An iconic sight in the heart of the old town, the Flatiron is impossible to miss. Built in 1892, it's a five-story iron-shaped building with a steep copper roof and turret; in the background, Toronto's skyscrapers provide a beautiful contrast. Be sure to check out the mural on the building's western side; created by Canadian artist Derek Michael Besant, it integrates with the existing structure to make it appear that a curtain of windows has not been properly tacked up.

A long-time office building, the Flatiron was originally built for the Gooderham and Worts Distillery's administrative offices (notably, its repurposed factory serves as the central building of the Distillery District).


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby attractions

1. Market Gallery

0.13 MILES

The Market Gallery is a tiny museum with rotating exhibits of paintings, photographs, documents and historical relics of Toronto. It's located at St…

2. St Lawrence Market Complex

0.13 MILES

Old York's sensational St Lawrence Market has been a neighborhood meeting place for over two centuries. The restored, high-trussed 1845 South Market…

3. Hockey Hall of Fame

0.19 MILES

The mecca of Canada's national sport, the Hockey Hall of Fame is a Canadian institution. Even those unfamiliar with the rough, super-fast sport are likely…

4. Toronto's First Post Office

0.21 MILES

Dating to 1834, this national historic site is also the city's oldest surviving post office. A small museum showcases the beginning of the city's postal…

5. Design Exchange

0.31 MILES

The original Toronto Stock Exchange now houses eye-catching industrial-design exhibits. The permanent collection of this rather tiny museum includes more…

6. TD Gallery of Inuit Art

0.39 MILES

A quiet pause amid the bustle of the Financial District, the TD Gallery of Inuit Art provides an exceptional insight into Inuit culture. Just beyond the…

7. Elgin & Winter Garden Theatre

0.39 MILES

This restored masterpiece is the world's last operating Edwardian double-decker theater. Celebrating its centennial in 2013, the Winter Garden was built…

8. Sugar Beach Park

0.47 MILES

Named after the Redpath Sugar Refinery next door, Sugar Beach is a sweet little spot located near Old Toronto. The urban beach park is filled with pastel…