The ultimate World Cup weekend in Toronto, Canada

As someone who was raised in a soccer-obsessed family and played the game for 11 years, I’m pumped to have the FIFA World Cup in my backyard this year. Like, really excited. What can I say? I love to yell at a screen with a pint in my hand.

As a Brooklyn resident, I can feel NYC starting to buzz with excitement, and I’ve been curious about how other host cities are preparing themselves for the largest World Cup in history. I was recently invited by Destination Canada to experience Toronto before the tournament kicks off, so I put together this perfect 3-day itinerary for fans, covering everything from food to culture to shopping to bars.

Whether you've snagged tickets to the stadium or plan to cheer on your home nation in a bar with your besties, here's how to get the best from the 2026 FIFA World Cup in Toronto.

• When to arrive: The beauty of the World Cup is that there will be games every day from June 11th to July 19th across North America, aside from 5 days off in July. Toronto is hosting six of these games, so this is a big couple of months for sports fans. If you're visiting for the World Cup, I suggest picking your preferred matches to watch and building your itinerary around them; arrive in the evening the day before the match, so you can start the trip fresh the next morning.

• How to get from the airport: From Toronto Pearson International Airport, rideshares can get you into the city center in around 30 minutes, with dedicated pick-up zones for different rideshare apps. There’s also the UP Express Train, which runs every 15 minutes from the airport to Union Station downtown. If you’re looking for a cheaper option, TTC Buses run every 10–15 minutes, taking 45 minutes to an hour.

• Getting around town: Toronto is a very walkable and bikeable city, and this is my preferred way to get around. But there’s plenty of public transportation that can get you where you need to go, from the subway to buses and streetcars.

• Where to stay: I stayed in the Sheraton Centre Toronto, which I’d definitely recommend if you want to be close to the action. They’ll even be hosting one of FIFA’s official fan fests, where you can watch games while lounging in their pool! 

• What to pack: Toronto summers are warm, so pack accordingly. Highs can reach 82ºF (28ºC) on the hottest days in July. If you’re going to the stadium, be sure to check what’s allowed in, and don’t forget your

  favorite team’s jersey.

Day 1 

Toronto's World Cup matches are scheduled for the afternoon or evening, so you have the first half of the day free for sightseeing and snacking.

Morning

Start your day slowly, as you need to shake off any jetlag you're dealing with. I like to start with a stroll to grab coffee, breakfast and some fresh air to wake me up. If something light, like a flaky pastry, is your vibe, then try Fika in Kensington; it’s a Scandinavian-style cafe that has a lovely back patio and homemade goodies. My favorite order is their sticky cinnamon buns.

If a proper meal is more your speed, head to Lady Marmalade on Broadview Ave for their all-day breakfast, and dig into a build-your-own eggs Benedict or a Moroccan scramble with spinach, chickpeas and eggs or tofu. If you can’t be bothered to go far, the hotel breakfast is always an option, too.

How to spend the day

Trying new food is one of my favorite things to do while traveling, and this itinerary definitely reflects that. Make your way to the St Lawrence Market, where you’ll find bustling stalls that give you a look into the culinary history of the city. It's a place to blend people-watching and snacking in equal parts.

When hunger calls, you have no shortage of options here. If you want something local, I recommend stopping by Carousel Bakery for peameal bacon on a bun. For those unfamiliar with Ontario cooking traditions, this is uncured bacon rolled in cornmeal and slapped on a Kaiser roll – a sandwich created in this very market in the 1960s. Add on some maple or honey mustard, and you’re set.

Once you feel you’ve devoured enough, head to the Distillery District, which is only a 15-minute walk away. Here you’ll find plenty of boutiques, bars and restaurants (in case you were hungrier than you thought). If you’ve got some room to spare in your suitcase, wander to shops such as Blackbird Vintage Finds and Hoi Bo for vintage items and fashions, respectively.

Where to watch the game

If you have stadium tickets, the venue for matches is Toronto Stadium (BMO Field), easily reached by train, bus or streetcar. If not, the Distillery District is being transformed into a soccer hub for the games. From June 25 through July 19, they have a ticketed cinema screening soccer-themed movies such as my childhood favorite, Bend It Like Beckham.

When you are ready to settle in for the match, head to Mill Street Brew Pub. With ample patio space and plenty of TVs, the setting is ideal, especially with a few pints to hand. Alternatively, if you prefer a margarita to beer, then try out El Catrin Destileria.

Dinner

After an afternoon or evening of cheering and chanting, a filling meal is definitely needed. Make your way toward the waterfront and grab a table at Queens Harbour. This Mediterranean and Asian-fusion restaurant is massive, and it buzzes with atmosphere.

Chances are you’ll see sparklers going around for birthday celebrations; I counted four while dining there on a Sunday night. If a cocktail that moonlights as a green juice is your vibe, order the Poison Ivy with triple sec, apple, lemon and sorrel – I loved it!

For food, I recommend the wagyu dumplings, and the salmon & the flame sushi roll. The miso cod, which I didn’t order, also came highly recommended by our waiter. And of course, oysters are never a bad idea on the waterfront.

After dark

For an elevated nightcap, head to Evangeline, the rooftop bar atop the Ace Hotel. It's a 30-minute walk from the waterfront, or a quick 12-minute trip by rideshare. Here you’ll find artisanal cocktails and skyline views. They often have DJ sets in the evenings, but be sure to check their calendar in advance as opening hours vary. 

Day 2 

If the first day was about food and football (soccer), the second offers a chance to see more of the city.

Morning

Spend your morning in Liberty Village and grab breakfast at Arvo Coffee & Wine. They serve up quality coffee and an Aussie-inspired menu that includes a filling braised brisket sando. From here, you’re only a 20-minute walk from the day's first activity, but if you prefer to start your day in the Distillery District, they have a location there, too, with a smaller food menu. 

How to spend the day

You'll find no shortage of soccer celebrations to attend in Toronto. This is one of the most diverse cities in the world, so you’ll find fans from every corner of the globe.

One way the city is bringing fans from competing nations together is at The Bentway. Serving as an official FIFA Fan Festival venue for the duration of the tournament, this outdoor space below the Gardiner Expressway is hosting live match broadcasts, music, art and plenty of culinary experiences to showcase the city's diversity.

If you missed the opportunity to get free general admission tickets for the events, you can still purchase premium tickets through their website. However, tickets are not available for purchase at the gate, so plan ahead.

For lunch, head north to Kensington Market. Here, you’ll find a charming hodgepodge of cultures, with restaurants and grocery stores selling goods from across the globe. This is a great place to do a food tour – I did one with Chopsticks + Forks and would absolutely recommend it.

While learning about the history of the market, I got to try food from a variety of spots, like Jamaican beef patties in coconut bread from Golden Patty, momos from Tibet Cafe & Bar, and fish and chips with batter made from Miss Vickie's salt and vinegar chips at Fresco’s. My one piece of advice: come hungry!

Detour: If you need a break from the sports frenzy, head downtown. Here you’ll find the Bata Shoe Museum, which provides an anthropological study of human life through the lens of shoes. As someone who spends far too much money on footwear, I found this spot fascinating!

You’ll see pieces ranging from prehistoric mules made from straw to drag queen Trixie Matel’s boots. But if footwear isn’t your thing, the Royal Ontario Museum and the Art Gallery of Ontario are also great options in the area. 

Dinner

For dinner with a view, make your way to the famed CN Tower, where you’ll find the 360 Restaurant. You’ll dine 351m up in the air as the restaurant rotates, giving you a panoramic view of the city. It’s a great spot to watch the sunset with a dirty martini.

If you’re lucky, you’ll even be able to catch a baseball game from above, as the restaurant has views over the Rogers Centre. It gets busy, so I recommend making a reservation, especially if you’re visiting on a weekend.

If you’re looking for eats at ground level, try Conejo Negro for Caribbean, Creole, and Latin fusion, or Danny’s Pizza Tavern for a relaxed vibe and American-Italian fare. Both are located in Toronto’s Little Italy neighborhood, which is packed with trendy restaurants and classic Italian eateries.

After dark

For those of you who picked dinner in the sky, you can continue the skyline party at Harriet’s Rooftop at the 1 Hotel. Up on the 16th floor, you’ll find creative cocktails and more sweeping city views. 

Alternatively, head to Little Italy and hit up Sweaty Betty’s, an unpretentious queer-friendly dive bar on the Ossington strip. On the same street, you’ll find Bellwood’s Brewery, a buzzy spot that pours experimental and award-winning beers. 

Day 3 

It’s your last day, so take some time to smell the flowers (we mean it literally) before you leave Toronto.

Morning

Make your way to the West End, where you can have a leisurely stroll through Trinity Bellwoods Park, one of the city’s most loved public green spaces. If you happen to be there on the second Saturday of the month, you’ll be able to wander through the Toronto Flower Market, which runs from 10am to 3pm.

On your way to the park or after you’ve got some steps in, grab a coffee and a bite from Caldense Bakery, a Portuguese joint founded in the 1960s. They're famous for their traditional and oven-fresh pasteis de nata (custard tarts). 

How to spend the day

After enjoying the fresh air in the park, take some time to explore Toronto's Little Portugal neighborhood. Pop into stores such as Saudade, where you can get Portuguese pottery, cookbooks, glassware, jewelry, and more. Just south, you’ll find Glad Day Lit, the longest-running LGBTQ+ bookstore in the world. 

Where to watch the game

There are plenty more matches to watch, as well as the ones taking place in Toronto. Once you’ve reached your limit on shopping, walk or hop on the 505 streetcar to reach the Junction Triangle neighborhood. Here, the Henderson Brewing Company will be screening matches throughout the tournament.

Reservations are recommended and available for groups of up to 50 people (yes, 50) on the Resy app, but walk-ins are always welcome. They’ve also got a selection of pizzas and snacks to pair with your pint.

Dinner

If you have time for dinner before leaving the city, head south of Junction Triangle to Parkdale, where you’ll find the tantalizing BB’s. This creative Filipino spot features dishes such as adobo fried chicken and glazed tamarind ribs, making it a perfect (and filling) end to your trip.

After all that food and footy, be ready to doze on the flight home!

Rhianydd traveled to Toronto at the invitation of Destination Canada. Lonely Planet does not accept freebies in exchange for positive coverage.

All photos by Rhianydd Hylton.