{{This post might contain affiliate links. If you use any of these links to buy a product, I will earn a small commission at no additional cost to you}}. Read my full disclosure for more details.

 

When you’ve got just 48 hours in Toronto, every moment of the itinerary counts. Nestled on the northern shores of Lake Ontario, Toronto is Canada’s largest city and a bustling metropolis known for its impressive skyline, diverse cuisine, and vibrant arts scene.

 

With a dizzying array of attractions to choose from, planning your trip might feel like a daunting task. That’s why we’ve crafted this essential guide to make the most out of your short stay and give you an ideal weekend in Toronto. Let’s dive into the best of what to do in Toronto, where to stay, and where to eat with this complete guide to Toronto.

 

48 Hours in Toronto: A Comprehensive Guide

How to Navigate in Toronto

Navigating the city effectively is key to making the most of your 48 hours in Toronto. As Canada’s largest city, Toronto boasts a comprehensive public transportation network, complemented by a host of other options to ensure you can get around efficiently and comfortably. Here’s how to get around Toronto:

 

Toronto Transit Commission (TTC)

The TTC operates an extensive network of subway lines, buses, and streetcars, making it the easiest and most affordable way to travel around and across the city. With the TTC, you can reach almost any part of Toronto without the need for a car. It operates from early morning till late at night, and a single fare will allow you to travel on the entire network. If you plan to use the TTC frequently during your 48 hours in Toronto, consider getting a Day Pass for unlimited travel.

 

Bike Share Toronto

If you prefer to explore the city on two wheels, consider using the Bike Share Toronto service. This is a fun, healthy, and eco-friendly way to see the city. The service has more than 600 stations across Toronto, and you can rent a bike 24/7. Day passes are available and perfect for those spending just 2 days in Toronto.

 

Walking

Toronto is a pedestrian-friendly city, and many of its main attractions are within walking distance of each other, especially downtown. If the weather’s nice, walking can be a great way to soak in the city’s vibrant atmosphere.

 

Taxis and Ride-Shares

For a more private and direct mode of transportation, taxis are available throughout the city. Ride-sharing services such as Uber and Lyft also operate in Toronto and can be booked using their respective smartphone apps.

 

Driving

While it’s possible to drive in Toronto, it’s worth noting that traffic can be heavy, especially during peak hours, and parking can be expensive in the downtown area. If you’re only in the city for 48 hours, it might be more convenient to use the options above.

 

Remember, one of the best ways to get to know Toronto is by exploring its diverse neighborhoods on foot or by bike, where you’ll discover hidden gems and local hotspots. Enjoy your 48 hours in Toronto!

How to Get to the City from the Airport

If you fly into the Billy Bishop Airport or Toronto Pearson International Airport and your accommodation is in the city, you can just take a street car and get to your destination easily. Please note, that you won’t be able to buy a ticket inside the street car. The only way to pay inside is if you have coins (or a transport card). To use public transport in Toronto, you will have to buy a Presto card. You can find this card in any subway station and also at the Shopper’s drug markets. After that, you can just load it with more money at the  Presto machines or online.

 

If you have no card, you still can ride the street car since nobody checks it, but please keep in mind it’s not legal and you might be fined in case there are controllers. I rode them a few times and it was okay. If you fly to another airport, you can also use public transport to get to the city. Just use Google Maps for directions.

Where to Stay in Toronto

The Planet Traveler Hostel (my personal choice)

I stayed at this hostel on my visit to Toronto and for budget travelers, this eco-friendly hostel is both comfortable and conveniently located. It’s just a few steps away from the bustling Kensington Market and Chinatown. The Planet Traveler Hostel ($50 per night) offers both shared dormitories and private rooms. Despite its low rates, the hostel provides numerous free amenities, including Wi-Fi, breakfast, and access to a fully equipped kitchen. One of the highlights is the rooftop lounge, which offers panoramic views of Toronto skyline.

 

The Anndore House

The Anndone House ($344 per night) is a stylish mid-range option located in downtown Toronto. The hotel’s 113 rooms are spacious and decked out with all the latest tech amenities, including Bluetooth speakers and espresso machines. The retro-inspired decor adds a distinctive charm to the place. A notable feature is the hotel’s restaurant, Constantine, which serves a delightful blend of Mediterranean and Canadian cuisines.

 

The Fairmont Royal York

Located in the heart of the city, this is one of Toronto’s grandest and most luxurious hotels. Since its opening in 1929, it’s been a symbol of elegance and comfort. The hotel ($450 per night) features a stunningly designed lobby, spacious rooms with all the modern amenities, and an impressive selection of dining options. For relaxation, guests can visit the indoor pool, and fitness center, or indulge in the on-site spa. The Fairmont Royal York is just steps away from major sights like the CN Tower, Ripley’s Aquarium, and Scotiabank Arena, making it a perfect base for exploring the city.

 

The Drake Hotel

Situated in the vibrant Queen West neighborhood, the Drake hotel Toronto ($400 per night) offers a unique and contemporary boutique experience. The hotel is deeply integrated with the local arts community, featuring rotating exhibits and live music performances. Guest rooms are compact but artfully designed, reflecting a blend of vintage and modern styles. It is not as budget-friendly as the other options below but it offers you a unique experience if you want to spend a weekend in Toronto!

 

Where to Eat in Toronto

If you’re planning on spending 48 hours in Toronto, one of the key highlights of your trip is bound to be the city’s vibrant food scene. Here’s a curated list of where to eat to get a true taste of Toronto.

 

Alo: Kick off your two days in Toronto with an unforgettable fine dining experience at Alo. This Michelin-starred restaurant in Toronto offers a contemporary take on French cuisine. Alo’s tasting menu, paired with its luxurious atmosphere, will leave a lasting impression.

 

Bar Isabel: Dive into a rustic Spanish experience at Bar Isabel. Renowned for its tapas, this restaurant is ideal for a casual, flavor-packed dinner. Their house-cured meats and seafood dishes are must-tries and one of the city’s attractions.

 

Richmond Station: For a true Canadian culinary experience in the city of Toronto, head over to Richmond Station. Owned by a Top Chef Canada winner, the restaurant serves up creative, locally sourced dishes that change daily.

 

You should try the famous Canadian food while in Toronto, the Poutine. It is a french fries, cheese curds topped with gravy. It is not served in all places, so it might be tricky to find some, but I heard it’s worth it.

 

What to Do in Toronto in 48 Hours

Unpacking the best of Toronto’s attractions in just two days is a thrilling challenge. Your days in Toronto may be part of a unique experience, full of joyful moments. As you plan your 48-hour Toronto trip, here are the top things to see to truly immerse yourself in the city’s vibrant culture and history and not miss any of its top attractions.

Day 1

Visit CN Tower

Begin your 48 hours in Toronto by reaching for the sky at the CN Tower. With breathtaking views of the city from the top, this landmark is a fitting start to your weekend trip in Toronto. This is the tallest tower in the city and an iconic point that you can’t miss during your Toronto itinerary.

 

Enjoy Your Day at Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada

Nestled beside the CN Tower, this immersive aquarium is a crowd-pleaser, making it a must-visit for families and marine life enthusiasts.

 

Discover Harbourfront Centre

Take a stroll along Toronto’s picturesque Harbourfront. Enjoy the stunning lake views, dine at one of the many eateries, or explore the art installations along the way.

 

Visit Chinatown

Wrap up your first day by exploring the vibrant streets of one of the largest Chinatowns in North America. Enjoy an array of sumptuous food options, from traditional dim sum to fusion delicacies. You can easily spend a few hours here as it is a famous Toronto attraction.

 

Explore OCAD

The Toronto College of Art is a very cool building. It is a large steel box truss that is like a tabletop with a bright design and colors. There is also the park near where you can take a break, have a picnic and just relax after the long walk. Here you will find many Toronto native people hanging out and enjoying outdoor activities.

 

Explore Toronto’s Theatre District

Round off your 48 hours in Toronto by catching a live performance in the city’s bustling Theatre District. It offers a range of shows to suit every taste, from Broadway musicals to avant-garde plays

Go to a Baseball Match

If you are a baseball fan, you will love to see the Toronto Blue Jays during a match. The Blue Jays play their home games at Rogers Centre (originally known as SkyDome), located near the northern shore of Lake Ontario in the heart of Toronto. The stadium is notable for being one of the first stadiums with a fully retractable motorized roof, as well as for its hotel with rooms overlooking the field. It has been the Blue Jays’ home since its opening in 1989.

Day 2

Visit Royal Ontario Museum (ROM)

Kick off day two of your 48 hours in Toronto with a visit to ROM. This cultural treasure house offers a wide array of art, culture, and natural history exhibits. Also, include the street art into your two-day itinerary to help you grasp the beauty of this city even better.

 

Check Out the Kensington Market

Up next in your 48-hour itinerary, visit the eclectic Kensington Market. Known for its vibrant energy, this area offers a mix of vintage stores, specialty shops, and diverse food places.

 

Explore the Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO)

Art enthusiasts shouldn’t miss the AGO, which houses a vast collection of more than 95,000 works of art. Your Toronto trip wouldn’t be complete without this artistic experience.

 

Go to the Distillery District

As evening approaches, head to the Distillery District. This national historic site offers unique restaurants, art galleries, and boutiques nestled among beautiful Victorian architecture. The Mill Street Brewery is a great place to stop for a break and a good drink.

 

Visit the Hockey Hall of Fame

Visiting the Hockey Hall of Fame in Toronto is a must-do for hockey enthusiasts and a fascinating experience for anyone interested in sports history. Located in the heart of downtown Toronto, the Hockey Hall of Fame serves as a tribute to the history of ice hockey in Canada and around the world, showcasing the sport’s greatest players, teams, and achievements.

 

Take a Day Trip to the Toronto Islands

 

 

Make your visit even more interesting by checking out the Toronto islands! There are 3 islands in Toronto (Hanlan’s, Center, and Ward’s) which you can easily walk from one to another. There is a ferry you can take to get there which has multiple schedules during the day.

 

If you want to discover all 3 islands, start from Hanlans and walk through the Wards island. Hanlan’s island is the less crowded (when I was there, there were only a few people), so I didn’t feel comfortable despite it was a day time, but since it requires a lot of walking (~30 min) to the Centre island, I was feeling a bit uncomfortable, but I made it :).

 

There are also bikes you can rent on each island (the price starts from $10 per hour and up), but the downside of that is that you can only ride it on the same island. So I didn’t rent it for this reason and I just walked on all 3 islands instead. There are few places to eat and some areas for rest on each island as well. The Centre Island is the one I liked the most. There are no homes on Hanlan’s and Centre Islands, so no one lives there, but you will see some houses and more residents on Wards Island.

 

Check out the beauty of Niagara Falls

Niagara Falls is one of the most famous natural attractions in North America and is relatively close to Toronto, making it a popular day trip or overnight destination for visitors to the city. The distance between Toronto and Niagara Falls is approximately 130 kilometers (about 80 miles), which translates to a driving time of around 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on traffic and the exact starting point in Toronto.

 

There are several ways to visit Niagara Falls from Toronto:

 

Driving: If you have access to a car, driving is one of the most flexible ways to visit Niagara Falls. There is ample parking near the falls, and you can explore the area at your own pace.

 

Bus Tours: There are many bus tours available that offer round-trip transportation around the city and from Toronto to Niagara Falls. These tours often include additional attractions such as a boat tour near the falls or a visit to the picturesque town of Niagara-on-the-Lake.

 

Public Transportation: It’s possible to use public transportation, such as buses and trains, to get from Toronto to Niagara Falls, though this option may require more planning and time.

 

Train: Toronto railway can be very useful in such a trip. Via Rail and GO Transit offer train services from Toronto to Niagara Falls. The journey can be a scenic and relaxing way to travel, though you’ll need to check schedules and availability.

 

Visiting Niagara Falls from Toronto can be done as a day trip, but staying overnight in the Niagara region can also be rewarding. This allows more time to explore the falls from both the Canadian and American sides (passport permitting), enjoy the many attractions in the area, and perhaps visit local wineries in the Niagara Peninsula, known for its excellent wines.

Finish Your Day by Viewing the Sunset at  Riverdale Park

If you are staying near the Kensington market, you can explore Toronto’s main sights. That’s what I did. I just walked and walked and walked and I was able to see all the Toronto has to offer in just 3 hours on my first day. If you have some time left after that, you can also check the cool little spot in the city Evergreen Brickworks (an old brick foundry that has been transformed into an ecological space). You can get there by taking a free shuttle from the Broadview station that leaves every 30 minutes.

Safety Tips for 48 Hours in Toronto

Navigating any major city requires a blend of excitement and caution. During your Toronto weekend, keep these safety tips in mind to ensure your visit is not only fun but also secure:

 

Stay Alert: Always be aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded areas or on public transit. This is essential no matter where you are, but especially so when spending a quick 48 hours in Toronto, where you’ll be exploring many bustling areas.

 

Respect Traffic Rules: Toronto’s streets can be busy, so always adhere to traffic rules. Cross at marked crosswalks and only when the pedestrian signal indicates it’s safe.

 

Licensed Taxis and Ride-Shares: For safe and reliable transportation, use only licensed taxis and recognized ride-share services like Uber or Lyft.

 

Night Safety: Stick to well-lit, populated areas when out at night. Toronto is generally safe, but it’s wise to stay in areas where there are others around.

 

Keep Valuables Safe: Keep your valuables secure and out of sight, particularly in crowded areas or when using public transport.

 

Stay Hydrated and Protected: If visiting in the summer months, remember to stay hydrated and use sunscreen. The excitement of spending 48 hours in Toronto can make it easy to forget these simple health precautions.

 

Emergency Services: In case of an emergency, call 911. It’s a good idea to have this and other essential numbers stored in your phone.

 

Remember, these tips are there to help you stay safe, but don’t let them deter you from enjoying your trip. Toronto is known for its friendly locals and welcoming atmosphere, so get ready to make the most of your 48 hours in Toronto.

 

If you happen to be in Toronto and thinking of visiting nearby cities in Canada, I highly suggest going to Montreal. You can easily take a train which will only take 4-5 hours and arrive at the central station.

Budget Expectations for 48 Hours in Toronto

Crafting a budget for 48 hours in Toronto can vary depending on your preferences and travel style. However, to help you plan, here’s a rough estimate of costs for a typical 48-hour visit to Toronto:

 

Accommodation: Expect to pay anywhere from CAD 50 per night for a bed in a hostel to CAD 250 (or more) per night for a mid-range hotel. Let’s budget for a mid-range hotel at CAD 250 per night for two nights – CAD 500.

 

Food: Toronto is a food lover’s paradise, with options to fit all budgets. A good average to work with is CAD 50 per day for budget meals, CAD 100 for moderate dining, and CAD 200 for high-end dining. Let’s budget CAD 100 per day – CAD 200 for two days.

 

Transportation: A TTC Day Pass costs CAD 13 per day and covers unlimited travel on all TTC services within the city. For two days, that’s CAD 26. If you prefer to use taxis or ride-sharing services, budget for around CAD 20-30 per ride.

 

Attractions: Entrance fees can add up. The CN Tower costs around CAD 38 for the basic ticket, Ripley’s Aquarium is about CAD 33, and a general admission ticket to the Royal Ontario Museum is CAD 23. Other attractions may have lower or no entrance fees. Let’s budget around CAD 100 for attractions.

 

Entertainment: If you decide to catch a show in Toronto’s Theatre District, ticket prices can range from CAD 25 for smaller productions to CAD 250 for top-tier seats at popular shows. Let’s set aside CAD 100 for entertainment.

 

Miscellaneous: It’s always a good idea to set aside some funds for shopping, extra food, and drink, or unexpected expenses. We’ll add CAD 100 for this category.

 

By this estimate, for 48 hours in Toronto, you would need around CAD 1026 for a mid-range experience. Remember, this is just a rough estimate. Actual expenses could be higher or lower depending on a variety of factors including the time of year, personal preferences, and unexpected costs. Make sure to research and plan accordingly to make the most out of your 48 hours in Toronto!

 

Final Thoughts

48 hours in Toronto may seem like a whirlwind, but with careful planning, you can experience the best the city has to offer. Remember to soak in the city’s multicultural spirit, try its diverse cuisine, and revel in its artistic wonders. Toronto’s blend of cosmopolitan charm and friendly vibes will undoubtedly leave you wanting more. And any time is the best time to visit Toronto as this charming city has a lot to offer.

 

If you go to Toronto during the summer the weather will help you stroll through the streets in warm but not too hot temperatures. Keep in mind that winters get very cold here and, while still beautiful, you will need to dress for freezing temperatures. Safe travels!

 

Pin it for later