A Swiftie’s Guide To Toronto

Toronto, are you ready for Taylor?

Taylor Swift is bringing her once-in-a-lifetime Eras Tour to the Canadian city in November — and as a result of the burgeoning gig tripping travel trend, the shows will bring people from all across the globe. While some visitors know all too well how to paint the town Red, others may be new to Toronto. So, we’ve put together a Swiftie’s guide to the city, with all the best things to do during your Toronto Era.

What To Do

From Selena to Gigi to Lorde, Taylor loves her girl squad. That’s why her Toronto shows provide the perfect excuse to plan the girlfriends’ getaway of your wildest dreams.

• In the Queen West and West Queen West neighborhoods, browse all of the cool boutiques (including Le Labo — it’s said that their Santal 26 candle is a Taylor fave). After, order Taylor’s Latte–Aka a grande caramel latte at the charming Cafe 23.  
• A Taylor show is a place to see and be seen. So, be sure to take a squad trip over to Lip Lab on Queen St. W. to create your own custom lip color — that “red lip classic thing,” maybe?
• Complete your Eras Tour look with the perfect sparkly, red or tulle piece at such shops as Honey in the Toronto Eaton Centre and Original on Queen St. W. Or go casual and find a cozy cardigan at a vintage shop like the Throwback Vault.
• We know you enjoy uncovering the many “Easter eggs” Taylor leaves behind in her lyrics, so put those code-cracking skills to good use by solving the mysteries of Toronto’s escape rooms, including Escape Manor on King St. W. or Casa Loma Escape Rooms just north of the Annex neighborhood
• Before the concert, get your vocal cords warmed up at Forever Karaoke, where you can belt out all your favorites.

Where To Eat

From classic country to pure pop to everything in between, Taylor’s catalog is increasingly eclectic. And “eclectic” is the perfect word to describe Toronto’s culinary offerings, with global flavors blending into something truly unique. Here are just a few spots to check out during your visit.

• As a devoted hummus fan, Taylor would love Fat Pasha, a Middle Eastern/European Jewish eatery helmed by chef-owner Anthony Rose. Try the chicken shawarma — thank us later.
• Taylor made her name in Music City, USA — Nashville, TN. So why not heat things up at Queen Street West’s Chen Chen’s Nashville Hot Chicken, where the poultry is certified halal and available in five heat levels?
• On the morning after your epic Eras experience, dig into some buckwheat crepes (another Taylor fave) at Yorkville Crepes. This spot serves up 35 different sweet or savory crepes, so you know there’s something for everyone.

Where To Stay

You have to sleep sometime, even if you’re still buzzing from the show.

• For convenience, The Sutton Place Hotel Toronto is just a 7-minute walk to Rogers Centre, where T-Swift will be holding court. Fuel up at the new and beautiful coastal Mediterranean restaurant on property, Abrielle.
• Vinyl never goes out of style. At the uber-cool Ace Hotel Toronto, some rooms have turntables, so you can spin your Lavender Haze colored limited edition of Midnights.
• If you’re as in love with your cats as Taylor is with hers, the Kimpton St. George stands tall as one of Toronto’s most pet-friendly hotels, providing treats, a water bowl and even a dog bed.