WHERE TO STAY IN TORONTO AS A TOURIST

On the map, which shows the best place to stay in Toronto, you can see a selection of some of the best located hotels.

If you are interested in where to stay in Toronto, you may also be interested in where to stay in Ottawa, where to stay in Quebec City and where to stay in Vancouver.

Downtown, the best area to stay in Toronto

The best place to stay in Toronto is the downtown area, a vibrant city center that hosts the Toronto International Film Festival, or TIFF for short, every year. Downtown has much to offer in dining, shopping, nightlife and attractions. Here you will find the city’s iconic CN Tower, reaching 553.3 meters high with its revolving cafe and panoramic views. For shopping, the Eaton Center offers more than 250 stores and restaurants with a glass ceiling illuminating the interior walkways. If you enjoy markets, you won’t be disappointed by the St. Lawrence Market. Situated in an historical brick building with over 100 vendors, the market is an excellent place to buy specialty cheeses, meats, organic produce and more.

The downtown area boasts some of the best museums and art galleries, such as the Art Gallery of Ontario and the Gardiner Museum. There is also the Hockey Hall of Fame with its fun interactive displays for sports fans, as well as the Bata Shoe Museum where you can learn about the history of shoes.

With the variety of cuisine and prices, there is something to please everyone in the downtown area. You have your choice of French and Italian to Thai and Japanese restaurants depending on what you’re in the mood for. The Canoe Restaurant is claimed to be one of Canada’s finest restaurants, sitting at the 54^th floor with excellent city views. After dinner, you might want to listen to a live show at the Horseshoe Tavern, offering shows just about every night of the week. Or you could catch a fly ball at the Rogers Center, where you can see the Toronto Blue Jays baseball team.

Hotels in Downtown Toronto

Other areas to stay in Toronto

Yorkville

Only 1.5 miles north of the downtown area, Yorkville is just a stone’s throw away. It is a fashionable area in Toronto known for its designer boutiques and posh hotels. This area is a great place to stay if you fancy haute couture and luxury items. Bloor Street’s “Mink Mile” is an exclusive shopping district famous for its high-end stores, such as Gucci, Prada, and Dolce & Gabbana, as well as Versace and Chanel. Check out Indian-inspired gowns at Mani Jassal, a local fashion designer, or Over the Rainbow, which specializes in jeans and has been around since 1975.

There are plenty of wonderful spots to eat and drink in Yorkville, too. If outdoor dining is your thing, Yorkville has plenty of hip cafes and restaurants with a variety of cuisines. There are even rooftop dining options if you wish to eat under the light of the stars. During the Toronto International Film Festival, which takes place in the summer and is one of the largest film festivals in the world, you might run into one of Hollywood’s elite, who typically stay in the fancy hotels in this neighborhood. For beauty and wellness, Yorkville has some of the best spas and salons with top hairstylists to treat yourself or a loved one.

Hotels in Yorkville

Etobicoke

Etobicoke is a modern suburb along the Humber River just 8 miles west of the downtown area. Located only 5 miles from the Toronto Pearson International Airport, this area is an ideal location to stay if you have to catch an early flight, because you’re not far off. You can arrive in only 7 minutes by taxi. Etobicoke is known for its outdoor sports, nature walks, and hiking. It’s a peaceful area to stay where you can enjoy your time out in nature in the lakefront parks, gardens, or on the beaches. You can stroll along both paved and unpaved trails near the Etobicoke River, which flows into Lake Ontario.

For a beautiful display of seasonal plants and flowers, visit the Centennial Park Greenhouse, or wander through James Gardens or Marie Curtis Park. For shopping, the commercial district of Islington – City Centre West offers many shopping complexes and chain restaurants for casual dining.

Hotels in Etobicoke

Scarborough

Located roughly 15 miles east of the downtown area, Scarborough is a great location situated a short distance from the hustle and bustle of the downtown area. A multicultural area, Scarborough offers a diverse range of restaurants, including Asian and Indian cuisines. You can treat yourself to jerk chicken at Chris Jerk or Alaskan king crab at Fishman Lobster Clubhouse Restaurant.

This area is an ideal place to stay for families, as it offers nice escapes into nature or a visit to the Toronto Zoo, where you can see tigers and gorillas. In this area you will find the Scarborough Bluffs, picturesque cliffs that look out onto Lake Ontario. There are plenty of walking trails to get a bit of exercise and fresh air, such as the 14-kilometer trail along the bluffs. You can even explore the trails on snow shoe in the winter.

Hotels in Scarborough

North York

About 7 miles north of the downtown area, North York is a good place to stay for  less expensive hotel options with budget and mid-range prices. This multicultural district is home to the Aga Khan Museum with its display of Islamic art, as well as the Ontario Science Centre that will delight visitors of all ages with its interactive exhibits. For shopping, there is both a flea market and a farmers’ market, in addition to Yorkdale Shopping Centre, a modern shopping mall with 270 stores ranging from designer labels to home decor and technology.

For a bit of history, try exploring an authentic village and “living” history museum called Black Creek Pioneer Village where you can immerse yourself in the 1860s. There are plenty of casual restaurants in North York to catch a bite to eat. You can choose from a variety of steakhouses, taverns, pizzerias, and even modern Greek cuisine.

Hotels in North York