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40 Best Things To Do In Downtown Toronto (Local Guide)
Looking for the best things to do in Downtown Toronto, Canada?
I’ve got you covered!
If you are struggling to choose what to do in Toronto, then I don’t blame you – the city is huge! It can be overwhelming to choose what to fit into your Toronto itinerary, especially if you only have limited time to spend in the city.
I grew up in Toronto and still visit regularly to see my family, so I consider myself an expert on all things Toronto.
Over the years, I’ve explored the whole city, and now I’ve picked out some of the most fun things to do in Downtown Toronto – so you can make the most of your trip!
Let’s dive in.
✅ Get a chance to explore the vibrant city of Toronto with this Private Tour of the City!
Best Things to Do in Downtown Toronto
1. Kensington Market Toronto
Kensington Market is located in the heart of Toronto and is known for having many independent shops, vibrant murals, and delicious food!Â
Kensington Market has a fun bohemian vibe and is a great place to shop and eat in downtown Toronto. You can find vintage thrift stores, art galleries, and hole-in-the-wall eateries serving up mouth-watering international cuisine.
If you visit on the last Sunday of the month (May – October), you will find street parties and festivals at the Kensington Market.
🍔 Savor the diverse culinary delights of Toronto’s Kensington Market on this flavorful food tour!
2. Royal Ontario Museum
The Royal Ontario Museum is the largest museum in Canada. It showcases art, world culture, and natural history.
The museum hosts a world-class collection of over six million objects and specimens, which are displayed across 40 galleries and exhibition spaces.
I recommend spending at least 2 or 3 hours here to make the most of your visit.
The museum is the least crowded on weekday afternoons, and tickets cost $26 CAD ($19 USD) for adults and $16 CAD ($12 USD) for children.
🗿 Visiting the Royal Ontario Museum is one of Toronto’s best tourist destinations! Book your tickets here!
3. CN Tower
I can’t write about what to do in Downtown Toronto without mentioning the CN Tower! It is the most iconic landmark in the city.
The CN Tower is a 553.3m high (1,815.3 ft) tower in Downtown Toronto. It once held the record for being the tallest tower in the world, but that title now goes to the Burj Khalifa in Dubai. The CN Tower is still the tallest building in the Western Hemisphere.
The tower has several observation decks and a revolving restaurant.
For a unique experience, you can try the edge walk! This incredible activity lets you walk around the edge of the tower at 116 stories above Toronto with nothing but a harness to secure you!
4. Nathan Phillips Square
Nathan Phillips Square is a large open square in Downtown Toronto. It is home to the famous Toronto sign, which you have probably seen on social media.
Taking pictures with the sign is one of the best things to do in Toronto for free. The sign lights up in different colors and looks really cool at night.
5. Graffiti Alley
Graffiti Alley encompasses three city blocks. It is a great place to wander and admire interesting street art. It’s also an excellent place to get some fun photos and sometimes the location for small street festivals and pop-ups.
Graffiti Alley is in Toronto’s fashion district, parallel to the trendy stretch of Queen Street West.
6. St. Lawrence Market
St. Lawrence Market is an iconic food market home to 120 vendors, merchants, and artisans.
It’s a great place to grab some tasty treats, and you will find everything from fresh pasta to maple syrup crepes and bacon sandwiches.
The best way to experience the market is to come here on a weekend morning and grab some breakfast before heading off to explore the rest of the city.
There are also great food tours available that include a visit to St. Lawrence Market.
7. Art Gallery Of Ontario
The Art Gallery of Ontario has a collection of more than 90,000 works of art. It is among the most well-known and distinguished art museums in North America.Â
The museum is huge, and there is a lot to see, so I recommend you set aside at least 2 or 3 hours to appreciate it properly.
The building itself is really cool, too. So even if you are not a fan of art museums, it is still worth popping by for a photo.
🎨 Save time and avoid hassle by booking your tickets in advance to one of the most popular Toronto attractions, the Art Gallery of Ontario Here!
8. Take The Ferry To The Toronto Islands
This is one of my favorite activities in Toronto! The Toronto Islands are located in Lake Ontario, just offshore from Downtown Toronto.
Ferries to the Toronto Islands operate year-round out of Jack Layton Ferry Terminal. The average ferry trip takes around 15 minutes one way.Â
You can see some incredible city views from the ferry deck, which makes the ferry ride even more worthwhile.
Spending time on the islands is a fun way to spend an afternoon in Toronto. There are 15 islands, but the most interesting ones are Centre Island, Ward’s Island, and Hanlan’s Point.
9. Distillery District
Toronto’s historic Distillery District is full of brick-lined streets and beautifully restored Victorian-era buildings. It is one of the most hip places to visit in Downtown Toronto.
The district is closed to traffic and is just a few minutes walk from downtown.
In the Distillery District, you will find quirky bars and cafes, boutique fashion stores, independent art galleries, and lots of other unique establishments.
10. Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada
Ripley’s Aquarium is one of the most popular attractions in Downtown Toronto.
The aquarium holds around 5.7 million liters (1.25 million gallons) of water and replicates different habitats from around the world.
The aquarium houses more than 20,000 fish and 450 different species of other sea creatures, so there is plenty to see.
I recommend spending around 3 hours here to give yourself time to see everything.
11. Hockey Hall Of Fame
The Hockey Hall Of Fame is one of Toronto’s most popular tourist attractions.
Canada is famous for ice hockey, and this interactive museum pays tribute to players, teams, memorabilia, and trophies.
It’s a fun place to spend a couple of hours, especially if you are a big hockey fan!
12. Toronto International Film Festival
The Toronto International Film Festival is one of the largest film festivals in the world, attracting over 480,000 people every year.
The festival occurs annually at the TIFF Bell Lightbox in Downtown Toronto.
Toronto usually schedules the festival for September, which lasts for 11 days. If you are in the city during the festival, you should definitely attend a screening at the festival!
Tickets are available from the official TIFF website.
13. The Elgin & Winter Garden Theatres
The Elgin and Winter Garden Theatres are two theatres vertically stacked on top of each other in Toronto. The Winter Garden Theatre is located seven stories above the Elgin Theatre. They hold the impressive distinction of being the only remaining Edwardian-stacked theatres in the world.
The interiors of the theatres are beautiful, and upstairs, you will find a unique botanical rooftop garden that blooms year-round.
You can catch a show here or take a guided tour of the theatres on Mondays and Saturdays.
14. The Eaton Centre
The Eaton Centre is a large shopping mall in Downtown Toronto. It’s a great place to go if you love to shop and since the entire shopping mall is indoors, it’s one of the best things to do in Downtown Toronto in winter.
There are more than 250 stores and restaurants, making it one of North America’s busiest malls.
Also, the food court is huge with lots of options, so it’s a good place to come for a cheap lunch.
15. Second City Comedy Club
If you are looking for fun activities in Toronto for adults, comedy clubs are a great way to spend a night out.
The best comedy club in Downtown Toronto is Second City Comedy Club.
This comedy club showcases live improv and sketch comedy shows every night. It’s even hosted performances from super-famous comedians like Steve Carell and Tina Fey.Â
16. The Harbourfront Centre
The Harbourfront Centre is a beautiful waterfront park in Toronto. It hosts thousands of different cultural events and activities throughout the year.
It’s also a great place to go in the evening for arguably the best sunset in all of Toronto!
There are some good food stalls and coffee shops here, too.
17. HTO Park
The HTO Park is a park/urban beach right next to the Harbourfront Centre.
The park includes grassy hills, a long sand beach extending along the water’s edge, stationary yellow shade umbrellas, and lounge chairs.
As far as beaches go, it’s not the prettiest in the world, but it is a nice place to relax in Toronto on a sunny afternoon.
18. Bike Along The Martin Goodman Trail
If you are feeling active during your trip to Toronto, consider going for a bike ride along the Martin Goodman Trail.
The trail is around 30 km (18.6 miles) and stretches along Toronto’s harbourfront. It takes around 2 hours to cycle the entire trail.
Bike Share Toronto has bike-sharing stations along the trail where you can easily rent a bike for the day.
19. Rogers Centre
The Rogers Centre is an iconic sports stadium located at the base of the CN Tower. It is home to the Toronto Blue Jays baseball team and hosts many other events throughout the year, including concerts, conventions, circuses, and even monster truck shows!
There is an in-house hotel and Hard-Rock Cafe within the stadium, so it’s a great place to stay if you are in town for a Blue Jays game.
20. Watch One Of Toronto’s Local Sports Teams
If you are a sports fan and are wondering what to do in Downtown Toronto, then why not catch a game?
Toronto is home to a few different sports teams. The Toronto Raptors are the only Canadian NBA team. The Toronto Maple Leafs are the local hockey team, and the Blue Jays are a Major League baseball team.
Watching a local sports team can be a really fun way to engage with a new city, even if you don’t usually support that team.
21. Watch The National Ballet Of Canada
The National Ballet of Canada was founded in 1951 and is comprised of 70 dancers, plus its own orchestra. They perform classical ballets such as the Nutcracker and Swan Lake while also embracing some newer contemporary ballets.Â
You can watch the National Ballet of Canada at the Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts. There is a ticket office here, or you can buy tickets online beforehand.
22. Roy Thomson Hall
The Roy Thomson Hall is a concert hall located in Downtown Toronto in the city’s entertainment district. It’s a great place to watch the Toronto Symphony Orchestra and the Toronto Mendelssohn Choir.
You’ll find a few concerts and symphonies here every week, but even if you don’t end up seeing a show, the building is impressive and worth stopping by to see!
23. Day Trip To Niagara Falls
A trip to Niagara Falls is one of the best day trips you can take from Toronto.
Niagara Falls is just a 90-minute drive from Toronto, and there are several convenient ways to get there.Â
Taking a day trip to Niagara Falls is a bucket list item for many people, so if you have never been, take advantage of being so close by and add it to your Toronto itinerary!
24. Toronto Botanical Garden
The Toronto Botanical Garden has 17 themed gardens spread across 4 acres.
The gardens are enjoyable to wander around, especially on a sunny afternoon. They provide a great break from the hectic atmosphere of Toronto’s city center.
The gardens are free to enter, and it is actually easy to find parking nearby.
25. Casa Loma
Casa Loma is a Gothic-style castle/mansion on a hill overlooking Toronto.
The castle is a popular place to take photos as it provides a stunning backdrop for pictures.
Inside the castle, you can explore three floors of beautifully decorated rooms, as well as some exhibits on Canadian history.
This is one of the nicest castles you will ever find in a big city and showcases an interesting combination of ancient architecture and modern technology.
26. Bata Shoe Museum
The Bata Shoe Museum is a unique tourist attraction in Toronto. The museum displays over a thousand shoes and related shoe artifacts chosen from a collection of nearly 15,000 objects.Â
Fashion buffs will love this museum as it has so much interesting information about the development, style, and fashion lore of shoes.
You can see everything from French chestnut-crushing boots to bear fur shoes to glamorous designer high heels.
I recommend spending an hour or two here, as that should be enough time to see everything and read all the information.
👟From ancient Egyptian sandals to celebrity stilettos, the Bata Shoe Museum got it all! Book your ticket in advance here!
27. Ontario Science Centre
The Ontario Science Centre is an interactive science museum with over 500 exhibits and live science demonstrations.
It’s a great place to go during the winter or when it is raining. Kids will also love it here because there is plenty to keep them entertained for a few hours.Â
Plan to spend 3 to 4 hours here as there is a lot to see and do!
28. Toronto Zoo
Toronto Zoo is home to over 5,000 animals and is one of the most diverse zoos in the world.Â
The zoo is committed to wildlife conservation, so you can feel good that your money is going towards conservation projects and protecting animals in the wild.Â
There are many animal species from around the world at the Toronto Zoo. You can see bears, pandas, giraffes, monkeys, and many more. You can also book an animal encounter to get up close and personal with the wildlife.
I recommend spending at least 3 hours here as there is a lot to see.
29. MZTV Museum Of Television & Archive
The MZTV Museum is the world’s most comprehensive collection of television receivers. Here, you can learn all about the history of the technology behind TV.
The museum is extremely informative and interactive and has a huge collection of different TVs from the past.
The ticket price is around $12 CAD (~$9 USD), and the museum also offers guided tours.Â
30. High Park
High Park is a beautiful outdoor space in Toronto with well-maintained gardens, a greenhouse, and a mini-zoo within its grounds.
The park is located to the west of Downtown Toronto and is a nice place to take a walk and just relax for an hour or two.
If you are visiting Toronto in the fall, then this is an especially nice place to come and admire the beautiful colors of the changing leaves.
31. Take A Food Tour
Food tours are walking tours of the city that focus on letting you try a variety of the city’s best eats. Food tours are not only a great way to fill your stomach but are also one of the best ways to explore some hidden gems of the city.
There is a wide variety of food available in Toronto, as it is one of the world’s most diverse cities and has influences from many different countries.
Some of the best places to experience Toronto’s foodie scene are Chinatown, Kensington Market, Little Italy, St. Lawrence Market, and Little India.
32. Old Chinatown
Chinatown is one of the oldest neighborhoods in Toronto, dating back to 1878. It’s also one of the most cool coolest places in Downtown Toronto.
Chinatown is a fun place to go on a night out since the street is lit up in neon red, and there are some great karaoke bars to check out!Â
Chinatown is also a great place to go when you are hungry. There are some lovely teahouses and lots of excellent restaurants serving authentic noodles and dumplings.Â
33. Yoga Space
If you need to escape from the hustle and bustle of the city for a while, then pop into Yoga Space. This downtown yoga studio offers over 60 drop-in classes every week and even has an onsite therapeutic wellness center.
The staff are welcoming, and many of the sessions are suitable for beginners.Â
34. Go Bar Hopping
Downtown Toronto has great nightlife, and there are loads of great places to go for a drink. For a fun night out, you can spend an evening bar hopping around some of the city’s hippest cocktail bars.Â
Some of the most popular cocktail bars are Bar Chef, Mother Cocktail Bar, The Library Bar, Famous Last Words, and Midnight Market.
35. Elmwood Spa
Elmwood Spa is an urban oasis in the heart of Downtown Toronto. It’s the perfect place to unwind and relax during your trip.
The spa offers a range of different treatments, including facials, relaxing massages, and hot stone massages. You’ll also find a swimming pool, whirlpool, and steam room to relax in.Â
If you are hungry, there is also a really nice onsite restaurant.
36. Market 707
Market 707 is a funky little food market made up of old, repurposed shipping containers. Each of the containers is now home to local restaurants and independent businesses.Â
You can find everything here, from poutine and grilled cheese sandwiches to unique international dishes like Afghan bean stews!
37. Bicycle Tours
Taking a bike tour of Toronto is a really fun way to explore the city. There are several great bike routes and lots of great tours to choose from.
I love bike tours as they are a great way to see the city from a different perspective, as well as a good way to get some exercise during your vacation!
38. Helicopter Tour Over Toronto
If you really want to treat yourself, then I recommend taking a helicopter tour over Downtown Toronto.Â
Helicopter tours are unique experiences that you will never forget. There’s no doubt that seeing the city’s iconic skyline from the air will probably be the best part of your trip to Toronto.
Taking a helicopter tour is also one of the best things to do in Toronto Downtown at night, as seeing the city all lit up is simply magical.Â
39. Yonge-Dundas Square
Yonge-Dundas Square is Toronto’s answer to New York’s Times Square. It’s a busy square in Downtown Toronto with bright lights and big screens. There are even occasional events held here, such as dance performances and art displays.Â
You don’t need to spend a lot of time here, but it’s a fun place to hang out for a while and people-watch.
40. Aga Khan Museum
The Aga Khan Museum is located just 15 minutes from Downtown Toronto. The museum is dedicated to Islamic/Persian Art and Muslim culture.
The building and surrounding grounds are gorgeous and give off calming vibes in contrast to the rest of Downtown Toronto.
The museum offers guided tours with guides who are extremely knowledgeable and passionate about the art.Â
FAQs: Best Things To Do In Downtown Toronto
How do I spend a day in Downtown Toronto?
Depending on your interests and budget, you could spend a day in downtown Toronto exploring museums, biking around the city, shopping at the famous Eaton Centre, taking a food tour of Kensington Market, or taking in the views from the iconic CN Tower. There are so many fun ways to spend your time!
What should I not miss in Toronto?
There are a lot of must-see attractions in Toronto that you shouldn’t miss! These include the iconic CN Tower, St. Lawrence Market, the incredible Art Gallery of Ontario, the Harbourfront Centre, Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada, and so many more. There is a lot to see in Toronto, and there are more than enough unmissable attractions to keep you busy.
What is downtown Toronto known for?
Downtown Toronto is known for its incredible range of attractions, from cultural hotspots like the Distillery District and the Royal Ontario Museum to shopping destinations like the Eaton Centre and Kensington Market. It’s also home to major sports venues, such as the Rogers Centre and the CN Tower.
Wrap-Up: Best Things To Do In Downtown Toronto
There are so many awesome things to do in Downtown Toronto. You could easily spend weeks here and still not get to them all.
Whether you want to explore museums, eat your way around the city, relax at the waterfront, shop ‘til you drop, or get your adrenaline pumping on the CN Tower’s edge walk, there is something in Toronto to suit everyone!
When you get hungry after all that sightseeing, be sure to check out the best places to eat in Toronto for all budgets for my top restaurant recommendations!
✅ Get a chance to explore the vibrant city of Toronto with this Private Tour of the City!
Read More About Things To Do in Toronto:
- 3 Best Toronto Helicopter Tours for Aerial Views
- Dog Sledding in Toronto: 8 Best Places & Tours
- 15 Best Places to Go Kayaking Near Toronto
- 53 Best Day Trips From Toronto
- The Best Toronto Food Tours: Reviews of the Top 10 for Travellers
- The 12 Best Places to Go Apple Picking Near Toronto
- Ultimate Guide to the Beaches Neighbourhood, Toronto
- Where to Eat in Toronto: For All Budgets
- Visit the Scarborough Bluffs: The Best Hiking Trails & Beaches in Toronto
- 15 Best Hotels in Toronto with Balconies
- How to Get From Toronto to Niagara Falls: 7 Best Ways for an Epic Day Trip
- 21 Best Road Trips in Ontario from Toronto
- 15 Best Hotels in Toronto with Private Hot Tubs
- Best Time to Visit Toronto (from a Canadian)
- Is Toronto Worth Visiting: A Local’s Opinion
- These 5 Christmas Tree Farms Near Toronto Are Dog Friendly
More about Toronto, Canada:
- Is Toronto a Province? A Local Weighs In!
- What is the Cost of Living in Toronto?
- Living in Toronto vs. Chicago: Which is the Better City?
- Living in Toronto vs. Montreal: Which City is Right for You?
- Living in Ottawa vs. Toronto: Which City is Right for You?
- 30 Pros and Cons of Living in Toronto: Beyond the CN Tower
- 55 Fun Facts About Toronto, Canada + Interesting Facts!
- Best Time to Visit Toronto (from a Canadian)
- Is It Safe To Drink Tap Water In Toronto?
- Is Toronto Worth Visiting: A Local’s Opinion
Canada Travel Planning Guide
🚑 Should I buy Canada travel insurance?
100% YES! — Canada has “free” healthcare but it’s only for citizens! Foreigners visiting need travel insurance in case anything happens on their visit. I recommend World Nomads – starting at just $5 a day!
💧Can you drink the water in Canada?
Yes — In all major cities in Canada, you can drink the tap water. There are very few, rural areas that you can’t. However, you should never drink river or lake water anywhere in the country! I recommend a Brita Water Bottle for long hikes and backcountry camping to stay safe and hydrated.
🚙💨 Is it safe to rent a car in Canada?
Yes — Renting a car is a necessity in most of Canada! If you want to go on road trips or adventures outside of the major cities, you’ll need to rent a car. (Read more)
📲 Will my phone work in Canada?
Maybe — Some American companies work in Canada, but many will not. If your phone doesn’t work in Canada, I recommend getting a Canadian SIM card so you can get around and stay in contact with loved ones. We don’t have a lot of free WIFI in Canada, so you’ll need your phone for maps.
🏩 What’s the best way to book my Canada accommodations?
My go-to for Canadian hotels is Booking.com. For hostels, I use Hostel World. If you want a home-y feeling, check out VRBO (which is cheaper and safer than Airbnb).
Or get free accommodations with Trusted Housesitters!
✈️ What’s the best site to buy Canada flights?
For finding cheap Canadian flights, I recommend Skyscanner.
🎫 Do I need a visa for Canada?
Likely Not — US, UK, and EU passport holders don’t need Canadian visas. However, some other countries do (check here!). And if you plan to stay for more than 4 weeks (an average tourist visa length), you will need to look into visas to live in Canada.
