How to Spend 3 Days in Toronto: A Solo Girl’s Guide to a Bougie-on-a-Budget Trip

3 Days in Toronto: A Solo Girl’s Guide to a Bougie-on-a-Budget Trip

For my fourth international solo trip, I ventured somewhere surprisingly close to home, yet entirely new to me. My great northern neighbor of Canada. And more specifically, Toronto.

I try to take (at least) one solo trip every year, and for this year’s trip, I wanted to do it on a budget. Bougie on a budget, of course, but still a budget.

For years, I’ve been eyeing a weekend trip to Toronto, but I just couldn’t bring myself to spend $300 - $400 on a one-hour flight.

Eventually, I bit the bullet and used 23,000 points to book a round-trip flight for $230 over Memorial Day weekend. (That’s the same price I paid to go to Medellín the year before, and that flight was seven hours!) But I digress...

Here’s how I spent three days solo in Toronto, and how you can too.

Where I Stayed: The Hotel Union

I booked The Hotel Union for 39,000 points (about $390 in value), which is wildly low for a queen room in downtown Toronto. I was half-convinced I was getting catfished, so I had a backup plan, just in case.

Spoiler alert: the stay was fantastic and I’d absolutely recommend it. Especially for solo travelers looking to explore!

Day 1: Markets, Street Art & Michelin-Guide Meals

St. Lawrence Market

My research told me this was a foodie’s dream, and it was spot on. This covered market features fresh meat, seafood, cheese, groceries from all over the world, and tons of diverse, ready-to-eat food options.

I wandered around aimlessly and stumbled across an ice wine tasting booth. It’s vacation, so why not drink at noon? It was my first time trying both ice wine and Canadian wine. Two thumbs up!

A little farther down, I found St. Urbain Bagel and tried their viral craigel (croissant + bagel). Believe the hype! It was flaky, buttery, and seasoned like a bagel. The perfect mid-morning pick-me-up, since I didn’t want to eat too much before my early dinner.

Book a Toronto foodie tour Viator / Get Your Guide

Graffiti Alley

I managed to use Toronto’s public transportation and rode a few tram stops to Graffiti Alley. Graffiti Alley is a series of colorful alleyways filled with ever-changing street art. I love street art, and TikTok told me it was one of the Instagrammable places in Toronto.  You’ll see the multiculturalism of Toronto come alive on these walls. Not a must-do, but a cool open-air art exhibit worth checking out. It’s definitely one of the best photo spots in Toronto.

Book a Toronto street art tour on Viator / Get Your Guide

Kensington Market (Not a Market!)

I learned the hard way that Kensington Market isn’t a market, but rather a neighborhood. I had planned to duck inside during the worst of the forecasted rain, but luckily enough, I came equipped with a raincoat and umbrella.

Kensington Market is a vibrant cultural hub filled with vintage thrift stores, international eateries, and artsy vibes. I would have loved to explore more if I weren’t soaked and tired.

Join a Kensington Market Tour on Viator / Get Your Guide

Dinner at Sunny’s Chinese

This was hands-down the best meal of the trip. I’d literally go back to Toronto just for this.

Heads up, it is a bit hidden. It’s in the back of a small shopping center marked with just a handwritten sign. But that signifies its homemade goodness. 

Sunny’s serves elevated regional Chinese dishes, and I was excited to try foods I’ve never tasted before. I opted for the tasting menu, which for 90 CAD (about $73 USD), gave me enough food for three people. Highlights included homemade noodles, two types of squid salad, and even Hong Kong-style French toast.

It’s no wonder they’ve earned a spot on the Michelin Guide’s Bib Gourmand list.

Book Sunny’s Chinese on OpenTable

Day 2: Rum Punch, New Friends & Partying on the Lake

Brunch at Chubby’s Jamaican Kitchen

After a good night’s rest, I hopped on a quick tram ride to Chubby’s Jamaican Kitchen, another Michelin Bib Gourmand pick.

Since I was solo, I chose the chill Saturday brunch instead of the Sunday day-party vibe. I sat at the bar, where the bartender made me a rum punch so strong it nearly knocked me off my seat (in the best way possible).

And the brunch was delicious! I had honey jerk wings, festival, saltfish and ackee, and coconut sorbet. Every bite was better than the last. The saltfish and ackee was especially good? I didn’t want to stop eating.

Book Chubby’s on OpenTable

This is where my trip took a turn, in the best way.

I met a fellow traveler wearing a Morgan State sweatsuit and his friend from my hometown of Baltimore, and they told me about a day party happening later. Normally, I don’t party alone, not at home, and certainly not abroad. But this felt different. 1) I’d been to Everyday People before, and it’s a vibe. 2) I felt really safe in Toronto.

So I bought a ticket. Worst-case scenario? I’d Uber home early.

Toronto sign at Nathan Phillips Square

After brunch, I made a quick detour to visit the Toronto sign at Nathan Phillips Square.It’s one of those classic Toronto photo ops, especially for first-timers. The square has a lively vibe with City Hall in the background, and sometimes local events or installations.

Travel Tip: There’s a pedestrian bridge behind the sign with far fewer people and a better elevated angle. And it's a perfect location for solo tripod photos.

Book a Toronto walking tour on Viator / Get Your Guide

Everyday People Party

I am soooooo happy that I went to that party y’all. I had a TIME! I did feel a bit awkward, but honestly, no one cared I was by myself. It was at a club on a pier a bit outside of downtown with the most perfect sunset view of Toronto’s skyline. 

I arrived around 5:30 and had planned to leave by 7:00 for my dinner reservation. And staying that long was even pushing it for me! But I was having so much fun, I pushed my reservation back 90 minutes to stay and party!

Literally, my only issue with the party was that I hadn’t packed club clothes! I was still in my Toni the Explorer outfit, and I was HOT. By the end, I was lying out on the patio, shirt completely unbuttoned, having a ball.

Toronto: 1. Toni: 0.

Late Dinner at Conejo Negro

By now, I was half-asleep, but I couldn’t skip the only Black-owned restaurant on my itinerary.

Conejo Negro (Spanish for “Black Rabbit”) was another Michelin Bib Gourmand pick that was popping on this Saturday night. I managed to squeeze in a last-minute spot at the bar and I chatted it up with the bartender. He recommended the fried chicken, cornbread, and okra. And then I added a Ting because I was all alcholed out.

The food, like Toronto itself, was such a fun twist of cultures. I took the chicken and cornbread home and had the best breakfast the next morning.

Book Conejo Negro on OpenTable

Day 3: City Views & Boat Tours

CN Tower

The best part of staying at the Union Hotel? I could walk to the CN Tower.

I had an 11:30 AM reservation. Lines were long but moved quickly. The views were worth it. I stood at the window overlooking the city and Lake Ontario, soaking it all in.

For an extra few dollars, you can access “The Top”. It’s 32 stories above the main deck and the highest observation deck in the Western Hemisphere. It’s totally worth it for me, though not essential.

However, do NOT eat at the CN Tower, just trust me on that. Go somewhere else near the tower.

Book a CN Tower ticket here.

Harbor Boat Tour

I debated skipping this tour due to the rain, but ended up taking the last tour of the day. 

There are many harbour tour options, but I booked this open-boarding time boat tour, which is also included in the hop-on hop-off bus combo. I wanted to keep this day as flexible as possible.

Since it was rainy, the boat was nearly empty, which was perfect for filming and relaxing.

We cruised around the Toronto Islands, learned about the city’s history and wildlife, and I even saw a swan for the first time. (Wine and beer are available on board if you want a casual booze cruise.)

If you get seasick or want a more luxe experience, upgrade to a bigger boat. But for me, this worked perfectly.

Other Harbour cruise options via Viator / Get Your Guide

Final Thoughts

Minus the rain, this trip was a dream: friendly people, vibrant culture, and the easiest customs process I’ve ever experienced. Seriously, I barely had to stop walking, both entering and exiting, thanks to my Global Entry.

Toronto is a fantastic pick for a first-time solo trip. It’s safe, diverse, and the public transit system makes getting around super easy. If you’re thinking about booking it, just do it.

*Have questions about solo travel in Toronto? Drop them below or DM me on Instagram @TheFancyFriend