Free Spirit Travel · Toronto

Where to Stay in Toronto

When I’m deciding where to stay in Toronto, I start with the map. It’s the sort of city where ‘downtown’ can do an alarming amount of work in a hotel listing. I’d pick a base around the places I’ll actually visit twice, then check the map for the rest.

Back to the Neighborhood Finder Find my Toronto neighbourhood

Rob’s quick picks

Start near Union Station for the waterfront and easy onward travel. Compare Old Town for market mornings, or Bloor–Yorkville if the museums and subway matter more.

Downtown near Union Station · Old Town and St. Lawrence · West Queen West · Bloor–Yorkville

Four Toronto neighbourhoods compared

Downtown near Union Station

Best for · A first visit and onward rail travel

Start here for the waterfront, CN Tower and Union Station. Map the hotel from the station exit you’ll use. I’d choose the waterfront side for lakefront walks and check event dates if the room is close to a major venue.

Worth knowing · Check the arena and stadium calendars if you’re sensitive to event crowds.

Old Town and St. Lawrence

Best for · Market mornings and historic streets

Base yourself near St. Lawrence Market for an easy walk to the waterfront and Union Station. Go farther east if the Distillery District is where you expect to spend your time.

Worth knowing · The farther east you book, the longer the walk back to Union Station.

West Queen West

Best for · Independent shops and dinner out

Pick this stretch for galleries, restaurants and Trinity Bellwoods Park. Check both directions of the streetcar route against your plans before you book.

Worth knowing · Check the streetcar route and allow extra time for cross-town trips.

Bloor–Yorkville

Best for · Museums and a polished city break

The Royal Ontario Museum and subway are close if you stay near Bloor Street. Check whether you’ll be changing lines often if your plans are scattered around the city.

Worth knowing · Check rates early if you’re weighing this area against downtown.

Toronto neighbourhood FAQs

Where should I stay if I’m using the airport train?

Look near Union Station for the UP Express. With luggage, map the walk from the terminal at Union to the hotel door before you decide.

Where should I stay for a game or concert?

Check the venue address first. A hotel near Union makes sense for events at Scotiabank Arena or Rogers Centre. For an event elsewhere, compare the trip home after it ends.

Next step

Pick the two things that matter most to you and compare the areas the Finder brings up.

Shortlist Toronto neighbourhoods Read the Ontario travel guide Back to the Neighborhood Finder

Toronto visitor information

Planning a wider trip? Explore the Canada travel guide.