Downtown Toronto offers visitors a multitude of unique experiences. Here, you can stroll through trendy neighborhoods, tastes any kind of ethnic food imaginable, and take in the views of the CN Tower skyline. Many of these downtown Toronto attractions are in concentrated areas that are easily accessible by foot. If walking is not your cup of tea, you can hop right on the convenient electric tram or catch a subway on its way to your next destination.
Bloor and Cumberland Streets
Located east of the University of Toronto’s downtown campus, is a shopping mecca for Toronto’s elite. The area of Bloor Street east of Bay Street is home to numerous luxury fashion brands. Everything from Gucci and Louis Vuitton to tiny designer boutiques can be enjoyed by those with a high fashion sense and deep pockets. If you happen to be in the city during the world-renowned Toronto Film Festival, you can make a stop by the Cumberland Theatre to catch a glimpse of your favorite celebrities.
The Annex
Located on Bloor Street west of the University of Toronto, the Annex is home to the architecturally unique Royal Ontario Museum, referred by locals as the “ROM”. It is by far one of the most unique buildings in all of Toronto and worth viewing. Underneath the crystal-like façade you can take in one of the museum’s excellent year-round or traveling exhibitions. Afterwards, you can enjoy the neighborhood’s many unique shops and restaurants that offer anything you could imagine.
A short walk down St. George Street will take you to the University of Toronto campus, which is home to Convocation Hall, a beautiful building used in many Hollywood films. Other gothic wonderments worth witnessing on campus are the stone artifices of University College and St. Michael’s College.
Eaton Center and Queen Street
Located on Dundas Street south of the University, the famous Eaton Center is a shoppers paradise enjoyed by locals and tourists alike. This multi-level shopping complex is home to nearly every store imaginable. You can easily spend an entire day checking out all of the different stores, eateries, and attractions. Exiting the mall on the south end will take you to Queen Street. Simply head west down Queen Street to take in the Futurists inspired City Hall and surrounding buildings. Continuing west on Queen Street will take you through more boutique lined streets and the MuchMusic studios.
The Toronto Waterfront and the CN Tower
After experiencing the Eaton Center and Queen Street, a short subway ride will take you to the grandeur of Union Station, which is worth the trip by itself. A short walk will lead you to monolith of the CN Tower. A trip up to the viewing level allows you to stand on the glass floor and witness all of Toronto. Upon leaving the CN Tower, a short walk south will lead you to the beautiful Toronto waterfront, where you can enjoy the Ferry Pier and perhaps take a ferry ride to the city’s outer islands.
Nobody needs to know where you have been in Toronto, how much money and time you have spent in downtown. However, just like other metro cities around the world, staying in hotel located at downtown can be expensive. Here are some tips to choose hotel on trips.