Toronto in 3 Days: a guidebook for getting the most out of your visit

Toronto is a global city that stands out for its intense cultural activity and its skyline full of skyscrapers. It is also one of the favorite destinations for tourists because of its proximity to Niagara Falls, so touring it in a few days is not an easy task. However, a proper itinerary and a well-planned trip can help you to get to know at least its main attractions.

Among the best things to do in Toronto in 3 days are visiting the Royal Ontario Museum, visiting Chinatown, visiting the Kensington Market, seeing the panoramic views of the city from the CN Tower observation deck, touring the Art Gallery, participating in a sightseeing cruise and doing a tasting in the Distillery District.

Toronto is one of the largest cities in Canada, so I suggest that you divide the tour by sectors, which will allow you to save time in transfers between each of the attractions. For the first day, then, I suggest you start in the Queens Park area, to see one of the best museums in the capital of Ontario, some of the most picturesque sub-neighborhoods and also the unmistakable CN Tower, the most famous skyscraper in the city of skyscrapers.

Visit the Royal Ontario Museum

Toronto is one of the cultural beacons of North America and owes much of its fame to its museums. Among them, the Royal Ontario Museum, which houses a vast collection of artifacts and exhibits ranging from antiquity to the contemporary era. This exhibit offers visitors the opportunity to explore the vast and diverse cultural heritage that has shaped the modern world.

At this museum you will come face to face with a variety of exhibits. From collections of Canadian indigenous art to Egyptian artifacts and natural history exhibits, the museum provides a comprehensive overview of the richness and complexity of human history. In addition, archaeology enthusiasts will find ancient treasures and interactive exhibits, which will also be of interest to children in Toronto.

In its more than 40 galleries, the ROM also houses an iconic dinosaur collection, including complete skeletons and fascinating fossils that transport visitors back to the time of these prehistoric giants.

The best alternative to reach the Royal Ontario Museum is by bus on the 19 line and Metro lines 1 and 2.

Details of interest

• Price: approximately 22 euros per person.
• Hours: Tuesday to Sunday from 10:00 am to 5:30 pm.
• Location: 100 Queens Park, Toronto.

Tour Chinatown... and also Little Italy

Located just a few blocks away from the Royal Ontario Museum, Chinatown is one of Toronto's most picturesque sub-neighbourhoods. Here you can embark on a journey full of flavors, colors and culture that will bring you closer to the Chinese tradition in the heart of the city. As you explore the bustling streets, you will find yourself surrounded by stores, restaurants and markets offering a wide variety of Asian products.

From fresh ingredients to exotic items and unique souvenirs, in Chinatown you will also find yourself amazed by the typical oriental architecture and the presence of lanterns and authentic decorations, which create an unmissable atmosphere. In addition, if you plan to visit Toronto in March, you will be able to experience the Chinese New Year, a central event in the calendar of this community.

In addition, very close to Chinatown, as in other cities around the world, you can also visit Little Italy, one of the most famous neighborhoods in Toronto. This Italian enclave is full of charm and character, with streets lined with cafes, trattorias and stores offering the best of Italian cuisine and imported products. Strolling through the cobblestone streets of Little Italy will transport you to the essence of Italian culture.

The fusion of Chinatown and Little Italy in Toronto not only offers an exceptional culinary experience, but also provides a glimpse into the city's multicultural diversity. The geographic proximity of these two neighborhoods will allow you to immerse yourself in two different worlds in one trip, exploring the traditions that make Toronto a cosmopolitan city. From the ROM, you can reach Chinatown in a 10-minute walk, on the 505 and 510A buses and on Metro Line 1.

Get to know Kensington Market

Kensington Market, located between Little Italy and Chinatown, is an iconic site that offers a unique shopping and dining experience. This colorful market is a melting pot of cultures and flavors that reflects the multicultural richness that has characterized the city since its origins. As you stroll through its streets, you will discover a wide variety of stores, cafes and restaurants offering local and artisanal products.

This market, then, is a paradise for food lovers, with an eclectic mix of culinary options ranging from street food stalls to gourmet restaurants. There you can delight your palate with local specialties, such as Montreal bagels, famous for their spongy texture and distinctive flavor. You can also take part in some of Toronto's best food tours.

Kensington Market's lively and welcoming atmosphere creates the perfect setting for exploring new flavours and enjoying Toronto's vibrant food scene. Whether you're looking for fresh produce, unique items or simply an unforgettable culinary experience, this flea market will become a must-see destination on your itinerary through Ontario's capital city. From Chinatown, you can reach the flea market in about a 5-minute walk.

Take in the panoramic views of the city from CN Tower

CN Tower is not only the most famous skyscraper in the city of skyscrapers, but also an iconic structure that defines Toronto's skyline and identity and at 553 meters tall became the tallest building in the world. From the observation deck of this architectural landmark you can discover the best views of the capital of Ontario to say goodbye to the first day of your tour in style.

During your visit to the CN Tower you can get a unique perspective of the city, but you can also venture on the EdgeWalk, an activity that consists of walking along the outer ring of the tower at the height of the observation deck.

In addition, you can also visit to watch the sunset from there and then stay for dinner at the revolving restaurant at the top, so this structure offers one of the best things to do in Toronto at night.

From Kensington Market you can reach the CN Tower by bus lines 501, 501B, 505, 506 and Metro line 1.

Details of interest

• Price: the entrance to the observation deck has an initial cost of approximately 30 euros per person.
• Hours: daily from 9:30 am to 9:00 pm.
• Location: 290 Bremner Blvd, Toronto.

One of the main attractions of Toronto is that, in addition to its attractions, it is also located in an area close to Niagara Falls, the natural wonder that marks one of the eastern limits of the border between Canada and the United States. That is why for the second day I suggest you to participate in an organized excursion to discover these waterfalls, famous for its significant water flow and the panoramic views it offers.

If you opt for these full-day excursions from Toronto you can also explore the Skylon Tower, an iconic structure that offers sweeping views of Niagara Falls and its surroundings. From the top of the tower, located in the heart of the hotel zone, you will be able to appreciate the immensity of the falls and take some of the best photographs of this natural spectacle.

A highlight of the organized excursion is the company of an expert local guide who will accompany you throughout the tour. This guide will share with you information about the history, geology and legends surrounding the falls, giving you a complete and enriching experience. Please note that these tours usually last approximately 11 to 12 hours and usually include round-trip transfers with hotel pick-up.

However, if you plan to visit Niagara Falls from Toronto but don't want to do so on an organized tour, you may choose to plan your own tour and use Megabus buses, VIA Rail trains or private services that offer transfers to the national park where the falls are located.

For the third and last day in Toronto, after visiting the main attractions of the city during the first day and Niagara Falls during the second, I suggest visiting the Art Gallery of Ontario and St. Lawrence Market, as well as participating in a sightseeing cruise along the coast and the islands of Toronto, which is one of the most popular activities of this destination.

To finish your express tour, I suggest you do it in style: with a tasting tour of the Distillery District, in the heart of Toronto's historic district. Cheers!

Tour the Art Gallery of Ontario

Since you can't leave Toronto without seeing one of the city's best museums, day three will begin with a tour of the Art Gallery of Ontario. Here you'll find a cultural sanctuary that houses a collection of masterpieces ranging from Canadian art to internationally renowned pieces.

Located in the heart of the city, this gallery stands as a beacon of creativity, offering visitors the opportunity to explore the diversity and richness of the art world. From classical to contemporary works, the Art Gallery of Ontario presents a journey through the centuries and diverse artistic expressions.

The extensive galleries of the AGO house an eclectic mix of paintings, sculptures, photographs and objects that tell stories from different cultures and ancient periods. Here you can admire works by Canadian artists such as Tom Thomson and the Group of Seven, as well as creations by iconic figures of world art such as Picasso, Van Gogh and Rembrandt.

In addition, the modern and spacious architecture of the building, designed by Frank Gehry, creates a welcoming and unique atmosphere that complements the art experience. The Art Gallery of Ontario can be reached by Metro Line 1 and Line 19 buses.

Details of interest

• Price: approximately 28 euros per person.
• Hours: Tuesday to Sunday from 10:30 am to 5:30 pm.
• Location: 317 Dundas St W, Toronto.

Lunch at St. Lawrence Market

After touring the Art Gallery of Ontario I suggest enjoying lunch at the bustling St. Lawrence Market. This market, which has more than 200 years of history and is one of the oldest in the city, offers a variety of dining options that reflect the culinary diversity of this destination. In its aisles lined with stalls and stores, you'll find an array of flavors and aromas not to be missed.

From delicious street food options to gourmet dishes, St. Lawrence Market offers something for everyone's palate. You can start your lunch with a visit to the deli stands, which offer artisanal cheeses and high-quality charcuterie, and then venture out to sample the international specialties, from Asian dumplings to Mexican tacos.

A must-stop will be the fresh seafood stands, where you can sample oysters, lobsters and other seafood delicacies from the tents' sit-down counters. If you're looking for simpler alternatives, the local cuisine options won't disappoint, with dishes like the famous peameal bacon sandwich, a delicious combination of fresh rolls, pork bacon and mustard.

The St. Lawrence Flea Market can be reached from the Art Gallery of Ontario on the 501B, 501D, 504A and 505 buses and Metro Line 1.

Join a sightseeing cruise along Toronto's coastline and islands

Toronto is a city you can discover by land, air and sea. Within this last option, although it is more of a lake, you can get to know a different profile of this destination by participating in a sightseeing cruise along the coast and nearby islands. This experience will allow you to admire the iconic urban skylines while relaxing on deck and taking in the sweeping views of the city that never sleeps.

Cruising on a boat ride on Lake Ontario in Toronto is one of the most common activities in the city and the variety of offerings is vast. From day cruises to romantic sunset cruises, these excursions offer options for all tastes. In addition, in some cases you can also opt for dinner on board.

Cruises depart from Harbourfront and can be reached from the St. Lawrence Market in a 10-minute walk or by bus on the 19 and 121D lines.

Visit the Distillery District on a tasting tour.

Before becoming a cultural hub and financial district, Toronto was primarily a liquor-producing city. That's why much of the city's historic core still maintains a factory aesthetic, mostly dominated by old distilleries.

This site, known as the Distillery District, is an enclave that fuses industrial heritage with artistic and gastronomic vitality. One of the best alternatives to get to know it is to participate in a tasting tour, where you will have the opportunity to explore the main sites of this area, known for its red brick buildings and bohemian atmosphere.

The Gooderham & Worts Distillery, an icon of Toronto's industrial past, is one of the highlights. This complex houses a mix of stores, restaurants and art galleries, providing a multi-sensory experience. In addition, during your tour you can enter the Spirit of York Distillery, where a variety of craft spirits are still being distilled today.

There you can enjoy guided tastings, discovering the unique flavors of locally made gins, vodkas and whiskies. Tours of the Distillery District generally begin on Mill St., which you can reach from Harbourfront on the 19 and 72 buses or a fifteen-minute walk along Parliament St., and then take the 19 and 72 buses from Harbourfront to the Distillery District.