Alright, let’s break it down. Think of this as me grabbing a coffee with you and just rambling excitedly about my city.

First things first – Getting Around & General Vibe:

• TTC is your friend: The subway, streetcars, and buses are generally pretty good for getting around the main areas. Grab a PRESTO card when you arrive (you can get them at subway stations or Shoppers Drug Mart) and load it up. You just tap on when you board. Easy peasy.
• Walk!: Toronto is a city of neighborhoods, and the best way to discover hidden gems is on foot. Pack comfy shoes, seriously.
• Weather: Toronto weather can be… unpredictable. Check the forecast right before you pack, but layers are always a good idea. Could be sunny and warm one day, cool and rainy the next, even within the same season.
• It’s Diverse!: Like, really diverse. This is the best part. You’ll hear dozens of languages, see people from all walks of life, and most importantly, EAT food from everywhere. Embrace it!

Okay, The Big Hitters (You kinda gotta see these):

1. CN Tower: Yeah, it’s touristy, but the view is undeniably incredible. Go on a clear day if you can. If you’re feeling brave (and flush!), look into the EdgeWalk. Otherwise, just going up to the observation deck is classic.
2. St. Lawrence Market: GO HUNGRY. Especially on a Saturday morning (though it’s great other days too, closed Mondays). It’s consistently ranked one of the world’s best food markets. Must-try: Peameal bacon on a bun (Carousel Bakery is the famous spot, but others are good too). Grab cheese, baked goods, produce, whatever looks good. It’s a feast for the senses.
3. Distillery District: Super charming historic area with Victorian industrial architecture. It’s all pedestrian-only cobblestone streets, filled with art galleries, unique boutiques, cafés, restaurants, and a brewery (Mill St.). Very picturesque, great for a wander day or night (it’s lovely lit up).
4. Royal Ontario Museum (ROM): Dinosaurs, mummies, gems, Canadian history, world cultures – it’s huge and has a bit of everything. The crystal-like entrance is pretty cool too. You could easily spend half a day here.
5. Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO): If art is more your thing, the AGO is fantastic. Great Canadian collection (especially Group of Seven), Indigenous art, European masters, and usually awesome special exhibitions. The building itself (partially redesigned by Frank Gehry) is beautiful.
6. Kensington Market: This is NOT a single market hall, it’s a whole neighborhood. It’s eclectic, bohemian, a bit gritty, and full of character. Vintage shops, quirky boutiques, indie cafes, amazing cheap eats from around the globe, street art, head shops… it’s a vibe. Just wander and soak it in.
7. Casa Loma: Toronto’s very own castle! It’s a bit over-the-top early 20th-century mansion built by a wealthy industrialist. Fun to explore the opulent rooms, secret passages, and the stables connected by a tunnel. Good views from the towers too.
8. Harbourfront Centre & Toronto Islands: Take a stroll along the waterfront. Then, hop on the ferry (Jack Layton Ferry Terminal) over to the Toronto Islands. Rent a bike, walk the boardwalks, hit the beach (Centre Island beach, Hanlan’s Point is clothing-optional FYI!), have a picnic. The skyline view looking back at the city is chef’s kiss. It feels like a real escape. Allow at least half a day.

Neighborhood Deep Dives (Where the local flavour is):

• Queen West: Trendy, cool, artsy. Lots of boutiques (fashion, design, unique stuff), galleries, bars, restaurants, live music venues. Check out Graffiti Alley (Rush Lane) just south of Queen St. Great people-watching.
• Yorkville: If Queen West is cool, Yorkville is chic. High-end designer shops, fancy restaurants, upscale hotels, art galleries. Fun to window shop and maybe spot a celebrity (especially during TIFF – Toronto International Film Festival in Sept). Feels very different from Kensington or Queen West.
• Chinatown (Spadina Ave): Bustling, vibrant. Great (and affordable) food options – dumplings, noodles, pho, bubble tea. Lots of grocery stores and shops selling everything imaginable. It overlaps a bit with Kensington, easy to do both together.
• Little Italy (College St West): Great patios in the summer, lots of Italian restaurants (obviously!), cafes, bars, and a lively atmosphere, especially in the evenings.
• The Annex: Borders the University of Toronto. More relaxed, residential feel but with great bookstores (check out BMV Books!), cafes, pubs (like Paupers Pub), and the iconic Honest Ed’s sign site (though the store is gone, the area maintains some of that vibe).

FOOD! FOOD! FOOD! (Seriously, a highlight):

• Embrace the Diversity: Don’t just stick to one thing. Try Tibetan momos in Parkdale, Ethiopian injera on the Danforth (Greektown – also worth a visit!), amazing Chinese in Chinatown or up north in Scarborough/Markham (if you venture out), incredible Indian, Korean BBQ, Vietnamese pho… the list is endless.
• Kensington Market Eats: Tacos (Seven Lives is legendary), Jamaican patties (Patty King/others), empanadas, churros, cheap sandwiches, vegan goodies. Just follow your nose.
• St. Lawrence Market: Peameal bacon! Also great bagels (St. Urbain), mustard tasting, cheese vendors, pierogies.
• Food Trucks: Especially in the summer around Nathan Phillips Square or near the universities. Look for poutine, tacos, grilled cheese.
• Brunch: Torontonians LOVE brunch. Lots of great spots on Ossington, Queen West, Leslieville. Expect lines on weekends.
• Coffee Culture: Tons of fantastic independent coffee shops everywhere. Forget Starbucks (unless you must!), try local spots like Pilot Coffee Roasters, Sam James Coffee Bar, Fahrenheit Coffee, etc.
• Patios: If the weather is nice, find a patio! So many restaurants and bars have them.

Potential Day Trip:

• Niagara Falls: It’s doable as a long day trip (about 1.5-2 hours drive each way, or there are bus tours/GO Train + bus options). It’s impressive, for sure. You can combine it with a stop in the charming town of Niagara-on-the-Lake for wine tasting if that’s your thing. It will take a full day though.

Putting it Together for 10 Days (Rough Idea – Mix & Match!):

• Day 1: Arrive, settle in, explore your immediate neighborhood, maybe grab dinner on Queen West.
• Day 2: CN Tower (morning, beat crowds?), Harbourfront walk, Ferry to Toronto Islands (afternoon/evening for sunset view).
• Day 3: St. Lawrence Market (morning!), Distillery District wander (afternoon/evening).
• Day 4: ROM or AGO (pick one, or do half day each if ambitious). Explore Yorkville nearby.
• Day 5: Kensington Market exploration & lunch, wander through adjacent Chinatown. Maybe catch live music on Queen West at night?
• Day 6: Casa Loma (morning), explore The Annex, maybe visit U of T campus.
• Day 7: Day trip to Niagara Falls? (If doing this, plan for a full, tiring day).
• Day 8: Explore a neighborhood you missed – Little Italy? Greektown (Danforth)? Leslieville? The Beaches (if weather is nice)?
• Day 9: Shopping focus? Hit the Eaton Centre (big mall downtown), revisit favourite shops on Queen West or Kensington. Or maybe a sports game if something’s on (check Leafs/Raptors/Blue Jays/TFC schedules)?
• Day 10: Last minute souvenir shopping, revisit a favourite spot, enjoy a final killer brunch, head out.

Don’t try to cram TOO much into each day. The beauty of 10 days is you can take your time, linger in a cafe, get lost in a neighborhood, and just enjoy the atmosphere.

Have the BEST time in Toronto! It’s a fantastic city and I’m actually kinda jealous you get to experience it fresh for 10 days! Ask if anything else pops into your head!