Toronto on a Budget: Art, Eats, and Adventure

Experience Toronto's charm without breaking the bank.

21 June 2023

A trip to Toronto, Canada on a limited budget can still be exciting and enjoyable. There are many free or low-cost activities, such as visiting the CN Tower, exploring the waterfront, and browsing Queen Street West's trendy shops and galleries. Economical accommodation options like hostels, Airbnb and less popular hotels are also available.

Save and get deals

Travel plan

Getting latest place information
Day 1

City Sights and Street Eats

  • Check into the Travelodge Hotel Toronto, located near the exciting Queens Street West neighborhood
  • Grab a coffee and pastry at the trendy Dark Horse Espresso Bar
  • Admire the panoramic views of the city from the top of the CN Tower
  • Take a stroll through the sprawling Kensington Market and sample international street food
  • Catch a live show or movie at the historic Elgin and Winter Garden Theatre Centre
  • End the day with a slice of the signature Hawaiian pizza from the infamous Pizza Pizza chain
Day 2

Art, History, and a Classic Canadian Brunch

  • Start the day with a hearty breakfast at the quirky Saving Gigi, featuring dishes like Montreal-style bagels and crepes
  • Visit the Art Gallery of Ontario to see works by Canadian and international artists, including a major collection by the famed Group of Seven
  • Learn about the city's history at the interactive and multimedia-filled Museum of Toronto
  • Walk along the picturesque waterfront and stop for a refreshing drink at Amsterdam BrewHouse
  • Finish off the trip with a taste of Canadian cuisine at the charming diner Lakeview Restaurant, featuring classics like poutine and butter tart pie.

Length of stay

1 day 2 days 3 days 4 days 5 days

Type of trip

Standard trip Budget Family Friendly Romantic Stag do

How to get there

Plane

The best way to get to Toronto by plane is to fly into Toronto Pearson International Airport, which has connections to many major cities around the world.

Car

Driving to Toronto is a viable option from various cities across North America. From New York City, it takes approximately 8 hours to reach Toronto via I-90E and over the Niagara Falls border crossing.

Train

There is the VIA Rail train service from Montreal to Toronto that provides scenic views of the countryside and the journey takes approximately 4-5 hours.

Boat

There are currently no direct boat routes to Toronto, however, you can take a ferry from Rochester, NY to Toronto Island Airport and then take a short flight to Toronto's Billy Bishop Airport.

Bus

Taking a coach bus from New York City's Port Authority Bus Terminal is a popular way to get to Toronto. Bus companies like Greyhound and Megabus provide direct services to Toronto's Bus Terminal.

Destination

Toronto

Toronto - the city that's always bragging about being the centre of the universe, but at least they make a mean poutine and apologize for it afterwards.

 Save and get deals

Number of days

1 2 3 4 5

Type of trip

Standard trip Budget Family Friendly Romantic Stag do

More travel plans

Toronto Thrills on a Budget: A Family Adventure

Toronto, Canada offers a perfect family-friendly getaway with its vibrant city life and numerous attractions for all ages. Explore the iconic CN Tower with panoramic views of the city or spend a day at the Royal Ontario Museum, home to fascinating exhibits. Take a leisurely stroll along the beautiful harbor-front, visit the Toronto Zoo, and indulge in diverse cuisines in this multicultural city for an unforgettable family trip.

Toronto: The Ultimate 4-Day Cultural Adventure

Toronto offers a wide variety of attractions for tourists, including the iconic CN Tower and famous museums like the Royal Ontario Museum. Visitors can also enjoy shopping, dining, and exploring diverse neighborhoods like Kensington Market and the Distillery District. Additionally, Toronto provides easy access to natural beauty, such as Niagara Falls and the beautiful waterfront of Lake Ontario.

A Dreamy 5-Day Getaway to Romantic Toronto

A romantic trip to Toronto, Canada promises to be a dreamy getaway filled with picturesque views, luxury experiences and delightful dining options. From cruising on Lake Ontario to exploring the charming streets of the Distillery District, Toronto is a city that offers endless possibilities for intimate moments. With a plethora of lavish hotels, cozy bars and enchanting venues, Toronto is definitely a destination that will leave couples wanting more.

Experience the Best of Toronto in 5 Days

Toronto, Canada is a vibrant and diverse city that offers a range of activities for tourists. Visitors can take in stunning views of the city from the top of the CN Tower, explore the historic Distillery District, and sample delicious food from worldwide cuisines in vibrant food markets. A trip to Toronto would not be complete without visiting one of the many museums, galleries, or theaters that showcase the city's rich cultural heritage.