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Kensington Market

· Toronto, ON

Why you should go…

Kensington Market grew out of a Jewish immigrant garment district in the early 1900s and has since become one of Toronto's most eclectic neighborhoods, home to vintage clothing shops, Latin American and Caribbean grocers, and cafes. Pedestrian Sundays close the streets to cars in warmer months. It sits right next to Chinatown, making for an easy combined wander.

  • #vintage
  • #street-art
  • #food
  • #neighborhood

Good to know

General shopping guidance

Habits that pay off across this whole category, not rules for this one venue. Always check the official site for the specifics.

  • Vendor hours are their own thing

    Market stalls and independent sellers keep shorter hours than the building around them, and quiet days end early.

  • Bring a tote and a little cash

    Smaller sellers do not all take cards, and bags are rarely free.

  • Weekdays browse, weekends buzz

    Pick the weekday for a proper look at the shelves and the weekend for the atmosphere.

  • Ask about shipping

    If something will not survive the suitcase, plenty of sellers will send it home for you.

What's around here?

The closest stops to Kensington Market, ordered by straight-line distance. A few more like it, plus some different kinds of fun so you can build a full day.

  • Museums
    Rainy-Day Pick

    Art Gallery of Ontario

    $25–$50

    One of North America's biggest art museums, with the world's largest public Group of Seven collection.

    0.4 mi awaySwitch it up: Museums

  • Sightseeing
    Quirky Fun

    Graffiti Alley

    Free

    A block-long laneway of ever-changing murals that has become the city's most photographed backstreet.

    0.5 mi awaySwitch it up: Sightseeing

  • Theatre & Events
    Date Night

    Princess of Wales Theatre

    $50+

    A 2,000-seat Mirvish venue in the Entertainment District built specifically for large-scale touring musicals.

    0.8 mi awaySwitch it up: Theatre & Events

  • Tours
    Free

    Toonie Tours

    Free

    Guide-led, tip-based walking tours of downtown Toronto, plus e-scooter tours and bike rentals.

    0.8 mi awaySwitch it up: Tours

  • Museums
    Family Favorite

    Royal Ontario Museum

    $25–$50

    Canada's largest museum spans dinosaur fossils, ancient Egypt, and a jagged crystal entrance you can't miss.

    0.9 mi awaySwitch it up: Museums

  • Shopping
    Local Gem

    St. Lawrence Market

    Free

    A cavernous 19th-century food market where locals still do their weekly shopping.

    1.5 mi awayMore like this