48 Hours: Explore Toronto’s Entertainment District

Here’s how to catch all the action in this dynamic downtown neighbourhood filled with arts, nightlife, food and bars.

Let us entertain you! That’s the premise of Toronto’s downtown Entertainment District. This downtown neighbourhood includes hip King Street West and the glittering Theatre District. It’s adjacent to the Financial District, Fashion District and South Core, so you truly are in the heart of the action.

Staying here means budgeting your time wisely since you’ve got so many distractions to choose between, from food and drink to film, theatre, shopping and wellness. 

This buzzy neighbourhood is one where you’ll multiply your fun by travelling with your people. Here’s how you could spend 48 hours with your squad in Toronto’s Entertainment District. 

Friday evening: Thai one on

After checking into your hotel—consider the Ritz-Carlton, Shangri-La or 1 Hotel Toronto for walkability, comfort and style—sample the local food and nightlife.

Make Friday your Thai day: Toronto’s scene is exemplary. Spicy Khao San Road takes its name from the Bangkok nightlife street, and like its namesake, it tends to fill up. 

PAI Northern Thai Kitchen, meanwhile, takes its inspiration from the relatively temperate north of Thailand, and renowned restaurateur and Chef Nuit Regular’s delicious dishes tend to have a bit less bite (though no less flavour).

Now, work off that meal with active fun. From the 1980s to the 2000s, this area was known as “Clubland.” That era may be over, but there are still a few dance floors around. The Fifth Social Club opened in 1996 but still draws partygoers with its energy and theme nights.

Other options for group fun include the golf “club” Par-Tee Putt (putting, pizza, beer), The Ballroom Bowl (10-pin bowling, DJs, craft cocktails) and SPIN Toronto (ping pong, pints, party vibes).

Saturday afternoon: Food and performing arts

After getting in your restorative zzz’s, regroup the troops for a fortifying brunch at O&B Canteen. With bright, high ceilings and a nice patio, this casual restaurant on the ground floor of the TIFF Lightbox (HQ of Toronto’s global cinema scene) is like a fancy cafeteria that caters to a huge range of cravings, from avocado toast to Buffalo chicken wraps. 

Now how about a matinee? Catch a film at the TIFF Lightbox, or stroll a few paces in search of rush seats for a show at the Princess of Wales or Royal Alexandra theatres. 

Alternatively, see if you can score tickets for afternoon ballet or opera at the Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts. (Better yet: plan ahead and pre-book.)
 

Saturday evening: MICHELIN dining in Toronto

It’s Saturday night, time to explore Toronto’s fine dining scene. While Toronto’s 100 MICHELIN-recognized restaurants are spread across town, you’ve got multiple options within walking distance of the Entertainment District.

Alo is known for contemporary cuisine that effortlessly merges European and Asian sensibilities. Considered one of Canada’s best restaurants, it has earned 1 MICHELIN Star and is a short walk away on Spadina Avenue.

For a longer stroll, consider Edulis for a Mediterranean-inspired, seasonal tasting menu served in an adorable converted house, or Don Alfonso 1890 for Lake Ontario views and sophisticated Italian. Each restaurant has been recognized with 1 MICHELIN Star.

Prefer a more casual vibe? Consider MICHELIN Bib Gourmand restos such as Campechano (ah-mazing tacos), Grey Gardens (seafood with a show-stopping wine list), R&D (edgy Chinese fusion) or Sunnys Chinese (a high-energy hotspot), all a walk or brief cab ride away.

Sunday morning-ish: Coffee, cardio and/or culture

Coffee is non-negotiable if you’re to make the most of your visit. Grab an eye-opening latte, cortado or Americano at French Made, Bevy Cafe At The Combine or Columbus Café. 

Sip as you stroll to a local studio for a soul-stirring workout. You could crush it with a killer cardio circuit at Barry’s, stretch out all the tension at barre3 or Yoga Tree, or chase an endorphin rush at Spokehaus. 

Or stir things up with a badass boxing workout at Big Hit, where class options include lifting, mobility, boxing, kickboxing… or a combination of all of the above. 

If you’d prefer quiet contemplation over high-intensity cardio, visit 401 Richmond for your culture fix. It’s a former industrial building that’s now home to art galleries and studios, as well as a bookstore, shops and café. 

Don’t miss the Spacing Store, where you can grab an artsy souvenir of your weekend in Toronto.  

Sunday afternoon: Shop the Entertainment District and Fashion District

King Street West offers a motherlode of fashionable options when it comes to brunching as well as shopping. So grab a bite and then hit the shops. 

Those with #wanderlust will find the perfect adventure gear at Patagonia and Black Toe Running Inc, while collectors won’t want to miss Antiques on King or Cynthia Findlay Fine Jewellery & Antiques. 

A stroll north will bring you to the Fashion District’s main drag, Queen Street West, for of-the-moment clothes and accessories, including shoe-lover faves Getoutside, size? and John Fluevog.

Or walk south to two cool shopping complexes. Stackt is North America’s largest shipping container market, where you’ll find indie boutiques and hip food stalls, while The Well is an open-air “retail walk” with dynamic shops and a brand-new food hall.

Sunday evening: Chill vibes to close out the weekend

Speaking of food halls, it’s time for one final meal to close out the weekend. 

If you’re looking for great grub in a friendly atmosphere, go on a self-guided tour of downtown Toronto’s hottest food halls. It’s the best way to sample what you want, without having to compromise amongst your group. (Hey: everyone’s happy!)

Chef’s Hall is a casual standby, while Waterworks Food Hall and The Well’s Wellington Market are two new food halls that have generated considerable buzz among local foodies. 

Sunday evening is also the perfect time to visit local landmarks minus the prime time crowds.