Is the vibrant metropolis of Canada of futuristic buildings, about three million inhabitants who live and live with carefree in their own way and an extraordinary financial machinery that generates a gross domestic product of 550,000 million dollars that exceeds the production of many countries of the world.
Knowing Toronto in a few days is impossible, but if there is not too much time you have to appreciate the fundamental.
Let’s start with the Great Plaza del Old and New City Council, University Avenue with its large financial institutions, the distinguished Yorkville neighborhood with its elegant stores, the Chinese neighborhood and its neighboring Bohemia neighborhood, the old Toronto, one or the other museum, theater and restaurant, as well as a visit of rigor to the CN tower with its proud 553 meters.
Heights
Some insist on calling little New York, but Toronto is Toronto with his own cultural avalanche, where, unlike other cities, the same finds kindness as the carelessness of those who ask for legalizing nudism.
Look up is inevitable. Scratch them everywhere with eclectic designs that seem to make winks to daring lines.
Yes, the CN tower, which was built in 1975, continues to be the focus of attention, but there are new buildings that mock the imagination, such as the Towers Absolute, two blocks of 50 and 56 floors that seem to turn from the base to the cusp, or the Emerald Park Condos, which remind of beating bars with the open envelope in one of its corners.
Walk
Toronto has an important public transport network, subway, modern trams and buses, which allows you to move from one place to another relatively easy, but if you dare to walk, the best way to know the city is to walk through its streets.
A part of life in Toronto revolves around Yonge Dundas Square, where in addition to restaurants, theaters, shops, shopping center and an immense subway station there are large digital screens that give life and color to the square.
There is also Nathan Phillips Square with its extensive reflective pool and the City Council with its two blunt torres of curved layout that seem to embrace the great room of the town hall with the appearance of flying saucer.
On one side of the square lies the former mayor with elegant clock tower and neo -Romanesque design of the late nineteenth century.
You have to lower the stairs and enter the underground world of Toronto. The Path is a network of pedestrian tunnels and high catwalks, full of stores and restaurants, which connect more than 70 buildings along 30 kilometers (19 miles).
The great tunnel is the best way to escape the inclement weather when the icy winter arrives. During the summer, when the temperature exceeds 27 ° C (81 ° F), we find fresh air to refresh us.
Places
Many are the emblematic places, such as the Chinese neighborhood, where in addition to Chinese other Asians and an economic business network that varies according to the flow of immigrations are agglomerate.
Two more steps and we arrive at the very bohemian and commercial Kensington Avenue Market. Here cultures travel through universal geography: stores, restaurants and markets ranging from Tibetans to Ethiopians, Hindus and anywhere, each marked with smells of spices, incenses and something else that matches the abundance of colors to stimulate smell and vision.
Toronto Old Town is another place to visit. It is the great space played by old and modern buildings, such as the lovely St. Lawrence Hall who managed to survive thanks to a popular campaign that saved him.
Keep in consideration of St. Lawrence Market, with its 200 years in tow and more than 120 stalls, from fruits, cheeses, sausages and pizzas to sweets, a thousand treats and gifts.
In Carousel Bakery and other establishments he finds the very awarded Peameal Bacon sandwich, which is not the typical greasy beicon that he knows but a rich cured pork loin that fry grilled and accompany mustard, cheese or what he likes.
“We cure the back with some species for several days and then cover it with a slight layer of fine cornmeal, which gives it a very special touch,” said David, who began working at the premises with his parents in 1985.
Near the St. Lawrence market is The Distillery District, which is a kind of commercial and residential zone where bars, restaurants, shops and art galleries abound.
We highlight Arta Gallery, which offers an eclectic collection of contemporary works by Canadian and international artists, and the Mill Street Brew Pub, where they have made beers for more than 100 years.
Kofi arrived from wins a couple of years ago and although he directed his life as a dependent of the bar he longed for the warm beaches of his native country.
“Toronto is a very diverse city. It didn’t cost me to adapt thanks to the diversity of its people. People smile, he says, he apologizes. It is a pleasant place to live. That is very important,” he said.
A few more steps on Front street and we arrive at the Trains and Metro Union Station station, compared to which the Royal York Hotel with its 28 floors and peculiar style Château and immense lobby with bar and restaurant that combines the art deco with neorromanical details.
The CN Tower Mirador is just around the corner. This colossal construction, which is practically seen from any point in the city and was the highest structure in the world until 2007, is an emblematic icon of the urban landscape of Toronto and Canada.
From his great viewpoint, to which he is rising by elevators that barely take 59 seconds, after beating a long row of visitors, the urban greatness of Toronto, the Great Lake Ontario and the islands that collide the city are appreciated.
If we talk about islands, Toronto Island Park is a place to visit for the whole family: attraction park, beaches, abundant vegetation, bars, restaurants and shops.
The journey in Ferry barely takes 13 minutes, from where you can appreciate an unparalleled panoramic view of the city’s urban horizon with its senior buildings and iconic CN Tower.
Arts
The theater billboard of Toronto surprises with great musicals and theatrical works, whose entries turn out to be cheaper than in other large cities.
If he likes good theater and plans to visit Toronto soon, keep in mind to the modern room The Second City to enjoy Duel Citizens. Written by Alix Ohlin and interpreted by a virtuous cast, this sarcastic comedy reflects the daily life of the country with peculiar characters, fun songs and teasing to everyday politics.
Casa Loma is a Neogotic Castle Style Mansion Museum, built in 1914, with 6,011 square meters and 98 rooms.
Due to its unique architecture in Toronto, Casa Loma is a place widely used for filming films and television series. It is also popular to celebrate weddings and concerts, such as the series Symphony in the Gardens that addresses from classical to popular music.
The Art Gallery of Ontario Museum exhibits an impressive collection of Canadian and international art, in addition to itinerant exhibitions. The famous Canadian architect Frank Gehry designed the building with spectacular sculptural stairs, a wide use of douglas and metal fiddes wood that flood the natural light galleries.
The churches, in addition to their consecrated religious significance, are mostly works of art of the great architecture and the very neogotic cathedral st James, built in 1850, is proof of this.
Gastronomy
In addition to the aforementioned gastronomic premises, Toronto has a wide international culinary offer that pleases all tastes.
One of the most innovative places is Frenchy Bar et Brasserie, located in the lobby of the Toronto Hilton hotel, where in addition to good French cuisine, with mussels in white wine sauce, duck confit and cheese, there are pasta, salads and a succulent entree of Brie, honey and nuts that also works as dessert.
“It is a brown cheese baked with nuts and puff pastry that we enhance with a delicious vinegar sauce from Jerez, honey and truffle that we reduce until we get that consistency and flavor,” explained the Sous-Chef Vika.
On the 44th floor of the Bisha hotel is the Kost restorán, with bar, pool and terrace that offers impressive views of the city.
If you go to Kost before noon, try your star breakfast, made with eggs, beicon, rösti potatoes and an unforgettable and tasty sausage.
To dine and enjoy the good Italian food, we recommend Osteria Giulia, where the service is impeccable. The restaurant received a Michelin star in 2022 and retains it since then.
The young chef Rob Rossi feels passion for food and to create the right atmosphere for people to enjoy. “I cooked with my mother all the time,” he said. “It is one of those works that does not feel like a job. It is part of my life.”
We ask the waiter suggestions. “Please sip us,” and he succeeded. Try the delicious veal carpaccio with white tuna, Foglie di Cappero, lemon and olive oil and will surprise them.
As for the pasta, we delight in the Lorights to the Mare. This is an artisanal dish made with hand braided pasta, squid, scallops, some chili, garlic and anchovy.
For a more relaxed atmosphere, with music and variety of tequilas, visit Añejo. Here Mexican cuisine is transformed in different ways with ribs, carnitas and sausages.
Chefs Hall, with 14 food stalls and multiple bars to choose from, is another good option to eat in the center of Toronto.
But if you want to eat sandwiches, cupcakes and Cuban croquettes during your visit to Toronto, visit Cuban Kings in Spadina Avenue. The place, already awarded with the Canadian Choice award, is perfect to test some of these exquisits practically unknown in this city.
How to get there
There are several airlines that serve Toronto from Miami and other important cities. However, Air Canada has several daily flights and the charm of flying in a Canadian airline.
If you carry an American passport you do not need a visa, but if you travel with the document of another origin, contact the Canadian consular office to receive proper information.
Where to stay
Toronto has a wide range of hotels, guest houses and apartment rental for all pockets.
In the center of the city highlights the hotels of great name, such as Toronto Hilton, just a few steps from the most emblematic places of the Canadian city.
See the Destinationtoronto.com portal, available in several languages, to obtain information on lodging, amenities and much more.
Save money
Follow these tips to facilitate the value of your pocket. Do not change money, or before traveling or at the destination. Most travelers tend to change dollars and ignore that they are appraised with a commission that is often excessive.
Better have the money in your bank account and use the ATM card as soon as you reach the destination. The issuing bank will charge you three or four dollars, but save the change commission and get the best international rate available that day.
You can also use credit cards in stores, restaurants and hotels.
