The Perfect 2-Day Toronto Itinerary for Your First Visit

If you’re planning a trip to Toronto and only have a couple of days, this itinerary will help you see a lot without trying to do too much.

I visited Toronto in early July and spent a few days exploring the city. After that trip, I realized you don’t need a full week here. You just need a well planned couple of days. Toronto is a big city, but a lot of the main sights are close enough that it is easy to group things together and not waste time going back and forth.

This 2 day Toronto itinerary is based on what I actually did, plus a few extra stops I think are worth adding if it is your first visit. It is a mix of the main highlights, some local neighborhoods, time by the water, and some of my favorite places we ate along the way.

My Honest Thoughts on Toronto

Before getting into the itinerary, I want to share a quick honest takeaway from my trip.

We road tripped to Toronto from the U.S. and spent a few days exploring the city. While I’m really glad we went, it didn’t end up being my favorite city to visit compared to places like New York, Chicago, or Montreal.

For me, it just didn’t feel like as much of a “vacation” city with tons to do, but we still had a good time, enjoyed some great food, and there are definitely spots I think are worth seeing, especially if it’s your first time.

This 2-day Toronto itinerary is based on what we did and what I would recommend if you’re planning a short trip.

2-Day Toronto Itinerary

Day 1: Iconic Toronto Sights + Distillery District

For your first day in Toronto, I recommend focusing on the main highlights and staying mostly in the downtown area.

This is a busier day, but everything is close enough that it flows well and you won’t spend a lot of time going back and forth across the city.

Breakfast at Eggspectation

We all really enjoyed our breakfast at Eggspectation!

I got the the Eggstravana dish and highly recommend it. It comes with French toast, your choice of meat, eggs, and potatoes.

See the Views from CN Tower

If it’s your first time in Toronto, I do think the CN Tower is worth it.

It’s one of the most recognizable landmarks in the city, and even though the ticket price is high (around $47 CAD), the views are really good. You get a full panoramic view of downtown, Lake Ontario, and on a clear day, you can even see all the way to Niagara Falls.

If you want to make it feel a little more worth the time, you can book a reservation at the 360 Restaurant instead of buying a general admission ticket. Your meal includes access to the observation deck, which is a nice bonus.

We didn’t do the EdgeWalk since it’s pretty expensive (around $225 CAD) and honestly a little intimidating 😧, but if you like more adventurous experiences, it could be a really fun experience.

Helpful tips:

Book your tickets in advance on their website if you’re visiting during peak season
Go earlier in the morning or closer to sunset to avoid crowds
Check the weather before you go since visibility makes a big difference

The tall CN Tower in the background behind the Marriott hotel in Toronto on a clear sunny day in the summer. — **CN Tower**

Walk Along the Harbourfront

After the CN Tower, I recommend taking some time to walk along the Harbourfront.

This wasn’t originally in our plan, but I’m really glad we did it. It was a nice way to slow down a bit after a busy start to the morning, and the views of Lake Ontario and the skyline were really nice.

You will pass by Harbourfront Centre and a few spots where you can sit by the water. If the weather is nice, I would take your time here instead of hurrying to the next stop.

Late Morning at St. Lawrence Market

From there, head over to St. Lawrence Market, which ended up being one of my favorite things to do in Toronto.

It’s one of the oldest markets in Toronto and a great way to support local vendors and try a variety of delicious food. Even if you’re not that hungry, it’s still worth walking through and seeing everything.

If you are hungry, this is a great place to try a few different things instead of committing to one full meal.

What I recommend trying at St. Lawrence Market:

Peameal bacon sandwich from Paddington’s Pump (this is a Toronto classic)
Lobster roll from Buster’s Sea Cove
Craigel from St. Urbain (croissant + bagel hybrid)

If you’re visiting on a Saturday, there is also a farmers market.

Stop by the Gooderham Building (Quick Photo Spot)

A short walk from the market is the Gooderham Building, also known as Toronto’s Flatiron Building.

It’s a quick stop, but it’s a unique building worth seeing if you’re in the area.

Walk Through Yonge-Dundas Square + CF Toronto Eaton Centre

After seeing the Gooderham Building, make your way to Yonge-Dundas Square.

It’s often compared to Times Square. It’s smaller but still busy and full of big screens and energy. You don’t need to spend a lot of time here, but it’s worth walking through at least once to take it in.

Right across the street is the CF Toronto Eaton Centre, a large shopping mall with plenty of stores to browse. I especially liked Indigo Books, which has a great selection of books, stationery, puzzles, and fun little gifts.

For lunch, we stopped at Trattoria Mercatto inside the mall. The food was great and in a convenient location.

Stop at Nathan Phillips Square

From the CF Toronto Eaton Centre, it’s just a short walk to Nathan Phillips Square. Here you will find the large Toronto letter sign in front of City Hall.

It can be busy, but it’s worth stopping for a quick picture if that’s your thing.

Evening in the Distillery Historic District

End your first day in the Distillery Historic District.

This was easily one of my favorite areas in Toronto. It’s a pedestrian-only area with cobblestone streets, historic buildings, and a really fun atmosphere, especially in the evening.

Things to do in the Distillery Historic District:

Grab a coffee from Balzac’s
Get a dessert from Brick Street Bakery
Browse the local shops

Dinner recommendations:

El Catrin (great Mexican food and a really nice patio)
Mill Street Brewpub (more casual)

If you’re visiting Toronto during Christmas time, this area turns into a Christmas market, which I have heard is really popular.

Day 2: Toronto Islands + Local Neighborhoods

Your second day is a mix of being outside in nature and exploring popular local neighborhoods in Toronto.

Breakfast at Flipper’s

Flipper’s is a must if you love Japanese-style pancakes or want to try them. I got the strawberry pancakes, which were delicious, but my mom got the pancakes with fresh fruit, and I think those were even better.

Their seating is limited, and it fills up quickly, so I highly recommend making a reservation, even on a weekday. We made one for our visit, and it definitely was nice to have.

Morning: Ferry to Toronto Islands

After breakfast, start your day at the Jack Layton Ferry Terminal and take the ferry to Centre Island.

The Toronto Islands are a group of small islands just off the city’s waterfront, known for beaches, bike paths, parks, and quiet residential streets. They are a nice escape from the city without having to travel far.

The ferry ride takes about 10 to 15 minutes, and I recommend standing on the upper level for the best skyline views. Roundtrip tickets are around $9 CAD, and ferries run every 30 to 45 minutes. You can see the ferry schedule here.

📝 Note: I would probably only visit from summer through early fall, June to September, when all the attractions are open and for the best weather.

💡 Tip: I would try to get on the earliest ferry if you can to try and avoid the crowds.

The blue and white two level ferry that takes you from the Jack Layton ferry terminal in Toronto to the Toronto Islands. — **Jack Layton Ferry Terminal**

The view of the Toronto skyline you see over Lake Ontario while riding the ferry to Toronto Islands on a summer day. — **View of Toronto Skyline from Ferry to Toronto Islands**

Explore the Islands by Bike

Once you get to Centre Island, I highly recommend renting bikes to explore all the islands.

This ended up being one of my favorite parts of the trip because it’s such a fun and easy way to explore.

We rented a quadricycle from Toronto Island Bicycle Rental, which was fun, but regular bikes are probably the better option if you want to cover more ground faster.

Areas to explore on Toronto Islands:

Centre Island
Ward’s Island (quieter and more local-feeling)
Algonquin Island (really pretty with houses right on the water)

Relax by the Beach

After biking around, take some time to relax.

Centre Island Beach is the easiest to access and has plenty of space.

If you’re looking for something quieter, Ward’s Island Beach is a good option.

This is a good point in the day to relax and enjoy being outside.

➡️ If you want a more detailed breakdown of what to do here, I wrote a full guide on things to do on Toronto Islands, including more stops and tips.

Grab Coffee from Runaway Cafe

Before heading back to the mainland, I recommend stopping at Runaway Cafe for a coffee.

It’s a cute food truck-style spot.

Late Lunch at Lambo’s Deli

Once you’re back on the mainland, I recommend stopping at Lambo’s Deli for lunch. We took public transit, but you could also grab an Uber or Lyft.

This ended up being one of my favorite meals I had in Toronto. The sandwiches are pretty big, so I would recommend splitting one if you’re not super hungry.

I got the Italian Trio, and it was really good. Just a heads up, it’s a little spicy because of the Calabrian chili spread.

There is no indoor seating besides a small standing counter, but there is a park nearby (Trinity Bellwoods Park) where you can sit and enjoy your sandwich.

The interior of Lambo's Deli which is a popular spot to grab delicious sandwiches in downtown Toronto — **Lambo’s Deli**

The delicious Italian Trio sandwich from Lambo's Deli in Toronto which is packed with crispy lettuce, spicy chili sauce, various Italian meats, and fresh mozzarella. — **Italian Trio Sandwich from Lambo’s Deli**

Explore Kensington Market

After lunch, head over to Kensington Market neighborhood and spend some time walking around.

This was one of my favorite areas we explored, and it feels different from the rest of downtown (in a good way). It’s a little more laid back and has a lot of character.

There is a variety of vintage shops, murals, small cafes, and casual food spots. It’s a great area to just walk around, pop into a few stores, and enjoy the atmosphere.

Here are a few places I recommend checking out in the Kensington Market area:

Good Egg – cute trinkets, gifts, and home decor items
Found Coffee – delicious coffee with a great selection of specialty drinks
Super Serve – soft serve ice cream
Fresca Pizza and Pasta – large pizzas by the slice

Spend the Evening on Ossington Avenue

I recommend ending the day exploring Ossington Avenue, which was one of my favorite areas in Toronto.

It has a really fun vibe at night and is filled with good restaurants, shops, and more.

Here are some great places to eat on Ossington Avenue:

Bar Poet – great spot for food and drinks
Pizzeria Badiali – one of the best pizza spots in Toronto

➡️ If you’re planning a longer trip, I also put together a more detailed 3-day Toronto itinerary that includes even more neighborhoods and restaurants.

Where to Stay in Toronto

If it’s your first time visiting Toronto, I recommend staying in or near downtown. This makes it much easier to get around since you will be close to most of the main attractions, restaurants, and transit options.

We barely needed Uber because so much was within walking distance or we used public transportation.

Here are a couple of the best areas to stay in Toronto, depending on your budget and the type of atmosphere you want.

My Stay: TOOR Hotel by JDV Hyatt

We stayed at TOOR Hotel by JDV Hyatt, and I would definitely stay here again.

The room was really clean, the bed was super comfortable, and we had floor to ceiling windows with a great view of the city.

One of my favorite parts was the rooftop patio! It has a lot of seating, and we ended up going up there a couple nights to relax and play Uno. You can also see the skyline and a bit of the lake from up there, which was really nice.

The hotel is in a convenient location where we could walk to a lot of places or easily hop on public transit when needed.

Entertainment District

This is one of the best areas to stay in Toronto for a first-time visit. You will be within walking distance of the CN Tower, Rogers Centre, and the waterfront.

There are also a lot of restaurants and things to do nearby, so it’s very convenient.

Hotel Recommendations in Entertainment District:

Hyatt Regency Toronto
Sutton Place Hotel Toronto
Bisha Hotel Toronto
Revery Toronto Downtown, Curio Collection by Hilton

Yorkville

Yorkville has a completely different feel. It’s quieter, more upscale, and known for shopping, nice restaurants, and boutique hotels.

It’s a great option if you want something a little more high-end and relaxed at the end of the day, but still easy to get downtown.

Hotel Recommendations in Yorkville:

Old Town / St. Lawrence Market Area

This is another great area that is very central.

You will be close to St. Lawrence Market, the Distillery District, and within walking distance to parts of downtown.

Hotel Recommendations in Old Town:

Check out this interactive map below for more options on where to stay in Toronto!

How to Get Around Toronto

Getting around Toronto is pretty easy, especially if you’re staying downtown.

A lot of the main sights are close together, so you can walk to quite a few places, but having a plan for transit or Uber/Lyft will make your trip a lot smoother.

Walking

We walked most places during our trip, especially around downtown.

You can easily walk between spots like the CN Tower, St. Lawrence Market, and even over to areas like the Distillery District if you don’t mind a longer walk.

A few tips:

Wear comfortable shoes because you will be walking a lot (I love Hokas!)
Use Google Maps for directions since it’s more reliable for walking and transit than Apple Maps

Public Transit (TTC)

For places that are a little farther out, Toronto’s public transit system is really easy to use. It includes subways, buses, and streetcars, and we used it a few times during our trip.

You don’t need to buy a separate transit card. You can just tap your credit card or use Apple Pay on your phone when you board. I recommend setting your card as your Express Transit Card so you can just tap your phone even when it is off.

The subway is the fastest option for going longer distances, while streetcars are helpful for getting around downtown.

I recommend using Google Maps for public transit directions. I noticed it is more accurate than Apple Maps.

Uber or Lyft

We also used Uber a couple times, mostly at night or when we didn’t feel like dealing with transit.

It’s a good option if you’re going farther distances, have luggage, or are traveling in a group and can split the cost.

In my experience, the prices were pretty similar to what you would expect in most U.S. cities.

Tips for Visiting Toronto

Here are tips for visiting Toronto that I learned on my trip:

1. Bring Comfortable Walking Shoes

You will end up walking more than you think, especially if you limit public transportation and rideshares.

Even when things look close on a map, it adds up over a full day. I wore my Hokas, and they are the perfect walking shoe!

2. Plan for the Weather

We went in early July and the weather was great! I would recommend bringing a light rain jacket just in case, especially if the forecast shows a chance of rain.

I like this rain jacket because it folds down into a small bag, making it easy to fit into luggage.

Late spring through early fall is the best time to visit, especially if you want to spend time on the Toronto Islands or by the water.

Winter is much colder and not as ideal for walking around all day.

3. You Don’t Need Much Cash (if any)

We used our credit cards the entire trip. Just make sure your card doesn’t have foreign transaction fees.

I used my Chase Sapphire Preferred and highly recommend it.

It’s always a good idea to have some cash on hand, but we never needed to use it.

4. Tipping Is Similar to the U.S.

Tipping is pretty standard to what I am used to in the United States.

We tipped around 20 percent at restaurants and also tipped for things like Uber rides.

5. Use Google Maps

I relied on Google Maps the whole trip. It was really helpful for walking directions and public transit, and I found it more accurate than Apple Maps.

6. Make Sure to Spend Time by the Water

If you’re visiting in the summer, definitely plan time for the Toronto Islands and walking along the waterfront.

These ended up being some of my favorite parts of the trip!

7. Add a Day Trip if You Have Time

If you have extra time, I would definitely consider doing a day trip to Niagara Falls. It’s easy to get to from Toronto and one of those places that’s worth seeing at least once.

If you don’t want to plan it yourself, I recommend this Get Your Guide Niagara Falls Day Tour. It includes pick up and drop off in downtown Toronto and gives you a few hours to explore the Canadian side of the falls.

You can also add on experiences like the boat cruise or Journey Behind the Falls if you want to do a little more while you’re there.

You can book the tour here or below.

💡Tip: Have a plan, but don’t schedule every minute. Some of the best parts of the trip were just walking around and finding places we didn’t plan for.

When to Visit Toronto

Toronto is a great city to visit most of the year, but the timing can definitely change your experience.

From my trip, I would say late spring through early fall is the best time to visit Toronto, especially if it’s your first time visiting.

Spring (March–May)

Spring can still be a little unpredictable. March and April are on the cooler side with potential snow, so you will want warm layers, but by May it starts to warm up.

This is a nice time to visit Toronto if you want fewer crowds.