48 Hours in Toronto Itinerary: How to Spend a Weekend in My City

So, you’ve got 48 hours in Toronto, and the clock is already ticking. You want to see the highlights, eat something decent, maybe sneak in a photo or two—but you also don’t want to feel like you’re running a marathon. Fair enough. Toronto’s a big city, but it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With the right plan (and some good shoes), you can cover a lot in a weekend without feeling rushed. This “48 Hours in Toronto Itinerary: How to Spend a Weekend in My City” will help you find the sweet spot between doing too much and doing nothing.

Let’s keep it casual, efficient, and fun—with room for good coffee and the occasional people-watching break.

Day 1: Friday Evening

Arrive and Settle In

*Photo via* *@hotelxtoronto* *and* *@ooak_toronto* */ Instagram*

Check into your hotel, Airbnb, or wherever you’re staying. If you’re downtown, that’s a bonus—you’ll waste less time commuting.

Dinner in Kensington Market

*Photo via* *@sevenlivesto* */ Instagram*

*Photo via* *@eatrastapasta* *and* *@msyycfoodie* */ Instagram*

Start your weekend with a walk through Kensington Market. It’s lively, relaxed, and full of small local spots. Grab tacos from Seven Lives or Ethiopian food from Rasta Pasta. Most places are casual and ideal for solo diners or low-key dinners with friends.

Evening Walk at Harbourfront

*Photo via* *@harbourfrontcentre* *and* *@eagle.hawks.eyes* */ Instagram*

Head south toward Harbourfront. Walk along the lake, catch the skyline at night, and take a breather. If you’re not too tired, grab a drink at Boxcar Social—it’s calm and usually has seats open.

Day 2: Saturday

Morning: Coffee and Breakfast in the West End

*Photo via* *@easyrestaurant* */ Instagram*

Start your day in Roncesvalles or Parkdale. Both have great coffee shops like Sam James or Mitfar. For breakfast, try a pastry at Fantail or go full brunch at Easy Restaurant.

Late Morning: High Park Stroll

*Photo via* *@highparknaturecentre* */ Instagram*

From there, walk into High Park. It’s one of Toronto’s largest green spaces. There’s a small zoo, forested trails, and even a pond. In spring, cherry blossoms draw crowds—but most months, it’s pretty peaceful.

Lunch at St. Lawrence Market

*Photo via* *@stlawrencemarket* *and* *@fatcarbsprotein* */ Instagram*

*Photo via* *@stlawrencemarket* *and* *@cher_eats_* */ Instagram*

Grab a peameal bacon sandwich or some fresh pasta from one of the vendors. The market is quick, casual, and great for people-watching. If the weather’s nice, eat outside in Berczy Park, just a few minutes away.

Afternoon: Distillery District + Coffee Break

*Photo via* *@distilleryto* */ Instagram*

Take the streetcar east to the Distillery District. Spend some time browsing galleries, small shops, and historic streets. Grab an espresso at Balzac’s or something cold from Arvo. It’s walkable and doesn’t require a rigid plan.

Pre-Dinner Break at Your Hotel or a Nearby Park

*Photo via* *@fstoronto* *and* *@eggcanvas* */ Instagram*

*Photo via* *@foallangardens* */ Instagram*

You’ve walked a lot. Take a break. If you’re near downtown, Allan Gardens Conservatory is a good place to reset.

Dinner in Chinatown or Queen West

*Photo via* *@mogouyannoodles* */ Instagram*

For a low-key, satisfying dinner, try Mother’s Dumplings or Swatow in Chinatown. If you’re in the mood for something trendier, head to Queen West for Korean fried chicken, noodles, or pub food. Queen West also works well if you want to keep things moving into the night.

Optional: Live Show or Comedy

*Photo via* *@thesecondcityto* */ Instagram*

End your Saturday at Comedy Bar, The Second City, or a local concert venue like The Garrison. Tickets are often available last minute.

Day 3: Sunday

Morning: Brunch at Mildred’s Temple Kitchen or Lady Marmalade

*Photo via* *@mildredstemplekitchen* */ Instagram*

*Photo via* *@ladymrestaurant* *and* *@mintoriunni* */ Instagram*

Toronto loves brunch. If you want to experience it, these two spots are local favorites. Expect a short wait unless you go early.

Late Morning: Graffiti Alley + Queen West Walk

Aburi Hana Michelin 2024 — *Photo via* *@paola_difalco* */ Instagram*

*Photo via* *@west_queen_west*, *@thedrakehotel, and* *@evanedinger* */ Instagram*

Walk east through Graffiti Alley for some street art. It’s free and always changing. Then head up to Queen West and window-shop your way through record stores, bookstores, and vintage clothing spots.

Lunch or Snack at Chinatown or Kensington Market

*Photo via* *@whatlorenzoeats* */ Instagram*

If you’re still around for lunch, circle back for bao, dumplings, or falafel. Or just grab a snack and save room for the airport.

Afternoon: ROM or AGO (If You’ve Got Time)

*Photo via* *@romtoronto* *and* *@cuddlyjays* */ Instagram*

Got a few hours to spare? Pick between the Royal Ontario Museum or the Art Gallery of Ontario. Both are near transit and easy to navigate solo.

Bonus Tips:

*Photo via* *@fstoronto* *and* *@e.cam* */ Instagram*

Take the TTC Day Pass if you plan on moving around a lot.
Keep shoes comfortable—Toronto sidewalks cover a lot of ground.
Don’t stress about fitting everything in. A good weekend leaves room for breaks.

48 hours in Toronto might feel short, but with the right mix of food, walking, and low-pressure sightseeing, you’ll leave with a feel for the city. You can save the museums for next time or sneak one in before your train or flight. Either way, you’ll leave full—and maybe a little tired in the best way.

Featured Photo via @hotelxtoronto and @dolcemag / Instagram

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