I was born and raised in Toronto. Here are the 8 mistakes I see tourists repeatedly make when they visit.

Tiffany LeighAug 5, 2023, 20:22 IST

The Toronto sign in Nathan Phillips Square illuminated at night.Walter Bibikow/Getty Images

I was born and raised in Toronto and have witnessed tourists make countless mistakes here.
Many head straight to the major landmarks, like the CN Tower, and overlook smaller attractions.

As someone who was born and raised in Toronto, I've observed plenty of tourists' missteps, from dining at overpriced restaurants to pulling out unwieldy maps on the street.

With a bit of research, visitors can make the most of their time here and save some money, all while avoiding stressors and headaches.

These are the most common mistakes I've seen tourists make in Toronto.

Many tourists only visit during summer, but the offseason has its draws too.

I always tell my friends to visit in the fall or winter, when there are fewer crowds.Tiffany Leigh

It's tempting for people to plan their trip around Toronto's major attractions, but they often overlook small museums and galleries.

I grew up in Toronto and still live there with my family.Tiffany Leigh

Most newcomers only visit attractions during regular operating hours, but many of these places host evening events.

Ripley's Aquarium of Canada gets crowded during the day.Tiffany Leigh

Tourists flock to big-box malls and miss out on the city's local boutiques and shops.

Stackt Market is one of the newer additions to Toronto's shopping scenes.Tiffany Leigh

I've seen people rent cars to get around Toronto instead of walking or using public transportation.

The subway system is an efficient, affordable way to get around the city.Tiffany Leigh

Toronto has amazing local restaurants, so it's hard to see visitors eat at fast-food chains.

A chicken sandwich from The Heartbreak Chef.Tiffany Leigh

Some individuals miss out on festivals and cultural events because they don't do proper research.

Buying tickets in advance can save you time waiting in lines.Tiffany Leigh

Because Toronto is a big city with a lot to do, many visitors overbook their itineraries.

More tourists should take advantage of Toronto's parks.Tiffany Leigh

I rode a horse-drawn carriage at Disney World, and it was worth it for $50

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