Toronto is one of the most exciting cities in the world, and it’s also incredibly affordable. If you’re planning a trip to Toronto, you’ll find that there are plenty of ways to explore this diverse city—and even save money while doing so. Here are some of my favorite tips for exploring Toronto on a budget:
Attend a free event.
There are a number of free events in Toronto, and they’re often held in parks and public spaces. From festivals to live music concerts to food truck gatherings, there’s always something happening in this city.
The City of Toronto website has an extensive listing of all the city’s annual festivals and events that are held throughout the year. You can also find information about upcoming events by checking out their social media accounts or reading local newspapers like The Star Weekly or NOW Magazine (which also has an online version).
Take advantage of Toronto’s walkability.
If you’re looking for the best way to see Toronto on a budget, there’s no better way than by walking. The city is incredibly walkable, with attractions and restaurants all within easy reach.
We recommend taking advantage of this fact by exploring Toronto on foot as much as possible. You can easily get from one end of the city to another in under an hour if you want–and have time to spare! If you’re looking for something specific in terms of food or shopping options, it might take slightly longer; but even then, it’s not likely that your journey will last more than an hour or two at most (unless there are major traffic jams).
Check out the lakefront for free.
When you’re ready to get out of the city, head to Lake Ontario. The lakefront offers a great walking or running path that runs along the water’s edge. If you’re a cyclist, this is also your chance to enjoy some of Toronto’s best bike paths. If you feel like splashing around in the water, there are plenty of beaches along this stretch as well (and many more within driving distance). You can even pack lunch for a picnic at one of these beautiful spots! There are plenty of things to do here besides swim–enjoying stunning views from atop Bluffer’s Park Lookout Tower is another popular choice among locals who don’t mind paying admission fees ($11).
Look for hidden gems in the city.
- Look for free events.
- Check out local art galleries and museums, as many offer free admission on weekends or during the week.
- Walk around the city and explore! If you’re looking to save money, public transit is your friend; most cities have a pass system that will allow you unlimited access to buses and subways for a set period of time (and in Toronto’s case, it’s very affordable).
- Take advantage of what Toronto has to offer: Go to the waterfront–it’s beautiful! Or check out one of its many neighborhoods like Chinatown or Little Italy–each one has its own unique vibe that makes it worth exploring.
Bike around town on a rental bike.
- Bike rental companies in Toronto are a great option for exploring the city on two wheels.
- Renting a bike is easy–you can do it online or at one of their many locations throughout the city (including in front of Union Station).
- Once you’ve rented your bike, follow these steps to get started:
- Receive your helmet and lock from the company representative when you check out your rental.
- Make sure that you wear appropriate clothing for riding–the weather can change quickly here in Toronto, so be prepared! Also note that wearing proper safety gear such as helmets and lights is mandatory by law.
Get lost in Kensington Market.
If you’re looking to explore Toronto on a budget, Kensington Market is the place to go. The neighbourhood is known for its bohemian vibe and diverse population–it’s home to many artists, musicians, and writers. You’ll find plenty of vintage clothing stores where you can buy cheap clothes from local designers and vintage finds from around the world. There are also some great restaurants in the area that offer delicious meals at affordable prices (or free!)
If you want something different than just another burger joint or pizza parlour then head over to Le Petit Dejeuner Du Pere Couvert where they serve up breakfast sandwiches made with fresh ingredients like smoked salmon and avocado spread on top of bagels made fresh daily by their bakers! If sandwiches aren’t your thing then check out Cream Burger instead where they serve up burgers made with real cream cheese instead of processed cheese slices found at other fast food joints such as McDonalds/Burger King etc…
Check out an art gallery or museum on the weekend when they have extended hours.
If you’re looking for a cheap way to get cultured, look no further than your local museum or gallery. Many museums offer free admission on Thursdays, while others will have extended hours on weekends. If you’re feeling adventurous, you could even try going on an art crawl–a fun way to visit multiple venues in one night!
There are plenty of ways to experience Toronto on a budget!
There are many free things to do in Toronto, and the city is walkable so you don’t need to spend money on taxis or buses.
To get started, check out this list of cheap things to do in Toronto:
- Check out some art at one of the city’s many galleries (like Art Gallery of Ontario or A Space).
- Go on a walking tour that explores Toronto’s history–this can be done by foot or bike! You can also join them during their Free Fridays program where admission is pay what you can between 5pm-8pm.
- Take advantage of free admission days at museums like Royal Ontario Museum, Gardiner Museum and Bata Shoe Museum (check out their websites for more info).
Conclusion
Toronto is a great city to explore on a budget, and there are plenty of ways to do so. You can attend free events, take advantage of Toronto’s walkability and bike rentals, or look for hidden gems in the city like Kensington Market. We hope these tips help you plan your next trip!
