How To Make The Most Of One Day In Toronto

Toronto is a place where skyscrapers meet street art, global flavors fill historic markets, and every corner tells a new story. Even if you’ve only got 24 hours, Toronto, Ontario, Canada delivers big: one moment you’re standing atop the CN Tower, the next you’re wandering cobblestone lanes or tasting a peameal bacon sandwich at St. Lawrence Market. This one-day itinerary to explore Toronto packs the very best into a single unforgettable adventure.

Is One Day Enough for Toronto?

Spending 24 hours in Toronto isn’t enough to see everything, but it’s plenty of time to capture the city’s essence. By planning efficiently, prioritizing highlights, and using Toronto’s reliable transit system, you can fit in iconic landmarks, foodie stops, and cultural gems.

Morning: Markets, Architecture & History

Union Station

Kick off your day at Union Station, Toronto’s busiest transit hub and a National Historic Site. Built in 1927, its grand Beaux-Arts architecture is immediately impressive—the soaring vaulted ceiling, detailed stonework, and elegant chandeliers make it feel more like a palace than a train station.

If you’re hungry and eager to get moving, Union Station also houses a modern food court, Union Market, where local vendors serve everything from coffee and pastries to poke bowls.

St. Lawrence Market

From Union Station, it’s a short 10-minute walk east to St. Lawrence Market, one of the world’s great food markets and a must for any foodie. Since the early 1800s, it’s been a gathering spot for farmers, merchants, and locals.

Visiting the market almost feels like a mini food tour, with flavors from across the globe packed into one historic space. Right outside is Bay Street, often called Canada’s Wall Street, where you’ll see the financial pulse of the nation.

Midday: Toronto’s Icons

CN Tower

No Toronto itinerary is complete without the CN Tower, the city’s most recognizable landmark and one of the tallest freestanding structures in the world. Soaring 553 meters (1,815 feet) into the sky, it dominates the skyline and offers views that stretch for miles.

Step inside the glass-fronted elevator, which whisks you to the observation decks in under a minute. From the top, you’ll enjoy sweeping views of the city grid, Lake Ontario, and on especially clear days, even as far as Niagara Falls and New York State.

Once at the top, choose your adventure:

Glass Floor:

A heart-pounding experience as you look straight down from 113 stories above. Perfect for daring photos.

SkyPod:

Climb even higher to one of the world’s highest observation platforms.

360 Restaurant:

Indulge in Canadian-inspired dishes while the dining room slowly rotates, giving you a new perspective every few minutes. It’s one of the most unique meals you’ll ever have.

EdgeWalk:

For thrill-seekers, this is the ultimate bucket-list experience. Safely harnessed, you’ll walk hands-free around the outside ledge of the tower’s main pod. The views—and the adrenaline rush—are unforgettable.

Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada

Right at the base of the CN Tower sits Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada, a family favorite and one of Toronto’s most visited tourist attractions. With over 20,000 aquatic animals, it immerses you in the mysteries of the ocean.

Highlights include:

Dangerous Lagoon:

A moving walkway glides through a glass tunnel as sharks, stingrays, and sea turtles swim above and around you.

Planet Jellies:

Hypnotic displays of glowing jellyfish, illuminated in shifting neon colors.

Ray Bay:

Watch graceful rays glide effortlessly through the water, and even touch them in interactive exhibits.

Discovery Centre:

Hands-on fun for kids, including a “crawl-through” tank where little ones can pop up inside a bubble surrounded by fish.

Afternoon: Culture & Neighborhoods

After a busy morning of Toronto icons, your afternoon is the perfect time to dive deeper into the city’s cultural side. Two world-class museums sit just a short ride from downtown, each offering a different experience:

Royal Ontario Museum (ROM)

- Canada’s largest museum, with over 6 million objects in its collection.

- Famous for its dramatic Michael Lee-Chin Crystal addition—a modern glass façade that has become a Toronto landmark in itself.

- Inside, you’ll find dinosaur skeletons, ancient Egyptian artifacts, Indigenous Canadian exhibits, and treasures from across Asia and Europe.

- The museum also highlights the stories and art of Indigenous peoples, offering important context to Canada’s history.

- It’s a great choice if you want variety—history, natural science, and art all under one roof.

Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO)

- Home to over 90,000 works of art, making it one of North America’s most important galleries.

- Highlights include pieces by the Group of Seven (Canada’s legendary landscape painters), Indigenous art collections, and rotating global exhibitions.

- The building itself is a masterpiece, redesigned by Toronto-born architect Frank Gehry with sweeping wooden staircases and glass walls.

- Ideal for those who prefer a deep dive into creativity and visual storytelling.

Kensington Market

From the museums, head west to Kensington Market, one of Toronto’s most colorful neighborhoods. This historic area is a patchwork of cultures, with roots in Jewish, Portuguese, Latin American, and Caribbean communities. Today, it’s a lively hub for foodies, artists, and anyone who loves a slightly offbeat vibe.

If you prefer something more modern, Toronto Eaton Centre, the city’s largest shopping mall, is just a short walk away.

Chinatown

Just steps from Kensington Market is Chinatown, one of the largest in North America. The streets are lined with bright signs, bustling markets, and the aroma of sizzling woks spilling out of restaurants.

Late Afternoon: Historic Charm

Distillery District

As the afternoon light softens, make your way to the Distillery District, one of Toronto’s most atmospheric neighborhoods. Once home to the Gooderham & Worts Distillery, the largest distillery in the world during the 19th century, the area has been carefully preserved and reimagined as a cultural hub. Present day, it has transformed into one of the city’s liveliest cultural hubs while keeping its historic charm intact.

Today, the district is a pedestrian-only village of red-brick buildings, cobblestone lanes, and Victorian-era architecture—perfect for a leisurely stroll. Every corner feels photogenic, making it one of the city’s most Instagram-worthy spots.

What to do here:

Browse the Galleries:

Discover local and international artists in contemporary galleries scattered throughout the district.

Boutique Shopping:

Find unique gifts, from handcrafted jewelry to artisanal chocolates and specialty home décor.

Craft Beer & Spirits:

The area stays true to its roots with several craft breweries and distilleries offering tasting flights and seasonal brews.

Cafés & Dessert Shops:

Cozy patios and dessert cafés make it an ideal stop for a late-afternoon pick-me-up.

Public Art & Installations:

Don’t miss the giant “LOVE” sign or the colorful murals tucked between buildings.

Hockey Hall of Fame

From history to hockey, your next stop celebrates a cornerstone of Canadian culture. The Hockey Hall of Fame, located inside a former bank building downtown, is a paradise for sports fans and curious visitors alike. Of course, the highlight for many is seeing the actual Stanley Cups up close, a true Canadian sports treasure.

Evening: Toronto After Dark

Nathan Phillips Square

As the sun sets, make your way to Nathan Phillips Square, one of Toronto’s most iconic public spaces. Here, you’ll also see Toronto Governance in action, since City Hall—an architectural icon—overlooks the square. Flanked by the curved towers of City Hall, the square is home to the brightly lit Toronto sign, which glows in vibrant colors after dark and makes for the perfect evening photo stop.

Harbourfront & Toronto Islands

From downtown, head south to the Harbourfront Centre, where the city meets Lake Ontario. This area is ideal for a relaxing evening stroll, with wide pedestrian promenades, street performers, and plenty of benches to pause and enjoy the view. Many visitors compare Toronto’s skyline views across the water to San Francisco’s famous bay perspective.

Highlights includes:

Toronto Music Garden:

A serene green space co-designed by cellist Yo-Yo Ma, inspired by Bach’s music.

Harbour Cruises:

Evening or dinner cruises offer breathtaking views of the skyline illuminated at night.

Toronto Islands:

If time allows, hop on the short ferry ride (about 10 minutes) to the Islands. Car-free and peaceful, they offer the best panoramic views of the city’s glittering skyline. Watching the sun sink behind the skyscrapers from here is unforgettable.

Dinner & Nightlife

Toronto’s food and nightlife scene is just as diverse as its neighborhoods. Whether you’re in the mood for a quiet meal or a lively night out, you’ll find plenty of options:

Queen Street West:

Known for its creative energy, this district is packed with indie restaurants, craft beer bars, and live music venues. It’s a great spot for a laid-back dinner with a trendy twist.

King Street West:

If you want something more upscale, King Street West delivers with stylish restaurants, rooftop patios, and a buzzing nightlife scene. Expect everything from modern fusion dining to chic cocktail lounges.

Distillery District:

Return here in the evening for a quieter, romantic dinner surrounded by glowing lanterns and cobblestone charm. Perfect for couples or those who prefer a cozy end to their day.

Entertainment District:

The city’s nightlife hub. Laugh at an improv show at The Second City, catch an arthouse film or festival screening at the TIFF Bell Lightbox, or soak in live performances at Roy Thomson Hall. For something more casual, head to a rooftop bar to toast the night with skyline views.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Toronto worth visiting for a day?

Yes. In 24 hours, you can see its top landmarks, neighborhoods, and food markets, making it a great city for short visits or layovers. If you have more time, Toronto also makes a fantastic base for a day trip to Niagara Falls or nearby wine country.

What should I do in 24 hours?

Follow this one day in Toronto itinerary: Union Station → St. Lawrence Market → CN Tower → Ripley’s Aquarium → ROM/AGO → Kensington Market → Distillery District → Nathan Phillips Square → Harbourfront. Alternatively, you can join a hop-on hop-off bus tour if you prefer to cover more ground without worrying about transit.

How much should I budget?

Around $100–$200 CAD for transit, attractions, and meals. Stick to markets and public squares if you want to keep costs low.

Is Toronto walkable?

Yes. Downtown attractions are clustered, and transit covers longer distances. Bike Share Toronto is also an easy option.

Conclusion

Toronto is a city of contrasts—historic markets and modern towers, multicultural flavors and Canadian traditions. Even with just one day, you can experience its highlights: breakfast at St. Lawrence Market, skyline views from the CN Tower, cultural strolls through Kensington and the Distillery District, and sunset by Lake Ontario.

Of course, a single day only scratches the surface. As part of the larger York city region, Toronto blends deep history with modern culture in ways few places can. Spend two or three days if you can, but if you’re short on time, this one-day itinerary ensures you leave with the best of Toronto in your memory (and your camera roll).