Welcome to Toronto, Canada’s most populous metropolis and a premier global destination. Navigating such a vast city can feel overwhelming, from choosing the best sightseeing spots to finding affordable dining and maximizing your time without overspending.
We’re here to simplify your visit. In this guide, we highlight why Toronto is a top destination for international students, offering a look at the city’s vibrant culture and a curated list of activities perfect for your budget. Read on to start planning an unforgettable adventure in Canada's multicultural hub.
Toronto - the international study destination
As Canada’s largest city, Toronto is a prime hub for international students. Its English-speaking environment makes it incredibly accessible for global visitors. Located on the shores of Lake Ontario, the city is home to prestigious academic institutions. The University of Toronto maintains a world-class reputation, while Toronto Metropolitan University (formerly Ryerson) is celebrated for its career-focused curriculum. Other top-tier institutions include York University and OCAD University.
A major draw of Toronto is its vibrant, multicultural tapestry; roughly half its residents were born outside of Canada. As the nation’s financial center, the city hosts major banks like the Royal Bank of Canada and the National Bank, as well as top-tier media headquarters. This provides students with unparalleled access to internships, professional networking, and diverse career opportunities.
Whether you are moving here for your studies or simply planning a city getaway, Toronto is an ideal destination. Here is why this city belongs at the top of your travel list.
Things to see in Toronto
In the sections below, we explore the best places to visit in Toronto. From culturally rich neighborhoods to serene natural landscapes and popular student hangouts, we cover everything you need to experience the best of this Canadian gem.
Go on a cultural journey through Toronto’s neighbourhoods
Toronto offers a world-class adventure within city limits. You can explore a variety of unique neighborhoods, each showcasing distinct cultural identities and culinary delights. If you're wondering where to go for the best experiences, here are our top 7 must-visit spots in Toronto:
- Chinatown is centred at the intersection of Spadina Avenue and Dundas Street West. It’s Toronto's largest ethnic neighbourhood and a bustling hub filled with Asian grocery stores, restaurants, and charming cafes that not only offer Chinese delicacies but also serve up the finest Vietnamese cuisine in the city. Just like in many other Chinatowns, this vibrant area is home to some of the most wallet-friendly and mouth-watering dining spots in Toronto!
- Koreatown in Seaton Village. Here, you can find everything from Korean supermarkets to the famous Korean fried chicken. Koreatown is yet another historic Asian ethnicity in Toronto.
- The neighbourhood of Roncesvalles Village is also known as Little Poland. For those that crave something Eastern European, this is the place to be. If you’re in town in September, don’t miss out on a chance to be in Little Poland during the weekend Roncesvalles Polish Festival.
- Greektown in the Danforth. It’s the largest Greektown in North America, promising not only Mediterranean food but also a Greek atmosphere. Another tip is to come to this neighbourhood during the annual mid-August food festival called Taste of the Danforth and experience Greek festivities with locals.
- Little India, sometimes referred to as the Gerrard India Bazaar, is located in the Leslieville neighbourhood. The ethnic area began forming in the last century when the Naaz Theatre, which screened Bollywood and Pakistani films, was opened. Now Little India is a buzzing part of the city and an important part of Toronto’s cultural history.
- Portugal Village is west of downtown in the old city of Toronto. Even though this neighbourhood is mainly a residential area, the vibrant Portuguese spirit comes out every time the Portuguese football team is playing high-stakes matches.
- Little Tibet is located within the neighbourhood of Parkdale. This area is home to a thriving community of Tibetan immigrants and many Tibetan-related businesses and restaurants. When in this neighbourhood, don’t forget to taste the staple dish of Tibet - momo, a type of steamed dumplings.
Visit museums and galleries
Toronto is packed with world-class museums and art galleries, ensuring you'll always have something culturally enriching to do. To help you plan your itinerary, we’ve highlighted the most iconic museums and galleries in the city:
- Royal Ontario Museum (ROM). Located in a building with stunning architecture, this museum showcases exhibits from art and world cultures to natural history. A student entrance to this museum is $20.
- Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO). Placed in a very impressive building, AGO also has a huge collection of art. In this gallery, you can explore Canadian, European, and contemporary artworks. General admission to AGO is $30.
- Gardiner Museum. A perfect place for handcrafts lovers! Appreciate the beauty of ceramic art and learn about its history through fascinating displays and workshops. Entrance to this museum is free for all students, but if you want to be creative, take a weekly drop-in class for $17 to learn how to work with clay.
- Bata Shoe Museum. Are you ready for a more unusual museum visit? Step into a unique world of footwear and explore the evolution of shoes across different cultures and eras. Get a ticket to this museum only for $14.
- Museum of Contemporary Art Toronto (MOCA). Calling all the art fans! Experience cutting-edge contemporary art and innovative exhibitions by local and international artists. Visit MOCA with a $10 student ticket or for free every Friday evening.
- The Museum of Illusions. Challenge your perception and senses with mind-bending exhibits and optical illusions that will leave you questioning reality. This interactive museum has an admission fee of about $31.
Enjoy Toronto’s natural side
Despite being a bustling metropolis, Toronto is surrounded by incredible natural beauty. From lush urban parks to scenic getaways just outside the city, there are endless opportunities to escape the concrete jungle. Here are our top recommendations for natural retreats in and around Toronto:
- Escape the city buzz and immerse yourself in the beauty of High Park. Here you can find picturesque trails, gardens, a zoo, and a stunning cherry blossom display in the spring.
- Hop on a ferry and just off the city's shore discover Toronto Islands. Sandy beaches, lush greenery, bike rentals, and stunning views of the Toronto skyline are everything that you can enjoy on the islands.
- If you don’t mind going further outside the city, explore the Rouge National Urban Park. This green oasis is a perfect nature spot for those who want to experience diverse ecosystems, hiking trails, wildlife viewing and birdwatching. For a more guided park visit, check out this free opportunity to join a walking tour.
- Discover one of the best free things to do in Toronto - a wooden trail walk in beautifully manicured Edwards Gardens. In this picturesque park, you can find a greenhouse showcasing plants from around the world. And in the summer, you can listen to free outdoor concerts where contemporary Canadian talent performs.
- Combine a visit to Tommy Thompson Park with a visit to the Bird Sanctuary. This unique urban wilderness, known as the Leslie Street Spit, provides a habitat for migratory birds and offers beautiful views of the city skyline.
- See up close colourful creatures in a calm Humber Bay Butterfly Habitat, located within Humber Bay Park East. It’s an open and free-to-enter outdoor space where butterflies and birds come and go as they wish.
- And finally, if you have some extra funds to spare, a highly recommended option is to go on a day tour to witness the breathtaking beauty of Niagara Falls. While this suggestion is pricier compared to other activities, with prices starting at around $66, this day trip is truly worth every penny. So, if you have both the financial means and time available, we highly recommend going on a trip to Niagara Falls.
Explore Toronto like a local student
Toronto offers a dynamic atmosphere perfectly suited for students, with plenty of energetic social spots for relaxing and unwinding. After you’ve finished sightseeing, check out these other fun, student-friendly activities in the city:
- Explore the vibrant Kensington Market in a bohemian neighbourhood. This area is known for its independent spirit and because of that, it attracts many artists and students wanting to explore indie shops, trendy cafes, and international cuisine in the area. This colourful and energetic neighbourhood is a great student hangout spot.
- Visit Graffiti Alley, a colourful spot in downtown Toronto, where vibrant street art provides a backdrop for Instagram-worthy photos and creative expression.
- Unleash your competitive side in a famous Snakes & Lattes board game cafe. In Toronto, there are even 3 locations where you can choose from a big selection of games while sipping on coffee or enjoying tasty snacks.
- Have you ever been to a party in a museum? Experience the Royal Ontario Museum (ROM) like never before during their Friday Night Live events that transform the museum into a vibrant social space with music, food, and drinks.
- Take part in Toronto’s nightlife. Visit student-going-out bars and clubs such as El Furniture Warehouse, Grace O'Malley's, Lab 416, or The Maddy, and prepare for a night-long fun.
- Check out the iconic Robarts Library, known for its modernist architecture and extensive collection of books. Not surprisingly, this library is a popular study spot for Toronto students.
Join local festivities
If you have flexibility with your travel dates, consider planning your visit around one of these vibrant, city-wide festivals that showcase Toronto's incredible cultural spirit:
- Caribana (Toronto Caribbean Carnival)
Experience the energy of the Caribbean-inspired carnival, which fills Toronto's streets with colorful parades, intricate costumes, infectious music, and authentic Caribbean cuisine. It's a joyful, must-see celebration of community held every summer.
- Pride Toronto
Pride Toronto is an inclusive, vibrant celebration of the LGBTQ+ community. Throughout the month of June, enjoy a diverse array of events featuring street performances, DJ sets, and a powerful spirit of unity, culminating in one of the city's most anticipated annual parades.
- Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF)
TIFF is one of the world's most prestigious film festivals, drawing industry professionals, filmmakers, and movie buffs to Toronto every September. Students can take advantage of screenings, red-carpet premieres, and an immersive atmosphere that celebrates the pinnacle of global cinematic arts.
Student budget tips for visiting Toronto
A trip to Toronto can quickly add up if you aren't careful. To ensure you have an amazing student experience without exceeding your budget, we’ve compiled our top expert tips for exploring Toronto affordably:
- Instead of pricey activities, consider exploring Toronto's parks, hiking trails, or free community events. For instance, you can enjoy a leisurely walk along the Harbourfront or join a free yoga class at a local park.
- Keep an eye out for free or low-cost events happening in the city. Toronto often hosts festivals, concerts, and cultural events that are either free or have affordable ticket prices. For example, the Toronto Jazz Festival offers free concerts at various locations throughout the city.
- Always take your student ID with you! Many attractions, museums, and events in Toronto offer discounted rates for students.
- Toronto has an extensive public transportation system, including subways, buses, and streetcars. Consider using a Presto card for discounted fares, allowing you to navigate the city affordably.
- If you plan to visit many museums, art galleries and other city attractions, consider buying a Toronto city pass that offers discounted or free entrances to many popular destinations.
Now that you have all the essential information, you're ready to pack your bags and set off on an unforgettable journey to this captivating Canadian metropolis.