So I've been reading through the threads and I have a general idea of what I think I'd like to do in Toronto for the day I'm taking my hubby there. I'm planning the whole thing and he's just supposed to enjoy the ride
We're driving in through Detroit very early Tuesday morning July 9th and spending the night, and leaving after breakfast on Wed.
I'm sad I'm not staying a couple more days, but we're on a schedule and only just visiting Michigan.
I need help deciding on an affordable hotel (less that $100 ideal). We don't care where we stay as long as it's clean, free/safe/affordable parking and not too far for us to go after we're exhausted running around the city (no more than like a 10-15 min drive)
In or close to downtown would be amazing, but I'm flexible for a good deal.
I'm assuming parking is a nightmare in the city? Can you recommend some good places to park our car for the day if we decide just to take public transportation around? I'm not sure whether the subway, streetcar or buses are better - but I'm considering a Day Pass. It would be nice if we could park our car at our hotel and take transportation, but I don't mind paying a bit for good public parking instead of an arm and a leg for a hotel room.
Or, we are also not opposed to driving around, but I'm not sure how easy it is to find parking as you go around....and I'm not interested in paying $10 each time we need to park somewhere if that's the case
We will come in early and be ready for some breakfast/brunch in or around the city. Any recommendations?
I'm definitely interested in grabbing some lunch at possibly a very good Chinese place - I think I read somewhere Toronto is known for good Chinese? If that's the case - please tell me the best restaurants. Fancy not necessary - I appreciate good food
I don't care if they're downtown/in Chinatown or in a more suburban area.
Where's a great outdoor location to get an amazing skyline picture? (especially at night?)
I have already decided on a Portuguese seafood place for dinner (loooove seafood), so that's at least decided! It's on St. Claire near Carleton Village.
We hate tourist traps (although we might take a picture next to it lol), especially on a first visit, and like to get to know new cities by seeing the most important/unique sites and areas and eat where locals eat. We like history, views/landscapes, food, local markets and shops, architecture (especially castles!), oceans, culture and just seeing as much as possible. We are photographers so we love good places for photos. We like museums but it depends on how much admission is.
Are there any good consignment, antique or secondhand shops you can recommend?
What about Latino areas? Any good sites, eats or latin/salsa dancing?
My itinerary so far - I'm not sure about the proximities to each other yet - any help would be awesome!:
St. Lawrence Market (first thing after breakfast)
Yorkville (is this near St. Lawrence Market?)
Queens Park
Chinatown
Kensington Market
Woodbine Beach
Walk King Street, Queen Street, Spadina, and College for architechture
Yonge-Dundas Square
Take a streetcar somewhere!
Lunch - Chinese?
Greektown
Quick visit to Eaton Centre (worth it?)
Don Valley Brickworks (worth it?)
Toronto Islands (worth it?)
Night landscape pictures!
Entertainment District
I decided against CityPass sites, Ontario Science Centre, The Art Gallery of Ontario and Allan Gardens
Am I missing anything that really defines Toronto?
Thanks so much!!