Dan & Kim’s Heart of Downtown Guidebook
Food scene
Homey, down-to-earth seafood restaurant serving classic dishes with some inventive twists.
John & Sons Oyster House
56 Temperance StHomey, down-to-earth seafood restaurant serving classic dishes with some inventive twists.
High-end food court with a diverse range of food from 17 chefs hawking their dishes from stalls.
23 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Assembly Chef's Hall
111 Richmond St WHigh-end food court with a diverse range of food from 17 chefs hawking their dishes from stalls.
Retro fixture offering locally sourced brunch & other meals, plus a coffee bar & bakery. Patio has a great view of old city hall.
23 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Bannock
401 Bay St.Retro fixture offering locally sourced brunch & other meals, plus a coffee bar & bakery. Patio has a great view of old city hall.
Italian eatery offering a main-floor cafeteria & an elegant, contemporary upper-level restaurant. They have lots of options to choose from - pizzas, pasta, salads, pastries. They also have a full coffee and drink bar. (family friendly)
Sud Forno
Italian eatery offering a main-floor cafeteria & an elegant, contemporary upper-level restaurant. They have lots of options to choose from - pizzas, pasta, salads, pastries. They also have a full coffee and drink bar. (family friendly)
Located inside the St Regis hotel, Astor Lounge offers afternoon/high tea in their modern yet elegant upscale lounge space.
Astor Lounge
Located inside the St Regis hotel, Astor Lounge offers afternoon/high tea in their modern yet elegant upscale lounge space.
Slick gastropub serving British-inspired dishes like Welsh rarebit & beef tartare, plus a patio
The Rabbit Hole
Slick gastropub serving British-inspired dishes like Welsh rarebit & beef tartare, plus a patio
Peruvian inspired restaurant whose meals are full of flavor but also focus on being full meals that are nutrient dense as well as delicious. (family friendly)
Brasa Peruvian Kitchen
Peruvian inspired restaurant whose meals are full of flavor but also focus on being full meals that are nutrient dense as well as delicious. (family friendly)
Kimono-clad servers in a traditional spot with a sushi bar, Robata grill & tabletop hot pots. (family-friendly)
11 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Nami Japanese Restaurant
55 Adelaide St EKimono-clad servers in a traditional spot with a sushi bar, Robata grill & tabletop hot pots. (family-friendly)
Café
Located in the PATH. Mos Mos believes that coffee may be common, but should never be ordinary! Here you can try some really unique flavours like matcha, taro (purple yam), caramilk and cookies + cream!
Mos Mos Coffee
20 Bay St.Located in the PATH. Mos Mos believes that coffee may be common, but should never be ordinary! Here you can try some really unique flavours like matcha, taro (purple yam), caramilk and cookies + cream!
A full-service roastery and cold brewery. They have multiple locations across Toronto. This one is located in the PATH
Pilot Coffee Roasters
A full-service roastery and cold brewery. They have multiple locations across Toronto. This one is located in the PATH
Polished cafe bordered by a red leather banquet serves sandwiches & bakery fare in a historic space.
Dineen Coffee Co.
Polished cafe bordered by a red leather banquet serves sandwiches & bakery fare in a historic space.
Drinks & Night LIfe
Casual fine dining setting, serving modern Canadian fair and great cocktails
98 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Cactus Club Cafe First Canadian Place
77 Adelaide St WCasual fine dining setting, serving modern Canadian fair and great cocktails
hic but relaxed atmosphere for shareable dishes (with a seafood bent) plus a vast wine collection.
REDS Wine Tavern
77 Canadian Plhic but relaxed atmosphere for shareable dishes (with a seafood bent) plus a vast wine collection.
Beer, cocktails & snacks in a chill hangout with ping-pong tables, sports on TV & bench seating.
Pong Bar (now part of Walrus Beer Hall)
Beer, cocktails & snacks in a chill hangout with ping-pong tables, sports on TV & bench seating.
Lobby Lounge is Toronto's urban living room, where guests can savour a modern Canadian menu, premium teas and a five-star compendium of wines, cocktails and spirits.
Natural light streams through two-story windows, highlighting large scale paintings, sculptures and an Italian handcrafted Fazioli piano set amid furniture vignettes in contemporary dove-grey leather.
7 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Shangri-La Lobby Lounge and Bar
188 University AveLobby Lounge is Toronto's urban living room, where guests can savour a modern Canadian menu, premium teas and a five-star compendium of wines, cocktails and spirits.
Natural light streams through two-story windows, highlighting large scale paintings, sculptures and an Italian handcrafted Fazioli piano set amid furniture vignettes in contemporary dove-grey leather.
Long-time stand-up comedy club that boasts many famous alumni, hosting rising & established stars.
89 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Club de comedia Yuk Yuk's en Toronto
224 Richmond St WLong-time stand-up comedy club that boasts many famous alumni, hosting rising & established stars.
Contemporary hangout with a relaxed vibe, furnishing booze, small plates & charcuterie.
Melrose On Adelaide
Contemporary hangout with a relaxed vibe, furnishing booze, small plates & charcuterie.
Large entertainment venue with 10-pin bowling, dozens of TVs, a rooftop patio & elevated pub fare.
88 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
The Ballroom
145 John StLarge entertainment venue with 10-pin bowling, dozens of TVs, a rooftop patio & elevated pub fare.
Neighbourhoods
The heart of Canada's finance and banking industries, the bustling Financial District is known for Bay Street's high-rises, which house corporations, law firms and the Toronto Stock Exchange. Dining options range from cozy cafes to chic power lunch restaurants. It's also home to the massive PATH underground network, with its roughly 30 kilometers of walkways, 1,200 shops and services and links to major attractions.
107 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Financial District
The heart of Canada's finance and banking industries, the bustling Financial District is known for Bay Street's high-rises, which house corporations, law firms and the Toronto Stock Exchange. Dining options range from cozy cafes to chic power lunch restaurants. It's also home to the massive PATH underground network, with its roughly 30 kilometers of walkways, 1,200 shops and services and links to major attractions.
Set amongst some of Toronto’s most historic structures, Queen West has become a thriving, shopping mecca. Also known as the Art and Design district in Toronto, this neighbourhood is home to trendy boutiques, vintage shops, designer stores, shoe stores and of course, craft and sewing supply stores.
723 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Queen Street West
Queen Street WestSet amongst some of Toronto’s most historic structures, Queen West has become a thriving, shopping mecca. Also known as the Art and Design district in Toronto, this neighbourhood is home to trendy boutiques, vintage shops, designer stores, shoe stores and of course, craft and sewing supply stores.
Energetic Chinatown hosts a variety of Chinese, Vietnamese, Thai and Japanese restaurants that range from dim sum and pho to modern fusion. The animated Asian open-air markets and shops along Spadina Avenue offer fresh fruits and vegetables, along with herbal medicine and souvenirs. We recommend checking out Anh Dao for some great Vietnamese, Dumpling House, Rol San (dim sum/Chinese)and Taste of China (seafood)
740 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Chinatown
292 Spadina Ave.Energetic Chinatown hosts a variety of Chinese, Vietnamese, Thai and Japanese restaurants that range from dim sum and pho to modern fusion. The animated Asian open-air markets and shops along Spadina Avenue offer fresh fruits and vegetables, along with herbal medicine and souvenirs. We recommend checking out Anh Dao for some great Vietnamese, Dumpling House, Rol San (dim sum/Chinese)and Taste of China (seafood)
Kensington Market is a walkable bohemian neighbourhood that draws artists and tourists to its indie shops, vintage boutiques and arts spaces.
1698 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Kensington Market
Kensington Market is a walkable bohemian neighbourhood that draws artists and tourists to its indie shops, vintage boutiques and arts spaces.
Set on a strip of College Street, buzzy Little Italy's main draw is its classic pizzerias, trattorias and gelato shops, as well as its international restaurants and produce markets. Sleek martini bars, trendy pubs, and concerts at the famous Mod Club round out the area's nightlife, which mostly attracts students and hipsters
296 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Little Italy
Set on a strip of College Street, buzzy Little Italy's main draw is its classic pizzerias, trattorias and gelato shops, as well as its international restaurants and produce markets. Sleek martini bars, trendy pubs, and concerts at the famous Mod Club round out the area's nightlife, which mostly attracts students and hipsters
The pedestrian-only Distillery District, set in quaint 19th century buildings that once housed a large whiskey distillery, draws crowds to its cobblestone streets lined with hip indie restaurants, bars and boutiques. Art lovers come for the galleries, outdoor sculptures and dance, music and stage performances at the area's several theatres.
1704 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Distillery Historic District
55 Mill StThe pedestrian-only Distillery District, set in quaint 19th century buildings that once housed a large whiskey distillery, draws crowds to its cobblestone streets lined with hip indie restaurants, bars and boutiques. Art lovers come for the galleries, outdoor sculptures and dance, music and stage performances at the area's several theatres.
The tranquil Harbourfront area is perched on the shores of Lake Ontario and offers waterfront parks and trails, plus galleries, theatres and literary events at the Harbourfront Centre. Families take the ferry to the Toronto Islands for beaches and the Centreville children's amusement park with its 1907 carousel. Sleek condo towers housing young professionals offer hip street-level restaurants, cafes and shops. (family friendly)
217 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Harbourfront
The tranquil Harbourfront area is perched on the shores of Lake Ontario and offers waterfront parks and trails, plus galleries, theatres and literary events at the Harbourfront Centre. Families take the ferry to the Toronto Islands for beaches and the Centreville children's amusement park with its 1907 carousel. Sleek condo towers housing young professionals offer hip street-level restaurants, cafes and shops. (family friendly)
The Toronto Islands - also called the Island - is located in Lake Ontario, a 13-minute ferry ride from downtown Toronto. Boats to the Island leave from the Jack Layton Ferry Terminal at the foot of Bay St. and Queen's Quay. There are beautiful swimming beaches (including a Clothing Optional Beach on Hanlan's Point), sports facilities, bike, canoe and kayak rentals, a boating marina, large grassy fields for picnics, a theatre, nature paths, an amusement park and a charming 150 year-old community of 600 people living year-round in cottage-like homes. (family friendly)
27 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Toronto Islands
The Toronto Islands - also called the Island - is located in Lake Ontario, a 13-minute ferry ride from downtown Toronto. Boats to the Island leave from the Jack Layton Ferry Terminal at the foot of Bay St. and Queen's Quay. There are beautiful swimming beaches (including a Clothing Optional Beach on Hanlan's Point), sports facilities, bike, canoe and kayak rentals, a boating marina, large grassy fields for picnics, a theatre, nature paths, an amusement park and a charming 150 year-old community of 600 people living year-round in cottage-like homes. (family friendly)
Arts & Culture
Renowned for its diverse repertoire, the company performs traditional full-length classics, embraces contemporary work and encourages the creation of new ballet
20 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
The National Ballet of Canada
470 Queens Quay WRenowned for its diverse repertoire, the company performs traditional full-length classics, embraces contemporary work and encourages the creation of new ballet
Harbourfront Centre is a key cultural organization on the waterfront of Toronto. They have an ever changing series of festival, exhibitions and performances. We recommend checking out their website to see what's on during your stay. (family friendly)
512 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Harbourfront Centre
235 Queens Quay WHarbourfront Centre is a key cultural organization on the waterfront of Toronto. They have an ever changing series of festival, exhibitions and performances. We recommend checking out their website to see what's on during your stay. (family friendly)
Refined playhouse from Mirvish Productions for musicals like "Miss Saigon" & "Les Misérables." (family friendly)
243 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Princess of Wales Theatre
300 King St WRefined playhouse from Mirvish Productions for musicals like "Miss Saigon" & "Les Misérables." (family friendly)
The Art Gallery of Ontario is one of the largest art museums in North America. The AGO Collection of more than 120,000 works of art ranges from cutting-edge contemporary art to significant works by Indigenous and Canadian artists and European masterpieces. (family friendly)
2262 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Galería de Arte de Ontario
317 Dundas St WThe Art Gallery of Ontario is one of the largest art museums in North America. The AGO Collection of more than 120,000 works of art ranges from cutting-edge contemporary art to significant works by Indigenous and Canadian artists and European masterpieces. (family friendly)
The Royal Ontario Museum (ROM) is a museum of art, world culture and natural history in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. It is one of the largest museums in North America and the largest in Canada. (family friendly)
2332 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Museo Real de Ontario
100 Queens ParkThe Royal Ontario Museum (ROM) is a museum of art, world culture and natural history in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. It is one of the largest museums in North America and the largest in Canada. (family friendly)
Toronto is a hockey town at heart. As a celebration of that hockey heritage, Toronto is home to the Hockey Hall of Fame at the corner of Yonge St. and Front St. This iconic landmark houses hockey memorabilia dating back over a hundred years along with photos, equipment, and videos from some of the sports most important moments. (family friendly)
466 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Salón de la Fama del Hockey
30 Yonge StToronto is a hockey town at heart. As a celebration of that hockey heritage, Toronto is home to the Hockey Hall of Fame at the corner of Yonge St. and Front St. This iconic landmark houses hockey memorabilia dating back over a hundred years along with photos, equipment, and videos from some of the sports most important moments. (family friendly)
Yes, Toronto has a castle! This incredible property isn’t the remnant of a film set from Hollywood North. In fact, this sprawling structure was the mansion of a Canadian financier who had grand plans to live out his childhood dreams. Unfortunately, his financial planning skills did not translate into real estate, and he was forced to abandon the project before its completion. But his loss is the city’s gain. As a result, visitors can now explore what is no doubt the most unique and luxurious property in the city. Wander the Great Hall, the Library, the Conservatory, and the Stable while your children search for the castle’s hidden doorways and rooms. (family friendly)
1217 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Casa Loma
1 Austin TerraceYes, Toronto has a castle! This incredible property isn’t the remnant of a film set from Hollywood North. In fact, this sprawling structure was the mansion of a Canadian financier who had grand plans to live out his childhood dreams. Unfortunately, his financial planning skills did not translate into real estate, and he was forced to abandon the project before its completion. But his loss is the city’s gain. As a result, visitors can now explore what is no doubt the most unique and luxurious property in the city. Wander the Great Hall, the Library, the Conservatory, and the Stable while your children search for the castle’s hidden doorways and rooms. (family friendly)
Preserved as a 43-acre archeological park, Fort York is where British soldiers, First Nations warriors and Upper Canadian militiamen stood together against the United States and its mission to capture Toronto in the War of 1812. The Battle of York that ensued was a dark and dramatic moment in the history of the city. Exhibit space in Fort York’s Visitor Centre includes: a 2,900 square foot Exhibit Gallery, an ‘immersive experience’ exhibit, which takes visitors through the steps leading up to the Battle of York and the explosion of the fort’s Grand Magazine and a 480 square foot vault, or treasury designed to display iconic and light-sensitive artifacts. (family friendly)
146 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Sitio Histórico Nacional de Fort York
250 Fort York BlvdPreserved as a 43-acre archeological park, Fort York is where British soldiers, First Nations warriors and Upper Canadian militiamen stood together against the United States and its mission to capture Toronto in the War of 1812. The Battle of York that ensued was a dark and dramatic moment in the history of the city. Exhibit space in Fort York’s Visitor Centre includes: a 2,900 square foot Exhibit Gallery, an ‘immersive experience’ exhibit, which takes visitors through the steps leading up to the Battle of York and the explosion of the fort’s Grand Magazine and a 480 square foot vault, or treasury designed to display iconic and light-sensitive artifacts. (family friendly)
Parks & Outdoor Activities
Home of the iconic Toronto sign, Nathan Phillips Square hosts a diverse range of art exhibits, concerts, markets rallies and other ceremonies. In the winter the fountain freezes over and you can go ice skating (rentals on site)
350 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Plaza Nathan Phillips
100 Queen St WHome of the iconic Toronto sign, Nathan Phillips Square hosts a diverse range of art exhibits, concerts, markets rallies and other ceremonies. In the winter the fountain freezes over and you can go ice skating (rentals on site)
Not quite outdoors but couldn't create a guidebook without including the Eaton Centre which boasts a huge array of shops, clothiers & restaurants in a soaring, historic mall with a glass ceiling.
2460 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
CF Toronto Eaton Centre
220 Yonge StNot quite outdoors but couldn't create a guidebook without including the Eaton Centre which boasts a huge array of shops, clothiers & restaurants in a soaring, historic mall with a glass ceiling.
Serene green space right among the hustle and bustle of the big city. There are benches to sit on to read, have lunch, or take in the peaceful view. Great place for photos of Osgoode Hall. Entrance on Queen St through the gates that are folded inwards to only allow one person at a time. Right next to Nathan Phillips Square.
The Gardens of the Osgoode Hall
Serene green space right among the hustle and bustle of the big city. There are benches to sit on to read, have lunch, or take in the peaceful view. Great place for photos of Osgoode Hall. Entrance on Queen St through the gates that are folded inwards to only allow one person at a time. Right next to Nathan Phillips Square.
Located behind the Art Gallery of Ontario & OCAD (Ontario College of Art & Design), Grange park is a city oasis with a Henry Moore sculpture, play area & splash pad.
36 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Grange Park
Located behind the Art Gallery of Ontario & OCAD (Ontario College of Art & Design), Grange park is a city oasis with a Henry Moore sculpture, play area & splash pad.
Self Care
The perfect spa experience... but better, and with drinks! If you're hungry after check out Wilbur next door for some great tacos and then hit Belfast Love for a couple more bevies.
26 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Her Majesty's Pleasure
556 King St WThe perfect spa experience... but better, and with drinks! If you're hungry after check out Wilbur next door for some great tacos and then hit Belfast Love for a couple more bevies.
Looking to get a workout in while in the city? The Goodlife Fitness at 137 Yonge Street offers day passes for $25+tax (price is subject to change)
12 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
GoodLife Fitness Toronto 137 Yonge Street
137 Yonge StLooking to get a workout in while in the city? The Goodlife Fitness at 137 Yonge Street offers day passes for $25+tax (price is subject to change)
For an extravagant experience visit the The St Regis Spa, soaring 31 floors high atop The St. Regis Toronto hotel it is Canada’s Highest Luxury Spa offering a variety of treatments.
The Spa at The St. Regis Toronto
325 Bay St.For an extravagant experience visit the The St Regis Spa, soaring 31 floors high atop The St. Regis Toronto hotel it is Canada’s Highest Luxury Spa offering a variety of treatments.