Toronto is a city of neighborhoods , each with a distinct identity, many with an ethnic flavor, making it the most multicultural of North American cities. In Chinatown, wares from energetic vendors compete with shoppers for sidewalk space, and restaurants offer everything from take-out buns to sit-down banquets. The city’s multicultural mix finds its fullest expression in Kensington Market, where Jamaican patty shops rub shoulders with Portuguese fish vendors and Latin American empanada stalls. Farther west is the Italian enclave of Little Italy, centered along College Street. Along with this heady ethnic mix, the downtown core is home to the upscale shopping area Yorkville and many fine cultural institutions, such as the Royal Ontario Museum and the Art Gallery of Ontario.
You can take a self-guided tour of City Hall between 8:30am and 4:30pm, Mon–Fri; pick up a brochure at the info counter in the lobby-
Morning
Start the day at the Gardiner Museum of Ceramic Art (see Gardiner Museum of Ceramic Art), taking 90 minutes to peruse the permanent collections and visiting exhibit. On your way out, pop into the gift shop to have a look at the unique crafts.
Head north to Bloor St and turn left, walking a half block to the iron gates of Philosophers’ Walk, beside the ROM (see Royal Ontario Museum). Take this charming footpath, which follows the course of the now buried Taddle Creek, exiting at Hoskin St in the heart of the University of Toronto campus. Wander south to the Late Gothic Revival Hart House, lunching at Gallery Grill on food that matches the impressive surroundings.
Afternoon
After lunch, poke around the stately common rooms and library of Hart House, noting the paintings throughout. Check out Canadian art at Justina M. Barnicke Gallery, too.
From Hart House turn right toward University College and some of the most historic buildings on campus. Stop by the Laidlaw Wing to visit the University of Toronto Art Centre . Just to the south, on King’s College Circle, is the 1906 Convocation Hall, with its Ionic-column-supported dome. Peek inside if the doors are unlocked.
From here, it’s only a couple of blocks’ stroll south and west to Chinatown. Indulge in a feast at Lee Garden (331 Spadina Ave).
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Blood-red walls, red lighting, and designer furniture make this one stylish place. Lounge here all you want with drink in hand – but be sure to sample the wonderful sushi.
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Particularly strong in historical and contemporary Canadian works, and host to important exhibitions, this is one of the country’s top art galleries (see Art Gallery of Ontario).
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Unwind at the end of a day’s shopping or wheeling-and-dealing as you linger over a cocktail or glass of crisp chardonnay in this chic bar. High people-watching factor (see Avenue).
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This unusual, specialized museum celebrates footwear form and function throughout the ages and around the world. The building’s playful design, echoing a stylized shoebox, houses four galleries exhibiting everything from Roman sandals to Elton John’s platform boots. The exhibit of Chinese bound-foot shoes is not for the squeamish. Founded by Sonia Bata, who has scoured the world for shoes of every description, the museum also holds interesting themed exhibitions (see Bata Shoe Museum).
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With 18 beers on tap, reasonably priced cocktails, TVs to catch the sports game, and a lovely patio in summer, it’s no wonder this place is popular with students from nearby University of Toronto.
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French provincial fare is the specialty in this romantic room. The wine list and celebrity-spotting opportunities are particularly good.
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An upscale shopping strip of high-end fashion and home-decor stores (see Bloor Street).
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The city’s oldest Peruvian restaurant offers grilled meats and excellent seafood specialties.Tapas and drinks served in the upstairs lounge; in summer, cool off with a sangria on the large, lovely patio.
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Like its parent company Club Monaco, Caban exudes style. Color-coordinated items for the home – bath, bed, kitchen, and more – lure with their clean, modern lines.
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Restaurant price categories
For a three-course meal for one with half a bottle of wine (or equivalent meal), taxes and extra charges.
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