Toronto. It’s where we met and what we call home. Here’s a quick guide for first-time visitors to the city.
Getting to Toronto
For most of our guests, you’ll be flying into Pearson International Airport (YYZ). The fastest way to get to downtown Toronto is by taking the UP Express to Union Station.
If you’re coming from New York City, Washington D.C., or Ottawa, we recommend flying into Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport (YTZ), which is in downtown Toronto.
Getting around Toronto
Uber and Lyft are abundantly available. Toronto’s public transit consists of subways, buses, and streetcars and is (debatably) reliable. In order to use transit, you can buy PRESTO (card or single fare) at the UP Express Terminal in Pearson Airport, Union Station and all other subway stations, and any Shoppers Drug Mart in the city. You can also tap your credit card to pay for the TTC fare (woohoo)!
Staying Here
Since Toronto has such a variety of neighbourhoods and accommodation options, we’ve decided not to lock you into a hotel block at a specific place. For those looking into hotels, we’d recommend Broadview Hotel, Gladstone House, Drake Hotel, and Ace Hotel.
For those who prefer Airbnbs, we’d recommend looking into walkable neighbourhoods including Leslieville (where we live!), Trinity Bellwoods, Old Town, and Little Italy.
If this is your first time in the city, please reach out to us — we’re here to help you decide where to stay and what to avoid.
Our Favourite Spots
Toronto’s restaurant scene is one of the most diverse in the world and the best way to explore the city. We’ve curated a short list of our top choices for you. (Minami would be on this list if we weren’t getting married there. 😉)
Most eateries take reservations, and we’d highly recommend making one to avoid disappointment. Some, however, are walk-in only — but we’ve only included those that are worth the wait!
(A note on tipping culture in Toronto, expect to tip between 15% to 20% when going out to eat or drink.)
Great dine-in experiences
SARA. We planned to have our wedding here, but the space was too small. Get the latkes.
SUNNYS. A highlight reel of regional Chinese cuisines. Make sure you save room for dessert.
Pearl Diver. Our most visited restaurant. Oysters, burgers, mussels with focaccia.
Bernhardt’s. Neighbourhood bistro known for tasty rotisserie chicken and salads.
Affordable takeout options
Market Street Catch. Order the lobster roll there when you visit St. Lawrence Market.
PAI. The city’s most beloved Thai restaurant. Takeout is way easier than reservation or walk-in.
Lambo’s Deli. Very filling Italian subs.
Brunch to lunch
Maha’s. Family-owned Egyptian restaurant. No reservations, worth the lineup if you get there early.
Mildred’s Temple Kitchen. Very serious blueberry buttermilk pancakes.
Donna’s. Unpretentious Canadian dishes made in your best friend’s kitchen.
Late-night eats & drinks
Little Jerry. Yummy shared plates, fun wines & good vibes.
Hanmoto. Japanese snack & dive bar with ’90s hip hop as background music.
Chez Nous. Where we had our first date. All local wine, beer & cocktails.
Places to visit
Besides the CN Tower, Toronto isn’t known for its landmarks — but there are a few places worth a visit.
Want to escape Toronto? Definitely visit Niagara Falls, but spend most of your time in the town of Niagara on the Lake for wine-tasting and local eats. Here are a few options for day tours that leave from Toronto: Queen Tour Niagara Falls, BG Niagara Tours.