Toronto Travel Guide: Top Things to Do & Local Secrets

So you're planning a trip to Toronto. Great choice. You've probably got the CN Tower and maybe the Hockey Hall of Fame on your list. But if you think that's all there is, you're missing about 80% of what makes this city tick. Toronto's magic isn't just in its postcard skyline; it's in the chaotic energy of Kensington Market, the serene escape of the Toronto Islands, and the thousand little neighborhoods each with their own personality. Having lived here and guided countless friends through the city, I've seen the common mistake: trying to do too much, too fast, in the wrong places. This guide isn't just a list. It's a filter. We'll cut through the noise and focus on the things to do in Toronto that are actually worth your time, whether you have 48 hours or a full week.

The Iconic Must-Sees (Done Right)

Let's get these out of the way. Yes, you should see them. But here's how to do it without feeling like you're just checking a box.

CN Tower: Is It Worth It?

The short answer: yes, but be strategic. Paying $43 (CAD) just to ride up the elevator and look out the window feels thin. The value is in the EdgeWalk if you're adventurous (it's a hands-free walk on the tower's ledge), or at the very least, book a table at the 360 Restaurant. Your meal ticket includes tower admission. A sunset dinner there transforms the experience from a tourist stop into an event. Pro Tip: If you're on a tight budget, skip the main observation deck. The view from the Ripley's Aquarium tunnel underneath the tower or from the Waterfront is stunning and free.

Royal Ontario Museum (ROM) & Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO)

Don't try to do both in one day. You'll get museum fatigue. The ROM is for the curious—dinosaurs, gems, world cultures. The new Michael Lee-Chin Crystal architecture is a sight itself. The AGO is for the visually inclined, with a stunning collection of Canadian art (the Group of Seven rooms are sublime) and a fantastic Henry Moore sculpture hall. A common mistake is overlooking their special exhibitions, which are often world-class. Check their websites before you go.

St. Lawrence Market

This isn't just a market; it's the city's stomach. The main building (South Market) is where you go for the famous Peameal Bacon Sandwich at Carousel Bakery (Stall #16), fresh produce, and gourmet cheeses. But most people miss the North Market (open Saturday for farmers, Sunday for antiques) and the Market Gallery upstairs for free local history exhibits. Go hungry, and go early to avoid the biggest lunch crowds.

Neighborhood Deep Dives & Hidden Gems

This is where Toronto shines. Ditch the downtown core for a few hours.

Kensington Market & Chinatown

Adjacent neighborhoods with wildly different vibes. Kensington Market is bohemian, colorful, and slightly chaotic. It's a place to wander without a map. Pop into vintage stores, grab a churro from a street cart, and people-watch. Chinatown, along Spadina Avenue, is about sensory overload and incredible, affordable food. Don't just walk through—stop for soup dumplings at Dumpling House or browse the exotic fruit markets. The best time is on a Sunday afternoon when Kensington feels most alive.

The Distillery District

Yes, it's touristy. But it's also beautiful. The preserved 19th-century Victorian industrial architecture is unique. The secret? Go in the morning on a weekday. You'll have the cobblestone streets mostly to yourself, perfect for photos. It's also home to some excellent design shops and the Mill Street Brewery. At Christmas, its market is magical, but packed.

Toronto Islands (A Local's Escape)

This is my top recommendation for a sunny day. A 13-minute ferry from the Jack Layton Ferry Terminal (buy tickets online!) takes you to another world. Most head to Centre Island for the amusement park (great for kids). For a quieter experience, take the ferry to Ward's Island. Walk the peaceful residential lanes, have a picnic with the skyline view, or rent a bike. You can easily spend half a day here. Check the City of Toronto website for ferry schedules, as they change seasonally.

Practical Toronto Travel: Getting Around & Saving Money

Toronto is sprawling. How you navigate it makes or breaks your trip.

How to get around Toronto efficiently?

The TTC (Toronto Transit Commission) subway and streetcar network is your friend. A single fare is $3.35, but get a Presto Card (available at any subway station) for discounted fares and seamless transfers. For downtown exploration, the 501 Queen and 504 King streetcars are slow but offer a great ground-level view. The subway is fast for north-south travel. Uber and Lyft are ubiquitous but can get pricey during surge times. My rule: subway for distance, streetcar for sightseeing, and walking for everything under 30 minutes.

Money-Saving Tips

Many major attractions like the ROM and AGO have free or discounted admission on certain weekday evenings (e.g., AGO is free from 6-9 PM on Wednesdays). The Toronto CityPASS can be worth it if you plan to hit all the big-ticket items (CN Tower, ROM, Casa Loma, etc.). For food, explore the city's massive food hall scene (Assembly Chef's Hall, Stackt Market) for high-quality, varied options at better prices than sit-down restaurants.

Building Your Perfect Toronto Itinerary

Here’s how to structure your days based on length of stay. These mix iconic sights with neighborhood flavor.

The biggest mistake I see is over-scheduling. Toronto's neighborhoods are best experienced at a stroll. Leave room to get lost. That alleyway in Kensington or that little park in Cabbagetown might be your best memory.