Toronto Itinerary for First-Timers: Your Must-Have 3-Day Guide
If Toronto is on your travel radar, you’re in for a vibrant mix of city life, cultural exploration, and incredible food. This bustling metropolis is known for its towering skyline, diverse neighborhoods, and world-class attractions that offer something for every type of traveler. Whether you’re a history buff, foodie, or just eager to explore, our thoughtfully crafted 3-day Toronto itinerary will help you navigate the city’s highlights, uncover a few local secrets, and indulge in some of the best eats along the way. Get ready to experience Toronto like a true insider.
Day 1: Unveiling the Heart of Toronto
CN Tower
Start your Toronto itinerary at the CN Tower, one of Toronto’s most iconic landmarks. Standing at 553 meters, you’ll get breathtaking views of the city from the observation decks. Feeling adventurous? Try the EdgeWalk for a thrilling experience. When you’re ready for a break, enjoy a meal at the 360 Restaurant, which offers rotating views of the city and a high-end dining experience—perfect for taking in the Toronto skyline without missing a beat.
Photos from Oddviser, isg.com, Independent Solutions, and Tripadvisor
- Location: 290 Bremner Blvd, Toronto, ON M5V 3L9
- Hours: 9:30am–9:30pm daily
- Admission: Book a ticket
- 360 Restaurant: Reserve a table
Distillery District
After soaking in the views, make your way to the Distillery District, a beautiful mix of Victorian industrial architecture and modern charm. Stroll through cobblestone streets, explore local galleries, and check out the unique shops. For an enchanting outdoor dining experience, visit Le Jardin, a stunning garden-inspired restaurant perfect for both photos and fantastic meals. For lunch, stop by Cluny Bistro & Boulangerie, located in the heart of the district. This French-inspired spot offers delicious meals with a modern twist, perfect for refueling before continuing your exploration.
- Location: 55 Mill Street, Toronto ON, M5A 3C4
- Hours: Mon to Thur: 10am–7pm | Fri & Sat: 10am–8pm | Sun: 11am–7pm
- Admission: Free
- Cluny Bistro & Boulangerie: Reserve a table
- Le Jardin: Reserve a table
St. Lawrence Market
In the afternoon, head to St. Lawrence Market. Voted one of the best food markets in the world, it’s filled with fresh produce, artisan goods, and local delicacies. Grab a snack like the famous peameal bacon sandwich or wander the market to sample a range of flavors. For dinner, explore The Well, Toronto’s newest culinary destination. The Wellington Market offers quick, delicious bites, while Instagram-worthy spots like The Bridgette, Lulu Bar, The Dorset, and La Plume provide perfect settings for an unforgettable dining experience.
Photos from St. Lawrence Market’s Instagram
- Location: Toronto, ON M5E 1C3
- Hours: Tue to Fri: 9am–7pm | Sat: 7am–5pm | Sun: 10am–5pm | Mon: Closed
- Admission: Free
- The Well: thewelltoronto.com
- Location: 486 Front Street West, Toronto, Ontario M5V0V2
- Hours: 11am–8pm daily
Day 2: Cultural Immersion in Toronto
Royal Ontario Museum (ROM)
Begin your second day at the Royal Ontario Museum, where you can dive into history, art, and natural science exhibits. With collections ranging from dinosaurs to Egyptian artifacts, there’s something for everyone. For lunch, head to the nearby Waterworks Food Hall, a trendy food court housed in a historic building offering diverse culinary options.
- Location: 100 Queens Park, Toronto, ON M5S 2C6
- Hours: 10am–5:30pm daily
- Admission: Book a ticket
- Waterworks Food Hall: waterworksfoodhall.com
- Location: 50 Brant St, Toronto, ON M5V 3G9
- Hours: Sun to Wed: 11am–10pm | Thu to Sat: 11am–12mn
Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO)
After lunch, head to the Art Gallery of Ontario, home to a world-class collection of Canadian, European, and Indigenous art. Spend the afternoon enjoying everything from contemporary installations to classic works. Wrap up your artistic adventure by heading to Bar Isabel, a Spanish-inspired restaurant known for its tapas and cozy vibe—perfect for winding down after a day immersed in Toronto’s culture.
Photos from Art Gallery of Ontario’s Instagram
- Location: 317 Dundas St W, Toronto, ON M5T 1G4
- Hours: Tue to Sun: 1–4pm | Wed and Fri: 6–8pm
- Admission: Book a ticket
Photos from Bar Isabel’s Instagram
- Location: 797 College St, Toronto, ON M6G 1C7
- Hours: Sun to Fri: 5–11pm | Sat: 12–11pm
- Bar Isabel: Reserve a table
Kensington Market
If you’re still feeling up for adventure, explore Kensington Market in the evening. This vibrant, eclectic neighborhood offers an array of global food stalls and quirky shops. Then, enjoy a plant-based meal at Hawker, a popular vegan restaurant in the area.
- Location: Kensington Ave & Dundas St W, Toronto, ON M5T 2Y5
- Hours: Shops open from 11am–7pm
- Admission: Free
Photos from Hawker Instagram
- Location: 291 Augusta Ave, Toronto, ON M5T 2M2
- Hours: Tue to Sat: 11am–3pm, 5pm–10pm | Sun and Mon: Closed
- Hawker: Reserve a table
Day 3: Nature and Relaxation
OCR Pursuit & High Park
Start your day with an adrenaline rush at OCR Pursuit, Toronto’s premier obstacle course training facility. After getting your heart pumping, head to High Park for a more relaxed outdoor experience. Toronto’s largest public park is perfect for a peaceful walk, and you can explore its gardens, visit the small zoo, or enjoy a picnic under the shade of towering trees.
- Location: 75 Westmore Dr Unit A, Etobicoke, ON M9V 3Y6
- Hours: Mon to Thu: 2–9:30pm | Fri: 1:30–11pm | Sat: 11:30am–11pm | Sun: 11am–8:30pm
- Admission: Book a ticket
Photos from Condé Nast Traveler, Flickr, and tpl
- Location: 1873 Bloor St W, Toronto, ON M6R 2Z3
- Hours: Open 24 hours daily
- Admission: Free
Stackt Market & Toronto Islands
Before heading to the islands, stop by Stackt Market, a unique cultural marketplace built from shipping containers, offering local food vendors, breweries, and retail shops. Then hop on the ferry to the Toronto Islands, where you’ll find sandy beaches, quiet walking paths, and plenty of green spaces to unwind.
- Stackt Market: stacktmarket.com
- Location: 28 Bathurst St, Toronto, ON M5V 0C6
- Hours: Tue to Sun: 9am–11pm
Photos from City of Toronto, Flickr, and Curiocity
- Location: 9 Queens Quay, Toronto, ON (Jack Layton Ferry Terminal)
- Hours: Mon to Fri: 10:30am–5pm (May to September only)
- Admission: Book Ferry tickets
For dinner, consider one of Toronto’s Michelin-recommended restaurant, Alo, the city’s dining scene has earned international recognition for its innovation and excellence.
Photos from Alo Instagram
- Alo: alorestaurant.com
- Location: 163 Spadina Ave., Toronto, ON M5V 2L6
- Hours: Tue to Sat: 5pm–12am | Sun and Mon: Closed
Before finally ending your Toronto itinerary, make a stop at Union Station Eats, where you can sample some final tastes of Toronto at this historic transportation hub turned culinary destination. It’s the perfect place to grab a bite before heading home.
- Union Station Eats: torontounion.ca/neighbourhood/food-court
- Location: 65 Front St W, Toronto, ON M5J 1E6
- Hours: Mon to Fri: 8am–9pm | Sat and Sun: 9am–9pm
As your 3-day Toronto itinerary comes to an end, we hope you’ve had an amazing time exploring the city’s highlights and hidden gems. From iconic landmarks to delicious dining experiences, Toronto has so much to offer. So, until next time, happy travels.
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