City: Toronto
Top Things to do in Toronto
What to do and see in Toronto, Canada: The Best Free Things to do
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. High Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,270 reviews
Popular urban oasis offers a variety of outdoor recreation including ice-skating, baseball games, nature hikes and exploring the park's greenhouse.
Reviewed By TylerS30 - Toronto, Canada
Gardens, a waterfall, walking trails, a cafe, a small zoo, a lake, fountains, off leash dog area, picnic spots, historic statues, cherry blossoms, amazing fall colours, tennis, a train tour and more. High Park in Toronto has it all. High Park is basically Toronto's Central Park. It's big, and acts as a big green oasis perfect for an afternoon escape. To minimize walking, I recommend you drive into the park and park your car near the cafe and go on foot from there. If you don't mind the walk, you can take the subway to High Park station on line 2. From there it is about a 15 minute walk into the centre of the park. Don't forget your camera.
2. Queen Street
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 689 reviews
Often compared to New York City's Soho, Queen Street is the place to go for trendy dining and nightlife, plus cutting-edge fashion, art galleries, antique shops and bookstores.
Reviewed By salm140 - Toronto, Canada
Take a streetcar ride from one end to the other. Walk so you don't miss an attraction or event or store. All the big chain stores are here as well as local artisans sell used and new. Every km on this street has something for everyone. East to west your eyes will be exhausted with all the various things to do.
3. Bloor West Village
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 292 reviews
Neighborhood with excellent schools and a popular playground particularly attractive to families with children.
Reviewed By StephanToronto
Clean and save. Very good restaurants, bars and shops. The vibe is freindly and family oriented. Good place to go for a weekend stroll.
4. The Beach Village
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 624 reviews
Undiscovered by tourists, this quaint neighborhood is home to an academic crowd and contains trendy antique stores and restaurants.
Reviewed By DelightedDiner2015 - Welland, Canada
We took a stroll along the boardwalk. It was well attended. Families and couples walked, individuals ran or jogged, folks walked their dogs. Everyone had an enjoyable experience. Trees had been planted and benches placed in memory of loved ones all along the way. Many were decorated for the season. A delightful walk for us before heading home.
5. 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!
6. Edwards Gardens
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 694 reviews
Garden enthusiasts will enjoy a stroll through this manicured landscape.
Reviewed By sairam2113raj - Bharuch, India
Nice piece of nature in the middle of the city. There is a ravine with trails for walking/biking and it's popular spot for wedding photos.
7. Scarborough Bluffs
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 741 reviews
Take in a spectacular view of the waves from these 100-meter cliffs.
Reviewed By adi49
I loved this place, somewhere to walk around, get a picnic with scenic views. well worth a visit, especially on a sunny day
8. St. Lawrence Market
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 13,866 reviews
All roads to good food lead to St. Lawrence Market, a city landmark more than two centuries old. Two hundred vendors sell everything from local mustard to fresh pasta, lobster to artisanal bread.
Reviewed By Nicole99756 - Temagami, Canada
But I’ve been to many places all over the city, and seriously, this is one of the reasons I moved here. Local, friendly, fresh, TASTY, always something different to try, great antiques section, and well, amazing fresh food to prepare yourself, or “no time for that?” the already prepared food is scrumptious too! And, well, if your into “people watching”... this is definitely your place. Surrounding area is always bustling with charm, energy and great food. So really, why not check it out?
9. Allan Gardens Conservatory
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 641 reviews
Donated by a prominent local philanthropist, these gardens boast a beautiful glass-domed Victorian structure.
Reviewed By E2000EFlisas - Boardman, United States
I was in Toronto for my daughter to attend a dance program at the National Ballet School of Canada and had a lot of downtime while she was dancing for 3 days. I decided to explore some lesser known Toronto spots around the ballet area. A friendly gal at Tim Hortons suggested Allan Gardens and I’m so glad she did. I was pleasantly surprised to find out that admission was free and the walk around the park to the building was lovely. As soon as I entered, it was as though I had transported to somewhere very different from the hustle and bustle of the city. It was peaceful, warm, and absolutely beautiful. I took my time and walked slowly though making sure to notice details and take it all in. I loved the Christmas decor mixed in with the more permanent plant displays. I especially loved the turtle pond and spent quite a bit of time watching them. Overall I spent about 2 hours visiting with some of that just relaxing on a bench with my book. I would definitely visit again when in Toronto and recommend it for all ages.
10. Toronto Public Library
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 837 reviews
This beautiful building contains a dramatic interior complete with pool and waterfall.
Reviewed By R5870WHstephanied - Toronto, Canada
This library might be one of the best in the Toronto Public Library system. It holds awesome events, including the Toronto Comic Arts Festival (TCAF), is the location of the Arthur Conan Doyle special collections (a must see for Sherlock Holmes fans), has hard working staff, and is visually stunning. Plus several film shoots and weddings have happened here!
