The Queen City of Canada is always vibrant, dynamic, fast-paced, energetic and entertaining.
So what is there to see and to do in 48 hours? More than you can imagine!
There are many other great places to visit besides the top 5 attractions.
From art galleries to malls, to the best market in the world to the beach, it will surely satisfy any traveler’s needs.
Day 1:
Get your cultural dose at the Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO)
Start your day at this stunning gallery located on Dundas Street (between McCaul and Beverly streets near Chinatown).
Stand in awe before modern and contemporary art as well as some favorites like Rembrandt, Van Gogh, Picasso, Rodin and company.
To view the current exhibitions check http://www.ago.net
Glass and wood façade – The Galleria Italia
Frida Kahlo’s Exhibition Banner November 2012
Frida Kahlo’s amazing paintings
Feel the city’s pulse at Yonge-Dundas Square
The world meets and greets at Yonge-Dundas Square. It is a commercial and entertainment center that truly makes the city come alive.
All the signs, neon lights and giant ads remind you of New York City, which is why it is often referred to as “Times Square North”.
For the latest concerts or events, visit www.ydsquare.ca
The 10 Dundas East Building is home to movie theater, restaurants, electronics store and more
Yonge-Dundas Square
Need some retail therapy?
Then head over to the Eaton Centre, a mall with over 230 stores, where you can shop till you drop! http://www.torontoeatoncentre.com
Eat your way through St-Lawrence Market
This historic market and beloved landmark on Front Street, in Old Town Toronto, is a must in any itinerary.
Merchants and farmers bring their fresh produce while shop owners offer their culinary delicacies. It is heaven for food lovers!
As a word of advice, remember to go there with an empty stomach as you will leave with a full belly 🙂
Exterior view of the market
Even National Geographic gave its approval and selected it as the best in the world.
Don’t believe me?
Check out the top 10 food markets in the world 😉
The best food market in the world
Get lost in the alleys and get some free & delicious samples
fresh fruit & vegetables
Olives, tomatoes, mushrooms and more
Fresh pizza & pasta
http://www.stlawrencemarket.com
Go back in time at the Distillery District
Originally a distillery, which belonged to the Gooderham & Worts Company in the 19th century, it is now one of the most beautiful national historic sites in the country.
It has been transformed into a lively district which boasts many bars, restaurants, coffee shops, art galleries, boutiques, artist studios among many.
Old whiskey barrels and brick-lined buildings
A reminder of the past
Lovely café and open space
Historic building
Celebrating the season
The Cabinet furniture store
http://www.thedistillerydistrict.com
Relax and unwind at the Beaches
One of the best places in the entire city is definitely the Beaches, located in the East End, not far from downtown Toronto.
They say that life is better at the beach right?
Everyday should be a beach day
Many Torontonians found their happiness in this lovely neighborhood facing the lake.
Take time to savor a cup of java at one of the great coffee shops, have a pint or two at a local pub , grab a bite at a restaurant or simply go window shopping on Queen Street East.
Then go for a stroll on
the boardwalk
or walk along the shore.
Lake Ontario
peaceful sound of waves reaching the shore
It’s the perfect way to recharge your batteries after a busy day!
That was quite a tour of the city wasn’t it?
Did you like 1 place in particular? Let me know.
Stay tuned for part 2!
Traveller Soul 
Nice post K! I like the look of the fruit market and the distillery area. Gotta get there one day 🙂
Thanks Ardun! Well you’ve to come to my country!
The best time to come is during the spring or fall 😉
There are so many photo ops that I’m sure you’ll ♥ it too.
Wait for part 2 😉
Will do. I’ve been only to the west coast, BC and Alberta but it was beautiful and i would love to go back
You’ll love the East coast…GUARANTEED 😉
Forgot to mention that TBEX (Travel Blog Exchange) will be held here next June! More details later 😉
Yeah I saw that, I will be in South America then but would love to go to one
I will report and share then 😉
St. Lawrence market looks like a place I could eat my way through! 🙂
Totally! It’s foodie heaven 😉
Thank you for stopping by!
I’ve always wanted to go to Toronto and am working a bucket list including it,this gave me a lot of ideas. I didn’t even know about the beaches, look like fun.
I’m happy you liked it! You have to visit T.O, tons of fun and there you can walk all over the place.
I love being near any body of water: lake, ocean, river, fall…the Beaches are just beautiful..quite lively in the summer but I did enjoy my long walk on the sand ha ha yes even in the fall 😉
Are you still in N. America?
Thanks for stopping by!
The Beaches! The Distillery! St. Lawrence Market! Such good reminders of a fabulous city. Great post! 🙂 Did you get the chance to check out Queen West and Ossington areas? A lot of great food/shopping finds are nestled in these districts; same with Danforth.
Oh I sure did!
Walked as far as Dufferin street! Loved Little Italy, Little Portugal, King Street West.
Wait for part 2, I’ll show some more great places.
BTW I lived in Toronto for a couple of years, so I know it very well.
Though last time I was there was in 2012 so it felt great rediscovering the city after a 2 yr absence 😉
Thank you for your visit!
Thanks for sharing this!!! As I’ve never been on this side of Canada it was great to see what I can look forward to!!
I’m glad you liked it!
You definitely have to come to Eastern Canada 😉
It is so much fun, just wait and see!
Part 2 is in the works.
Thank you for your visit
K 😉
Excellent post. I think you’ve touched on some of the best spots in Toronto. Looking forward to seeing part 2.
Thank you! Glad you know you liked them.
Im working on Part 2 and It’ll be posted this week 😉
I appreciate your time & support 😉
Pingback: 48 hours in Toronto Part 2 | Traveller soul
All my favourites in there – have you checked out the Toronto Islands? Ward, Centre Island and Hanlan’s point?
Thank you so much!
Yes I went to Ward Island (There was no ferry to Centre Island 😦
There is part 2 as well check it out ow.ly/i6VsU #Toronto
Thanks again for stopping by 😉
Pingback: TBEX Canada: Where the travel world will meet | Traveller soul
Pingback: 2013: a year in review through instagram photos | Traveller soul
I love both the Eaton Centre & the Beaches.
I haven’t spent much time in Toronto over the past several years, but I’ll be living there for 5 weeks and I’m definitely looking forward to getting to know the city better.
You will enjoy it. It is a great and dynamic city!
There is so much to see, do and new places to discover 😉
Pingback: Touring Toronto in search of great coffee | Traveller Soul
Pingback: Top 5 Cities I’d love to return to | Traveller Soul
Pingback: Kavey Eats » 100 Fantastic Cities | Travel Bloggers Pick Their Favourites | Part 5