When visiting a metropolis such as Toronto, its size can be quite overwhelming - especially if you’re in a time crunch! So if you have only one weekend to explore, let’s hope you brought your walking shoes. Whether you are a shopper, an eater, a rocker or privileged socialite, the beauty of Toronto is that there is definitely something for you.

Sight Seeing

CN Tower (photo by Patricia McCullagh)
St Lawrence Market (photo by Ali de Bold)

The iconic CN Tower is must-see. If you're not up for the refreshing 147-flight climb to the top, take the elevator with us sane folks.

Next, grab a freshly made famous peameal sandwich and explore all that the St Lawrence Market has to offer - the freshest meats, fishes, cheeses and pastries in the country.  If you are lucky enough to be there on a Saturday head straight to the farmers market to try the fruits, vegetables and melt in your mouth butter tarts!

The Distillery District
A decadent latte at Balzac's Cafe (photos by Ali de Bold)

With quaint cafes and patio restaurants lining the cobble-stoned streets the Distillery District is your definite next stop. Bustling all year round, grab a latte and people watch for the afternoon - but before you leave pop into Lileo, a celeb fave for clothes!

If you have a passion for the arts, don’t leave T.O. without visiting the Royal Ontario Museum and the Art Gallery of Ontario. Right in the heart of downtown Toronto, both are as interesting and unique on the inside as they are on the outside. Leave at least a few hours for each as it’s easy to get caught up in all these landmarks have to offer.

A modern pyramid of glass juts from ROM's classic brick facade (photo by Katie Coristine)
Strolling along the Harbourfront (photo by Ali de Bold)

Shopping

Toronto has the perfect mix of malls and fabulous outdoor areas to shop. If you are more of a “mall shopper” head straight for Eaton Centre in Dundas Square, home to bargain stores and major chains. After you’ve finished the mall, continue north on Yonge Street for more.

Dundas Square (photo by Ali de Bold)
The locals call it simply 'Holts' - one stop designer shopping (photo by Katie Coristine)

Prefer to cruise the streets? If you have money to burn, find your designer duds on Yorkville. For more of the street chic/indie style, head to Queen Street (between University & Spadina) – with an eclectic mix of people, a variety of affordable boutiques and big brand name stores, this is the ideal spot to max out your credit cards. On Spadina, treat yourself to some of the best baked goods in the city at Le Gourmand.

Le Gourmand - quite possibly the world's best cookies! (photo by Ali de Bold)

If you hate crowds and adore vintage frocks get lost in Kensington Markets for an afternoon. Just outside of China Town, this area is small but jam packed with unique places to eat and shop. A hippie haven, Kensington is also the home of Toronto’s only marijuana positive spot Hot Box Cafe.

Toronto Dining & Nightlife

While it may seem rather spread out, Toronto has many neighbourhoods that offer amazing food and nightlife - limiting your travel time and cab costs. Whether Saturday night or a random Tuesday, Little Italy (College St, west of Bathurst) is always booming. Feast on delicious Italian food at hot spots like Bar Italia or Coco Lezzone, then follow it up with a gelato or wander into any one of the bars for a glass of wine or a shot of espresso. Dance the night away at Shallow Groove, or head to neighbourhood staple PÄAEEZ for a unique Hookah experience.

Bar Italia in Little Italy (photo by Ali de Bold)

For the best patio bars in Toronto look no farther then Yorkville. For the less budget conscience, One at the Hazelton Hotel has a cozy street patio where you can drool over the display of Ferraris and Lamborghinis lining the street, while you sip on champy and snack on a $120 dollar steak. If you prefer the less pretentious and a view from up top, take your pick of long time rivals Hemingways or Remys. With lighter and less expensive fare, both offer a great crowd and atmosphere making them easy places to meet people.

Two of the hottest areas in the city for nightlife have to be King St West and Queen St West. Both similar in variety, these two parallel streets offer completely different vibes. For the suits, King Street's recent addition Spice Route is a must visit. The bevvies are divine and the vibe is modern chic with a definite Manhattan Flare. Later, if you feel like getting your groove on, cross the street and take your pick of popular clubs - Brant House, Century Room, or Cheval.

One street north and a little further west, party with the artsy crowd in the always busy Queen West. Sing karaoke at the Gladstone, dine and schmooze at the Drake Hotel (amazing rooftop patio), and make sure to visit barchef while in the area. A revolutionary bar experience, try the ‘Burnt Chartreuse’ which is more on the pricey side but worth every penny. Food and drink isn’t all that this street has to offer: if you love 80’s music throw on your chucks and check out Stones Place, or for more modern beats make your way to one of the most buzzed about dance bars in T-Dot, LeVack Block (at Ossington).

Tempted?

by Katie Coristine