City: Downtown
Top Things to do in Downtown
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What to do and see in Downtown, Canada: The Best Things to do
We've heard Toronto described as "New York City run by the Swiss," and it's true—you can find world-class theater, shopping and restaurants here, but the sidewalks are clean and the people are friendly. The best place to start is literally at the top—the CN Tower, the tallest freestanding structure in the Western Hemisphere.
Restaurants in Toronto
1. Royal Ontario Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 8,278 reviews
Opened in 1914, the Royal Ontario Museum (ROM) showcases art, culture, and nature from around the globe and across the ages. One of North America's most renowned cultural institutions, Canada's largest museum is home to a world-class collection of more than six million objects and specimens, featured in 40 gallery and exhibition spaces. As the country’s preeminent field research institute and an international leader in new and original findings in biodiversity, palaeontology, earth sciences, the visual arts, material culture and archaeology, the ROM plays a vital role in advancing our global understanding of the artistic, cultural and natural world.
Reviewed By ElTouristo61 - New York City, United States
The ROM, Canada’s largest museum, is an impressive collection of art, culture, nature and history. Plan on spending at least half a day as there are so many exhibits. The special exhibit on Jodhpur included 4 centuries of royal art, paintings, decorative art, and jewelry—an amazing journey through some of India’s cultural history. Well worth the few extra dollars for access. Equally impressive are the European and Asian sections. There is plenty for the whole family to do but keep in mind if you enter with a city pass you’ll have to pay a few extra dollars for the special exhibits.
2. CN Tower
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 25,013 reviews
At a height of 553.33 m (1,815 ft., 5 in), the CN Tower is Canada’s National Tower, an engineering Wonder, award-winning dining & entertainment destination, and Toronto’s “must-see” for over 4 decades. Rocket to the top in a thrilling 58 second ride aboard glass fronted elevators. Spectacular views overlooking up to 160km (100 miles) from 3 observation levels including, the LookOut Level with floor-to-ceiling panoramic Window Walls, the world famous Glass Floor including Outdoor SkyTerrace and SkyPod, the highest of them all. Experience the thrilling EdgeWalk, the World’s Highest Outdoor Walk on a Building. Enjoy award-winning Canadian cuisine and breathtaking revolving views at 360 Restaurant, the perfect place for entertaining or celebrating. Plus, visual displays and exhibits on the history of the CN Tower, KidZone play area and unique Canadian artisan and souvenir shopping in the Gift Shop. Don’t miss the architectural illumination of the Tower each night from dusk to dawn.
Reviewed By Rocker08
We were fortunate to get a table right by the window.. the revolving restaurant has great views of the city as you are slowly moving... the coolest is to watch the flights taking off and landing into Billy Bishop airport.
3. Hockey Hall of Fame
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 4,054 reviews
Honor the achievements of some of the greatest stars in hockey at this shrine to Canada's national sport.
Reviewed By dave4559
Recommend a stop here if you are a hockey fan, make sure you have some time to see everything, lot to see and do, son was able to shoot pucks, lots of history and the trophy room was incredible.
4. Rogers Centre
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3,916 reviews
With its retractable roof, in-house hotel and Hard Rock Cafe, the home turf of the Toronto Blue Jays and the Toronto Argonauts is truly a sight to see.
Reviewed By M3368DPjohnm - Toronto, Canada
My father, has a disability and needs a walker, called the dome and they set up handicap parking underneath the dome. We walked twenty feet to the elevator. Then to the 100 section seats which was another twenty feet, unbelievable, so easy, so convenient, just a great afternoon at the ball park. The Jay's and the dome make it so accessible for disabled people to enjoy the game, bravo, your the best
5. Roy Thomson Hall
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 222 reviews
This curved glass structure, a downtown architectural landmark, is a well-known concert hall.
Reviewed By ChefDorisFin - Toronto, Canada
Since TSO Soundcheck began offering 19-35 year olds $19 tickets to concerts every month, I have been attending a lot more symphonies and getting my dose of musical therapy. I love this location, the structure makes for balanced acoustics and their movie nights accompanied by orchestra are especially worthwhile to attend. The location is easy to access from the subway (just a walk up the stairs, never needing to step foot outside...great for winter) and easy to find parking in the area. For anyone parking before Nov 1st 2018, use code "kingpilot" on the green p parking app for 2 free hours of parking anywhere near king street.
6. Royal Alexandra Theatre
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,403 reviews
A masterpiece of beaux-arts architecture, the historic Royal Alexandra is Toronto's senior theatre and, at 101, never having been converted to any other use, the oldest continuously operating legitimate theatre in North America.The Royal Alexandra is also North America's first truly "royal" theatre - "royal" by patent from Edward VII - named with royal permission for his consort, Alexandra, a Danish princess and great-grandmother of the present queen.
Reviewed By jimbS8651DH
There are many excellent musicals around, all entertaining. But Come From Away eclipses them all. It’s not based on a fictitious story line, but on a real event. If that’s not enough, it’s one of those events that most of the audience members recall personally. “I remember what I was doing when...”. Add to that the amazing performances of the talented cast members, effortlessly transitioning from one character to another; the excellent musical score; the mood swings from laughter to tears and back again; the superb lighting changes; the random acts of kindness; and the fact it’s unabashedly Canadian. See it, and tell your friends!!
7. Scotiabank Arena
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,747 reviews
Scotiabank Arena is Canada’s premier sports and entertainment venue and home to the NHL’s Toronto Maple Leafs, NBA’s Toronto Raptors and the NLL’s Toronto Rock. Owned and operated by MLSE, Scotiabank Arena opened its doors in February 1999 and has been recognized with more than 40 industry awards highlighting the venue’s security, accessibility, fan service, environmental commitment, sales and box office service. It has also hosted over 39 million fans at over 2,600 events.
Reviewed By G285DJsm
Bought playoff tickets off a friend who has season seats and had a great time Raps beat Golden State in game 1 of the NBA Finals lots of celebs there including DRAKE and Toronto Maple Leafs and Blue Jays players also former Raptors players get tickets for a game or concert and you will have a awesome time!
8. Toronto Harbour
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 532 reviews
Encompassing the city's downtown area, the harbor is known particularly for its shops, restaurants, ferry terminals and marinas.
Reviewed By michaelaT8138GW - Toronto, Canada
This is a great place to spend time....the options are endless. Terrific cycle and or jogging/walking trail that goes for many kilometers along the lake (and links to many streets and cycle paths going north into the core). It has harbourfront centre with art and entertainment spaces, right next to the Queens Quay indoor mall riddled with shopping and dining, and the Power Plant art gallery. Lots of good spots along the waterfront to take the sun too. There are stretches of grass to sprawl out on, muskoka chairs to take the sun, and the odd picnic bench for a bite or a card game. This is a happening, lively part of a vibrant city. Rent a canoe! Rent a paddleboard, go for a cycle.....take a walk, then have a bite to eat. Enjoy!
9. St. Lawrence Market
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 13,866 reviews
All roads to good food lead to St. Lawrence Market, a city landmark more than two centuries old. Two hundred vendors sell everything from local mustard to fresh pasta, lobster to artisanal bread.
Reviewed By Nicole99756 - Temagami, Canada
But I’ve been to many places all over the city, and seriously, this is one of the reasons I moved here. Local, friendly, fresh, TASTY, always something different to try, great antiques section, and well, amazing fresh food to prepare yourself, or “no time for that?” the already prepared food is scrumptious too! And, well, if your into “people watching”... this is definitely your place. Surrounding area is always bustling with charm, energy and great food. So really, why not check it out?
10. Allan Gardens Conservatory
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 641 reviews
Donated by a prominent local philanthropist, these gardens boast a beautiful glass-domed Victorian structure.
Reviewed By E2000EFlisas - Boardman, United States
I was in Toronto for my daughter to attend a dance program at the National Ballet School of Canada and had a lot of downtime while she was dancing for 3 days. I decided to explore some lesser known Toronto spots around the ballet area. A friendly gal at Tim Hortons suggested Allan Gardens and I’m so glad she did. I was pleasantly surprised to find out that admission was free and the walk around the park to the building was lovely. As soon as I entered, it was as though I had transported to somewhere very different from the hustle and bustle of the city. It was peaceful, warm, and absolutely beautiful. I took my time and walked slowly though making sure to notice details and take it all in. I loved the Christmas decor mixed in with the more permanent plant displays. I especially loved the turtle pond and spent quite a bit of time watching them. Overall I spent about 2 hours visiting with some of that just relaxing on a bench with my book. I would definitely visit again when in Toronto and recommend it for all ages.
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