City: Downtown
Top Things to do in Downtown
What to do and see in Downtown, Canada: The Best Neighborhoods
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. 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!
2. Distillery Historic District
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 8,201 reviews
The Distillery District is an internationally acclaimed village of brick-lined streets and dozens of vibrantly restored Victorian Industrial buildings. It’s one of Ontario’s hottest tourist attractions and home to live theatres, galleries, fashion, design and jewelry boutiques, unique cafes and award-winning restaurants. It’s all completely closed to traffic and just a few minutes walk from downtown Toronto.
Reviewed By 416GYPSY - Toronto, Canada
in winter or summer there is always something to do or see here,, Christmas market is amazing and the cobblestone and shops are always a hit.. great patios and super quaint.. we love Balzacs coffee and EL CATRIN is always a hit
3. West Queen West
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 258 reviews
Reviewed By MexChilanga
Love all the shops along Queen St W. Once you get past Spadina, it becomes the fashion district. You’ll come across Grafitti Alley a block south and some increíble one of a kind finds in these shops. Great spots to have a quick bite or elegant meal. One of the most lovely parts of the city.
4. Little Italy
5. Cabbagetown
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 116 reviews
Once home solely for Irish immigrants, this neighborhood presently contains the largest grouping of Victorian homes on the continent.
6. Financial District
7. Kensington Market
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 2,925 reviews
Kensington Market is just to the west of Chinatown and is the bohemian heart of Canada, based in a multicultural history it is now a flurry of independent stores, restaurants, bars and shops that bring the world's foods to one tightly knit community. You can find any food on the planet in Kensington Market. It is not an uncommon thing to find a festival in Kensington Market making the bohemian party atmosphere complete. Tip for Kensington, take the transit. Streets are packed and traffic is insane, parking is non-existent.
Reviewed By BrittanyMExplores - Winnipeg, Canada
Kensington Market is a funky, charming, hip and bustling neighbourhood in Toronto where you can find a variety of unique shops (vintage clothes, gifts, etc.), health food stores, sidewalk markets with fresh produce, colourful street art on the sides of buildings down most of the area’s narrow alleyways, and a fantastic selection of restaurants (with lots of vegan options), bars (many with sidewalk patios), cafes and Latin American shops selling authentic food products and meals. I stayed at a hostel just on the edge of this neighbourhood and I loved wandering the streets there, popping into shops, browsing the small produce markets, and eating many delicious meals at the restaurants there. The street art was amazing, fun to discover and made for great photos. There was always something going on and it was a busy area. The residential streets around the neighbourhood had pretty Victorian houses which were interesting to check out as well. I would definitely recommend taking a wander in Kensington Market. A must-see.
8. Church Street
9. Toronto Entertainment District BIA
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 42 reviews
The Toronto Entertainment District is home to many of the nation’s most important and recognizable cultural landmarks including the CN Tower, Rogers Centre, Air Canada Centre, CBC, CTV, Metro Toronto Convention Centre, Roy Thomson Hall, the Princess of Wales Theatre, the Royal Alexandra Theatre, the Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts, TIFF Bell Lightbox and more. It is where five major-league sports teams play in their home venue, throughout the year.
10. Graffiti Alley
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 383 reviews
Reviewed By janetteagueze - Jackson, United States
I love street art, so it was cool to take a walk down Graffiti Alley and see blocks of buildings covered in AMAZING murals with various themes. It's in a safe area and definitely something you don't see everyday.
