Kensington Market
Kensington Market
4
About
Immerse yourself in the heart of Toronto’s bohemian culture at Kensington Market. Restaurants and hole-in-the-wall eateries offering food from all over the world are interspersed with vintage thrift shops, coffee joints, tattoo parlors, bars, art galleries, and Victorian-style houses. The area is part gritty, part chaotic but it has tons of personality. The best time to visit is on Pedestrian Sundays (last Sunday of the month from May to October), when street parties and festivals are the highlights. Take public transportation to get there as parking is hard to come by. You can experience the neighborhood on a food, walking, or bike tour. – Tripadvisor
Duration: 2-3 hours
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The area
Neighborhood: Chinatown
Toronto's main Chinatown has the honor of being the largest in North America. Gaping down across Dundas Street West and Spadina Avenue, the area is a wonderful medley of shops and restaurants, busy signs and bright red gates, a destination for foodie fun. Chinatown's streets are always bustling, packed with people and outdoor stalls hawking fresh produce and products. The restaurants and authentic marketplaces that shoulder in against each other display shining roast ducks and menus studded with dumplings and noodle bowls. The air is pervaded with music. different languages, and the smell of fried food and mouth-watering desserts. Chinatown's restaurants represent a broad range of fare, from traditional Szechuan and Shanghai foods, to other Asian delicacies, including some of the top Japanese, Vietnamese, and Korean spots in the city. Whether you're in the mood for a sit-down tea house or a bubble tea to go, Chinatown is the spot to enjoy an exciting walk and the promise of leaving satisfied.
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537 within 6 miles
See what travelers are saying
- AerowingMonee, Illinois5,987 contributionsWorth a VisitThis is a bohemian style neighborhood in Toronto worth checking out at least once when you’re here There’s plenty of shops and restaurants to see. It’s very close to the Chinatown part of the town too. There’s plenty of thrift shops along the streets as well, but they tend to be a bit pricey. Plan on spending at least 2 to 3 hours here to check out everything.Visited September 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten September 22, 2023
- therichastillStevenage, United Kingdom2,886 contributionsA Market for OutsidersIn the spirit of other markets around the world Kensington Market is a place to visit if you like things a little different. It is reminiscent of Camden Market in London and there are shops and stalls to get things like hats or sunglasses. There are also stores selling vintage clothes and food from around the world too. One thing you will see here that you will not see in London is the dispensaries where you can buy cannabis. It's legal in Canada but make sure if you do want to buy something that you have your ID. One of the things I loved was the street art which is in abundance on walls and also on the roads as well. There is also a car there that has become art. It is covered with different designs and has plants growing out of the windows too. Superb! Go and check it out. You may come away with an opened mind.Visited October 2023Traveled with familyWritten November 18, 2023
- Stewarts Vacation1,543 contributionsWrong timing!Unfortunately we visited the area too early in the day. Most of the shops were closed and the area was pretty deserted with none of the vibe that we had read about. We still enjoyed walking through the eclectic neighbourhood with colourful shop fronts and Victorian row houses. I'd definitely suggest an afternoon/evening visit.Visited September 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten December 30, 2023
- Ari GRosenberg, Texas9 contributionsStores of curiosity in theOver the weekend I had chance to finally visit Toronto. I asked some locals about things to do in there and everyone suggested going to Kensington Market. I love this place because it was just average type of flea Market but you had a variety of different stores and restaurants. Rather you are looking for trendy fashion or thrifting. The food restaurants available were all over the place and they had some really great sweet shops. Also enjoy all the street art and murals all around.Visited January 2024Traveled with friendsWritten January 20, 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.0
2,974 reviews
Excellent
1,322
Very good
1,002
Average
419
Poor
144
Terrible
87
Chris S
10 contributions
Feb 2020
When you look at all the various brochures and travel sites that sell Toronto's many attractions, very few include the Kensington Market. The Market itself is a collection of food stalls and stores that sell everything from fruit and nuts to cheese and seafood as well as candles and more. Does it have a bit of a hipster vibe, yes, could it be a little tidier and in better repair? Sure. But it's a fun few blocks where you will be hard pressed to find a franchised retailer or restaurant. Some of the little restaurants offer meals that are memorable and worth returning for. Jamaican, Mexican, wood oven bagels, crepes, burgers, coffee shops and more. You'll find a weekend morning or afternoon can be busy but also a fun adventure. You can even get your grocery shopping done.
Written February 13, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Deborah A
Niagara Falls, NY7 contributions
Jan 2020 • Family
We expected more fun and funky, with artsy shops, but what we found were Blocks of grungy and expensive second hand stores. A few good cafes, including an interesting soufflé pancake place and the black bread company. We chose not to stay long, as the stores were all the same junk
Written January 5, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
therichastill
Stevenage, UK2,886 contributions
Oct 2023 • Family
In the spirit of other markets around the world Kensington Market is a place to visit if you like things a little different.
It is reminiscent of Camden Market in London and there are shops and stalls to get things like hats or sunglasses. There are also stores selling vintage clothes and food from around the world too. One thing you will see here that you will not see in London is the dispensaries where you can buy cannabis. It's legal in Canada but make sure if you do want to buy something that you have your ID.
One of the things I loved was the street art which is in abundance on walls and also on the roads as well. There is also a car there that has become art. It is covered with different designs and has plants growing out of the windows too. Superb!
Go and check it out. You may come away with an opened mind.
It is reminiscent of Camden Market in London and there are shops and stalls to get things like hats or sunglasses. There are also stores selling vintage clothes and food from around the world too. One thing you will see here that you will not see in London is the dispensaries where you can buy cannabis. It's legal in Canada but make sure if you do want to buy something that you have your ID.
One of the things I loved was the street art which is in abundance on walls and also on the roads as well. There is also a car there that has become art. It is covered with different designs and has plants growing out of the windows too. Superb!
Go and check it out. You may come away with an opened mind.
Written November 18, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kathryn V
West Springfield, MA46 contributions
Mar 2020 • Couples
Kensington Market was a bit of a disappointment but I think that may have to do with the time of year that we visited. Lots of cool graffiti and murals but that was about it. A lot of things were closed when we were there (around noon on a Sunday). There did seem to be a lot of interesting restaurants but we weren’t there to eat. Maybe it’s more active and fun in the summer?
Written March 11, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Abbie S
Leeds, UK308 contributions
Sep 2022 • Couples
I was expecting something like Camden market in London with small boutique shops and independent businesses.
What we got instead was a run down, dirty, garbage filled, walk with homeless and mentally ill/drug affected individuals all over the place.
Most of the small food places didn't look inviting and we were really disappointed.
Shops are made up of cannabis dispensaries, fabric shops and thrift stores.
Graffiti Alley also a disappointment with graffiti name tags all over instead of real graffiti art
Would not recommend, I felt very unsafe and we quickly got out of there
What we got instead was a run down, dirty, garbage filled, walk with homeless and mentally ill/drug affected individuals all over the place.
Most of the small food places didn't look inviting and we were really disappointed.
Shops are made up of cannabis dispensaries, fabric shops and thrift stores.
Graffiti Alley also a disappointment with graffiti name tags all over instead of real graffiti art
Would not recommend, I felt very unsafe and we quickly got out of there
Written September 19, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Aerowing
Monee, IL5,987 contributions
Sep 2023 • Couples
This is a bohemian style neighborhood in Toronto worth checking out at least once when you’re here
There’s plenty of shops and restaurants to see. It’s very close to the Chinatown part of the town too. There’s plenty of thrift shops along the streets as well, but they tend to be a bit pricey.
Plan on spending at least 2 to 3 hours here to check out everything.
There’s plenty of shops and restaurants to see. It’s very close to the Chinatown part of the town too. There’s plenty of thrift shops along the streets as well, but they tend to be a bit pricey.
Plan on spending at least 2 to 3 hours here to check out everything.
Written September 22, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Maya S
Toronto, Canada31 contributions
Sep 2020
Love this place, it is open few streets in between China town. there are many restaurants and market places, meat store, clothing stores, vaping stores, sometimes live music and bars and ice cream & coffee shops. What I love about this place the most is the mixture of cultures and verities of kitchen available. The VIBE is such so contagious, happy and fun and taste. If you love crowed and walking and don't mind the smell (marijuana) this is certainly the spot for you. I wouldn't suggest to go with small kids but other than that it is a very chill place to spend few hour at.
Written September 22, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
triphappy07
Raleigh, NC58 contributions
Jul 2022
You should experience the market at least once BUT it may not be everyone's cup of tea. Lots of interesting shops and places to eat and a very funky and interesting place to browse. However, it is also somewhat grubby and crowded, and as others have mentioned, there were a fair number of mentally ill people walking around, yelling, etc. No disrespect to the mentally ill or unhoused, just something to be aware of. We enjoyed our multiple visits there, had some tasty empanadas and other treats. Go at least once!
Written August 1, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
J BB
1 contribution
Jul 2022 • Family
Stay away from there, there are bums passed out in the park and storefronts are dirty. The park was a mess because the locals don’t seem to keep it clean and ruin it with graffitis, they loiter and seem to enjoy their messiness. Not a good place for children. Give money to hard working people instead.
Written July 12, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Steph
Toronto, Canada217 contributions
Sep 2021
Wild and down to earth, Kensington might be the most interesting area to explore in Toronto. The graffiti is colourful, the garden car is such a weird, but fun landmark, and it has many wonderful shops and food options. I'd definitely recommend visiting Bunner's for baked goods and The Beguling for comic books while here. Also, Wanda's Pie in the Sky has delicious pie!
Written April 21, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
can i go to kensington market without booking tour or tickets, like do it my own? and also prefer to go early in the morning since we have tour starting noon , how long would it take to go around the place?
Steph
Toronto, Canada217 contributions
Hi There! You can definitely walk around Kensington Market on your own. It's only a few streets big, so you can probably do the whole thing in like an hour or so- it depends if you want to stop into every shop along the way, take lots of photos, etc. Maybe 2 hours tops?
salm140
Toronto, Canada8 contributions
I would like to add to my review about Kennsington Market. Bona Fide is a friends restaurant in the heart of the Market and people will love this place's food and awesome atmosphere.
Icchok
Kadima, Israel656 contributions
What was the question? This was a promo, not an honest query.
Symphonybassoonist
San Diego, CA21 contributions
If Only have one day , can I do Kensington Market, china town and Laurence Market?
David P
San Antonio, TX54 contributions
Yup. Show up hungry!
If you stayed at that dirty hostel on Augusta Ave, you probly have cockroaches and bedbugs in your your luggage.
sauchie32
Alloa, UK195 contributions
Didnt stay anywhere near there
Everything is a rip-off in Kensington Market.Food is overpriced,coffee is overpriced, and the parking sucks.
Other than that ,it,s awesome.lol
Garry S
Toronto, Canada391 contributions
Not sure what the question is here but there are still pockets of wonderfully kitschy stuff to be found here. For me it was about the different cultures and their foods represented.
It,s a dirty, roach, rat infested neighbourhood.
Janetgray
Toronto38 contributions
It is an eclectic place, and well worth seeing.
Hi Ron, did you get nailed with a 30 dollar ticket for parking on a side street without a city permit on your windshield ?
I did ,so Fk Kensington Market and anyplace else in Toronto.
Let,s put Toronto in the poor house, and warn the public around the world, to this parking scam.
Ron A
Markham, Canada229 contributions
I did not get ticket
But I fully agree
how can I get to the market from holiday Inn express down town
Alessandro B
Toronto, Canada178 contributions
Quite simple walk to jane and finch and take the 35 or 195 bus to jane station. get a transer and from jane station go to spadina station eastbound and once your at spadina take the 510 streetcar and get off at nassau street and from there your at kensington market
Cherie M
Columbus, OH4 contributions
Going to Kensington. Best place to park?
Paul D
Toronto, Canada11 contributions
There is street parking payable at curbside machines, but it's often in short supply. I would recommend the "Green P" parking garage, which you can reach by turning left (west) from Spadina southbound at Baldwin. It's about a block in.
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Claim your listingKensington Market - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)
Frequently Asked Questions about Kensington Market
- According to Tripadvisor travelers, these are the best ways to experience Kensington Market:
- Kensington Market -Toronto's Neighborhood International Food Tour (From $79.97)
- Walking Tour of Toronto's Kensington Market and Chinatown (From $59.04)
- Kensington Market, Chinatown and the Art Gallery of Ontario: A Self-Guided Tour (From $5.99)
- Toronto's Fusion Food Tour (From $79.97)
- Downtown Toronto Bike Tour (From $74.32)
- Hotels near Kensington Market:
- (0.09 mi) Kensington Market B&B
- (0.20 mi) Planet Traveler Hostel
- (0.12 mi) Kensington Apartments
- (0.17 mi) Kensington Suites
- (0.15 mi) Chinatown Family House
- Restaurants near Kensington Market:
- (0.00 mi) Pancho Y Emiliano
- (0.01 mi) Best istanbul restaurant
- (0.01 mi) Hungary Thai
- (0.01 mi) The Embassy
- (0.02 mi) Abu Hummus
- Attractions near Kensington Market:
- (0.01 mi) By The Sidewalk Food Tours
- (0.03 mi) House Of Spice
- (0.03 mi) Tasty Tours Toronto
- (0.11 mi) Chopsticks+Forks
- (0.09 mi) Blue Banana Market