Toronto—always “The 6ix,” it seems—is one of those cities that completely gets under you in all good ways. It’s just so fantastic as far as flavors, cultures, and vibes all combined, and you catch all that energy when you go that makes you want to go again and again.
I’ve been incredibly fortunate to visit Toronto loads of times over the years now, and each time I’ve caught a different aspect of the city—everything from its energetic downtown to its hip neighborhoods and relaxing lakefront areas.
So, you’re considering visiting Toronto for the first time, and you want to know what’s actually awesome to see? I’ve got you covered. Below are the 10 coolest things to do in Toronto straight from my favorite hot spots and must-see attractions.
Ready to uncover the 6ix secrets? Let’s get started!
1. Soar Above the City at the CN Tower
Let’s start with the CN Tower—totally a must-see thing to do! I know it’s a little cheesy, but trust me, it’s worth it. Towering at 1,815 feet high, it’s one of the world’s tallest freestanding structures and the view is just phenomenal! On a good day, you can even see Niagara Falls from up here! I took a ride up in the glass elevator during sundown hour, and man—watching the city get bathed in golden tones as night fell was incredible!
If you love adventure, you absolutely need to try EdgeWalk. They secure you in and let you walk along the ledge on the tower—no glass partition, nothing to hold you in place, just you and the wind! It’s extremely scary, completely exhilarating, and somehow relaxing all at once. I shook on those initial steps, but by the end I thought I could do anything.
2. See the hip, retro Distillery District!
Guess what? The Distillery District is really awesome! The cobblestone roads, red-brick Victorian structures, and fantastic smell all over the place of freshly roasted coffee and baked goodies—just so relaxing. It was once a massive whiskey distillery, but now art galleries fill it up along with trendy small shops, adorable cafes, and some really great restaurants.
I took a walk on this afternoon in fall, and honestly, it was as if I were in a rom-com. I actually picked up a maple latte at Balzac’s Coffee while an awesome violinist played outside a gallery. It is really adorable during the holidays when it transforms into this adorable European-style Christmas market.
3. Immerse yourself in the relaxed Boho atmosphere at Kensington Market
Kensington Market is so quirky, completely chaotic, and just plain charming. It’s not your average market—it’s more like a cultural mix of a neighborhood. You’ll find second-hand stores, vintage stores, international grocery stores, tattoo parlors, record stores, and restaurants from all around the globe.
I discovered this amazing Latin American bakery with churros next to a Caribbean jerk chicken stand—and of course, I had to sample both! The area is like a living work of art, with all these vibrant murals, outdoor sculptures, and graffiti with some interesting stories to tell.
People-watching? This is the ideal spot for you. And you must experience Pedestrian Sundays (May to October) when the streets are closed to cars and the locals set up shop with their performances and wares.
4. Relax and take things easy on the Toronto Islands
Only a 15-minute ferry ride away from hectic downtown, and Toronto Islands literally feel like an entire different world. Whether you want to kayak, cycle, or just relax on a beach, these islands are ideal for a relaxed getaway.
I rented a cruiser and scoured all the spots — from the picnic grounds on Centre Island to the adorable cottages on Ward’s Island. And if you’re so inclined, there’s even Hanlan’s Point with a nude beach. And then there’s that postcard-gorgeous skyline view as you ferry into the city.
5. Grab a bite at Toronto’s renowned St. Lawrence Market
You’ve got to see St. Lawrence Market – it’s an incredible food experience! St. Lawrence Market dates back to the 1800s and is actually one of the best public markets out there. It’s got more than 100 vendors and you can get anything ranging from fresh produce and vegetables to high-class snacks.
These are the 6 snacks you must try at St. Lawrence Market.
- Peameal Bacon Sandwich – A Toronto classic from Carousel Bakery. It’s thick, juicy, and somehow nostalgic, even if it’s your first time.
- Montreal-style Bagels – They are significantly lighter and sweeter than New York’s. St. Urbain Bagel does it to perfection.
- Portuguese Custard Tarts (Pastéis de Nata) – Butter, flaky, and warm—you’ll thank me later.
- Samosas from Buster’s Sea Cove – Weirdly enough, yes, try the samosas here, especially with mango chutney.
- Fresh Oysters – For seafood lovers, pop into Domenic’s Fish Market and just slurp them up.
- Butter Tarts – A Canadian staple. Gooey, sweet, and delicious. Get one to go… and another one for the ferry ride.
I completely had to unbutton my jeans after my first time, but no regrets whatsoever.
6. See the massive Royal Ontario Museum (ROM)
Even if museums aren’t necessarily up your alley, you absolutely need to visit the Royal Ontario Museum. It’s ginormous (yes, over 6 million items!) and features some awesome dinosaur and ancient civilizations stuff and even some modern artwork.
The first time I went, I completely lost all concept of time and found myself hanging out for five hours. The Bat Cave exhibit was more awesome than I expected and the East Asian collection actually made me want to jump on a plane to Japan on impulse. And you’ve got to see the building itself—there is some kind of a modern crystal facade that is really striking against the older stone structure it’s built into.
7. Shout as loudly as possible at Canada’s Wonderland!
Canada’s Wonderland is literally a 45-minute drive from Toronto and is actually the place to be for some amusement park adventure. It’s full of nutty rides, great water slides, and activities for all. I completely messed up and filled up on a big hot dog prior to waiting in line for the Leviathan coaster—a rookie error for sure. But I’d do it all over again! It’s one of the highest and fastest out there!
No worries if roller coaster rides don’t float your boat! There are tons of relaxing rides and an awesome splash area in the summertime. And here’s a tip for you: get tickets in advance to save some dough and avoid those lines.
8. Experience fairy tale fantasies come to life at Casa Loma
Do you want to see a legitimate castle in the middle of a Canadian city? You need to visit Casa Loma. This upscale castle from the early 20th century has some really nice rooms, hidden tunnels, towers, and gardens.
I spent this really foggy afternoon here and completely felt as if I was in a period drama. Seriously, the library was so cool I wanted to live there. And if you’re interested in history or old buildings, the self-guided audio tour is quite nice. Casa Loma becomes a haunted house in October, and in the summer they host jazz nights in the garden.
9. Snap a few photos in Graffiti Alley
Toronto’s art scene is more than just galleries – it’s completely spilling onto its streets too. From Queen and Richmond Streets to Spadina and Portland is Graffiti Alley, that fantastic, constantly evolving display of the city’s top street art.
Make sure that your phone or camera is fully charged because you’ll be taking pictures every five steps. I intended just to drop by for 10 minutes, but I was out and about for more than an hour. There is political graffiti, comic-book styled portraits, and some outright bizarre surrealist art—it is urban art at its best.
10. Visit the Toronto Eaton Centre for shopping and snacks
If you want to go shopping, the Eaton Centre is a destination in downtown. It’s massive—like, over 230 stores, with some really popular ones like Uniqlo and Apple, as well as some interesting local ones. The building itself is quite striking too, with this bright, glass dome on top and seasonal art installations.
I tend to relax here when it’s raining outside or just after I step off the train. There’s a great food court downstairs (you’ve got to get their ramen or poke bowls!) and you’re really close to other stores on Queen Street West if you get overwhelmed by the mall itself.
6 Awesome Ways to Explore Toronto Like a Pro
Grab a Presto card
It’s the easiest way to catch public transportation (TTC), and it’s good for subways, buses, and streetcars.
Layer Up
Toronto’s weather can be unpredictable. Even in summer, evenings get chilly by the lake.
Attempt to avoid rush hour
Drive or take the bus and avoid 7–9 AM and 4–6 PM if possible – it is extremely crowded.
Tip Like a Local
For restaurants, you generally wanna tip 15–20%. For taxis or Uber, simply round up or add a few bucks.
Try the PATH
This underground walkway system downtown connects buildings, shops, and stations—perfect for cold or rainy days.
Have you checked what’s going on in Toronto?
Something is always going on! Check for festivals, markets, or pop-ups, such as TIFF (Toronto International Film Festival) or Nuit Blanche, before heading out.
Final Thoughts
Toronto is one of those cities that completely surprises me whenever I visit. I discover something new each time I go, meet great people, and snack on food that makes me want to move there permanently. There is just this unbelievable energy when everyone feels welcome and there is always something going on somewhere—and great food on every corner.
Regardless of whether you’re traveling alone, with your significant other, or with the entire crew, Toronto has some amazing things in store for you. So, get your map (or phone), get hungry, and begin checking things off your list!
Catch you in the 6ix!