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

Toronto is a global city noted for its intense cultural activity and skyscraper-studded skyline. It is also a favourite destination for tourists because of its proximity to Niagara Falls, so touring it in just a few days is no easy task. However, a proper itinerary and a well-planned trip can help you get to know at least the main attractions.

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

Toronto is one of the largest cities in Canada, so I suggest you divide the tour by sectors, which will allow you to save time in the 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 Ontario's capital, some of the most picturesque sub-neighbourhoods 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 much of its fame is due to its museums. Among them is the Royal Ontario Museum, which houses a vast collection of artefacts and exhibits spanning from antiquity to the contemporary era. This exhibition 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 indigenous Canadian art to Egyptian artefacts 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 appeal 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 way to get to the Royal Ontario Museum is on the 19 bus and Metro lines 1 and 2.

Interesting details

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

Tour Chinatown... and Little Italy too!

Located just a few streets 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 flavours, colours and culture that will bring you closer to the Chinese tradition in the heart of the city. As you explore the bustling streets, you' ll find yourself surrounded by shops, restaurants and markets offering a wide variety of Asian products.

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

In addition, very close to Chinatown, as in other cities around the world, you can also visit Little Italy, one of Toronto's most famous neighbourhoods. This Italian enclave is full of charm and character, with streets lined with cafes, trattorias and shops offering the best of Italian cuisine and imported goods. 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 multicultural diversity of the city. The geographical proximity of these two neighbourhoods allows 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.

See Kensington Market

Kensington Market, located between Little Italy and Chinatown, is an iconic site offering a unique shopping and dining experience. This colourful market is a melting pot of cultures and flavours, reflecting the multicultural richness that has characterised the city since its origins. As you stroll through its streets, you will discover a wide variety of shops, cafés and restaurants offering local and artisanal products.

This market, then, is a foodie's paradise, with an eclectic mix of culinary options ranging from street food stalls to gourmet restaurants. Here you can indulge your palate with local specialities such as Montreal bagels, famous for their fluffy texture and distinctive flavour. 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 market will become a must-see destination on your itinerary in Ontario's capital city. From Chinatown, you can reach the 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. At 553 metres tall, it was once the tallest building in the world. From the observation deck of this architectural landmark you'll discover the best views of Ontario's capital to end the first day of your tour on a high note.

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

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

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

Interesting details

• Price: Admission to the observation deck costs approximately 30 euros per person.
• Opening hours: daily from 9.30am to 9pm.
• Location: 290 Bremner Blvd, Toronto.

One of Toronto's main attractions 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 borders between Canada and the United States. That's why for the second day I suggest you take part in an organised tour to discover these waterfalls, famous for their significant flow of water and the panoramic views they offer.

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 the surrounding area. From the top of the tower, located in the heart of the hotel zone, you'll be able to appreciate the immensity of the falls and take some of the best photographs of this natural spectacle.

A highlight of the organised tour 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 11-12 hours and usually include round-trip transfers with hotel pick-up and drop-off.

However, if you plan to visit Niagara Falls from Toronto but don't want to go on an organised tour, you can plan your own tour and use Megabus buses, VIA Rail trains or private transfer services to the national park where the falls are located.

For the third and last day in Toronto, after seeing the main attractions of the city during the first day and Niagara Falls during the second day, I suggest you to visit the Art Gallery of Ontario and the St. Lawrence Market, as well as taking 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 core. 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 start 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 city centre, 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 in world art such as Picasso, Van Gogh and Rembrandt.

In addition, the modern and spacious architecture of the Frank Gehry-designed building 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.

Interesting details

• Price: approximately 28 euros per person.
• Hours: Tuesday to Sunday 10:30am to 5:30pm.
• 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 over 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. Its aisles are lined with stalls and shops and you'll find an array of flavours 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 stalls, where artisanal cheeses and high-quality charcuterie are on offer, and then venture out to sample the international specialities, from Asian dumplings to Mexican tacos.

A must-visit stop is the fresh seafood stalls, 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 such as 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 around Toronto's waterfront 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 the nearby islands. This experience will allow you to admire the iconic city skylines while relaxing on deck and taking in the sweeping views of the city that never sleeps.

Taking a boat ride on Lake Ontario in Toronto is one of the city's most common activities and the range of options is vast. From day cruises to romantic sunset cruises, these excursions offer something for everyone. 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 retains 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 ways to get to know it is to join a tasting tour, where you'll have the chance 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 is home to a mix of shops, restaurants and art galleries, providing a multi-sensory experience. During your tour, you can also visit the Spirit of York Distillery, where a variety of craft spirits are still being distilled today.

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