Arts, modern hotels, museums, and design boutiques in Toronto are only a short plane ride away.

I visited Toronto briefly this summer and am itching to go back already. Besides the fact that I get to have another passport stamp without having to leave the continent, I love that the city of neighborhoods really has it all. From food and coffee to arts and architecture, you?ll be hard-pressed to find something that?s not enjoyable to visit, see, or do. Whether you have a week to visit like I did or only 24 hours to spare, here?s a design-enthusiast?s starter guide to making the most out of your trip to T-dot.

WHERE TO STAY
Photo: Connie Tsang via The Gate
Photo: The Drake Hotel
The Drake Hotel: Part hotel, part exhibition space, part cafe and restaurant, The Drake is the coolest hotel to stay at, in our opinion. Located on Queen Street West, it?s partly a hotel, but also features an art exhibition space, The Drake General Store (for designy tchotchkes and independent clothing labels), and several places to grab a bite and a drink. The rooms are funky and modern in decor and interior design, a plus if you like to stay away from uptight hotels like I do.
WHERE TO PLAY
Photo: Vy Tran
The ROM: The Royal Ontario Museum of Toronto is definitely a place you won’t get lost finding – it?s the largest museum in Canada – but you might get lost wandering around inside. Its metal-clad, crystal-like volumes protruding from the ground make up the exteriors de...