How To Spend 24 Hours in Toronto Travel Guide: Kensington Market Edition

I recently visited Canada's biggest city, Toronto. Whilst it was only for a short while, I really enjoyed my stay in the vibrant Kensington Market borough. I spent time exploring the colourful side streets and vintage thrift stores, and indulged in the multicultural dining scene.

A lot can happen in 24 hours, so if you've only got a day, here is how to spend 24 hours in Toronto: Kensington Market edition. This is your ultimate Toronto Travel Guide.

View of the Toronto skyline from Kensington Market

Toronto Travel Guide

Eat & Drink - Where To Eat in Toronto

It's easy to work up an appetite when exploring a new city. All that walking around has to be fueled somehow!

Kensington Market offers all kinds of eats and drinks. From stylish brunch spots and colourful bakeries, to bursting-with-flavour cultural eats and North American-style sports bars, there's bound to be a place that will satisfy your cravings. These are my top picks for food and drink in the area.

Morning: Brunch at Pera Cafe

Pera Cafe is a Turkish-infused all-day brunch spot, open from 8:30am - 6:00pm.

This cafe offers the classics like avocado toast and egg croissants, but also a delicious Turkish breakfast, baklava and more middle eastern faves. Pair it with an iced latte, matcha or sweet tea for a satisfying breakfast.

Afternoon: Lunch at Alfie's

Stop by Alfie's Sandwiches + Market for a mouth-watering Tuscan-style sandwich. Choose from an extensive menu of favourites like the Parma Classico and Mozzarella Caprese or try something from the signature menu like the Mona Lisa.

This is a great spot for lunch or a late-afternoon bite, open until 9pm. Pick up something from the fresh market too to elevate your lunch!

Evening: a Bite and Pint at Kensington Socials

Head to local sports bar Kensington Socials and watch the game on the big screen. This bar offers local beers and other alcoholic favourites, as well as a lengthy menu with burgers, chicken wings and more pub grub staples.

Pull up a chair at the bar for front row access to the big screen and chat to the bartender. You just never know who you'll meet in this eclectic neighbourhood.

Late Night: Grab a Drink at Midnight Market

A must-visit late night spot in Kensington Market Midnight Market. This cool bar is decked out just like a street market in South East Asia, offering different menu items from abroad like Asahi, Sapporo and more exotic drinks.

Plus, if you're still hungry, you can pick-up a late night snack here too. Midnight Market is open until 2am on Friday and Saturdays. Keep an eye out for the happy hour specials, including $5 Tsingtao beers on Wednesdays.

Play - Where To Shop and Explore in Toronto

Home to university students and artists, Kensington Market is known for its quirky culture and a really popular activity in the area is thrifting. Spend the day perusing some of these popular thrift stores in the area.

Courage My Love

Courage My Love has been a local staple since 1975, and is even highlighted by Lonely Planet in it's Canada guidebook! Find vintage apparel, homewares and other treasures.

Uncle Vintage

Just up the road from Courage My Love is Uncle Vintage. You needn't walk far for fashion! Find curated pieces and even kids vintage clothing here!

Ragdoll Vintage

Ragdoll Vintage is the thrift store for all, stocking a wide variety of mens and women's vintage clothing. If you can't make it in-store, they also are available on Etsy!

Stay - Where To Stay in Toronto

Base yourself and get a good night's rest at one of these well-known accommodations in the Kensington Market area.

Planet Traveler Hostel

Perfect for social travellers and solo travellers alike is the Planet Traveler Hostel. This hostel has been voted the best hostel in Toronto and offers both private and shared rooms depending on what kind of experience you're after! Enjoy free breakfast and the social aspect of the lively hostel.

Getting to Kensington Market

Getting to Kensington Market is easy! Located only a short distance from Toronto's downtown district, this borough is very accessible by both public transport, taxi and car.

Public Transport

From Toronto Union Station, hop on the number 1 subway for a few stops (approximately 5-10 minutes uptown) and get off at Queen's Park. From there you can walk 15 minutes to the Kensington Market borough or get on the 506 tram towards Carlton High Park.

Car or Taxi

Kensington Market is approximately a 20-minute or 4km drive from downtown Toronto or 45-minute drive from Toronto Pearson Airport.

A taxi fare from downtown can cost around C$12 and from the airport can cost around C$60.

This is 24 hours spent in Toronto's Kensington Market. For more Canada travel planning, visit thedeparturedesk.com and follow us on social media. Escape the ordinary with The Departure Desk!