Weekend in Toronto: Embrace the City's Cultural Diversity!

1. Day 1: Art, Food, and Culture Tour
   Stay at Shangri-La Hotel Toronto, rated as one of the best hotels in the city. Start your day with a trip to the Royal Ontario Museum, one of the largest and most comprehensive museums in North America, showcasing over 6 million objects of art, world culture, and natural history. From here, head to Kensington Market, a multicultural neighborhood that has unique shops, vintage boutiques, and street art all around. Try some international cuisine at one of the many restaurants and street vendors in the area.

   After lunch, continue to the Distillery District, a historic area full of Victorian-era architecture, art galleries, and local boutiques. This district is also known for its craft breweries, specialty coffee shops, and Toronto's first-ever chocolate factory. Top this day off with a visit to Casa Loma, a Gothic castle that is now a museum and landmark.

   Travel time: 25 minutes
   Distance: 4.2 miles
2. Day 2: Iconic Toronto Attractions
   Start your day with breakfast at the hotel, then head to the CN Tower - one of the most iconic landmarks, offering panoramic views of the city from its 1,815-foot observation deck. From there, walk to the Harbourfront Centre, which overlooks Lake Ontario and has numerous outdoor art installations, cultural events, and restaurants.

   In the afternoon, visit the Toronto Islands, a chain of small islands connected by pedestrian bridges, accessible by ferry. Relax on the beach, stroll through the beautiful parks, and enjoy the scenic views of the city skyline.

   Travel time: 25 minutes
   Distance: 4.0 miles

Time and Cost Estimates

• Royal Ontario Museum (2-3 hours, $17-23)
• Kensington Market (2 hours, $15-30 for food)
• Distillery District (2 hours, $15-30 for food)
• Casa Loma (1-2 hours, $25-30)
• CN Tower (2-3 hours, $40-60)
• Harbourfront Centre (1-2 hours, free entry)
• Toronto Islands (4-6 hours, $10 for the ferry)
Total Estimated Costs: $122-218

Useful Tips

If you have more time, consider hiking the nature trails, camping, or trying the outdoor activities (like kayaking) on the Toronto Islands for a full-day adventure. For a more relaxed day, explore the shops and cafes in the Yorkville neighborhood instead of visiting Casa Loma. Alternatively, for a more high-end shopping experience, visit Bloor-Yorkville, home to many designer stores, art galleries, and restaurants. If you're visiting during the warmer months, catch a game or concert at the outdoor Budweiser Stage, located right by the waterfront.