Kensington Market Travel Guide

Toronto
Kensington Market
Wander the narrow streets of this lively district to discover fashion and home décor stores, festivals, cafés and restaurants.

Visit Kensington Market to shop at fashion boutiques, sample food from around the world and enjoy free cultural events. The district started out in the 1920s when Jewish families would sell goods from stands set up outside of their homes. Walk along the narrow streets today and you’ll find influences from Asia, the Caribbean, Europe and Latin America, among other regions. You will also find elaborate street art and quirky humor on shop signs.

Vintage clothing lovers will enjoy shopping for alternative clothing with original prints on Kensington Avenue, where colorful Victorian houses double up as independent boutiques. Along nearby Augusta Avenue you’ll find more vintage shops as well as one-off jewelry items and home décor goods.

You can also visit Kensington Market to sample food from a range of cultures. Find everything from Mexican burritos and Indian tapas to Italian ice cream and coffee. Experience the sights and smells of exotic spices, fruits and vegetables in the covered fresh-produce market.

Go to Bellevue Square Park to truly appreciate the diversity of the district. Don’t be surprised to see an aging hippy chat to a Rastafarian while street performers execute their daily routines and children play on the swings and slides. Take a seat on a bench and enjoy this cultural melting pot.

Come back for cultural events such as free concerts and dance performances. Take cooking and yoga classes on Pedestrian Sundays, when culture spills out onto the streets without the disturbance of traffic. Dance to the beat of a samba parade during Kensington Karnival’s celebration of the winter solstice. Art enthusiasts will enjoy Nuit Blanche, an all-night contemporary art festival that takes place in October. Find full event details on the market’s official website.

Located just west of downtown Toronto, Kensington Market is a 20-minute walk from the CN Tower. Parking is limited in the neighborhood, especially on weekends. Public transport, such as the bus and streetcar, is a more convenient option.

The Kensington Market is open daily, except for Christmas Day and New Year’s Day. Visit the market’s official website for the opening times of individual businesses.


Popular places to visit


Top hotels in Kensington Market

Chelsea Hotel, Toronto
Chelsea Hotel, Toronto
4 out of 5
33 Gerrard St W, Toronto, ON
The price is ₹9,870 per night from 27 Oct to 28 Oct
₹9,870
per night
27 Oct - 28 Oct
Stay at this 4-star eco-certified hotel in Toronto. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, 2 indoor pools and 2 restaurants. Our guests praise the pool and the restaurant in their ...
8/10 Very Good! (9,095 reviews)
"Convenient, clean, reasonable prices if you book in advance. Popular and can be very busy. I’ve stayed multiple times, with no issues. This is a well run hotel."

Reviewed on 25 Sep 2024

Chelsea Hotel, Toronto
Cambridge Suites Toronto
Cambridge Suites Toronto
4 out of 5
15 Richmond St E, Toronto, ON
The price is ₹10,229 per night from 27 Oct to 28 Oct
₹10,229
per night
27 Oct - 28 Oct
Stay at this eco-certified aparthotel in Toronto. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, parking (surcharge) and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ...
9/10 Wonderful! (6,857 reviews)
"My son and I flew in for the weekend and were met with great hospitality and fantastic service. The staff were very accommodating to any needa ghat we had during our stay. It is a great location, in my opinion because of its central location. Short walking diatance fom all of the entertainment districts, ..."

Reviewed on 24 Sep 2024

Cambridge Suites Toronto
Fairmont Royal York
Fairmont Royal York
4 out of 5
100 Front St West, Toronto, ON
The price is ₹17,864 per night from 27 Oct to 28 Oct
₹17,864
per night
27 Oct - 28 Oct
Stay at this spa hotel in Toronto. Enjoy a full-service spa, 3 restaurants and 3 bars/lounges. Our guests praise the pool and the restaurant in their reviews. ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (5,489 reviews)
"Everything was Great but what made my stay extra amazing was the lovely staff. They were very helpful and were amazing :)"

Reviewed on 24 Sep 2024

Fairmont Royal York
Town Inn Suites Hotel
Town Inn Suites Hotel
3.5 out of 5
620 Church St, Toronto, ON
The price is ₹13,805 per night from 3 Oct to 4 Oct
₹13,805
per night
3 Oct - 4 Oct
Stay at this hotel in Toronto. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in their ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (2,138 reviews)
"Overall very good experience, front desk staff is extremely pleasant and helpful. We had some issues checking in but the staff helped us through it all considering it was my first time travelling alone. Bed was very comfy . My only thing is it could be cleaner, just seems like lots of hidden dirt ..."

Reviewed on 24 Sep 2024

Town Inn Suites Hotel
One King West Hotel & Residence
One King West Hotel & Residence
4 out of 5
1 King Street West, Toronto, ON
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is ₹14,130 per night from 30 Sep to 1 Oct
₹14,130
per night
30 Sep - 1 Oct
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly aparthotel in Toronto. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, room service and a fitness centre. Our guests praise the restaurant and the bar ...
9/10 Wonderful! (8,529 reviews)
"Always a good time. Love the cafe and location"

Reviewed on 24 Sep 2024

One King West Hotel & Residence
Pan Pacific Toronto
Pan Pacific Toronto
4 out of 5
900 York Mills Rd, Toronto, ON
The price is ₹13,122 per night from 25 Oct to 26 Oct
₹13,122
per night
25 Oct - 26 Oct
Stay at this golf hotel in Toronto. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, an outdoor pool and 2 restaurants. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in their reviews. ...
8/10 Very Good! (2,440 reviews)
"Great 4 star option. Better than many alternatives."

Reviewed on 25 Sep 2024

Pan Pacific Toronto
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Other neighbourhoods around Kensington Market

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Niagara

While you're in Niagara, take in top sights like Fort York National Historic Site or Coca-Cola Coliseum, and hop on the metro to see more of the city at King St West at Niagara St Stop or King St West at Tecumseth St Stop.

Niagara
Downtown Toronto showing heritage architecture, a city and an administrative building

Downtown Toronto

4/5(483 area reviews)

Known for its must-see aquarium and popular shops, there's plenty to explore in Downtown Toronto. Check out top attractions like Scotiabank Arena and CN Tower, and jump on the metro at Dundas St West at Yonge St Stop or Dundas Station to see more of the city.

Downtown Toronto
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Old Toronto

If you're spending time in Old Toronto, check out sights like Scotiabank Arena or CN Tower and hop on the metro to see more of the city at Dundas St West at Bay St Stop or Queen St West at Bay St Stop.

Old Toronto
Toronto showing outdoor art, a park and flowers

Bay Street Corridor

While you're in Bay Street Corridor, take in top sights like CF Toronto Eaton Centre or Downtown Yonge, and hop on the metro to see more of the city at Dundas St West at Chestnut St Stop or Dundas St West at Bay St Stop.

Bay Street Corridor
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Trinity - Bellwoods

If you're spending time in Trinity - Bellwoods, check out sights like Trinity Bellwoods Park or Queen Street West and hop on the metro to see more of the city at Dundas St West at Grace St Stop or Dundas St West at Shaw St Stop.

Trinity - Bellwoods
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Toronto Entertainment District

Travellers choose Toronto Entertainment District for its popular aquarium. Hop aboard the metro at Spadina Ave at Bremner Blvd North Side Stop or Spadina Ave at Front St West North Side Stop and check out top sights like Rogers Centre.

Toronto Entertainment District


Kensington Market Travel Guide