Posted: April 11, 2023 | April 11, 2023
It may lack the scenery of Vancouver or the historic charm of Montreal, but Toronto has a lot to offer.
The CN Tower, one of the world's tallest free-standing structures, is located here and is home to numerous museums and galleries, including the Ontario Science Center and the Royal Ontario Museum. There's also a huge Chinatown that boasts delicious and affordable food. laid-back Kensington Market and hippie vibe; and the beautiful shores of Lake Ontario.
Not surprisingly, Toronto is quite spread out, with over 3 million people calling it home. There is a decent public transportation system, but it's a good idea to plan which neighborhood you want to stay in. Preferably, depending on your interests and lifestyle, avoid wasting too much time and money on the go. ).
To help you decide where to stay in Toronto, we'll highlight some of the best neighborhoods below. You can choose a region that suits your travel style and budget.
But before we get into the specifics, here are some frequently asked questions about Toronto neighborhoods:
What are the best neighborhoods for first-time visitors?
Centrally located, Downtown Yonge is probably Toronto's busiest neighborhood. If this is your first time here, this is the place.
What's the best neighborhood for shopping?
Yorkville is filled with great shopping opportunities. Everything from unique boutiques to multinational chains are represented here.
What are the best neighborhoods for foodies?
Neighboring Kensington Market and Chinatown are some of the oldest districts and are very spacious if you're hungry.
What's the best neighborhood to party in?
Danforth has a large Greek immigrant population and is generally a fun place to spend time. But once the sun goes down and the lights come on, it's also a great area to party.
What's the best neighborhood to feel like a local?
Home to the University of Toronto, the Annex is centrally located and bustling with young students marching to class or hanging out in one of the many restaurants and cafes in the neighborhood.
Based on the answers to these questions, below is a more specific breakdown of each neighborhood along with some recommended accommodations to help you know where to stay in Toronto.
Where to Stay in Toronto for First-Time Visitors: Downtown-Yonge
Downtown Yonge encompasses many smaller areas in central Toronto, including the Entertainment District and a huge shopping area. If you're new here, this is a pretty cool and busy place to base yourself for a while. You will be in the heart of the action and can go anywhere in the city from here.
There are also many interesting things to see and do, including the Toronto Eaton Centre, Yonge-Dundas Square, Cannon Theatre, Maple Leaf Gardens and Old Town Hall. The CN Tower is also a short distance away.
Best places to stay in Downtown Yonge:
- budget: St. Lawrence Residences & Suites — When considering affordable accommodations, there are few options in the area. This simple but comfortable hotel, located just over the border in St. Lawrence, is just that. Hotel rooms are small, and cheaper options have shared bathrooms, but rooms are clean and comfortable. The rooftop lounge is a great place to enjoy the sunset.
- midrange: Chelsea Hotel — This offers spacious rooms and great views of the Toronto skyline. Rooms feature blackout curtains, large plasma TVs, ultra-comfortable king and queen beds, and coffee machines. There is also a coffee shop and wine bar on site.
- Luxury: Pantages Hotel Downtown — Located in the heart of the action, this classic high-rise hotel is a stylish, modern hotel and a very luxurious place to lay your weary head. The 105 guest rooms feature thick queen and king mattresses, Keurig coffeemakers, plush sheets, plush towels, marble bathrooms, rain showers, and luxurious bath amenities. This hotel is especially suitable for those with theater tickets as it is located close to historic performing arts venues such as the Ed Mirvish Theater and The Elgin and Winter Garden Theater Centre.
Where to Stay in Toronto for Shopping: Yorkville
If you want to max out your credit card or take home something pretty, Yorkville is your best bet. The neighborhood is filled with shops and boutiques, and the streets are lined with stores that scream “Buy me!” Here you'll find everything from Hermès to Versace to Montreal-based jeweler Maison Birks. The flagship stores of many luxury brands are located right here.
Best places to stay in Yorkville:
- budget: Yorkville Plaza Suites — Considering the neighborhood's upscale feel, it's not surprising you won't find a hostel here. And there is very little affordable accommodation. However, the Yorkville Plaza Suites are relatively affordable. All rooms include a coffee maker, refrigerator, small oven and desk.
- midrange: The Yorkville Royal Sonesta — The Royal Sonesta boasts a heated indoor rooftop pool, vodka bar and on-site dining featuring a menu inspired by Toronto's cultural diversity. Rooms feature marble bathrooms, docking stations, LCD TVs, and coffeemakers.
- Luxury: Park Hyatt Toronto – Opened in 1936, this hotel has 219 rooms (including 40 suites). It underwent extensive remodeling in 2017 and reopened in 2021. Rooms feature Bluetooth speakers, blackout curtains, and Nespresso coffee makers. The restaurant inside is an upscale steakhouse.
Where to stay in Toronto for foodies: Kensington Market and Chinatown
Kensington Market is a trendy, unique and diverse area that attracts locals from all over the city. The streets are lined with funky coffee shops, street food carts and trucks, and small restaurants that reflect the ethnic and culinary diversity of Toronto as a whole.
Just south is Chinatown, a lively and fun neighborhood with a variety of Asian food options including Thai, Vietnamese, Japanese and Chinese restaurants.
Best places to stay in Kensington Market and Chinatown:
- budget: The Planet Traveler Hostel — Located on the northern border of Kensington Market, this eco-friendly hostel boasts free breakfast and a fun rooftop bar with great views. The hostel has a variety of sleeping options, all with comfortable beds with night lights.
- midrange: The Beverley — Located east of Chinatown and Kensington Market, this 3-star boutique hotel offers rooms with thick, comfortable mattresses, hardwood floors, and ornate walls. Complimentary high-quality coffee is always available in the lobby.
- Luxury: Ace Hotel — Just south of Chinatown is the Ace Hotel. Inside, you'll feel like you've walked onto a Wes Anderson movie set, with old typewriters and taxidermy galore. As the name suggests, the rooms are small, medium and large, and all have record players, walk-in showers and minibars stocked with locally produced products.
Where to Party in Toronto: The Danforth
Home to the largest Greek community in North America, with street signs in both English and Greek, Danforth (aka “Greektown”) is the place to come if you want to eat souvlaki or moussaka or just see where they are. We filmed part of the movie My Big Fat Greek Wedding.
But it's also a fun place to party. The area has many great bars, including the Danforth Music Hall, which hosts local and international acts.
Best places to stay in Danforth:
- budget: The Only Backpackers Inn — With a ground-floor espresso bar, a quaint pub with over 200 beers from around the world, and a barbecue area, this hostel is a fun and relaxing place to spend a few days. There are small dormitory-style rooms and private rooms, some of which have their own kitchen. Breakfast is free.
- midrange: Color Cube Guest House — Located on the west side of the Danforth, Color Cube Guest House is – you guessed it – colorful. The rooms are bright and cheerful, filled with greens, purples, oranges and blues. Scooters can be rented on site.
- Luxury: The Broadview Hotel — Located just south of the Danforth, the Broadview is the most luxurious hotel in Toronto's East End. This iconic, historic hotel has 58 rooms with high ceilings, comfortable beds, large windows and dark wooden floors. The rooftop bar has a great view. This design-friendly hotel is the ideal home away from home in Toronto.
Where to Stay in Toronto to Feel Like a Local: Annex
Located next to the University of Toronto's St. George campus, the annex is bustling with students and other young people strolling the streets to patronize the neighborhood's many indie bookstores, funky cafes, cheap restaurants and busy bars. If you want to mingle like a local, the Annex is a good base.
Best places to stay in the annex:
- budget: University of Toronto New College Residences — You'll find over 200 beds for short stays, most of which are single rooms with a single or double bed. Although it's nothing fancy, there's free Wi-Fi and coin-operated laundry facilities on site.
- midrange: Madison Manor Boutique Hotel — This Victorian-style B&B is incredibly charming and a short walk from the subway. Suites have private fireplaces and the on-site pub has around 200 beers on tap. The rooms are small but cozy and comfortable.
- Luxury: The Four Seasons — Located a few blocks west of the Annex, the Four Seasons is the epitome of luxury. Rooms offer spectacular views through floor-to-ceiling windows and feature stereo systems, deskside charging stations, granite bathrooms, and plush robes. The on-site restaurant is Café Boulud, run by super chef Daniel Boulud.
Toronto has a diverse mix of neighborhoods, all of which seem to have their own unique personality and style. This even applies to neighboring areas. Getting around Toronto by public transportation is easy, but it's always comforting to stay in an area of the city that suits your interests and style. You'll save not only time but also money, allowing you to get the most out of your visit to Canada's most popular city.
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