How to spend a weekend in Toronto—whether or not you’re going to the World Cup
Summer in one of Canada’s most diverse cities is always lively—but this summer, with the World Cup in town—expect an epic party. Here’s what to do, from must-see historical landmarks to the best eateries.
There are few places in the world as perfect for the biggest World Cup match of all time than Toronto. Canada’s most diverse city (250 cultures call it home and more than 160 languages are spoken here) is home to three million people—most of whom immigrated to the country within the last generation or two. And, given that winter often seems to last eight months, summer in the city is always a celebration.
This June and July, an estimated 300,000 global visitors will descend on the city just in time for the 23rd edition of the football classic. Expect it to be a party of epic proportions, packed with local fans whose parents have raised them in both the love of the game, and the artform of splitting allegiances between their ancestral and current homelands.
The focus of the action will be the newly named Toronto Stadium (locals know it as BMO Field) in Toronto’s Liberty Village neighborhood. From June 12 to July 2, teams from Canada, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Ghana, Panama, Germany, Croatia, Cote D’Ivoire, and more will battle for glory. But you don’t need tickets (or even to be a soccer fan) to have fun in the city this summer. From its pubs to its patios and its feasts to its festivals, Toronto offers a welcoming fan culture that is a perfect reflection of the world’s most beautiful game.
(Your ultimate travel guide to the 2026 FIFA World Cup)
Day 1: Set the stage
About last night
Pick a hotel anywhere in the city’s downtown core for easy access to the action. At 1 Hotel Toronto in King West, the "Worlds’ Game" package offers discounted rates, a hotel credit, and a vibrant Harriet’s Rooftop scene at the sustainability-focused Michelin Key property. At Four Seasons Hotel Toronto, book the "Sip, Savour. and Score" in-room dining package that includes cuisine (from lobster rolls to wagyu sliders) throughout the game. The Drake Hotel's "Game Day" package includes a customized soccer jersey. And the "Beautiful Game" package at Sheraton Centre Toronto (minimum two-night stay) offers you a C$50 Uber voucher per stay, a C$50 daily food and beverage credit, and early check‑in/late check‑out (subject to availability).
Morning
Explore the city with Destination Toronto’s Global Passport. It is a free city-wide, digital scavenger hunt that highlights 26 landmarks and neighborhoods all with connections to this year’s World cup countries.
Afternoon
Toronto represents global cuisines in its almost 10,000 restaurants. You can book a "Soccer and Spice" tour from Tasty Tours (C$99 per person) and have an expert insider guide you through the city’s options. Or create your own city dine-around adventure by chowing down on Nigerian meat pies at Afrobeat Kitchen/Bar; noshing on German sausages and beer at WVRST; sampling Senegalese thieboudienne (a seasoned rice, stewed veggies, and fish dish) at PendAfrica; or nibbling from the Croatian menu at DROM Taberna.
Next, head to The Sport Gallery or The Sports Collection to grab some themed apparel to show your support. Consider supporting Toronto’s hometown teams—the Toronto FC (men’s) and AFC Toronto (women’s)—while you’re at it.
When you aren’t at the game, watching the game, or dreaming about the game, take time to enjoy the city. Walk alongside the tributes to Canadian greats (from Martin Short to Drake) on Canada’s Walk of Fame. From there, the city’s most popular attractions (including the CN Tower and Hockey Hall of Fame) are only a few blocks away.
Or, add some art to your stay: The Bata Shoe Museum is hosting a special six-part series celebrating World Cup 2026, and The Local Gallery in Little Italy is planning a soccer themed show featuring more than a dozen local and international artists. And from Broadway-style theatrical performances to intimate comedy clubs, there’s plenty of entertainment options to fill your time.
Ready for some downtime? Head to local favorite Trinity Bellwoods park. It’s surrounded by great eateries like Lambo’s Deli; their Italian sandwiches are perfect for a picnic lunch. And right in front of Nathan’s Phillips Square, a brand-new soccer pitch adds a new reason to visit the Instagram-famous Toronto sign location. Those looking for a unique shopping opportunity can head to Stackt Market—a collection of local makers, shops, and eateries all set in refurbished shipping containers.
Evening
Dine on the Japanese-Peruvian menu at W Toronto’s newest restaurant, Tono by Akira Back. Or slip into the intimate speakeasy experience on-site at the TOKI Listening Bar where DJs, curated playlists, and whisky-forward cocktails combine in a 1950s Tokyo jazz cafe-inspired setting.
Day 2: Game on
Morning
Before the game, get to Liberty Village and fortify with arguably the city’s best buttermilk pancakes at Mildred’s Temple Kitchen.
Afternoon
No tickets? No problem! You’ve got options.
Start with the FIFA Fan Festival™—the official social hub for all 22 days of the games. Fans can take it in at The Bentway—an outdoor social space that sits under the Gardiner Expressway. Or they can visit Fort York National Historic Site—a 1793 military fort best known for its role at the end of the War of 1812. Between them, there is room for 20,000 fans per day. Most tickets are free (reservations required) but there are premium access tickets for sale, as well.
Another option: Head to bars in any of the Toronto neighborhoods where community passion for the beautiful game runs generations deep. In Little Portugal, expect to cheer alongside Brazilian and Portuguese locals at spots like Café Diplomatico (locally known as “soccer headquarters”) and The Dock Ellis. Head to Corso Italia (midtown) and Little Italy to watch with Italian and Latin American fans. O’Grady’s on Church, Brazen Head, and Real Sports Bar and Grill will also be popular watching spots.
Families might want to watch at Evergreen Brick Works, where public screenings and activities including soccer skill demonstrations are on a first-come, first-serve basis. And for LGBTQ+ fans and allies, Pride House Toronto 2026 offers a dedicated welcome space at George Brown Polytechnic’s waterfront campus.
Evening
Ready to raise a glass in a post-match celebration (or commiseration)? Black Sheep has signature cocktails like The Clover Spritz (Aperol, St. Germaine liqueur, prosecco). And the Park Hyatt Toronto’s Writers Room is transforming into Match Bar, complete with a 100-inch screen and football-inspired cocktails.
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Day 3: Recovery day
Fandom is exhausting. Taking an extra morning to recuperate puts you (perhaps literally) in the company of your favorite athletes. Book the Athlete’s Retreat package at the Spa at Four Seasons Toronto and you’ll have a 90-minute signature massage and time on the exclusive (guests only) Cloud 9 terrace. Or bring your own team to La Liga Toronto sports complex, where you can reserve one of three indoor fields and test your own skills before heading home.
How to get around
Fly into Toronto Pearson International Airport, Canada’s largest airport, and hop on the UP Express train into the city. Or fly to Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport, which puts you a short ferry ride or tunnel walk from the downtown core. In town, you can easily explore on foot or use Bike Share Toronto. And throughout the city, the TTC (Toronto Transit Commission) has an easy-to-use subway, bus, and streetcar system that is reliable.
