Exploring Toronto on a Budget: Tips for a Wallet-Friendly Trip

Toronto, Canada’s largest city, is a bustling metropolis known for its diverse culture, impressive architecture, and lively entertainment scene. From the iconic CN Tower to the historic Distillery District, there’s no shortage of things to see and do in this vibrant city. However, a trip to Toronto can also be expensive, with dining out, accommodations, and attractions quickly adding up. But fear not – with some careful planning and budget-friendly choices, you can experience all that Toronto has to offer without breaking the bank.

In this article, I’ll provide tips and suggestions for a wallet-friendly trip to Toronto, including where to stay, what to eat, and how to save money while exploring the city’s top attractions. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned Toronto traveler, these budget tips will help you make the most of your time in this exciting city.

So, here’s a five-day itinerary for Toronto with suggestions for places to eat, stay, and visit, along with travel costs in USD and INR. I’ve also included some vegetarian restaurants you might enjoy!

Day 1

Visit the CN Tower ($32 USD / 2,341 INR). Take the elevator to the top for a spectacular view of the city.

Lunch at Fresh, a vegetarian restaurant with delicious bowls, wraps, and salads ($15 USD / 1,097 INR).

Explore the Distillery District, a historic area with lots of shops and restaurants.

Dinner at Planta, a chic vegetarian restaurant with an extensive menu of plant-based dishes ($25 USD / 1,828 INR).

Stay at the Drake Hotel, a trendy boutique hotel with stylish rooms and an on-site restaurant and bar ($150 USD / 10,962 INR per night).

Day 2

Take a ferry to Toronto Islands ($10 USD / 732 INR) and spend the day at the beach or exploring the park.

Lunch at Vegandale Brewery, a vegan brewery and restaurant with tasty burgers and pizza ($20 USD / 1,464 INR).

Visit the Royal Ontario Museum ($23 USD / 1,683 INR), which has an impressive collection of art, culture, and natural history.

Dinner at Rosalinda, a stylish plant-based Mexican restaurant with amazing cocktails ($25 USD / 1,828 INR).

Day 3

Visit the Art Gallery of Ontario ($20 USD / 1,464 INR), which has a large collection of Canadian and international art.

Lunch at Cosmic Treats, a vegan comfort food spot with burgers, sandwiches, and desserts ($15 USD / 1,097 INR).

Explore Kensington Market, a vibrant neighborhood with lots of shops, restaurants, and street art.

Dinner at Doomie’s, a vegan comfort food spot with burgers, mac and cheese, and other indulgent dishes ($20 USD / 1,464 INR).

Read Also: Toronto’s Cherry Blossom Season: High Park Uncovered

Day 4

Visit the St. Lawrence Market, a historic market with lots of food vendors and specialty shops.

Lunch at Kupfert & Kim, a vegan fast-casual restaurant with bowls, salads, and sandwiches ($15 USD / 1,097 INR).

Visit the Toronto Zoo ($25 USD / 1,828 INR), which has over 5,000 animals from around the world.

Dinner at Planta Burger, a casual spin-off of Planta with delicious plant-based burgers ($20 USD / 1,464 INR).

Stay at the Gladstone Hotel, a historic hotel with unique rooms and an on-site art gallery and restaurant ($120 USD / 8,769 INR per night).

Day 5

Take a walk along the waterfront and enjoy the views of Lake Ontario.

Lunch at Bunners, a vegan bakery with delicious sweet and savory treats ($15 USD / 1,097 INR).

Visit the Casa Loma, a historic castle with beautiful gardens and architecture ($32 USD / 2,341 INR).

Dinner at Mythology Diner, a vegan diner with classic comfort food dishes ($20 USD / 1,464 INR).

Overall travel cost for 5 days:

• In USD: approximately $990 USD
• In INR: approximately 72,414 INR

Vegetarian restaurants mentioned: Fresh, Planta, Vegandale Brewery, Rosalinda, Cosmic Treats, Doomie’s, Kupfert & Kim, Planta Burger, Bunners, Mythology Diner.

Here are some tips to save money during your trip to Toronto:

1. Use public transportation: Toronto has a great public transportation system with buses, streetcars, and subways. Using public transportation instead of taxis or rental cars can save you a lot of money.
2. Look for free activities: There are many free things to do in Toronto, such as visiting parks, exploring neighborhoods, and attending free events. Check out the Toronto Tourism website for a list of free activities.
3. Take advantage of happy hours: Many restaurants and bars in Toronto offer happy hour specials, which can be a great way to save money on food and drinks.
4. Use discount websites: Websites like Groupon and LivingSocial offer discounts on restaurants, attractions, and activities in Toronto. Check these sites before you go to see if you can save money on anything you want to do.
5. Stay in budget accommodations: Toronto has a range of accommodations from luxury hotels to budget hostels. Consider staying in a budget-friendly hostel or Airbnb to save money on lodging.
6. Pack snacks and water: Toronto can be expensive when it comes to food and drinks. Packing snacks and water can help you save money while you’re out and about.
7. Buy a CityPASS: If you plan on visiting several of Toronto’s top attractions, consider buying a CityPASS. It offers discounted admission to several attractions, including the CN Tower and the Royal Ontario Museum.

By following these tips, you can save money during your trip to Toronto and make the most of your budget.

In conclusion, Toronto is a dynamic and exciting city with much to offer visitors, from stunning architecture and cultural landmarks to world-class restaurants and shopping. While the costs of traveling and exploring the city can quickly add up, there are many budget-friendly options available that allow you to experience all that Toronto has to offer without breaking the bank. By using public transportation, seeking out free activities, and taking advantage of discounts, you can enjoy everything that Toronto has to offer while staying within your budget. So pack your bags, follow these tips, and get ready to experience the best of Toronto on a budget.