Toronto on a (Time) Budget

You could easily spend a week or two exploring Toronto. The museums alone would take days, not to mention the markets, restaurants, music and theater. We have mapped out a possible one-day slate that includes some of the best known sites, wonderful restaurants and unique nightlife. Along the way, you may find yourself feeling a sense of déjà vu – innumerable feature films, television shows and music videos are made here each year, so things may seem a little familiar at times. Plus, with all this film and video activity, you may bump into a celebrity or two!

Start off the day at the bustling St. Lawrence Market, where you can pick up a light breakfast and coffee or a smoothie, and maybe some bread, cheese and fruit for later in the day. The colors and scents are among the most enticing you'll ever find – it's no surprise that Food and Wine magazine named it one of the top 25 food markets worldwide.

Next up is Toronto's defining landmark, the CN Tower. The outdoor observation deck and glass floor offer simply stunning views of the city, but if you continue all the way up to the Sky Pod you may even be able to see Niagara Falls.

Tear yourself away from the panoramic views and head up to the Gardiner Museum of Ceramic Art to appreciate views of a more manageable size. The museum has a massive collection of pottery and ceramics from pre-Columbian times to 17th century English delftware to modern masterpieces.

Around lunchtime, backtrack a couple of blocks to the University of Toronto's Gallery Grill. This lunch-only gourmet restaurant is located in the beautiful Hart House, which functions as the student centre. Try the rillette of organic salmon, the house cassoulet with duck confit and lamb sausage, or warm smoked trout salad.

After such a fantastic meal, you may want to take a postprandial stroll around the campus which is a lovely destination in itself. Or, retrace your steps and make your way to the Royal Ontario Museum (across from the Gardiner Museum). With its recent renovation and the addition of the Michael Lee-Chin Crystal (a spectacular multifaceted glass and aluminum structure that you just have to see to believe), the ROM has become an absolute must-see. The collection is vast, numbering over six million items, so your best bet is to limit yourself to a couple of galleries that really interest you. Your options are myriad: Ancient Cypress, Egyptian history, Chinese sculpture, and natural history galleries devoted to birds, reptiles and dinosaurs, among other things.

Museum appreciation completed, it's time to check out one of TO's trendiest districts. Cross over Bloor Street to the Bloor-Yorkville area, home to a wide array of hip boutiques, fashionable cafes and a battalion of stylishly-dressed shoppers.

By now, your feet will probably be protesting, so stop by the Park Hyatt to enjoy a martini at the Roof Lounge, one of the city's finest. Feet appeased and thirst slaked, head back down University Avenue to Wellington, where you'll find Canoe. When you think of Canadian cuisine, you may have visions of hearty meat and potatoes fare, but Canoe's contemporary take is lighter, with a definite international twist. Just be sure to get reservations.

By now, the vibe on the streets should feel significantly different – the night owls and clubbers are out, making their way to one bar or another. For a relaxed finish, have a couple of beers at Smokeless Joe's – just be prepared to choose, because they have more than 200. If you're in the mood for something quirkier, Sweaty Betty's will suit just fine. A haven for Toronto's eclectic set, the bar has a fabulously funky juke box, and a selection of beverages that includes sake and absinthe.

Make the most of your minutes in Toronto – it's possible to hit the high points in a day, but it's a pretty sure bet that you'll want to revisit!