Don't get confused by the dozens of neighbourhoods and hotels. It's easy to choose where to stay in Toronto. Virtually everything of interest to tourists is in or near the centre. And transport is easy to understand.
Toronto has integrated subways, buses and trams, which makes it easy for those staying outside the centre. But I don't recommend staying too far away, so as not to waste time. That's why I selected the 3 best neighbourhoods to stay in so you can choose your hotel and do almost everything on foot.
Best neighbourhoods and where to stay in Toronto without error
Map with the best neighbourhoods to stay in Toronto - Where to stay?
INDEX: GO STRAIGHT TO THE POINT IN THIS SAME POST
Frightened by the hotel prices, I almost opted to stay in neighbouring towns or near the airport. But it would have been a mistake, as I would have needed to spend several transport tickets every day, it would have been very expensive to use Uber and I would have wasted a lot of time getting around. So it's worth sifting through to find a good value hotel or hostel in the central area, in what I consider the best neighbourhoods in Toronto for tourists.
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1. Downtown Toronto, the neighbourhood with the most tourist attractions
The CN Tower, Ripley's Aquarium, Rogers Centre (baseball stadium), Scotiabank Arena (hockey stadium), Union Station (main train and subway station), Jack Layton Ferry Terminal (boats to Toronto Islands) and St. Lawrence Market (city market), the main places of interest in Toronto, are within a radius of less than 1 km, in the centre. This area is also rich in shops and restaurants. Staying close to them is the ultimate convenience.
Toronto city centre hotel tips
In this area of unrivalled strategic location, there are hotels such as the InterContinental Toronto (8.8), the Hilton Toronto (8.4) and the One King (8.8), among other 4 and 5 star hotels, all with average daily rates above $ 700.
"Cheap Hotel" in Downtown Toronto:
Between Union Station and the boarding point for Toronto Islands, one of the cheapest accommodations is EG Suites(8.8), a flat just 500 metres from the CN Tower. The downside is that it's under the Union Station viaduct, an area full of avenues, which is not very nice for walking. So, that's the main tip about Downtown Toronto: it's better to stay above the tracks, because the part between the railway and the lake is cut by big avenues and viaducts that are unpleasant to pass.
Tips for hotels in the Garden District
Just above the city centre, the Garden District is one of Toronto's busiest areas. There you'll find one of the city's most iconic landmarks: Old City Hall, the beautiful former city hall building in the square where the Toronto sign also stands.
In this area, close to the city centre, it is possible to find less expensive hotels, such as Ramada Plaza by Wyndham (7.4), where I found rates below R$ 450. Now, if you're looking for a cheap hostel by Toronto standards, check out the Luxury Townhouse (7.2), near Club Zanzibar, a strip club full of complaints, but which has a luminous façade perfect for photos at night.
Also in a great location in this area, more precisely in Yorkville, the Four Seasons Toronto is considered one of the best hotels in Canada. In the video below you can better understand what it looks like inside:
Is it worth staying in Old Town and Distillery?
Also next to downtown, Toronto's Old Town is one of the oldest neighbourhoods in the city. Cut through by wide avenues, it's not at all charming. But at the eastern end of the neighbourhood is The Distillery Historic District, a small set of historic streets with cafes, shops and breweries. It's one of Toronto's 13 best tourist spots.
The problem is that this area has almost no hotels that I trust to indicate, only flats still little used. So, if you want to stay here, it's best to search for alternative accommodation in locals' homes through Airbnb.
Hotels in Cabbagetwon
I stayed in Cabbaggetown (the translation is Cabbage Town). The neighbourhood, just above the centre, has a bad reputation among locals, who say to avoid walking around at night. But I found it quiet even at dawn. I recommend not to cross the squares, because at night you can notice drug dealers on the benches. Other than that, it is a nice residential neighbourhood, full of squirrels in the gardens and with some options of pharmacies, bars, pubs and restaurants.
Modern Design Studio - Apartment rating 9.8
Grand Hotel & Suites - Hotel rating 8.4
Elevate Rooms Taigh Ice - Guesthouse rating 7.4
From my Airbnb to the CN Tower, in the Centre, it was 3km, which I did in about 40 minutes of walking.
2. Kensington Market, a small bohemian and multicultural neighbourhood
The largest number of bars, cafes and thrift stores per square metre in Toronto. It represents all the cultural diversity of the city. Formerly a Jewish market and one of the poorest places in Toronto until the 1990s, today it is one of the most vibrant areas of the city. Inhabited by Latinos, Chinese, Africans and even Canadians, visiting the neighbourhood's markets is practically a trip around the world in a few streets.
Kensington Market hotel and hostel tips
On average, hotels in Kensington Market are cheaper than in the centre. The problem is that there are few hotels. Most of the accommodation is very simple guesthouses and holiday flats. Main accommodation options in the neighbourhood:
Toronto Rooms and Suites (hostel)
Kaisar Guest House (hostel) - Rating 7.8
Two Peas Pod (hostel)
Kensington College Backpackers (hostel)
3. Part of the Little Portugal, West Queen West and Trinity-Bellwoods neighbourhoods
This area of Toronto that I marked in number 3 is on the border of the above neighbourhoods. It's a stretch of Queen Street where you'll find places like Poutini's, where you can eat the best poutine in Toronto. The area is also home to thrift shops, cafés and shops like Curiosa. A little touristy part, it is 4 km away from the centre and has a direct electric tram there, straight down the avenue.
Tips for hotels in this area of Toronto
The Parkdale Hostellerie - Hostel rating 8.1
Gladstone Hotel - Hotel rating 8.4
AOC Suites Tower View- Apartment - 8.8 rating
4. Best hostels in Toronto: all well located
For those who are travelling alone and cannot afford to share a hotel room, it is much cheaper to stay in a hostel in Toronto. They're not as cheap and cool as hostels in European cities, but they're a great value and have well-located options.
Hostel room Two Peas Pod Photo courtesy
Searching through HostelWorld, I found HI Toronto, which is located between the Centre and Old Town and has dorms below R$ 100 per person, in addition to the option of private rooms. Now, if you are looking for an even cheaper hostel, you need to move away from the centre. It was on Queen Street, in a stylish area, although full of people with a drug addict look, that I saw The Parkdalle Hostellerie, with daily rates in the range of R$ 70 per person. Selection with the 5 best hostels in Toronto:
The Only Backpacker's Inn (away from the tourist area)
Planet Traveler Hostel (Kensington Market)
5. Best hotels in Toronto - All in or near the centre
Pool at The St. Regis Toronto - Photo Courtesy
For those who don't want to rack their brains with location, it's best to go straight to the best hotels. I selected the best rated 4 and 5 star hotels in Toronto. All of them are located in the city centre, close to tourist attractions, subways and restaurants.
Marriott Downtown - Rating 8.6
The Omni King Edward - Rating 9.1
The St. Regis Toronto - Score 9.2
One King West Hotel and Residence - Score 8.8
Fairmont Royal York - 8.9
The Ritz-Carlton â Rating 9.1
