The 15 best things to do in Toronto, from food to fashions

14.01.2025 - 08:39 / lonelyplanet.com

Jan 13, 2025 • 8 min read

From iconic monuments and legendary sporting events to world-class shopping and peaceful nature, Toronto has something to offer every visitor. Whether your tastes run to fun foodie tours or interactive museums, you'll never be bored in Canada's biggest metropolis.

In fact, there's so much to see and do that planning a trip to this cosmopolitan city can feel a little overwhelming, especially if you only have a short amount of time. Then there's the climate to consider; Toronto in summer has a very different feel to Toronto in winter, and the weather can have a big impact on how you choose to get around.

If you're wondering where to start your Toronto itinerary, worry not – we can help! Come sunshine, rain or snow, here are the experiences you shouldn’t miss when you visit Toronto.

The tallest structure in the world until it was eclipsed by Dubai's Burj Khalifa in 2007, the CN Tower is the most iconic symbol of the city and one of the most visited places in Toronto. Ride the elevator to the main observation deck to take in dizzying views of Toronto's skyline from 346m (1136ft).

If you have a head for heights, you can ascend even higher to the glass-walled SkyPod at 447m (1465ft) – high enough that you can actually feel the tower flexing and swaying in the wind. Visiting either viewpoint is a popular experience, so book ahead.

Detour: Seeing the views from behind glass is great, but adventure seekers should consider the EdgeWalk, the world's highest full-circle, hands-free building walk. Secured by a safety harness, you'll creep around the outside edge of the observation level, balanced 116 stories above the streets below. There's a wheelchair-accessible version of the EdgeWalk as well.

Toronto's Chinatown is one of the city's oldest and liveliest neighborhoods, as well as being one of the largest Chinatowns in North America. Busy local markets and colorful neon signs make for plenty of visual stimulation, but you'll want to focus on exploring the district's fabulous pan-Asian food vendors with your taste buds. Graze your way through generous servings of dumplings, dim sum, noodles and hot pots, plus Vietnamese pho and banh mi – be sure to arrive hungry!

Detour: To take in Chinatown’s full scope, we recommend joining a food tour. An expert guide will take you to a selection of favorite spots, sampling smaller portions so you can try a wide array of dishes. Our favorite tour is the highly regarded Culinary Adventure Co’s Chinatown + Kensington Market food tour.

Toronto is home to a string of famous-name professional sports teams, with games taking place year-round. If you know your travel dates well in advance, see if you can score tickets to see the Raptors play basketball or the Maple