City: Downtown
Top Things to do in Downtown
10 Sights & Landmarks in Downtown That You Shouldn't Miss
We've heard Toronto described as "New York City run by the Swiss," and it's true—you can find world-class theater, shopping and restaurants here, but the sidewalks are clean and the people are friendly. The best place to start is literally at the top—the CN Tower, the tallest freestanding structure in the Western Hemisphere.
Restaurants in Toronto
1. Royal Conservatory of Music
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 265 reviews
Classical, jazz, pop, opera, and world music are right at home in Koerner Hall. Its high ceiling and first-rate projection and communication technology make it perfect for films, lectures, and educational or corporate conferences. With its layered ribbon of wood forming a floating ceiling canopy, integrating an acoustic reflector, performance lighting, and technical bridges, Koerner Hall provides a dramatic yet intimate ambience between the audience and performers. The spectacular glass lobbies welcome guests to Koerner Hall and offer an extraordinary view of the city.
Reviewed By Getaway21469 - Toronto, Canada
One of the most successful architecture of merging old with new, in my opinion. The theatre itself is gorgeous and the acoustics superb. Most performers who stepped onto the stage for their first time always commented on the beauty of the space. It is! It is indeed such a perfect theatre; perfect also in size as one can't have a bad seat there. The choice of programming is varied, eclectic, and they offer music for all tastes. I absolutely adore the Royal Conservatory of Music (Koerner Hall).
2. CN Tower
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 25,013 reviews
At a height of 553.33 m (1,815 ft., 5 in), the CN Tower is Canada’s National Tower, an engineering Wonder, award-winning dining & entertainment destination, and Toronto’s “must-see” for over 4 decades. Rocket to the top in a thrilling 58 second ride aboard glass fronted elevators. Spectacular views overlooking up to 160km (100 miles) from 3 observation levels including, the LookOut Level with floor-to-ceiling panoramic Window Walls, the world famous Glass Floor including Outdoor SkyTerrace and SkyPod, the highest of them all. Experience the thrilling EdgeWalk, the World’s Highest Outdoor Walk on a Building. Enjoy award-winning Canadian cuisine and breathtaking revolving views at 360 Restaurant, the perfect place for entertaining or celebrating. Plus, visual displays and exhibits on the history of the CN Tower, KidZone play area and unique Canadian artisan and souvenir shopping in the Gift Shop. Don’t miss the architectural illumination of the Tower each night from dusk to dawn.
Reviewed By Rocker08
We were fortunate to get a table right by the window.. the revolving restaurant has great views of the city as you are slowly moving... the coolest is to watch the flights taking off and landing into Billy Bishop airport.
3. Rogers Centre
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3,916 reviews
With its retractable roof, in-house hotel and Hard Rock Cafe, the home turf of the Toronto Blue Jays and the Toronto Argonauts is truly a sight to see.
Reviewed By M3368DPjohnm - Toronto, Canada
My father, has a disability and needs a walker, called the dome and they set up handicap parking underneath the dome. We walked twenty feet to the elevator. Then to the 100 section seats which was another twenty feet, unbelievable, so easy, so convenient, just a great afternoon at the ball park. The Jay's and the dome make it so accessible for disabled people to enjoy the game, bravo, your the best
4. Ontario Legislative Building
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 189 reviews
Opened in 1893, this Richardson Romanesque styled building is the seat of Ontario's Legislative Assembly. Frequent free tours offered throughout the year (closed weekends winter - open 7 days per week summer). View web site for visitation information and program details. The building is currently closed to the public due to COVID-19; however, a variety of virtual programs and a virtual tour are available free of charge at our web site.
Reviewed By Warmie_79 - London, United Kingdom
We visited the Ontario Legislative Building to have a look at the outside architecture and grounds, which were lovely. An additional surprise was the free guided half hour tour of the main chamber and corridors of the building. Our guide was really informative and explained the history of the regional government as well as how it works today. We found it really interesting and it was really nice to go inside and have a look around.
5. St James Anglican Cathedral
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 230 reviews
The city's oldest Anglican church is located in a beautiful park-like setting.
Reviewed By Douglas552
Whether attending a service here or not, it is a very well worth while visit to admire the intricate detail both inside and out
6. St Michael's Cathedral Basilica
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 97 reviews
This beautiful gothic-style cathedral is one of the city's most prominent landmarks.
Reviewed By Indah2014 - Ontario, Canada
Beautiful Cathedral Church in the English Gothic Revival Style, built in 1848. This beautiful building is full of character and detail amongst plain glass and flat stone and composite buildings surrounding it. Its remarkable both in and out.
7. Scotiabank Arena
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,747 reviews
Scotiabank Arena is Canada’s premier sports and entertainment venue and home to the NHL’s Toronto Maple Leafs, NBA’s Toronto Raptors and the NLL’s Toronto Rock. Owned and operated by MLSE, Scotiabank Arena opened its doors in February 1999 and has been recognized with more than 40 industry awards highlighting the venue’s security, accessibility, fan service, environmental commitment, sales and box office service. It has also hosted over 39 million fans at over 2,600 events.
Reviewed By G285DJsm
Bought playoff tickets off a friend who has season seats and had a great time Raps beat Golden State in game 1 of the NBA Finals lots of celebs there including DRAKE and Toronto Maple Leafs and Blue Jays players also former Raptors players get tickets for a game or concert and you will have a awesome time!
8. Toronto Harbour
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 532 reviews
Encompassing the city's downtown area, the harbor is known particularly for its shops, restaurants, ferry terminals and marinas.
Reviewed By michaelaT8138GW - Toronto, Canada
This is a great place to spend time....the options are endless. Terrific cycle and or jogging/walking trail that goes for many kilometers along the lake (and links to many streets and cycle paths going north into the core). It has harbourfront centre with art and entertainment spaces, right next to the Queens Quay indoor mall riddled with shopping and dining, and the Power Plant art gallery. Lots of good spots along the waterfront to take the sun too. There are stretches of grass to sprawl out on, muskoka chairs to take the sun, and the odd picnic bench for a bite or a card game. This is a happening, lively part of a vibrant city. Rent a canoe! Rent a paddleboard, go for a cycle.....take a walk, then have a bite to eat. Enjoy!
9. Riverdale Farm
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 162 reviews
Toronto's Riverdale Farm covers 7.5 scenic acres and is a hot spot for families. Along with the wooded areas, ponds and gardens, there are plenty of farm animals to visit. All this and more in the heart of downtown Toronto.
Reviewed By FamilyinFL
This little farm was a great place to escape from the busyness of the city. We went in the afternoon after a morning of sightseeing around downtown. There was a day camp with about 15 kids and 3 or 4 counselors, but they were only in one area so it was still pretty quiet. Besides us and them, there were only two or three other families at the farm. In addition to the animals, they have a lot of beautiful flowers and a nice garden area that was growing very well. The animals and the grounds in general looked very well taken care of and the workers that we saw and spoke to were friendly and happy. If you're visiting Toronto and have younger kids or just like to see farm animals, Riverdale Farm is a gem in the city.
10. Mackenzie House
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 81 reviews
Mackenzie House is the restored home of William Lyon Mackenzie, Toronto's first Mayor, a radical journalist and publisher, and leader of the Rebellion of 1837 in Upper Canada. This house was given to Mackenzie by friends and supporters, when he retired from public life, and in recognition of his many years of serving the community. Mackenzie House is one of 10 historic museums operated by the City of Toronto. Toronto's Historic Sites engage visitors, inspire passion, challenge ideas and connect the past to the present.
Reviewed By DGVNJ - Elmwood Park, United States
On a quiet side street you step into Mackenzie House and are transported back 175 years and treated to an informative history of Toronto and if you go during the holidays you can feast in the joyous experience of a Scottish Hogmanay celebration. When we arrived we were able to explore the entire house and had the chance to use what I believe to be one of the the oldest working printing presses in existence in a recreated print shop. The costumed docents gave insightful and informative descriptions of house and the way of life that we were being given a view to. Since this was a special Hogmanay event we were also treated to some wonderful live music by Gin Lane and a delicious feast. For the first time in my life I tried haggis and loved it! The haggis looks like a medium sized pumpernickel loaf and you are given a 1/2 in slice. It's a rich concoction that tasted wonderful. The entire event was well worth it and a great way to start our visit to Toronto.
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