Trust us, here's how you do Toronto right

Shop around Fashion District

Credit: Natalie-Elizabeth Tan

1/18

If shopping is your cardio, you absolutely have to shop in The Fashion District is a great place to do just that — cult favourite brand Aritzia actually hails from Canada, so it would basically be criminal not to pop by when you’re there! Other than that, check out stores like Urban Outfitters and Brandy Melville.

Fashion Dsitrict, Toronto, ON, Canada

Indulge in gyros in Greektown

Credit: Natalie-Elizabeth Tan

2/18

As someone who’s had her fair share of Mediterranean food, trust me when I say the gyros from Messini in Greektown are the best I’ve had. The eatery always has a line, but fret not as ravished diners are sat at tables at lightning speed. Messini serves up classic Greek dishes, and the gyros pita is so, so good, my dining partners and I were awed at every bite.

445 Danforth Ave, Toronto, ON M4K 1P2, Canada

Sample authentic Greek pastries

Credit: Natalie-Elizabeth Tan

3/18

Serano Bakery is somewhat a hidden gem owing to its location in a residential area. This family-run bakery has rows after rows of tantalising European and Greek pastries (think cookies, cakes, baklava and more) on display, all at affordable prices too. Of course, you have to try the classic baklava, and their baklava-inspired pastries are pretty good too.

830 Pape Ave, East York, ON M4K 3T5, Canada

Nom on crispy, cheesy poutine

Credit: Natalie-Elizabeth Tan

4/18

You absolutely must try this Canadian classic while you’re here! Poutine comprises fries, cheese curds and brown gravy, although it’s popular enough that many places put their own twist on it. Smoke’s Poutinerie is definitely the spot to head to for some freshly prepared poutine. From the classic to Korean and Indian-inspired versions, there’s something for everyone.

Available at multiple locations

Explore The Distillery District

Credit: Natalie-Elizabeth Tan

5/18

This gorgeous historic area has no shortage of things to eat, see and do. Here, you can dine at one of their many restaurants, catch a live performance, shop at locally-owned boutiques, and check out some contemporary art. We enjoyed shopping for non-cheesy Toronto souvenirs there! And if you’re an avid fan of Canadian skincare brand The Ordinary, you’ll be pleased to know they have an outpost right there.

Distillery District, Toronto, ON, Canada

Take in the city from above

Credit: Natalie-Elizabeth Tan

6/18

With a skyline that easily beats our little red dot’s (sorry Singapore!), lounging at a rooftop bar is a must. There are many places to do this at — head to Kost for up-close views of the CN Tower, while Lavelle (pictured) and Harriet’s Rooftop are great for sweeping views of The 6ix.

One thing to note though, is that drinks do not come cheap — a mediocre long island iced tea at Lavelle set us back a hefty $30! So keep in mind that if you go, it’ll mostly be for the views and vibes, not the drinks and nosh.

627 King St W, Toronto, ON M5V 1M5, Canada

Savour phenomenal Italian food

Credit: Natalie-Elizabeth Tan

7/18

One of the buzziest restaurants in Toronto, Gusto 101 and its sister resto Gusto 501 dish out some impressively delish Italian food, like the best (and I mean best!) truffle pasta I’ve ever had. And don’t forget to try their house pours that are as affordable as they are good, coming in at just a dollar an ounce.

Gusto 101: 101 Portland Street, Toronto, ON M5V 2N3, Canada
Gusto 501: 501 King Street East, Toronto, ON M5A 1L9, Canada

Share a beavertail (or not)

Credit: Natalie-Elizabeth Tan

8/18

If I were to describe a beavertail, I would term it the love child of fried dough and churros, doused in a sweet topping of your choice. (There’s flavours like Nutells, cheesecake, cinnamon and more!) So sinful yet so good, it’s definitely worth treating yourself to one from the namesake dessert spot while you’re there.

Available at multiple locations

Stroll around Allan Gardens Conservatory

Credit: Natalie-Elizabeth Tan

9/18

This gorgeous quaint indoor botanical garden features five greenhouses, displaying larger-than-life cacti, vibrant orchids and even a seasonal flower show. The blooms are gorgeous, and if you’re lucky you may even have the whole place to yourself!

There’s ponds with koi fish and tortoises too. The tortoises roam freely, so don’t be surprised if you see a couple of them traipsing around the conservatory grounds.

160 Gerrard St E, Toronto, ON M5A 2E5, Canada

Hang out at a speakeasy

Credit: Natalie-Elizabeth Tan

10/18

Big Trouble is a Chinatown bar that transforms into a club at 11pm each night, which works great so you don’t have to head to a different locale to continue your party.

The reasonably-priced cocktails incorporate Asian flavours, such as Calpico, mangosteen, umeshu and ginger. The innovative bites are worth checking out too — take your pick from dishes such as kimchi brussel sprouts and Tiger Beer-battered popcorn chicken.

Speaking from experience, it’s best to come before 11pm so you’ll have table service and get to keep the table even after it becomes a club.

460 Dundas St W 2nd floor, Toronto, ON M5T 1G9, Canada

At this popular joint situated in the heart of Chinatown, the dumplings are nothing if not juicy. You’ll recognise the place when you see it, as there’s probably a line that snakes out the door, no matter what time of day it is.

The menu features soup dumplings — both pan-fried and steamed — sheng jian bao, potstickers and chilli oil wontons, alongside familiar Chinese snacks like green onion pancake and fried dough sticks. The food was so good, we each demolished fifteen pieces.

280 Spadina Avenue, Toronto, ON M5T 0A1, Canada

Be prepared to stuff yourself at St. Lawrence Market, a huge hall filled with numerous food vendors. There’s anything from Chinese roast pork and fresh handmade pasta to mouthwatering seafood and gourmet sausage.

After a fulfilling lunch, head downstairs to Everyday Coffee Gourmet Roasters — the amazing aroma will attract you — they have an exquisite maple black walnut latte, the perfect way to end your meal.

Pop by Kim’s Convenience

Credit: Natalie-Elizabeth Tan

13/18

Have you seen the popular Canadian sitcom Kim’s Convenience? Starring Simu Liu, Andrew Phang and more, the endearing show about a Korean family that runs a convenience store is actually set in Toronto.

Even better, the actual storefront you see in the show is not a set — it exists right here in this city! So why not pay Kim’s Convenience a visit if you’re a fan? Although we will admit, the interior is way underwhelming. (The interior seen on the show is actually a set.)

252 Queen Street East, Toronto, ON M5A 1S3, Canada

Learn about history at the Royal Ontario Museum

Credit: Natalie-Elizabeth Tan

14/18

History buffs, make sure to bookmark the Royal Ontario Museum. Showcasing art, culture and nature from around the world spanning the ages, Canada’s largest museum has some pretty intriguing exhibits.

Examine the origins of the T-Rex, understand the environmental impact of fashion or immerse yourself in indigenous Canadian culture. And if you happen to be there on the second Tuesday of the month, admission is free!

100 Queens Park, Toronto, ON M5S 2C6, Canada

Stay at The Drake Hotel

Credit: Natalie-Elizabeth Tan

15/18

While unassuming on the outside, this boutique hotel is actually an artsy enclave, home to an eclectic mix of exciting arts and culture events. There’s art everywhere you go, including the rooms, which each have curated artwork. More often than not, there’ll be an exhibition in the lobby, while there’s something on almost every night in the Drake Underground, the hotel’s own performance venue.

1150 Queen St W, Toronto, ON M6J 1J3, Canada

Kensington Market is a walkable neighbourhood that’s a treasure trove of curated thrift stores, indie boutiques, art spaces, eateries and more. I recommend grabbing a coffee at Jimmy’s Coffee while exploring the hood, before stopping for lunch at Seven Lives Tacos y Mariscos. The shrimp, mushroom and cod tacos are all scrumptious.

Come on the weekend when it’s the liveliest, and perhaps you’ll even stumble upon The Spontaneous Prose Store, a delightful poet with a typewriter sitting at a desk in the heart of the market. Tell them everything (or nothing!) and they’ll compose a personalised poem before your very eyes. My companion and I surprised each other with a poem, and it’s actually one of my favourite things I did on this trip!

Kensington Market, Toronto, ON, Canada

Indulge in cake from the legendary Carlo’s Bake Shop

Credit: Natalie-Elizabeth Tan

17/18

Happen to be a fan of the popular reality show Cake Boss? You’ll be pleased to know that there are Carlo’s Bake Shop vending machines around Toronto, dispensing generous slices of red velvet cake, chocolate cake and more.

Available at multiple locations

Journey to the Toronto Islands

Credit: Natalie-Elizabeth Tan

18/18

Serene and scenic, the Toronto Islands — just a short ride from the city via ferry — makes a great day trip. With benches and lounge chairs aplenty, you can relax and take in the Toronto skyline. Although there are food and beverage options on the island, I suggest you bring your own food and drink instead. Oh, and if you’re visiting in summer, don’t forget to bring insect repellent.

9 Queens Quay West, Toronto, ON M5J 2H3, Canada