Toronto is one of the most amazing cities in the world. With its stunning architecture, very clean streets and friendly people, you could not have picked a better vacation destination. Full of diversity, many different cultures and foods, along with so many tourist attractions, flying in to Toronto will be full of excitement and anticipation to explore.
Where To Eat
Toronto has many different eateries, catering for everyone and every palate. This means there is so much to choose from, and this could prove to be quite difficult. However, there are a few places that you should definitely try when you’re in town:
Bugigattolo Kitchen
Serving Italian dishes and located in Liberty Village, Bugugattolo Kitchen has a nice modern feel with a friendly atmosphere. If the sun is shining seat yourself at one of the tables on the patio and get ready to enjoy some freshly prepared dishes that taste delicious!
Bar Reyna
This atmospheric Mediterranean restaurant is in one of the most timeless and cool Victorian houses in in Yorkville. Enjoy its energetic staff and eclectic mix of table snacks, large plates and more in Mediterranean style cooking.
Café Colette
This classic and chic French bistro has an amazing outdoor terrace and serves up modern twists on traditional French cuisine. It’s also basically a little slice of Parisian heaven just awaiting for you to savor Elegant, delicious and beautiful… what more could you want in a cafe?
Her Majesty’s Pleasure
This award winning salon/spa and cocktail bar is located in the King West Village Fashion House. Bartenders serve up creative, inventive cocktails, champagne and sweets in between beauty bars and chats with styling and beauty experts. It’s a perfect date to have with yourself, or with a group of girlfriends!
Cocktail Emporium
Talk about a place to grab a drink! The Cocktail Emporium is colorful, lively and filled with some fantastic vintage-inspired cocktails. It’s like a playground for cocktail enthusiasts!
FIKA Coffee Shop
Famous for its book-covered wall, FIKA Coffee Shop is guaranteed to give you all the hygge -Scandinavian vibes.
Kiin
This incredible Thai restaurant has a super artsy feel. The chefs aim to celebrate the traditions from all across Thailand, which gives visitors a great learning experience while tasting some savory and unique flavors from the country!
La Palma
The cutest café! Coffee, cocktails, meet ups, lady dates? This is a great place to do all of the above. La Palma’s relaxed vibe is a great spot and sure is photogenic! Their murals are just simply too cool for school and no detail goes unnoticed.
Oretta
This super chic Italian restaurant is perfect if you’re looking for a little savory goodness in the form of pizza, pasta, or some aperitivo treats. Oretta’s decor feels like a backdrop of Mad Men doesn’t it? So effortlessly cool and art deco!
Roselle
If you find yourself craving some amazing soft serve ice cream… this is the place! Look at how adorable their little dishes are.
The One That Got Away
A fish ‘n chips spot that’s perfect for a quick lunch! This place is a Toronto staple. It’s history within the city is a big enough reason to visit for a meal. Hunker down into the pure battered deliciousness of their fried fish served up in authentic manner!
Bar Raval
Bar Raval is a lovely place to eat, serving good food with a touch of class. Reservations are not needed, so you can turn up when you please and enjoy the sophisticated atmosphere that’s coupled with a relaxed and friendly feel. The food here is nothing short of glorious, so get here if you can!
Where To Stay
When you’re planning a vacation in Toronto you’ll know that you’ll need to stay somewhere stylish so you can enjoy all that this city has to offer. Here are a few hotels that you should consider staying in:
The Ritz-Carlton
With 260+ rooms and views of Lake Ontario and the majestic CN Tower, this hotel is well worth staying in. With marble bathrooms, one of Toronto’s best restaurants, and the DEQ Terrace and Lounge that serves cocktails, this is the place to stay.
SoHo Metropolitan
A contemporary hotel that is moments away from the local restaurants and stores, this hotel is a luxurious one. With deep tubs, floors that are heated and blinds, lights, and even a ‘Do not disturb’ sign that is remote controlled. If you’re looking to stay somewhere that has a touch of style, you need to book a room.
Thompson Hotel
The Thompson Hotel is situated in a nearly perfect location in the city. It also boasts some stellar views of Toronto’s cityscape and offers decent rates!
Where To Shop
Toronto is home to many different stores, but there are a few that are well worth a visit:
Bloor-Yorkville
A shopping district that’s coupled with many different restaurants, Bloor-Yorkville is the only place to be. With beautiful sidewalks, parks and many different stores that are internationally known, you can browse as much as you like, or shop ‘til you drop. You may also appreciate the surrounding back streets that are full to the brim of art galleries, boutiques and antique dealers. Visit Bloor-Yorkville for the only shopping experience you’ll need.
There is so much to do in Toronto that it can be hard to know where you need to begin. If you use this insider guide to help you, you should find that you’ve made the most of your time in this incredible Canadian city without feeling like you’ve missed out.
Where To Shoot/Photograph
Casa Loma Castle
This majestic castle is a jewel in Toronto’s skyline. This Gothic Revival style mansion with sprawling gardens in midtown is a historic museum worth capturing. The architecture is stunning and feels like a little bit of Europe in North America!
Helicopter Tour
Booking a helicopter tour allows you to see the panoramic beauty that is unique and exciting. Most tours will take you past Toronto’s tallest buildings and show you the city’s major attractions as well as Toronto Islands and the harbor from a unique perspective. It’s a great photo opportunity!
Scarborough Bluffs
Toronto’s waterfront is filled with nine parks of “The Bluffs,” as locals call them, above the shoreline. These natural wonders are so gorgeous. Be sure to go to Bluffers Park since it is the only one to have beach access!
Commerce Center
Smack dab in the center of Historic Toronto and close enough to most sights downtown, the Commerce Center is a great place to snap some great photos of the old architecture the city boasts!
Distillery District
The pedestrian-only Distillery District is lined with quaint buildings stemming all the way from the 1800s… all of which housed a large whiskey distillery. This area now draws crowds because of its cobble stoned streets, unique restaurants, boutiques, galleries and performances. It also fills up with a very picturesque Christmas Market around the holidays!
Kensington Street
Toronto’s most vibrant and diverse neighborhood. Stop by the market, do some shopping and get snap happy!
Whatever you end up exploring in Toronto, we hope you enjoy Ontario’s capital and one of Canada’s gems!
Just a small note, Bugigattolo has closed down
Oh no! So sorry to hear that. 🙁
Ok, I’m officially inspired for a trip to Toronto!
An absolutely mind blowing trip! The most wanted to get ready for the road. By the way, I haven’t been to America yet. I wanted even more.