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Jen Agg, restaurateur

Jen Agg has a Toronto food and drink empire, which includes ,��,�� and the brand new , a British-y space on Geary Avenue. Start there, then continue your journey at the following.

For a real taste of Toronto: “Toronto does dive bars really well. You’d have a fun time hitting up ,�����ǰ��� for music. Wrap the night at ���ǰ���.”

For a worth-it tourist attraction: “I can’t think of anything touristy, but gun to my head, (I’d say) . It’s pretty tourist attraction-y but still very cool.”

For an under-the-radar gem: “One of the nicest things you can do in Toronto is walk around it. It’s extremely walkable. I always surprise myself by taking a big walk in a neighbourhood I don’t often spend time in — there are so many little places I come across.”

Pay Chen, media personality

is a food writer, a TV host and co-creator of Zing’s a chili miso condiment. In short, she knows where to eat in the city well.

For a real taste of Toronto: “Walk around (Spadina) Chinatown — there are so many options, including affordable places for noodles, dumplings and hot pot, packed into a few walkable blocks. Small owner-operated restaurants like give this stretch its charm. Then, head west on Dundas toward Bathurst and discover . It’s a series of shipping containers that have been transformed into a diverse selection of food stalls, allowing entrepreneurs a lower-cost way to run their own business. It’s a real reflection of the people and flavours that make up Toronto.”

For a worth-it tourist attraction: “T��� The Saturday farmers’ market is the real draw, especially during the summer months. Buy locally grown produce, then visit Front Street for (more) groceries and a quick bite.”

For an under-the-radar gem: “A tour and tasting at the in Parkdale is a truly unique experience. How often can you explore (and taste) how chocolate is made? They also offer occasional make-your-own-bar workshops — discover your inner chocolatier!”

Erin Leydon, photographer

Wedding and lifestyle photographer regularly captures the city’s brightest moments. Here are her favourite places to look at the city from a new perspective.

For a real taste of Toronto: “For both tourists and locals, Riverdale Park (East) is the perfect place to relax, take in views of the city skyline, and capture a picture-perfect sunset.”

For a worth-it tourist attraction: “T��� , not just for its incredible art collection but also for its stunning architecture, designed by the legendary Frank Gehry.”

For an under-the-radar gem: “Balmy Beach or the R.C. Harris Water Treatment Plant — both are just a short walk from each other. They’re perfect for a sunrise or sunset stroll, no matter the season or weather. We’re incredibly lucky to have a beach like this in Toronto.”

Julie Kell, owner of the Brockton Haunt

At any moment of the day, Julie Kell’s is buzzing with locals buying their morning brew or just hanging out in this queer-friendly, women-led space. Here are her other favourite places to find community in the city.

For a real taste of Toronto: “Grab a bite to eat in Koreatown at or . (The latter) has been around since the ’70s. The food is always on point and the service top-notch. Then head to for pool. There’s comedy and karaoke in the basement.”

For a worth-it tourist attraction: “T��� pro sports games, like the Raptors or the Toronto Sceptres, never get old! I’m looking forward to going to a Toronto Tempo game.”

For an under-the-radar gem: “ if you want a real dive bar vibe (and a free pool table). has by-the-pound vintage and a concrete bowl inside for skateboarding. is a great date night spot.”

Harrison Taylor, co-founder of Othership

Harrison Taylor’s modern bathhouse has become a must-visit for wellness seekers who indulge in hot and cold therapy. Outside of work, he refuels himself in the city’s hidden wilderness.

For a real taste of Toronto: “T��� best way to experience the city isn’t through its landmarks. It’s through people. At , you’re breathing, sweating and plunging alongside locals — it’s an authentic window into Toronto’s social pulse. Afterwards, replenish and rehydrate at , the superfood café.”

For a worth-it tourist attraction: “Toronto’s ravine system is a hidden marvel. You can walk for kilometres without crossing a single street, immersed in forests, rivers and ecosystems that make you forget you’re in a metropolis. One of my favourite spots is , a reclaimed industrial site with farmers’ markets, nature trails and community events. It’s the perfect example of Toronto’s ability to blend history, sustainability and natural beauty.”

For an under-the-radar gem: “T��� Leslie Street Spit (also known as ). This peninsula extends into Lake Ontario, offering breathtaking views of the city skyline. This isn’t a manicured park but a wild, evolving ecosystem where hundreds of bird species migrate through — a rare blend of city and sanctuary.”