Toronto, the most multi culturally diverse city on the planet: over 140 languages are spoken. It’s estimated that over half of Toronto’s residents were born outside Canada, and despite its complex makeup, Torontonians generally get along. When the weather is fine, Toronto is a blast: a vibrant, big-time city abuzz with activity. Some of the world’s finest restaurants are found here, alongside happening bars and clubs and eclectic festivals. There is a fresh international buzz about Toronto. Perhaps it’s the influx of flush new residents from across the globe; or was it the Pan-Am Games that shone a spotlight on Toronto? Either way, this is a city that is waking up to its own greatness.
What to do in Toronto for 24h-48h?
Places to Visit
Visit the CN Tower
This iconic 550m tower is a fixture of the skyline. You can head up to the top to get panoramic views of the city, shopping, and 360-degree dining in its (expensive) restaurant. If the weather is accommodating (and you have a lot of extra money to spend) you can also walk along the exterior edge of the tower.
Hockey Hall of Fame
Canadians take two things seriously: hockey and hockey. Hockey is life. Dedicated to the history of their favorite sport, it is both a museum and a hall of fame.
Spend the day at the beach
The beaches near Lake Ontario are a relaxing way to spend the day during the summer. You can stroll along the boardwalk, eat at one of the many restaurants, or rent a boat and head out on the lake.
The Harborfront Center
This area is a great spot to visit during the warm summer months. There is often free admission to Toronto festivals and music concerts.
Kensington Market
This bohemian hub offers an eclectic mix of alternative restaurants and shops. It gets quite bustling in the summer, and they often have free concerts too.
The Art Gallery of Ontario
Known as the AGO, it houses thousands of pieces worth of art. It’s one of the biggest museums in Canada, and admission is free on Wednesday nights.
Toronto Island Park
Spend an inexpensive day at Toronto Island Park and enjoy the beach, play volleyball, and dip your feet in its wading pool. Also here is the Gibraltar Lighthouse which has a museum that highlights the history and myths of the area.
Royal Ontario Museum
This museum holds thousands of artifacts, and specimens, which are featured in over 20 exhibits, including Dinosaurs, Ancient China, Native Canadians, Canadian Furniture, Medieval Europe, Art Deco, Ancient Egypt, Textiles, Middle East, India, and Pacific Islanders. The world’s largest totem pole, which is over 100 years old, is also housed in a place of honor.
Casa Loma
This is the former estate of Sir Henry Mill Pellatt, an entrepreneur and romantic. Touring this real life ‘medieval’ castle is awesome. There are four levels to check out through a self-guided multimedia tour.
Where to Eat?
San Remo Bakery
Like most of Canada, Toronto’s doughnut scene is dominated by the ubiquitous Tim Hortons chain. Lacking the tradition of family-run shops found in Los Angeles, the city has fallen prey in recent years to the trend of oversized dough hoops bedazzled with marshmallows and bacon.
Honest Weight
If you’re going to visit the Junction, that strange Toronto neighborhood where a prohibition on alcohol was only lifted in 1998, lunch at Honest Weight is a must.
Mustafa Turkish Pizza
Properly known as pide, Turkish “pizza” is a thin, crispy flatbread layered with toppings like ground beef and tomatoes, feta and spinach, sausage and eggs, pastrami and mozzarella, and a dozen other salt-bomb combinations.
Eat Chinese food
Chinatown in Toronto is gigantic and still retains a lot of the authenticity that’s missing in many other Chinatowns around the world. Definitely visit here and eat a few meals—they are delicious and super cheap. This is also the best place to get Asian fruit that is not normally found in local supermarkets.
Where to Shop?
Unique Clothing Stores
Roots Canada is a Canadian-based store that sells basic clothes for the entire family. It’s a good one-stop-shop if that’s what you need. Those who are more fashionable may prefer to check out the Freedom Clothing Collective, which features clothing from a variety of local designers. You’ll certainly be able to find something unique no matter what type of fashion sense you have.
St. Lawrence Market
Arguably, the St. Lawrence Market is one of the best markets in the world. You can visit any day of the week, but it’s really hopping on Saturdays, which is when you’ll find local farmers and artists selling their wares.
Honest Ed’s
The flashy exterior of Honest Ed’s lures almost anyone in with its signs promising that “a bargain centre like this happens once in a lifetime, maybe never.” Inside, you’ll find a disorganized mashup of campy collectibles. Everything in here is affordable and will make for a unique gift.
Nightlife in Toronto !
Wildflower
Located within the prestigious Thompson Hotel, Wildflower is the newest nightlife destination to make it’s mark on Toronto.
With a focus on pop art, cutting edge design, and world-class music, Wildflower is putting the pedals to the metal and you’re going to want to join the ride.
Lost and Found
“Not all those who wander are lost” Inspired by a sense of adventure intertwined with the sweet sadness of fading memories. Lost and Found presents a unique space for your discovery.
Flight Attendants Discounts in Canada?
World Of Crew gets you a few awesome deals only for cabin crews in Canada. Have a look into these and let us know if you manage to visit them during your layover!
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Any Cool Experience to share in Toronto?
How was your layover in Toronto? Did you discover any new places? If so, please do share these useful tips with your fellow cabin crew, by commenting below!
Journalist in the making! My Fastest fingers have worked for India's leading media houses like NDTV, The Times of India and The Telegraph- Calcutta at ABP Headquaters, also worked with digital arm of World's biggest fashion magazine- Vogue. Now steering the web content developer wheel with World of Crew. I am travel junkie and a social media addict.
