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So you’re thinking about dropping by Kensington Market in Toronto, great choice!
Kensington Market is one our of favorite places to eat in Toronto with a ton of fantastic food stalls. But we also just love the vibe of this area – and we’re not alone. Its atmosphere draws tons of visitors and has earned Kensington Market a reputation as one of the coolest places in the city.
We come to visit Kensington Market whenever we’re in Toronto, and we love exploring here. So if you’re keen to visit while in the city – and you should be – then we’ve put together a guide containing everything you need to know about exploring this hipster hotspot.
- 1. About Kensington Market
- 2. When is Kensington Market open?
- 3. When is the best time to visit Kensington Market?
- 4. Best Tours to Kensington Market
- 5. Where are the best places to eat at Kensington Market?
- 6. What are the best things to do at Kensington Market?
- 7. How do you get to Kensington Market?
- 8. Is Kensington Market worth visiting?
- Other Things to do While You’re in Toronto
- Where to Stay in Toronto
- Thanks for reading!
- Why We Book Tours with Viator
- Don't Forget Travel Insurance!
1. About Kensington Market
The first thing that you should probably know about Kensington Market is that it’s technically a neighborhood, not a standalone market. The “market” spans an entire block of streets, and so in addition to stalls and pop-ups, you’ve also got permanent grocery stores, delis, vintage shops, and cute boutiques that all form part of the ecosystem.
Kensington Market was originally known as “the Jewish Market” because of the high immigrant population in the area. Conditions were cramped and Jewish merchants began to open small businesses, as well as importing foods from all over the world – and thus the market was born!
After the Second World War, the Jewish population largely left Kensington Market in favor of uptown Toronto or the suburbs, but an influx of people from the Caribbean, East Asia, the US, and East Africa made it more diverse than ever.
It’s just a 20-minute walk from Downtown/Old Toronto and it also borders Chinatown and Little Italy, so there’s no reason not to check it out while you’re in town!
2. When is Kensington Market open?
Kensington Market is open 7 days a week. However, every shop, bar, and restaurant sets its own hours, so not everything is open all of the time. Still, if you come by during the afternoon, most things will be open.
3. When is the best time to visit Kensington Market?
Kensington Market is a block of stores and vendors, not one unified market that operates as a single entity. Each place has its own opening times, but between 11 am and 7 pm is considered the best time to come here and shop.
However, if you want to buy fresh produce, most of the stalls will be open before then, and many of the bars and restaurants stay open much later.
From late May until the end of October, the last Sunday of the month is Pedestrian Sunday at Kensington Market. From 1 pm onwards, the block closes to cars and there’s dancing, live music, and poetry to enjoy, as well as even more food vendors than usual! So if you’re in Toronto on one of these dates, it’s the perfect time to visit.
We’ve also noticed that quite a few of the stalls and restaurants here close on Mondays, so that’s not the best day of the week to visit!
4. Best Tours to Kensington Market
Skip-the-Line Food Tour of Kensington Market
This food tour does a fantastic job of showcasing Kensington Market’s diverse international cuisine. With Tibetan momos, Jamaican patties, and one of the best bagel shops in Toronto on the menu, I think it’s safe to say that this tour keeps it varied and interesting!
One of the best things about this tour is that the guides are so passionate and enthusiastic about Kensington Market, and really do their best to showcase the vibrant energy around here. Plus, you get to skip the lines, so it’s a great time-saver, too!
The tour runs daily and costs $129 CAD and you get to try a minimum of 6 different international cuisines, so it’s a true culinary journey through the neighborhood. This is a top-rated tour, so check out 500+ positive reviews here!
Book the best food tour of Kensington Market here!
Walking Tour of Kensington Market and Chinatown
This walking tour is ideal if you’re short on time because it takes you around both Kensington Market and Chinatown. You’ll have coffee with your guide at a local cafe and then walk around the neighborhood to discover how each wave of immigration has left its own unique stamp on the neighborhood. Perhaps best of all, you get to check out the area’s vibrant street art and learn about the stories and artists behind some of the most eye-catching murals.
This tour focuses more on Kensington Market’s history and culture than the food, but you’ll get tons of insider tips and recommendations on where to go from your guide, so you can come back to shop and chow down later once you’re in the know. Plus, there’s time to stop for a snack at one of the many delicious food stalls around.
After exploring Kensington Market, you’ll head over to Toronto’s bustling Chinatown, which is home to Canada’s largest Chinese community. This neighborhood has its own fascinating history, so this is just as interesting as exploring Kensington Market!
This tour costs $79 CAD and since it starts at 10 am and lasts for 3 hours, you’ll finish just in time to head back to Kensington Market to grab a delicious lunch!
Book this walking tour here to access free cancellation!
Private Walking Tour of Kensington Market and Chinatown
If you would prefer the flexibility of a private tour, this one is perfect. Over 2 hours, your guide will take you around Kensington Market and Chinatown to dive deep into these fascinating neighborhoods. Since it’s a private experience, you’ll not only have your guide’s undivided attention, you’ll also be free to stop at whichever shops and food vendors you want!
This is a great chance to see Toronto through the eyes of a local and ask all of your burning questions as you tour the two neighborhoods. There are plenty of great photo opportunities along the way, and the experience can be tailored to your group’s needs, so it’s suitable for families, couples, and groups.
This tour costs $72 CAD per person which we think is pretty reasonable for a private tour, although do bear in mind that any food you purchase will be at an additional expense.
Self-Guided Tour
If you’re keen to explore Kensington Market independently but still want to learn as much as you can, then this self-guided audio tour gives you the best of both worlds. It’s super flexible as you can take it at your own pace, but you’ll still have expert tips and guidance in your ear.
This audio tour is also super easy to use. Once you book the tour, you’ll be able to download an app that also has a map and location tracking to ensure that you can access the right info at the right time.
It’s a fantastic way to discover the history of Kensington Market, as well as Chinatown, Grange Park, and Denison Square. And at $11.31 CAD, it’s also a cost-effective way to take a tour of the area. The route is well thought out and you can do it at any time! Plus, you can stop off as often as you’d like to check out the shops, grab coffee, and sample some of the delicious food around Kensington Market.
Book the self-guided audio tour easily here!
Why We Book Tours with Viator
Viator is a trusted online booking system for tours around the world! We almost always book our tours using Viator for a couple of reasons:
- Free cancellation on most tours – Most of the tours on Viator allow you to cancel and get a full refund up to 24 hours in advance. This is handy in case plans change, or if booking an outdoor activity, the weather forecast is looking grim.
- Reserve now and pay later – You can secure your spot on some of the most popular tours well in advance and not pay until closer to the day of the tour.
- Lowest price guarantee – If you happen to find the same tour at a lower price elsewhere, Viator will refund you the price difference.
- Pay in your chosen currency – Avoid costly international transaction fees by choosing to pay in your home currency.
- Peace of mind – When booking with tour operators you find in person on the street or in small booking offices, you are often promised one thing and given another. This online platform holds tour operators accountable with a written description of inclusions as well as the opportunity for customers to leave reviews.
Check out the Viator website here! Or, for more info, read our detailed review about Viator here.
5. Where are the best places to eat at Kensington Market?
Rasta Pasta
Have you ever come across Jamaican-Italian fusion before? We hadn’t either, which is precisely what makes Kensington Market’s Rasta Pasta so cool! It’s also a real testament to just how culturally diverse this area of Toronto really is.
Here, you can enjoy Jamaican classics like jerk chicken and rice, or even curried goat! The chicken here is marinated for two days which gives it the most delicious flavor. But the real highlights are the fusion specials, like the Reggae Lasagne which puts a twist on the Italian classic by adding steamed callaloo and Rasta Pasta’s signature spicy sauce.
You can find Rasta Pasta on Kensington Avenue, and it’s open from 11 am until 7 pm daily, except for Mondays when it’s closed.
Latin Taste
Peru is one of our all-time favorite countries, and the food there is some of the best in South America, so we were delighted to find Latin Taste at Kensington Market. It’s a small, low-key spot that serves delicious empanadas, anticuchos, and best of all, ceviche! It’s open from 10 am until 6 pm every day except Monday.
Latin American Food Court
There’s an awesome Latin American food court hidden away on Augusta Ave (see the Google Map location here), and we think it’s well worth a visit.
Once a residential home, it has become a popular food corridor for Latin food vendors. They work together and have a strict no-compete policy, so you can find a huge variety of foods from all over Latin America here, from Chilean hot dogs and empanadas to churros and birria, which is Mexican stewed beef. We actually grabbed some birria tacos here, which were super tasty.
It’s also a great place to refresh yourself with a Mexican soda, which is famously delicious because it has cane sugar and lots of different flavors that you don’t usually find in Canada.
Each of the different stalls here has its own opening hours, but if you stroll through around lunchtime or in the afternoon, you’re bound to find something tasty.
Top Gun Burger
You know how the famous song from Top Gun is “Take My Breath Away”? Well, that’s what these burgers were designed to do! If you’ve got a big appetite, then you can’t go wrong with treating yourself to one of these gigantic beef, chicken, or veggie burgers, and their steak sandwiches look delicious too.
Top Gun Burgers is open from 10 am until 11 pm daily, and if you feel like dessert, add on one of their freshly blended milkshakes.
Seven Lives Tacos y Mariscos
If you love fish tacos, then make sure to swing by Seven Lives. Their Baja-style tacos are hard to beat, and you can even choose fillings like grilled octopus and shrimp, or if you’re not a seafood lover then you can always go with grilled chicken or carnitas. Plus, you can wash it down with their delicious fruit juices, which are just the thing for a warm summer’s day.
Seven Lives is open from 12-7 pm every day, and you can find them on Kensington Avenue in the very heart of the market.
Ramen Isshin
A hearty bowl of ramen is one of my favorite comfort foods, and Ramen Isshin serves up some of the best in Toronto from their Kensington Market restaurant. They actually have quite a few locations across the city now, but the Kensington Market one is the original – and best!
Their authentic Japanese ramen is so tasty, and they’ve got options for everyone, with some yummy vegetarian offerings on the menu. Plus, you can wash it down with a Japanese beer or some specialty sake!
Ramen Isshin is open from 11:30 am until 9 pm. This place is popular so you might have to wait for about 15 minutes to get a seat, but trust us, it’s worth it.
Related Read: If you only have limited time in the city, follow our 4-day Toronto itinerary to see all the highlights – don’t worry lunch at Kensington Market is included!
6. What are the best things to do at Kensington Market?
See the street art
There’s so much fantastic street art to discover in Kensington Market. In fact, the entire area feels a bit like a living, breathing work of art! There are eye-catching murals around every corner, as well as quirky pieces such as the Garden Car on Augusta Ave and decorated street signs.
The walking tours that we mentioned earlier are a great way to check out some of the best art around here, and you should also check out the ever-changing Graffiti Alley, which we’ll talk more about below.
Go thrift shopping
If you’ve got a knack for thrifting, then Kensington Market is pure paradise! Many of Toronto’s coolest vintage shops can be found in this neighborhood, so you can find some real gems here.
One of the best stores to check out is Courage My Love, which has been around since 1975, so it’s safe to say that it has withstood the test of time! You can find an eclectic range of vintage finds here, and it’s housed in a super charming Victorian house. It’s also easy to spot because you can miss the turquoise exterior!
Urban Catwalk is known for being friendly and reasonably priced, while Exile is great if you want to thrift fashion items like Levi jeans, fur coats, and counter-culture clothing. Meanwhile, Shoney’s is less curated, but super cheap, so if you’re not afraid of spending a while sifting through, there are some great bargains to be had here.
Relax in Bellevue Square Park
Bellevue Square Park is an awesome place to hang out and people-watch in Kensington Market, especially during the summer. It’s particularly great for families as kids can enjoy the splash pool and playground, and there’s also an outdoor gym here if you feel like a workout! It’s nice to grab some food from the market and then come and soak up the atmosphere of this diverse and energetic neighborhood.
Check out Graffiti Alley
Officially named Rush Lane, Graffiti Alley is about a 15-minute walk from the center of Kensington Market. It’s easy to miss this street if you don’t know what to look for, so the best thing to do is walk to Le Gourmand Cafe on Spadina, and then the entry to Graffiti Alley is signed just on the right. Once you turn down this small street, you’ll find some of the best and brightest murals in Toronto.
As beautiful as the graffiti here is, street art has been a contentious issue among locals in Toronto which is why the local government designed Rush Alley specifically for graffiti in 2012 to give local artists an outlet. It has had a really positive impact on the area and attracted lots of tourism, as evidenced by all of the visitors snapping away down here.
Every surface is painted with brightly colored murals from some of Toronto’s best street artists, and the graffiti here changes frequently, so it could look very different from one visit to the next. It’s a fantastic photo opportunity and an awesome free thing to do while exploring Kensington Market.
Go on a food tour
While you can explore Kensington Market on your own, this food tour is the best way to discover the most delicious spots. You get to try dishes from all over the world at a minimum of 6 different food spots, and you even get to skip the lines, so there’s no waiting around!
The huge array of diverse cuisine is one of the top reasons to visit Kensington Market, and taking a food tour really allows you to dive into the heart of precisely what makes this neighborhood so special. We always love getting to know a place through its food, and this tour will have you trying food you may never even have heard of before.
This tour has HUNDREDS of 5-star reviews, so read the reviews and book it here!
7. How do you get to Kensington Market?
Kensington Market is a 20-minute walk from Downtown/Old Toronto, so it’s easy to walk there if you’re staying in that part of the city (which we recommend, just FYI).
It’s also easy to take the streetcar to Kensington Market. The market is well-connected to the city’s public transport system, so you’ve got a couple of options here.
If you’re coming from Spadina Station, you can take the 510 Spadina streetcar southbound to Baldwin Street. You can also take the 505 Dundas streetcar/bus westbound from St. Patrick Station to Spadina Ave, or the eastbound 505 from Dundas West Station to Denison Ave.
Meanwhile, from Queen’s Park Station, you can get the 506 College streetcar westbound to Augusta Ave, and there’s also the Bathurst Streetcar from Bathurst Station to College Street. So basically, you can travel here via streetcar or bus from all over the city!
Parking around Kensington Market is limited, so we don’t recommend driving here. Walking is the best way but using public transport is also easy and convenient if you don’t want to walk.
8. Is Kensington Market worth visiting?
Yes! This is one of the best areas of Toronto to explore, and it’s so easy to get here from downtown. Kensington Market is a vibrant outdoor market with an interesting history and tons of international influence, and the food here is amazing. Definitely arrive hungry!
Related Read: Off to the Toronto Islands next? Read our Toronto Islands guide before you go!
Other Things to do While You’re in Toronto
Toronto is a city filled with tons of things to do and see. So take some time to explore some of our other recommended activities:
- See Niagara Falls – One of the most famous waterfalls in the world is only 1.5 hours away, so it’s easy to visit Niagara Falls from Toronto. We took this full-day tour from Toronto to Niagara Falls and can’t recommend it enough. You get up close on the water with an iconic Voyage to the Falls Cruise, go wine tasting, and get a 3-course lunch with a view of the falls. It’s an epic day out!
- Visit Casa Loma – This beautiful castle in downtown Toronto is more than just a historical museum. It’s filled with interesting exhibits, unique photo opportunities, and interactive activities for all ages. There is actually so much to do here that we wrote another blog post on all the things you should know before you visit Casa Loma.
- Eat great food! – With so many different cultures and restaurants, Toronto is a foodie heaven! Miku Toronto is considered the best sushi restaurant in the city. Food tours in Toronto are also top-notch and we enjoyed this walking food tour to help us try a variety of tasty dishes from butter tarts to pierogies to maple syrup and the chance to explore the iconic St. Lawrence Market.
- Go sailing – For a unique cruise, climb aboard a 1930s schooner with this Toronto tall ship cruise. You’ll help the crew raise the sails for the journey from Toronto Harbor to Lake Ontario. There are panoramic views to take in and kids love it when the crew fires the ship’s canyon! Tickets are available online for only $43 CAD and cheaper for kids.
- Watch a hockey game – Hockey is HUGE all over Canada, so taking in an NHL game while you’re here is sure to be a fun night. While I’m a diehard Oilers fan, the Toronto Maple Leafs are the home team here and the atmosphere is a lot of fun. Tickets range from $150 – $350 CAD and you can buy tickets on Viator. If it isn’t hockey season, pop into the Hockey Hall of Fame instead to see the famous Stanley Cup!
Where to Stay in Toronto
Let’s face it, Toronto is a huge city with practically endless options when it comes to hotels. But, not all hotels are created equal – you want to ensure you book a place with an amazing location and even better amenities, which narrows down your choices.
I’ve handpicked some of the best places to stay in the city – the below hotels all have an ideal central location as well as everything you need to have a comfortable stay! If you’re looking for more info about where to stay in Toronto, be sure to read our blog. It includes detailed info on the best area to stay, how to get from the airport to your hotel, and the top hotels!
Fairmont Royal York Hotel (Luxury Stay – $$$)
The Fairmont Royal York Hotel is one of the most luxurious hotels in Toronto. With its historic ballroom, beautiful rooms, and a gorgeous skylit indoor pool, you’ll have to force yourself to leave and explore the city! But once you do, you’re steps from Union Station, so getting around via public transport is really easy. It also means that you can take the train from the airport directly to the hotel!
The Hockey Hall of Fame is two blocks away, and you’re also about a 20-minute walk from both the waterfront and the Distillery District. Rooms usually start from around $500-$600 CAD per night and you can check availability and book the Fairmont Royal York online here!
The SoHo Hotel (Moderately-priced Boutique Hotel – $$)
The SoHo Hotel is an excellent choice for anybody looking for a centrally located hotel that is just stunning. This hotel is located only a short walk from attractions like the CN Tower, and it also has plenty of nice facilities including a lap pool and fitness center. Oh, and did I mention the rooms have heated bathroom floors?!
Room rates typically range from $300 CAD and up. The SoHo is one of the highest-rated hotels in Toronto, so be sure to book online here well in advance to secure your room.
One King West Hotel and Residences (Moderately-priced Full Apartments – $$)
If you’re looking for a home away from home, then One King West Hotel and Residences might be the best choice for you. Although a hotel, this property features fully self-contained apartments complete with a kitchen. This is perfect if you like to cook some of your own meals. On top of that, the location is ideal and you’ll also find a fitness center and onsite bar and restaurant.
For an entire apartment in Toronto, prices start at about $330 CAD. You can check availability and book online here.
Town Inn Suites Hotel (Budget Hotel – $)
You don’t have to spend a small fortune to stay in Toronto. If you’re on a tighter budget, Town Inn Suites Hotel is the best choice for you. Starting from only $170 CAD per night (in the low season), this centrally located hotel is tastefully decorated and features plenty of amenities. Rooms also feature a kitchenette, which comes in very handy. You can check prices and secure your room online here.
Samesun Toronto (Budget Hostel – $)
The Samesun Toronto is the perfect choice for backpackers or solo travelers wanting to meet others. The hostel has a great location as well as communal spaces (including a huge kitchen) where you can relax. They offer both dorm beds as well as budget private rooms, but bathrooms are all shared.
You can grab a dorm bed for less than $100 CAD per night during peak season. You can book the Samesun Toronto online on either Booking.com or Hostelworld.
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance!
If you’re looking to save money on travel insurance, we currently use and recommend SafetyWing. We’ve been using their coverage since 2018 and they’ve had our backs when we needed emergency flights and got sick overseas.
SafetyWing is one of the cheapest providers out there and covers everything from medical costs to lost luggage, travel delays, and emergency flights. A huge difference we’ve found between them and other companies is that they let you take out a policy AFTER leaving your home country. We’ve also found it handy that it’s a monthly payment rather than a lump sum, and you can get a refund for unused time.
SafetyWing has helped us out in some scary situations before and their affordable coverage has given us peace of mind. You can read our honest review of SafetyWing for all the pros and cons.
Thanks for reading!
I hope you’re all set for your visit to Kensington Market in Toronto! This neighborhood is one of our favorites to spend time in whenever we’re in Toronto. Make sure to come hungry!
Make the most of your trip to Toronto by checking out all of our Toronto blogs! From the best tours to crafted itineraries, we can help you see the highlights and find spots only locals know about.
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12 BEST Tours in Toronto, Canada: Which Ones We Recommend to Book