First time in Toronto, I thought it would be like New York – glamorous and expensive. Turns out, this city has its own vibe: a blend of vibrant neighborhoods, diverse street food, and world-class museums. But what I remember most is walking along Lake Ontario at sunset, or eating a grilled meat sandwich in Chinatown for just 10 CAD.
Quick Facts
- Best time to visit: May to October (warm summer, many festivals). Winter is very cold, but if you like ice skating, it's still fine.
- Suggested days: 4-5 days is enough to explore downtown and a few nearby neighborhoods.
- Budget reference: Around 100-150 CAD/day (including accommodation, food, transport, and entry fees). Hostel costs 40-60 CAD/night, budget meals 20-30 CAD/day.
- Getting around: Subway (TTC) is the mainstay, single ticket 3.35 CAD, day pass 13.50 CAD. Streetcars and buses are also convenient. Walking is the best way to see the streets.
- Internet connectivity: Don't buy expensive physical SIMs at the airport. I used an eSIM from SimNha, only 10 USD for 5GB, installed before the flight, and had signal as soon as I landed in Toronto.
Which neighborhoods are worth visiting?
Kensington Market – Bohemian Soul
This is where I spent a whole morning wandering. Vintage shops, cute cafes, and artistic graffiti everywhere. Don't miss the Jamaican patty at Patty King (only 6 CAD).
💡 Tip: Go on weekends, streets are closed to pedestrians, with live music and flea markets.
Chinatown and Little Italy – Top Street Food
I love Chinatown for its cheap and delicious food. A bowl of beef pho at Pho Tien Thanh (10 CAD) or buns at Ding Dong Pastry (3 CAD). Little Italy has equally good pizza and gelato.
⚠️ Note: Some eateries only accept cash, so bring 50-100 CAD in reserve.
Worthwhile Attractions
CN Tower – No Need to Go to the Top
A ticket to the top costs 40 CAD, quite expensive. Instead, I walked through Ripley's Aquarium (35 CAD) – watching sharks while having a view of the CN Tower from below. Or stand at the free observation deck on the 27th floor of Toronto City Hall.
Royal Ontario Museum (ROM) – Natural History Museum
Ticket 23 CAD, worth the money. I loved the dinosaur exhibit and the Asian art collection. Every Friday from 4 PM to 8:30 PM, tickets are reduced to 15 CAD.
💡 Tip: If you go in a group of 4, buy the Family Pass for 80 CAD, cheaper than individual tickets.
Toronto Islands – Escape the City
Ferry from Jack Layton Terminal costs only 8.41 CAD round trip. The islands have beaches, bike paths, and the best view of the Toronto skyline. I rented a bike for 10 CAD/hour and cycled around the island in 2 hours.
What to Eat in Toronto?
- Poutine: Fries with cheese curds and gravy – try at Smoke's Poutinerie (8 CAD).
- Peameal Bacon Sandwich: Toronto specialty, at Carousel Bakery (7 CAD).
- Butter Tart: Canadian dessert, sweet but addictive.
Saving Money on Transport and Attractions
- Buy CityPASS (90 CAD) for 4 spots: CN Tower, ROM, Ripley's Aquarium, Casa Loma. Saves 30% compared to individual tickets.
- Use Presto Card (tap card) for TTC: fare reduced to 3.20 CAD/ride, free transfers between subway and bus within 2 hours.
- Free museums: Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO) free on Wednesdays 6 PM-9 PM, Bata Shoe Museum free on the first Sunday of the month.
⚠️ Note: Don't buy subway tickets from vending machines at stations – they only accept chip credit cards. Best to load your Presto Card in advance.
Final Thoughts
Toronto isn't as flashy as New York, but it's genuine and approachable. I love how this city balances nature and urban life, and blends different cultures. And thanks to SimNha eSIM, I never worried about losing signal when checking Google Maps or booking a table. Just install it before the trip – it's both economical and convenient, the smart way to travel.
