Spending a weekend in Toronto, Canada is the perfect way to experience one of the most vibrant and diverse cities in North America. From world-famous landmarks like the CN Tower to lively neighborhoods, amazing food, and beautiful waterfront views, Toronto offers something for every traveler.
Whether you’re a first-time visitor or returning for another adventure, Toronto’s cultural mix, historic sites, and exciting nightlife make it a top weekend getaway destination. But with only two days, how do you make the most of your trip?
In this ultimate weekend in Toronto guide, we’ll cover:
✅ Must-see attractions & top sightseeing spots 🏙️
✅ Best food & drink experiences 🍁
✅ Hidden gems & unique local favorites 🎭
✅ Insider travel tips to maximize your time 💡
1. Best Time to Visit Toronto ⏳
Toronto is great year-round, but the best time to visit depends on what you want to do.
When to Go?
✔️ Spring (April – June): 🌸 Mild weather, cherry blossoms, and fewer crowds.
✔️ Summer (July – August): ☀️ Festivals, outdoor activities, and rooftop patios.
✔️ Fall (September – November): 🍂 Beautiful fall colors and cooler weather.
✔️ Winter (December – March): ❄️ Christmas markets, ice skating, and indoor attractions.
💡 Tip: September & October are perfect for pleasant weather and fewer crowds.
2. Where to Stay in Toronto 🏨
Since you only have a weekend, staying downtown is best to be close to attractions.
Best Areas to Stay
✔️ Downtown Core (Yonge & Dundas Square) – Central location, easy transit access.
✔️ Entertainment District – Near restaurants, bars, CN Tower & theaters.
✔️ Distillery District – Charming historic area with boutique hotels.
✔️ Yorkville – Luxury shopping, stylish hotels, and cultural spots.
💡 Tip: Book a hotel near a subway station to make exploring easier.
3. Day 1: Exploring Downtown & Iconic Attractions 🏙️
Morning: Breakfast & Famous Landmarks
✔️ Breakfast Spot: Mildred’s Temple Kitchen (try their famous blueberry pancakes).
✔️ CN Tower (9:00 AM) – Ride to the observation deck for the best views in the city.
✔️ Ripley’s Aquarium – Walk through a shark tunnel & touch stingrays.
💡 Tip: Buy a Toronto CityPASS to save money on attractions.
Midday: St. Lawrence Market & Historic Sights
✔️ Lunch at St. Lawrence Market – Try the Peameal Bacon Sandwich.
✔️ Walk to the Distillery District – Cobblestone streets, art galleries, and coffee shops.
💡 Tip: St. Lawrence Market is closed on Sundays. If visiting then, go to Kensington Market instead.
Afternoon: Nathan Phillips Square & Shopping
✔️ Photo stop at the Toronto sign in Nathan Phillips Square.
✔️ Walk past Old City Hall – Beautiful historic architecture.
✔️ Shop at the Eaton Centre – A huge downtown mall.
Evening: Dinner & Nightlife
✔️ Dinner in Chinatown or Little Italy:
- Pai Northern Thai – Best Thai food in Toronto.
- Pizzeria Libretto – Authentic Neapolitan pizza.
✔️ Nightlife Options:
- Live music at The Cameron House (Queen Street West). 🎶
- Cocktails at Bar Raval. 🍹
- Comedy show at Second City. 😂
💡 Tip: Queen Street West is great for bar-hopping and nightlife.
4. Day 2: Nature, Neighborhoods & Cultural Gems 🌿
Morning: Toronto Islands & Waterfront Walk
✔️ Take the ferry to Centre Island (10-minute ride, great views of the skyline).
✔️ Rent a bike or kayak to explore the islands.
✔️ Relax at Hanlan’s Point Beach or Ward’s Island.
💡 Tip: If it’s winter, visit the Royal Ontario Museum (ROM) or Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO) instead.
Midday: Kensington Market & Graffiti Alley
✔️ Lunch in Kensington Market – Try tacos at Seven Lives or vegan food at Hibiscus Café.
✔️ Explore vintage shops & street art.
✔️ Walk through Graffiti Alley – Toronto’s best street art spot.
Afternoon: Casa Loma or High Park
✔️ Casa Loma: Toronto’s only castle, with secret tunnels and beautiful views.
✔️ High Park (Fall/Spring): A beautiful urban park with walking trails and cherry blossoms.
Evening: Sunset & Dinner in Ossington Strip
✔️ Sunset at Polson Pier – The best free skyline view of Toronto.
✔️ Dinner in Ossington Strip – A trendy area with great restaurants & bars.
💡 Tip: Try Bar Isabel (Spanish tapas) or Union (farm-to-table Canadian cuisine).
5. Best Places to Eat in Toronto 🍽️
Breakfast & Brunch Spots
✔️ Aunties & Uncles – Famous for its breakfast pocket.
✔️ Bonjour Brioche – Amazing French pastries.
Lunch & Dinner
✔️ Rudy Burgers – Voted best burger in Toronto.
✔️ Peking Duck at Lai Wah Heen – A must-try in Chinatown.
Street Food & Snacks
✔️ Peameal Bacon Sandwich – A Toronto classic.
✔️ Jerk Chicken (Scarborough) – Best Caribbean food.
💡 Tip: Try different international cuisines—Toronto is one of the most diverse cities in the world!
6. Transportation in Toronto 🚇
✔️ Subway (TTC) – Fastest way to get around.
✔️ Streetcars & buses – Great for short distances.
✔️ Bike rentals – Perfect for the waterfront & islands.
💡 Tip: Avoid renting a car—traffic is bad, and parking is expensive.
7. Free & Budget-Friendly Activities 💰
✔️ High Park – Great for cherry blossoms in spring.
✔️ Kensington Market – Free to explore with street performers & thrift shops.
✔️ Graffiti Alley – A must-see for street art lovers.
✔️ Walk along the Harbourfront – Beautiful views of Lake Ontario.
💡 Tip: Museums have free-entry days (ROM is free on Wednesdays!).
8. Day Trips from Toronto 🚗
✔️ Niagara Falls (1.5 hours) – See the famous waterfalls & explore Clifton Hill.
✔️ Blue Mountain (2 hours) – Great for hiking or skiing.
✔️ Stratford (2 hours) – Famous for its theater festival.
💡 Tip: Take a bus or guided tour if you don’t have a car.
FAQs
1. How many days do I need to see Toronto?
📆 2-3 days is enough for major attractions, but a full week lets you explore more.
2. What’s the best time of year to visit Toronto?
🍁 Spring & Fall (April-June & September-October) for mild weather & fewer crowds.
3. What’s a must-try food in Toronto?
🥪 Peameal Bacon Sandwich (St. Lawrence Market) & Jerk Chicken (Scarborough).
4. What’s the best area to stay in Toronto?
🏨 Downtown Core or Entertainment District for easy access to attractions.
5. Is Toronto expensive?
💰 Yes, but many free things to do like parks, markets, and public art.
6. Can I visit Niagara Falls in one day?
✅ Yes! It’s a 1.5-hour drive from Toronto.
7. How do I get around Toronto?
🚇 Subway & streetcars (TTC) are the best options.
8. What’s the best free attraction in Toronto?
🎨 Graffiti Alley, Kensington Market, and Toronto Islands (ferry is cheap!).
9. What should I pack for Toronto?
🧥 Layers! The weather changes fast—always bring a jacket.
10. Is Toronto walkable?
🚶♂️ Yes, but use the subway for longer distances.