Located entirely within the district of Old Toronto, Downtown Toronto has something in store for everyone. With its vibrant food scene, mixed culture, beautiful architecture, and more, you’ll never run out of things to do while you’re here. It might look intimidating at first with its high-rise buildings and throngs of well-dressed business people, but once you get to know the area, you’ll see lots of opportunities for a fun-filled day: see a show at one of the performance venues, watch a live basketball game, indulge in its many eateries, and immerse yourself in indoor play. In case you want a guide on what to do in this part of town, read on and discover our list of the best things to do in Downtown Toronto, Canada. Check them out below.
1. Shop at the Eaton Center
If you happen to be in Downtown Toronto and expect a great shopping experience, then there is so much in store for you when you visit Eaton Center. It will give you the ultimate urban shopping experience with its many local shops, common chains, and high-end boutiques. This property stretches from Dundas and Queen Subway stations and features several floors and a high arched glass ceiling, where you can have a glimpse of sculptures of geese flying. When you’re done with shopping, head on to the food court and indulge in the great selection of available food that will exceed your ordinary food court experience.
CF Toronto Eaton Center
Address: 220 Yonge St, Toronto, ON M5B 2H1, Canada
Website: Eaton Center
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 10am - 9:30pm; Sat: 9:30am - 9:30pm; Sun: 10am - 7pm
2. Enjoy high tea at the Shangri-La Hotel
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
If you want to be classy and refined for an hour or two, then the best way to go is heading to the Shangri-La’s lobby lounge and experience their high tea. You don’t need to be a guest to be accommodated in the lounge, which features a posh living room ambiance with a business casual atmosphere and an Asian-inspired menu. You can choose among its selection of 68 teas and a wide variety of liquors like wines, cocktails, and spirits. Make sure to book a reservation for their high tea experience, every 2pm to 6pm every day. Order one of the exquisite teas and have a three-tier serving of bite-size treats while listening to live music accompanied by a piano.
High Tea at The Lobby Lounge
Address: 188 University Ave, Toronto, ON M5H 0A3, Canada
Website: High Tea at The Lobby Lounge
Opening hours: 2pm - 5pm (daily)
3. Catch a game at Scotiabank Arena
Situated on Bay Street in the district of Downtown Toronto, Scotiabank Arena is a premier sports and entertainment venue in Toronto as well as home to the sports teams of Canada, including NHL’s Toronto Maple Leafs, NBA’s Toronto Raptors, and the NLL’s Toronto Rock. It was formerly known as the Air Canada Centre. Apart from seeing a sports match, the arena also offers other forms of entertainment such as concerts and shows like Disney on Ice, among others. Make sure to see a live game here before going back home for an experience you’ll never forget.
Scotiabank Arena
Address: 40 Bay St, Toronto, ON M5J 2X2, Canada
Website: Scotiabank Arena
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4. Watch a ballet or opera performance at Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts
One of the things you shouldn’t miss while in the city is watching a ballet or theater performance in the Four Seasons Center. It is a theater art venue that is specifically designed to be the home of the Canadian Opera Company and the venue for the performance of The National Ballet of Canada. It features a marvelous glass facade and sits up to 2,071 people. Apart from the operatic shows, they also have contemporary performances like the La Boheme which tackles about a young spirit adventures in 19th century Paris. Additionally, there are ballet shows such as classic stories like Midsummer Night’s Dream, Alice in Wonderland, and the Nutcracker.
Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts
Address: 145 Queen St W, Toronto, ON M5H 4G1, Canada
Website: Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts
Opening hours: Varies depending on performance
5. Explore Royal Ontario Museum (from USD 19.0)
If you’re a history buff, you need to visit the Royal Ontario Museum, which features a wide collection of arts, world culture, and natural history. It is located in Toronto, Ontario and is one of the largest museums in North America and the largest in Canada. It is also the most visited museum in Canada with over one million visitors per annum. One of its most important displays are the dinosaur bones, among other natural and cultural gems. Make sure to visit this museum before leaving for you will surely learn a lot about the region and its history and culture.
Royal Ontario Museum Admission
Duration: 3 to 4 hours
6. Immerse in virtual reality at Levelup Reality
If you’re looking for an action-packed activity in Toronto but don’t want to sweat too much, then you have to immerse in virtual reality at Levelup Reality. It is a modern arcade that features virtual reality games where you can play solo, with a partner, or with a whole group. They offer different genres such as adventure, shooters, action, escape rooms, short films, and more. Here you can be a soldier and fend off enemies, be the last person to survive the zombie apocalypse, or explore the deepest parts of the ocean, and more. Make sure to visit this indoor activity when in Toronto for an adventure of a lifetime.
Levelup Reality
Address: Inside McVeigh’s building, 124 Church St 3rd floor, Toronto, ON M5C 2G8, Canada
Website: Levelup Reality
Opening hours: Mon - Thur: 2pm - 10:30pm; Fri: 2pm - 12am; Sat: 11am - 12am; Sun: 1pm - 8:30pm
7. Watch a movie at TIFF Bell Lightbox
Home to the Toronto International Film Festival, the TIFF Bell Lightbox is a film theater that features the most salient new films from the local and international scene, starring famous actors and introducing new faces. They also show films from the old classics like the A Space Odyssey that is being shown through 70mm film. You’ll also find in the Lightbox the Film Reference Library as well as the CIBC Canadian Film gallery with a collection of movie-related exhibits. Another feature is a fine dining restaurant named Luma, which serves Canadian cuisine. When it’s time for the festival, the Lightbox turns into a movie fanfare where you’ll have a great chance to see famous celebrities and movie stars.
TIFF Bell Lightbox
Address: 350 King St W, Toronto, ON M5V 3X5, Canada
Website: TIFF Bell Lightbox
8. Go for a guided bike tour (from USD 76.0)
If you’re not interested in a walking tour because it takes up so much time, then why not try a bike tour with a guide. Here, you’ll be riding a bike throughout downtown Toronto and visiting famous sites, off-beaten paths, and must-visit attractions, including CN Tower, Chinatown, Kensington Market, the Hockey Hall of Fame, Toronto City Hall, and more. Apart from seeing scenic areas, you’ll also hear stories and learn about the history and culture of the places you visit through your knowledgeable guide. You’ll surely have lots of fun and action when you join this tour by Viator. You can book a tour with them through their app or their website.
Downtown Toronto Bike Tour
Duration: 3 hours 30 minutes
9. Take the Kensington Market International Food Tour (from USD 67.0)
If it’s food you’re after in Toronto, Kensington Market will not fail you with its thriving food scene that features local cuisine as well as Caribbean, Mexican, Portuguese, and Latin American treats. This area in downtown Toronto has a rich colorful history through decades of immigrant cultures. It is bordered with Little Italy and Chinatown, which are also a food haven in their own rights. The tour will last for two-and-a-half hours.
Toronto Food Tour: Taste the World in Kensington Market
Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes
10. Hit the dance floor at The Uniun Nightclub
If it’s nightlife you’re looking forward to in this trip, then you have to experience the scenes of King Street West, where you’ll find numerous nightspots like a pub, bars, dance clubs, and more. One of the most famous and an institution here in Toronto is the Uniun Nightclub which is a local crowd favorite and always has a fully packed dance floor. It features stylish industrial decor and world-class sound and LED lighting systems, making your experience one for the books. There are also other must-visit hot spots in the area like the posh Orchid Nightclub and Everleigh with its art-inspired club.
The Uniun Nightclub
Address: 473 Adelaide St W, Toronto, ON M5V 1T1, Canada
Website: The Uniun Nightclub
Opening hours: Sun: 12:00–3:00am
Hello, Downtown Toronto
Downtown Toronto is a haven of fun. With numerous kinds of activities to do, shopping options, vibrant food scene, shows and games to watch, you’ll surely have an amazing time here. Check out our list of top 10 things to do when you visit Downtown Toronto.
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