries abound.
Independent boutique hotel commended with a Forbes Travel Guide five-star rating - an exclusive award and a verification of luxury. Guests enjoy chic suites, an upscale restaurant, a private screening room, and a spa.
Buzzy café and bar, serving breakfast, lunch, dinner, and cocktails. Popular all day, this venue is a real neighborhood spot frequented by residents. If the sun is shining, grab one of the outdoor tables.
Cozy comedy venue hosting stand-up shows from established Canadian and international comics. The venue also serves as a right of passage for up-and-comers. The bar itself is well stocked for pre and mid-show drinks.
Gourmet meets a warm, homely atmosphere where the chefs plate freshly foraged and seasonal ingredients. Actinolite allow their local suppliers to influence the menu, changing it frequently to offer only the best produce.
Dining concept serving global cuisine in a clean and minimalist space. Sharing is recommended but half portions are available for solo diners - the idea being to sample as much of the menu as possible. The latkes are a standout.
Climbing gym with a friendly approach to all; beginner, accomplished, or child, all skill levels are welcome. There are top rope routes and bouldering problems upstairs. Come for the challenge and stay for the good vibes.
Originally part of a military reserve, this well-used park offers open fields alongside a range of community amenities - two indoor pools, a fitness center, running tracks, and tennis courts. A momentary escape from the city.
Scaramouche is an upscale restaurant atop Benvenuto Place serving a sophisticated rendition of French haute cuisine. A popular and proven venue that overs views of the Toronto skyline. Book in advance.
Skyscrapers and offices filled with workers by day; bars and clubs hosting parties by night. Many of Toronto's main attractions are nearby. The tall buildings also provide some of the best composures of the CN Tower.
This small ice cream shop west of downtown Toronto offers premium plant-based ice cream options in numerous flavors. Visitors to the store can also shop for an array of ice cream sandwiches, cakes, and pies.
Artisan coffee and an extensive beer selection are this venue’s selling points. Open for the morning caffeine and pastry runs, the space turns into a bar as the day matures. Expect a younger, boozy crowd by nightfall. Multiple locations.
A self-explanatory landmark on the Toronto circuit. As part of the StreetARTotonto initiative, the city designated this 1000-foot stretch for budding artists to express their creativity. Worth a quick detour.
Fulfilling its purpose, Toronto's Entertainment District is filled with many of its most famous amusements - the CN Tower, Rogers Centre, Scotiabank Arena, and King Street West. Eat, drink, shop, party, and sightsee.
A reliable, city-wide Neapolitan pizzeria offering dine-in and take-out options. The restaurant focuses on local ingredients and simple cooking methods. The extensive menu also provides ample choices for vegans and gluten-free diners.
Diverse neighborhood west of Downtown. Well known for its abundance of street art, local gallery scene, international eats, and selection of independent boutiques. A popular and lively part of the city.
A 6000-kilometer expanse of natural beauty in Central Ontario. The area encompasses over 1500 freshwater lakes, forestland, and several farming communities. Muskoka's landscapes and wildlife make it a popular destination.
One of Toronto's premier public parks. Located on the shores of Lake Ontario in Scarborough, the space comprises historical structures, sculptures, vast woodlands, and numerous walking trails. A popular retreat from the city.
A graduate residential college at the University of Toronto, inspired by the historical Oxbridge. Once students have left for the summer, the halls open their doors for short-term rentals. It's a novel alternative to a hotel.
Toronto staple first opened in 1929. Popular for its traditional Jewish goods like challah, this neighborhood bakery also offers the usual roster of cakes and pies. Local products from other independents are available within too.
Upscale Italian restaurant cooking with locally sourced ingredients. Expect traditional Tuscan food with an artisanal flare. Make reservations at either of their Toronto locations - both venues are sleek and modern.
Iconic tower and a Toronto skyline stand-out. The 553-meter structure grants panoramic views of the city and contains a revolving restaurant. The more adventurous can go on an “EdgeWalk” around the upper deck's perimeter. Expect crowds.
Oddseoul serves Korean small dishes in a hip and cozy bar setting. Take a seat at the bar for some Korean tacos and a cocktail or grab a table for Korean-style tapas with friends. The venue also has a rear patio for alfresco occasions.
Treated like an escape from the city, this homely neighborhood offers good food and plenty of beautiful views. Spend time on the sand, sample the bars and eateries, and keep an eye out for the annual jazz festival.
Set in a 1920s building, this five-star hotel retains much of the original design inside and out. Rooms are spacious, individually decorated, and offer views over CIBC square. Amenities include four restaurants, a gym, and a pool.
One of Toronto's most creative districts - centered around a once prolific distillery. The pedestrianized area features galleries, theatres, cultural centers, bars, cafes, and restaurants. A hub for the city's artistic minds.
So good they named it twice. This Italian restaurant chain offers three Toronto locations, each recognizable by the signature rose murals painted on their facades. Portions are known to be on the small side, but the quality is evident.
An entertainment hub with attractions for all age groups. The Harbourfront Centre and Lighthouse ArtSpace host cultural performances and the adjacent islands offer amusement parks. Restaurants and bars are aplenty.
At ten years old, this neighborhood eatery and bar continues to be a hit with the locals. Serving traditional Canadian food and cocktails in an exposed brick setting, The Federal is a lunchtime haunt well worth seeking out.
International venue, famous for its acoustics, predominately used for the performing arts and high-profile lectures. Located downtown, just a stone’s throw away from Queen Street - one of the city's main thoroughfares.
Known as Greektown to the locals, this diverse neighborhood offers international restaurants, independent grocers, and an eclectic mix of shops. Street signs are in both Greek and English. Danforth Avenue itself is the community hub.
Scotiabank Arena is one of Toronto's premier entertainment venues. When it's not hosting world tour concerts or one-off sporting events, the arena famously serves as the home of both the NHL's Maple Leafs and the NBA's Toronto Raptors.
Coming straight from the back of a postcard, this picturesque municipality offers four full seasons. An ideal spot to visit any time of year, guests or residents often make the most of the “lake life” and swap their tools for paddles.
Retro-aesthetic bar serving a mix of Japanese beers and hard liquors. A popular spot to meet up with friends, select some songs on the vintage jukebox, and throw back a few sakes. Atmospheric and cash only.
The Four Seasons Center for the Performing Arts in downtown Toronto is the home of The National Ballet of Canada, where the company's 70+ dancers perform outstanding weekly shows.
A veteran of the Toronto art scene for more than 10 years – Daniel Faria opened the doors to his namesake gallery in 2011. The contemporary exhibition space takes time to spotlight individual creators - both Canadian and international.
A store with a market mentality. Arts Market operates three branches throughout Toronto, and the ethos at each is to give independent artisans an affordable space to market their goods. A sample of the local creativity.
Culinary concept devoted to merging food ideas and cultures. Patois brings Caribbean, specifically Jamaican cooking, together with Asian soul foods. Popular dishes include patties, jerk chow mein, and Chinese pineapple burgers.
Lines are to be expected at this walk-in coffee joint. Freshly baked pastries and home-roasted coffee make this a favorite destination for local coffee lovers. Drinks can be made to accommodate a variety of dietary requirements.
Contemporary art and photography gallery at the center of the Distillery District. Exhibitions evolve regularly and can feature some of the creative space's more avant-garde works. Has a well-stocked shop for prints and posters.
These 15 small islands make up a truly unique spot just south of the mainland. The archipelago houses a public marina, an amusement park, residential housing, and a handful of public beaches. Well worth a day trip for the experience.
The epicenter of Toronto's movie scene and its International Film Festival. This multi-story building consists of five cinema screens, two restaurants, galleries, and a rooftop terrace. Keep an eye out for major events.
Expansive eastern district of Toronto. The area is headlined by the Scarborough Bluffs, waterfront cliffs that overlook Lake Ontario. Other highlights include the Toronto Zoo, city parks, and numerous restaurant enclaves.
Co-working space with two locations across the city that function as “innovation labs and community centers”. Membership plans offer study areas, hot desks, and team tables for those seeking a stimulating work environment.
Purely for architecture lovers, this brutalist building houses the University of Toronto medical school and the physician-scientist programs. Also features a popular exhibition space used for meetings and seminars.
