Toronto is a vibrant and exciting city with a lot to offer, it does however come at a price, as the city isn’t particularly cheap. However, there are ways to stick to budget on your trip whilst enjoying everything on offer. Here are a few tips to help you budget your trip and have the best time in the city.
Plan ahead, early bird tickets can lead to big savings
If you want to be savvy and save in Toronto, try to plan ahead. Research the different attractions and activities that you want to do and make a plan to see them all. If booking with plenty of time in advance, you can get your hands on some easy bird deals. This will not only save you money, but it will also make everything much more straightforward, so you can make the most of your time in the city.
Look for a place to stay with lots of time to spare.
Accommodation in Toronto can be quite expensive, especially during peak travel seasons. To save money on your stay, book your accommodation in advance using a website like Rentola. This will give you more time to find the best deals and discounts, and you’ll be able to secure a room or house at a reasonable price.
Use public transportation instead of private taxis or transfers.
Toronto has an extensive public transportation system that is both affordable and efficient. To save money on your trip, consider using public transportation instead of renting a car or taking taxis. Not only will you save money, but you’ll also be able to avoid the hassle of finding parking and navigating the city’s busy roads.
Take advantage of free activities
Toronto is home to a wide variety of free activities and attractions, including the CN Tower, the Toronto Islands, and the Toronto Public Library. Take advantage of these free activities to save money and still have an amazing time in the city.
Eat like a local
Eating out in Toronto can be quite expensive, but there are ways to watch your pennies whilst enjoying great food. Instead of eating at high-end restaurants, consider eating like a local and trying some of the city’s street food, or visit local markets and food courts. This will save you money and give you a chance to experience the city’s diverse culinary scene. If your accommodation has a kitchen, cooking meals at home can save a significant amount. Making packed lunches can also be time efficient, when wanting to pack lots into a day. You can enjoy your sandwich in one of the many parks around the city, surrounded by nature.
Make the most of discounts and deals.
If you want to spend your time in Toronto without spending every last penny, taking advantage of discounts and deals is a great idea. Look for deals on attractions, tours, and activities, and look for discounts on public transportation. You can also find discounts on accommodation and food, so be sure to research all the options before making your final decisions to avoid disappointment.
Be mindful of your spending.
To save money on your trip to Toronto, it’s important to be mindful of your spending. Make a budget and stick to it and try to avoid impulse buying. Prioritize the things that you really want to do and see and eliminate the rest. This circles back to our first point of planning your trip correctly. By sticking to a plan, you’ll avoid any nasty surprises.
Avoid peak travel seasons.
If possible, try to avoid traveling to Toronto during peak travel seasons. The prices of everything from accommodation to flights and activities are typically higher during the summer and other peak times. If you can plan your trip for the shoulder season, you may be able to avoid the sky high prices. The city is amazing all year round, so you won’t be missing out on anything.
Keep an eye out for festival dates or big events, as this usually will make everything more expensive. By avoiding those dates, you’ll find much better options that are more affordable.
Consider finding accommodation slightly out of the centre.
The CBD is the most expensive area of the city. If you extend your search area and pick an area slightly out of the city, you can save some big bucks. Traveling into the city centre is easy with the many bus links. This can also present other opportunities, like getting to know the locals and the smaller, less known gems of the city.
Be mindful of currency exchange rates.
Finally, be mindful of currency exchange rates when planning your trip to Toronto. Keep an eye on euros and American dollars depending on where you’re traveling from, by being mindful of how they exchange their currency. Try to find the best exchange rate and consider using a credit card.
To sum up, there are plenty of ways to stay on budget when visiting Toronto. Make sure you follow our tips and enjoy your holiday!
