Hello Torontonians and Toronto-lovers! I’m here today as your very own guide to the city, sharing all of my personal favourite spots in Toronto. I lived in Toronto for about two years, from 2022-early 2024. So you’re getting all of these tips from a self-proclaimed local 😉 Plus, you can steal a sample itinerary at the end of this post! Read on for your Toronto city guide.
Part 1: My Favourite Food + Drink Options
- Italian food: Nodo Restaurant – I had the best pasta of my life here 🍝
- Greek food: Mamakas Taverna – their spanakopita is to die for 😍
- Middle Eastern food: The Haifa Room – the hummus dip is incredible 🤤
- Ramen: Ramen Isshin or Kinton Ramen – either option is delicious 🍜
- Mexican food: El Catrin in Distillery – margaritas and guac, anyone? 🍹
- Cafe: Found Coffee – truly my favourite coffee in the city! ☕
- Brunch: Mildreds and Good Fork – if you enjoy pancakes, you’ll love either spot 🥞
- Sweets: Bloomers – who can go wrong with vegan donuts?! 🍩
- Cocktails: Season Six – gorgeous high-end vibes in Ossington 🍸
- Brewery: Bellwoods Brewery – relaxed patio vibes in Ossington 🍻
- Market: Kensington and St. Lawrence – both excellent places to explore 🚶♂️
Part 2: My Favourite Activities + Entertainment
- Shopping: Queen St W and Ossington strip 👜
- Parks: Trinity Bellwoods (closer to the west end) and Riverdale Park (east end) 🌳
- Gardens: Toronto Music Garden (downtown) and Toronto Botanical Gardens (a bit further out) – both very peaceful and serene🌱
- Museum/Gallery: ROM and AGO – both should be on your list! 🏙
- Event/Festival: TIFF! The city explodes and it’s so much fun! 🎬
- Fun activity: Toronto flower market – one of my favourite summer activities 💐
- Sporting Event: Jays or Raptors game – great for any time of year ⚾ 🏀
- Experience: Christmas Market at Distillery District – a classic 🎄
- Fitness spot: Good Space and Rise Cycle – yoga or spin, take your pick 🚲 🧘♀️
- Best time of year: Fall, hands down! 🍂
- Unique spot: On third thought – wine and gelato pairings!! SO good! 🍷 🍨
- “Tourist” Attraction: CN Tower – you gotta see it once!
Sample itinerary
I’ve compiled some of my favourites listed above into an easy, 4-day sample itinerary for you to steal. Day 1 will get you exploring the downtown classics. On Day 2, you’ll adventure to the Eastern side of Toronto (near Distillery District and Riverdale park), and on Day 3 you’ll be closer to the Western side of Toronto (Liberty Village and Queen West). You’ll wrap up your exploring at my personal favourite, the Ossington strip, for day 4. See the full itinerary below!
Day 1:
Start the day at the ROM, then explore Kensington Market for lunch. Swing by the AGO in the afternoon, and then relax at Toronto Music Garden. Head up the CN Tower to take in the city views at night!
Day 2:
Begin your day exploring at St Lawrence Market. From there, grab lunch at El Catrin in the Distillery District, then head east to Riverdale Park to take in the skyline from afar. If you have time, head to Leslieville to try out Nodo Restaurant for dinner.
Day 3:
Kick off your morning with a Rise Cycle class in Liberty Village, then head nearby to Mildred’s for a classic Liberty brunch. Head to Queen St W. for the Toronto Flower Market. Swing by Ramen Isshin for dinner, and for dessert, check out On Third Thought for gelato and wine pairings.
Day 4:
Explore the Ossington strip! Start with Found Coffee and a stroll in Trinity Bellwoods Park before heading to the strip. Get some appies at Mamakas Taverna, drinks at Bellwoods Brewery, explore the shops along the strip, and end with dinner at The Haifa Room.
Feel free to steal the above itinerary for your next adventure in Toronto! Or, pick and choose the areas that you want to test out if you’re a local. Enjoy your time exploring Toronto!! Tell me what you think in the comments and let me know if I missed any of YOUR favourite Toronto spots ❤