Where to Stay in Toronto When You Visit (Updated 2023)

Posted: 4/11/2023 | April eleventh, 2023

Whereas it could lack the scenic views of Vancouver or the historic attraction of Montreal, Toronto has rather a lot going for it.

The CN Tower, one of many tallest free-standing constructions on the planet, might be discovered right here, and there are quite a few museums and galleries, together with the Ontario Science Middle and the Royal Ontario Museum. There’s additionally an enormous Chinatown, boasting tasty low-cost eats; the laid-back Kensington Market and its hippie vibe; and the gorgeous coast of Lake Ontario.

Understandably, with over three million folks calling the town house, Toronto occurs to be fairly unfold out. And whereas it has an honest public transportation system, it’s a good suggestion to plan out which neighborhood you’d like to remain in — ideally primarily based in your pursuits and life-style — so that you gained’t waste an excessive amount of time (and cash) in transit).

That will help you determine the place to remain in Toronto, I’ll spotlight one of the best neighborhoods beneath, so you possibly can select the realm that fits your journey type and finances, as all of them have their very own really feel.

However, earlier than I get to the specifics, listed below are some widespread questions I get requested about neighborhoods in Toronto:

What’s one of the best neighborhood for first-time guests?
The centrally situated Downtown Yonge is possibly probably the most bustling a part of Toronto. If it’s your first time right here, it’s the place to be.

What’s one of the best neighborhood for procuring?
Yorkville is overflowing with nice procuring alternatives. All the pieces from distinctive boutiques to multinational chains are represented right here.

What’s one of the best neighborhood for foodies?
Kensington Market and Chinatown, which neighbor one another, are two of the oldest districts — and an incredible swath of city should you’re hungry.

What’s one of the best neighborhood for partying?
The Danforth has a big Greek immigrant inhabitants and is, typically, a enjoyable place to spend time in. However as soon as the solar goes down and the lights come on, additionally it is among the finest areas for partying too.

What’s one of the best neighborhood for feeling like a neighborhood?
House to the College of Toronto, the Annex is centrally situated and bustling with younger college students marching to class or hanging out at one of many many eating places and cafés on this neighborhood.

With these questions answered, right here beneath is a extra particular breakdown of every neighborhood, with some really helpful lodging, so that you’ll know the place to remain in Toronto.

The place to Keep in Toronto for First-Time Guests: Downtown-Yonge

Downtown Yonge encompasses many microneighborhoods in central Toronto, together with the Leisure District and an enormous procuring space. For those who’re right here for the primary time, it is a fairly good and bustling place to base your self for some time. You’ll be within the heart of the motion and might get to any a part of the town from right here.

Plus, there are many fascinating issues to see and do right here: the Toronto Eaton Centre, Yonge-Dundas Sq., the Canon Theatre, Maple Leaf Gardens, and Previous Metropolis Corridor. You’re only a quick jaunt to the CN Tower as properly.

The Greatest Locations to Keep in Downtown Yonge:

• BUDGET: St. Lawrence Residences & Suites — On the subject of finances lodging, there are only a few, if any, choices on this a part of city. This no-frills however comfy property, situated simply over the border in St. Lawrence, is it. The resort rooms are on the small aspect, and the extra budget-friendly choices have a shared lavatory, however the rooms are clear and cozy. The rooftop lounge is a pleasant place at sundown.
• MIDRANGE: Chelsea Resort — This place affords spacious rooms and nice views of the Toronto skyline. Rooms have blackout curtains, plus-sized plasma TVs, extra-comfy king and queen beds, and occasional machines. There’s additionally a espresso store and wine bar on the premises.
• LUXURY: Pantages Resort Downtown — This basic high-rise resort within the heart of the motion is a smooth, trendy property and a really luxurious place to put one’s weary head. The 105 rooms have thick queen and king mattresses, Keurig espresso makers, high-thread-count sheets, plush towels, marble loos, rain showers, and luxurious tub merchandise. The resort is especially properly fitted to these with theater tickets, because it’s only a stone’s throw away from historic performing arts venues like The Ed Mirvish Theatre and The Elgin and Winter Backyard Theatre Centre.

The place to Keep in Toronto for Buying: Yorkville

For those who’re trying to max out your bank card and/or come house with some fairly issues, your greatest wager is Yorkville. The neighborhood is flush with retailers and boutiques, its streets flanked by inviting storefronts which might be simply screaming “purchase me!” Right here you’ll discover all the pieces from Hermès to Versace to the Montreal-based jeweler Maison Birks. Many upscale manufacturers have their flagship retailers proper right here.

The Greatest Locations to Keep in Yorkville:

• BUDGET: Yorkville Plaza Suites — Provided that the neighborhood has such an upscale vibe, it’s no shock that you just gained’t discover any hostels right here. And finances lodging are few and much between. However Yorkville Plaza Suites is comparatively inexpensive. All rooms have espresso makers, a fridge, a small oven, and a desk.
• MIDRANGE: The Yorkville Royal Sonesta — The Royal Sonesta boasts a heated, indoor, rooftop swimming pool, a vodka bar, and an in-house eatery with a menu impressed by the cultural variety of Toronto. The rooms have marble loos, docking stations, LCD televisions, and occasional makers.
• LUXURY: Park Hyatt Toronto —This 219-room property (together with 40 suites) opened 1936; in 2017, it underwent an enormous renovation, and the property reopened in 2021. The rooms have Bluetooth audio system, blackout curtains, and Nespresso espresso makers. The in-house eatery is an upscale steakhouse.

The place to Keep in Toronto for Foodies: Kensington Market and Chinatown

Kensington Market is a hip, eccentric, and eclectic neighborhood that attracts locals from throughout city. The streets are lined with funky espresso retailers, avenue meals carts and vehicles, and small eating places that mirror the ethnic and culinary variety of Toronto as a complete.

Simply to the south is Chinatown, the place you possibly can feast on an array of Asian fare to your coronary heart’s and abdomen’s content material: Thai, Vietnamese, Japanese, and, in fact, Chinese language eating places abound on this energetic and enjoyable neighborhood.

The Greatest Locations to Keep in Kensington Market and Chinatown:

• BUDGET: The Planet Traveler Hostel — Set on the northern border of Kensington Market, this eco-friendly hostel boasts free breakfast and enjoyable rooftop bar with nice views. The hostel has a mixture of sleeping choices, all of which have comfortable beds with nightlights.
• MIDRANGE: The Beverley — Situated simply to the east of Chinatown and Kensington Market, this three-star boutique resort affords rooms with thick, comfy mattresses, wooden flooring, and colourful partitions. Within the foyer, there’s at all times complimentary high-quality espresso.
• LUXURY: Ace Resort — Simply south of Chinatown is the Ace Resort. The inside appears such as you simply walked onto the set of a Wes Anderson movie, as there are many outdated typewriters and taxidermy. Rooms are available small, medium, and huge — these are actually the names — and all have file gamers, walk-in showers, and minibars full of domestically made merchandise.

The place to Keep in Toronto for Partying: The Danforth

House to the biggest Greek neighborhood in North America, the place the road indicators in are in English and Greek, the Danforth (aka “Greektown”) is the place to come back when you’ve got a hankering for souvlaki or moussaka otherwise you wish to see the place they shot elements of the movie My Large Fats Greek Marriage ceremony.

But it surely’s additionally a enjoyable place to get together. The neighborhood has a plethora of nice bars and can also be house to the Danforth Music Corridor, the place native and worldwide acts take the stage.

The Greatest Locations to Keep within the Danforth:

• BUDGET: The Solely Backpackers Inn — With a ground-floor espresso bar, a quaint pub stocking over 200 beers from all over the world, and a barbecue space, this hostel is a enjoyable, comfy place to spend a couple of days. There are small dorm rooms and personal rooms, a few of which have their very own kitchens. Breakfast is complimentary.
• MIDRANGE: Color Dice Visitor Home — Situated west of Danforth, the Color Dice Visitor Home is — you guessed it — colourful. Rooms are vivid and cheery, awash in greens, purples, oranges, and blues. Friends have entry to an on-site scooter rental.
• LUXURY: The Broadview Resort — Situated south of Danforth, the Broadview is probably the most luxurious property within the East Finish of Toronto. The long-lasting, historic property has 58 rooms, with excessive ceilings, comfortable beds, massive home windows, darkish wooden flooring. The rooftop bar has nice views. This design-friendly resort is a perfect home-away-from-home in Toronto.

The place to Keep in Toronto to Really feel like a Native: The Annex

Sitting subsequent to the St. George campus of the College of Toronto, the Annex is bustling with college students and different younger individuals who stroll the streets to patronize the neighborhood’s many indie bookshops, funky cafés, inexpensive eating places, and bustling bars. For those who’re trying to mix in and really feel like a neighborhood, the Annex is an effective place to base your self .

The Greatest Locations to Keep within the Annex:

• BUDGET: College of Toronto New Faculty Residences — Right here you’ll discover over 200 beds for short-term stays, most of that are single rooms with both single or double beds. It’s no frills, however there’s free Wi-Fi and coin-operated laundry on the premises.
• MIDRANGE: Madison Manor Boutique Resort — This Victorian-style B&B is extremely charming and situated only a quick stroll from the subway. Suites have their very own fireplaces and the on-site pub has virtually 200 beers on faucet. The rooms, whereas small, are cozy and cozy.
• LUXURY: The 4 Seasons — Situated a few blocks west of the Annex, the 4 Seasons is the epitome of luxurious. Rooms have beautiful views by way of the floor-to-ceiling home windows, plus a stereo system, desk-side charging stations, granite loos, and plush robes. The in-house eatery is Café Boulud from super-chef Daniel Boulud.

Toronto has a various mixture of neighborhoods, and all appear to have their very own character and magnificence — even the areas that neighbor each other. Whereas it’s straightforward to get round Toronto on public transportation, it’s at all times a reduction to be staying within the a part of city that jibes along with your pursuits and magnificence. You’ll not solely save time however cash too, guaranteeing which you could profit from your go to Canada’s hottest metropolis.