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Your first time in Toronto

A short, hand-picked guide for newcomers. The sights worth the detour, where to eat, and the neighbourhoods to wander, all an easy ride from the venue.

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First-timer's guide

Three days, done right.

Toronto is walkable, multicultural, and safe to explore on foot or by streetcar. You do not need a car. Below is the short list we would hand a friend flying in for the first time, picked for what actually lives up to the hype.

The icons

See these first.

The CN Tower lit up blue between downtown towers at night

CN Tower

The skyline's anchor. Go up at golden hour for the view, or brave the glass floor and the EdgeWalk if you have the nerve.

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Kayakers on the Toronto Islands with the skyline and CN Tower behind

Toronto Islands

A 13-minute ferry to car-free islands with the best skyline photo in the city, plus beaches and bike rentals in summer.

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The underwater shark tunnel at Ripley's Aquarium of Canada

Ripley's Aquarium

Right at the foot of the CN Tower. The underwater tunnel through the shark tank is a crowd-pleaser, rain or shine.

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Culture

Museums on University Ave.

Two world-class collections, ten minutes apart. The Royal Ontario Museum for dinosaurs, gems, and that crystal facade; the Art Gallery of Ontario for the Group of Seven and a Gehry-designed staircase. If you only have an afternoon, pick one and take your time.

ROM on map AGO on map
The Royal Ontario Museum's crystal facade
Eat your way through

Where to eat.

Fruit stands outside the Kensington Fruit Market in Kensington Market

Kensington Market

Bohemian, walkable blocks of taco joints, cheese shops, vintage, and coffee. Come hungry and just wander.

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Inside the bustling St. Lawrence Market food hall

St. Lawrence Market

A historic food hall, named one of the world's best. Get a peameal bacon sandwich, the local classic.

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The red dragon gate and a streetcar in Toronto's Chinatown

Chinatown & Little Italy

Two of the city's best food strips, back to back on Spadina and College. Dumplings, then gelato.

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Wander

Neighbourhoods to roam.

The Distillery District for cobblestone lanes, galleries, and patios. Graffiti Alley for a block of street art near Queen West. The Harbourfront for a lakeside walk at sunset. None are far, and all are best on foot.

Distillery District Graffiti Alley
The Distillery District lit up at night with its holiday tree
Good to know

First-timer tips.

Getting around

Buy a day pass on the TTC, it covers subway, streetcar, and bus. Most of this list is reachable without a single taxi.

Best photo spot

The Toronto Islands ferry deck, looking back at the skyline. Go on a clear evening for the postcard shot.

Rainy day plan

Stack the indoor picks: ROM or AGO, Ripley's Aquarium, and the PATH, an underground walkway network downtown.

One free thing

Walk the Harbourfront at sunset, or catch a free outdoor concert there in the warmer months. No ticket needed.

Need a place to stay?

We have rounded up hotels near the venue and the easiest routes in from the airport.

Travel and hotels Back to the event