CN Tower
sightToronto's 553-metre communications tower offers observation decks with panoramic views across the city and Lake Ontario. The glass floor and revolving restaurant attract over a million visitors annually.
In Entertainment DistrictVerified · Apr 26, 2026
Things to do in Toronto
12 named places across 11 neighborhoods — restaurants, sights, bars, cafés, parks, and shops. Specific recommendations, no generic filler.
— 6 picks
Sights & landmarks in Toronto.
The monuments, museums, and photo spots actually worth the queue.
Royal Ontario Museum
sightCanada's largest museum houses over six million objects spanning natural history, world cultures, and art. The Michael Lee-Chin Crystal addition contrasts sharply with the original heritage architecture.
In YorkvilleSt. Lawrence Market
sightA public market operating since 1803 with over 120 vendors selling fresh produce, meat, cheese, and prepared foods. The peameal bacon sandwich is a longstanding local specialty.
In Old TownCasa Loma
sightA Gothic Revival castle built in 1914 with 98 rooms, towers, gardens, and underground tunnels. The estate provides views of the city and hosts period exhibits.
In MidtownKensington Market
sightA compact neighborhood of Victorian houses converted into vintage shops, international food vendors, and cafes. The pedestrian-friendly streets reflect waves of immigration dating to the early 1900s.
In Kensington MarketThe Distillery District
sightA pedestrian village of Victorian industrial buildings from the 1832 Gooderham and Worts distillery, now housing galleries, restaurants, and shops. The cobblestone streets and preserved architecture create a distinct atmosphere.
In Distillery District— 2 picks
Where to eat in Toronto.
Editor-picked restaurants from the neighborhood deep-dives — no tourist traps.
Scaramouche Restaurant
restaurantAn upscale French restaurant operating since 1980 with views overlooking the city from its elevated location. The coconut cream pie has a dedicated following.
In Forest HillLee Restaurant
restaurantThis small spot serves contemporary Asian fusion plates focused on seasonal ingredients and presentation. The menu changes regularly and includes vegetarian and seafood-forward options.
In King West— 1 picks
Bars & nightlife in Toronto.
Where to drink, from aperitivo terraces to locals-only dive bars.
Bar Raval
barA Spanish-style pintxos bar with Gaudí-inspired curved wood interiors and no reservations. The standing-room setup fills with locals drinking vermouth and sherry alongside Basque small plates.
In Little Italy— 1 picks
Cafés & coffee in Toronto.
Morning stops, espresso counters, and bakery classics.
Café Diplomatico
cafeAn Italian cafe serving espresso and simple meals since 1968. The large patio on College Street is a popular people-watching spot during warmer months.
In Little Italy— 1 picks
Parks & green space in Toronto.
Where to slow down, picnic, or escape the summer heat.
High Park
parkToronto's largest public park covers 161 hectares with walking trails, a zoo, sports facilities, and cherry blossom trees that bloom in late April. The park borders Grenadier Pond.
In High Park— 1 picks
Shops & markets in Toronto.
Souvenirs that aren’t embarrassing and the markets worth an hour.
Type Books
shopAn independent bookstore on Spadina Avenue carrying curated literary fiction, design books, and magazines. Staff recommendations and author events draw neighborhood regulars.
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— FAQ
Planning Toronto.
- What are the top things to do in Toronto?
- We've listed 12 named places across 11 neighborhoods on this page — specific recommendations, not generic filler. The grouped sections (sights, food, bars, cafés, parks, shops) let you pick by intent. If you only have one day, work the "Sights & landmarks" list top-to-bottom.
- How many days do you need in Toronto?
- Three full days is the honest floor for a first visit to Toronto — enough to cover the essential sights without a march, plus two meals per day in different neighborhoods. Five days lets you add day trips. Anything less than three and you're queuing instead of experiencing.
- Are guided tours in Toronto worth booking?
- For major sights with skip-the-line value (Vatican, Colosseum, Alhambra-tier queues) yes, almost always. For neighborhood walks — usually no, our free deep-dives cover the same ground in more honest detail. The CTAs on this page go to Expedia's tours inventory if you want to compare.
- What's the best neighborhood to base yourself in Toronto?
- Depends on your trip style — our /hotels/toronto page ranks the neighborhoods by price and vibe. Generally: central for first-timers, residential-adjacent for return visits, canal/waterfront if the city has one.
- Are these recommendations updated?
- This page was last refreshed on the date shown in the trust pill above. We're rolling out hand-vetted neighborhood deep-dives for Toronto — until those land, the entries here are sourced from well-established places that have been operating for many years, but we recommend confirming opening hours and current operations before you go.
Keep planning
Complete your Toronto trip
Trip plannerToronto one-stop planTours, transfers, packages, and events for Toronto in one place.StaysWhere to stay in TorontoNeighborhood-by-neighborhood picks with live nightly rates.NeighborhoodsToronto by districtLongform breakdowns of where locals eat, drink, and sleep.When to goBest time to visit CanadaMonth-by-month verdicts on weather, crowds, and prices.
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