City Hall

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Lonely Planet review

Much-maligned City Hall was Toronto's bold leap of faith into architectural modernity. Its twin clamshell towers, flying saucer-like central structure, sexy ramps and funky '60s mosaics were completed in 1965 to Finnish architect Viljo Revell's award-winning design. An irritable Frank Lloyd Wright had called it a 'headmarker for a grave,' and in a macabre twist of fate, Revell died before construction was finished.

Collect a self-guided tour pamphlet at the info desk; don't miss the charmingly geeky 1:1250 Toronto scale model in the lobby. Out the front is Nathan Phillips Square a meeting place for skaters, demonstrators and office workers on their lunch breaks. In summer, look out for Fresh Wednesdays farmers' market ( to ), free concerts and special events. Canadian rock band the Barenaked Ladies were once banned from playing here but were later invited back in a conciliatory gesture. The fountain pool becomes a popular ice skating rink in winter. Don't feel intimidated if you're a novice - you won't be alone. Immigrants from around the world are out there gingerly making strides (or slides) towards assimilation.