The Museum of Modern Art (known simply as MoMA) is one of the best art museums in New York City. Considering the standard of galleries in New York, that’s quite the accomplishment. Naturally a visit to MoMA is essential for any art enthusiast heading to …
The Empire State Building is the crowning jewel in the world’s most recognisable skyline. Its also the most photographed building in the world, and has appeared on screens globally. From its first major film appearance in the original King Kong, and so many more since, …
Start spreading the news. I’m leaving today. Gonna be a part of it, New York, New York. If you’re finding yourself humming the legendary tune of Frank Sinatra, chances are you’re planning to visit the Big Apple itself, New York City. I’ve been to New York a few times, and in my opinion it truly is one of the greatest cities of the world (if not the greatest!). In this post, I’m going to help you put together an itinerary to see New York in 4 days.
As the largest city in the United States and one of the largest in the world, there is something for everyone in New York. If you haven’t been, go. If you’ve been, go back. Its filled with amazing museums, sites of great historical significance, delicious food, an incredible theatre scene, and a whole lot more. You won’t do everything there is to do in New York in 4 days, you won’t even come close. With 4 days in New York however, you’ll be able to cross off most of the highlights.
Before deciding what to see in New York in 4 days, you’ll want to know when to go. Strangely enough, every time I’ve been to New York its been mid-spring. Its a decent time to visit the city as the temperature is just right and the weather is generally good. If you go too early in the season (think March) you might still get a bit of snow during your stay though, so bear that in mind.
The most popular time to visit is during the summer months, when you can expect temperatures to get up to 30 degrees Celsius. Prices also soar during this time of year and attractions can be packed. Christmas and New Year’s is also really popular, especially for those coming to ring in the New Year at Times Square. Bear in mind that New York is freezing during the winter months (think maximums around 5 degrees).
From personal experience and research, I’d say the best time to come to New York is during the late spring or early fall. Prices won’t be as expensive as they are during the peak summer months, and its still relatively comfortable.
You won’t have any problems getting to New York – the city is serviced by three major airports. The largest is John F Kennedy International Airport (JFK), located east of Queens. Its one of the busiest airports in the world, with flights coming and going from all corners of the globe. The fastest way to get into the city from JFK is using Uber or other Rideshare apps, but you can expect to pay a decent amount for the half hour ride. For the more price conscious, the Subway is a cheaper option, but you’ll need to change lines a few times depending where you’re headed. You can expect to take at least 1.5 hours to get into Midtown Manhattan by subway from JFK.
I’ve also flown into New York from Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR). Across the Hudson River in neighbouring New Jersey, its roughly the same distance from Midtown as JFK Airport, so check your options when comparing flights. EWR is a United Airlines hub and its super easy to get into the city from here. You can take the NJ Transit rail service from the Airport to Penn Station and then either take a connecting subway or walk to your hotel. All up it takes about 25 minutes to Penn Station, and there’s a train every 20 to 30 minutes.
Finally, you can fly into New York from LaGuardia Airport (LGA), which mainly receives domestic flights. I’ve never used this airport, but its only 20 minutes by car from the heart of Manhattan.
The north-east of the USA is also well connected by land. There’s numerous bus services and Amtrak trains that connect major cities in the area.
Remember to check international travel requirements. At the very least you’ll need a passport and either an ESTA or visa.
Despite being massive, New York is one of the easiest cities I’ve been to when it comes to navigation. The city is designed on a grid system so its easy to work out where you are at all times. Other than the island’s southern tip, all streets that go north to south are called Avenues, running from 1st to 11th, with First Avenue being closest to the East River. Perpendicular to the Avenues are the numbered streets, which starting with First Street in the south, go in ascending order heading north all the way to 228th street, well beyond Manhattan Island.
When you see addresses that refer to West and East versions of a certain street, this is relative to their position on the street to where it is intersected by Fifth Avenue. It might sound complicated, but when you’re there it becomes second nature. I found myself giving locals directions midway through my first stay!
Traffic in New York City SUCKS. Don’t try to drive anywhere. Its very much a walking city and you’ll get from place to place much quicker on foot. When you do need to further afield, you’ll be thankful for the Subway. It does a wonderful job at keeping the city connected with regular trains to all areas of the city. I highly recommend picking up an unlimited ride Metro Pass on your first day from your nearest subway station. For $33 USD, they’re good for 7 days and will get you anywhere you need.
I won’t sugarcoat it, New York is an expensive city. You’ll pay more here than in most parts of the US when it comes to accommodation. As a rough guide, you can expect to pay the following prices per night for a double room in high season:
As for where to stay? For a first time visitor, it has to be in Manhattan. Of New York’s five borough’s this is the one you’ll be spending the most time in, as it contains all the tourist spots you’ve come to see. While it will be more expensive than other parts of the city, I recommend staying somewhere in Midtown. Each time I’ve come to New York City, I’ve stayed somewhere between 42nd and 54th streets. There’s tons of hotels to choose from, but you should book well in advance for the best deals. As for specific recommendations, I’ve especially enjoyed my stays at the Hilton Times Square and the Crowne Plaza Times Square Manhattan – both were excellent.
The official currency of the United States of America is obviously the US Dollar (USD). ATMs are widespread and you’ll have no problem paying by credit card.
If you’re going to be doing a lot of attractions during your stay, I highly recommend picking up a multi-attraction pass such as the CityPass or Sightseeing Pass. While its a large amount to pay upfront, you’ll save money in the long run when it comes to admission fees. I’m normally a CityPass guy, but in New York, I think the Sightseeing Pass gives you more flexibility.
New York City is a pretty safe travel destination. Like any big city, you’ll want to keep your wits about you and watch out for pickpockets and the like, but exercise some common sense, watch out for traffic, and you’ll have a great time. While there’s definitely parts of the city to avoid (like any city), you won’t be going anywhere near them. I never felt uncomfortable at any time during my multiple trips to New York.
You could spend a month in New York and still have things to do. In this itinerary I’ll be taking you to some of the city’s most notable attractions. You’ll see all the places that jump into your mind when you think of NYC.
You’ll spend your first day in New York City seeing the sights of Lower Manhattan. Located in the southern most section of the city (way below where the grid kicks in) this part of the city is a must for first time travellers. On today’s itinerary, you’ll visit some of New York’s most iconic and inspirational landmarks, while also paying respects to some of the darkest days to ever fall on the city.
Assuming you’re staying in Midtown, getting to Lower Manhattan is really simple. If you get aboard the #1 Subway line heading Downtown, you can ride all the way through to South Ferry Station, which will get you right where you need to be to start today’s itinerary. The subway ride will take about 20 minutes. From there, pick up your (pre-booked) ferry ticket at the Castle Clinton ticket booth and try to get on the first boat of the day out to Liberty Island. You can book your ferry tickets with Statue Cruises on their official website.
The Statue of Liberty is arguably the most defining symbol of the United States, so it makes sense to start your New York experience here. Gifted to New York by the French (and designed by Gustav Eiffel of Eiffel Tower fame), Lady Liberty herself has been welcoming visitors to the USA since her unveiling in 1886. The Statue serves as a symbol of the American ideals of freedom and opportunity embodied by the famous poem of Emma Lazarus – “give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breath free…”.
While Liberty Island is fairly small, getting out to the Statue is essential. You would have seen the Statue countless times, but seeing it in person is a whole other experience. Your admission includes a free audio tour that takes you around the island’s perimeter and gives you some context into the construction and significance of the Statue. Once you’ve done that, head on inside. While the museum that used to be inside the pedestal has been removed in preparation of a better on-site museum (under constructed), you can pay extra to climb up to the Statue’s pedestal for great views.
While currently not available, when I’ve been to the Statue of Liberty I’ve gone up to the Crown observatory. Its a worthwhile experience you’ll definitely have to book in advance and be prepared to climb 146 narrow and steep stairs.
When you’re ready to leave the Statue of Liberty, get back on board the next boat headed towards Ellis Island (don’t take the one that goes to New Jersey!). While not as well known as the Statue, Ellis Island is an even more interesting experience. From 1892 to 1924, Ellis Island served as a processing station for over 12 million immigrants chasing the American Dream. In fact, its estimated that over 40% of Americans have at least one ancestor that was processed at Ellis Island.
The Immigration Museum here is excellent and deserves at least an hour of your time. Your admission again includes an audio tour which contains narrations from both historians and first hand immigrants, bringing the facility to life as you tour its multiple exhibits. The highlight is the excellent “Through America’s Gate” exhibition on the second floor. Here you’ll be taken through the step by step process that newly arrived migrants underwent upon landing at Ellis Island, hoping to embark on their new life in the United States.
When you’re finished with the Museum, head outside to the Ellis Island Wall and see if you can find the names of any distant relative migrants as you soak in the stunning views of the New York skyline across the water. You can also grab a bite to eat at the on-site cafe before returning by boat to Manhattan.
For the purpose of this itinerary, I’d try to be back in Manhattan by around 1pm.
When you get back to Manhattan, take a quick walk through the streets of Lower Manhattan (don’t miss Wall Street) before heading to the site of the World Trade Centre. About 15 minutes away from the Statue cruise terminal on foot, this is the site of the greatest tragedy to take place on American soil in the modern era. September 11, 2001 needs no introduction. It was day that saw almost 3,000 lives lost in the most devastating act of terrorism in our lifetime.
As you enter the Memorial site, you’ll see two giant reflective pools marking the former foundations of the Twin Towers that were destroyed in the terrorist attacks of 9/11. Around the rims of the poignant water cascades are the names of the many victims who died that day. Spend some time quietly reflecting before entering the Museum itself (with your pre-booked admission time).
The 9/11 Museum is one of the most tasteful and emotional museums I’ve ever visited. Housed underneath the site you’ll find a plethora of items recovered from the wreckage. If you don’t have time for a comprehensive tour, you should spend your time in the Historical Exhibit. This extremely detailed exhibition takes you through the events of the day of the attacks, minute by minute as they unfolded. Its emotionally draining, but it will give you an understanding of everything that happened on this horrible day, as well as its wider implications on the world we live in. Spend at least 2 hours here.
After spending a few hours in the 9/11 Museum, take a moment to stroll around the Memorial area until you’re ready to continue. Your final destination of the day is not far at all – its inside the new World Trade Centre just nearby. Officially opened in 2015, the One World Observatory is all the way up on the tower’s 100th and 101st floors. There’s many observation points in Manhattan skyscrapers (you’ll be doing more of them in this itinerary) but I think the One World Observatory is my favourite. Its also the tallest.
Once again, book your ticket in advance here to save time, especially late in the day when lots of people come to see the sunset. After scanning in, you’ll board an elevator and ascend to the Observatory in 47 seconds. Up top, the viewing area is excellent. You’ll have 360 degree views all across Manhattan and beyond. On a clear day, you can see all 5 boroughs of New York from this height. While its all enclosed, there are massive glass windows in all directions and the actual viewing area is huge. You can also buy food and drinks in the viewing observatory. Spend the rest of your evening up here and linger for the sunset while looking for all the landmarks in your surroundings.
Spend your second day in New York taking in the very heart of Manhattan. You’ll pass along many a street corner and recognise that you’ve seen it before in a TV show or movie scene. Just part of the wonder that is New York City. Most of today’s itinerary can be covered on foot, but if you’re needing a break from walking city blocks on the grid, the subway is your friend as always.
Grand Central Terminal is yet another hallmark New York location that you’ve seen a million times before going there. If you’re staying in Midtown, it will be a relatively short walk away from your hotel. The breathtaking terminal is a major train station, open to the public at any time of day. Of course, you’re coming to see the Main Concourse, complete with marble floors and vaulted ceilings. The ceiling was painted by Paul Cessar Helleu and depicts numerous constellations, supposedly from God’s perspective. While you’re taking it all in, don’t miss the Terminal’s famous clock, which contains the largest amount of Tiffany glass in the world!
You can take a guided audio tour of the Terminal, but with how busy your day is going to be, a quick stop is probably enough. While you’re in the area though, grab a breakfast bite from the adjoining Grand Central Market (which opens at 8.00am on weekdays). Also, pop into the lobby of the Chrysler Building, an iconic New York skyscraper, which is just a block away.
One of New York’s best art galleries is the Museum of Modern Art. Located in the heart of Midtown, this Museum fills up quickly with crowds, so you should try to get there around opening time. MoMA has a collection of more than 200,000 pieces of art, so those on display are shuffled around quite regularly. The permanent collection fills up four levels of the building and for the most part provides a chronological journey through modern art. Some of the finest works of Andy Warhol, Picasso, Monet and countless more are displayed at MoMA, though the undisputedly most recognised work is Van Gogh’s Starry Night (which is where the crowds tend to congregate).
I’ll be the first to admit that I don’t know much when it comes to art, but I enjoyed spending about two hours at MoMA. As is the case with many attractions in New York City, your admission includes a complimentary audio tour which you can use to listen to the story behind the pieces that you find most interesting. There’s also a sculpture garden to check out during your visit.
Grab some lunch around the Rockefeller Center after you leave MoMA, then you’ve got a decision to make for your next stop. New York is one of the most famous cities in the world, so it goes without saying that its home to some acclaimed entertainment venues. To fill in the afternoon, you’ll be touring one of them.
Everything is bigger in New York City, and Radio City Music Hall is the world’s largest indoor theatre. Radio City was launched by Samuel Lionel “Roxy” Rothafel on December 23, 1932. The extravaganza saw the first ever performance of the Rockette dancers that the venue has become famous for. The 5,901 seat theatre has since hosted countless performances over the years, including Broadway’s Tony Awards. On your 75 minute guided tour, you’ll see parts of the building such as the Main Auditorium, Roxy’s Suite, a Dance Studio and meet an actual Rockette.
When you think of arenas around the world, there’s none with more prestige than the hallowed halls of Madison Square Garden. As a professional wrestling fan, visiting MSG was a no-brainer to me when in New York, but whether its basketball, ice hockey, Billy Joel or others, Madison Square Garden is known as the World’s Most Famous Arena for a reason. Your 75 minute tour of the Garden will relive some of the arena’s most important moments, while also taking you everywhere imaginable, from the upper nosebleeds to the luxury suites, from the locker rooms to the penalty box.
You knew we’d get here eventually. Its packed, its filled with overpriced restaurants and is tourist trap central, but there’s no question that Times Square embodies everything about New York City. Its the towering skyscrapers, the lit up billboards, the constant flow of pedestrians and traffic – all of it. The best spot to take it all in is from the TKTS Ticket Booth Steps (though many will have the same idea!). Take your photos and soak in the atmosphere before heading a few blocks away to grab a cheaper dinner.
If you’re looking for something touristy to do near Times Square, there’s lots of options. While Ripley’s Believe it Or Not and the NFL Experience have both now closed (I’ve enjoyed them both previously), you could always head to Madame Tussauds on W 42nd Street, which is probably the best of its kind that I’ve visited.
One last tip in Times Square. You’ll probably be approached by people wanting to sell you their CDs. Just keep walking – its a scam designed to sell you a blank CD. You’ll also find numerous people dressed up as cartoon characters and the like. If you plan on taking a photo with one, be prepared to pay them and then be swarmed by others wanting you to do the same.
Of the many skyscrapers in New York City, the Empire State Building has to be the most famous. Its open late, making it a great place to cap off a day in the city with an epic view from above. With a whopping 102 floors, the world’s most photographed building stands at some 380 metres in height, though if you measure all the way to the tip of its antenna, its a 443 metres tall! Of the top 5 tallest buildings in New York, its definitely the oldest. Amazingly, construction was completed in 1931, only 13 months after work began.
Before reaching the top you’ll pass through a historical exhibition that chronicles the building’s history. While its interesting, the main event is the outdoor observation deck on the 86th floor. From up here you’ll catch a completely different view to that further downtown, viewing the city from the very heart of Midtown Manhattan. Don’t miss iconic structures like the unique Flatiron Building and gorgeous Chrysler Building while you’re up here.
If you want to go up higher, you’ll have to pay extra, but there’s an enclosed viewing area on the tower’s 102nd floor, from which you can see five neighbouring states on a clear day. Its the second highest viewpoint in New York, but I’d save the extra money and go to One World instead. Regardless of how far up you do go, the Empire State Building is a stunning finale to the day.
On your third day in New York, you’re heading north of Midtown. You’ll be spending some time in one of the word’s greatest public parks, visiting one of the best museums in the world, and coming back to dive into the New York theatre scene. And since its New York, you’ll be getting some more great photos from above. Which leads us right into…
You spent some time around the Rockefeller Center yesterday, but I didn’t want to send you up two towers on the same day. Besides, its on the way to your next destination. The Top of the Rock is an excellent observation deck on the top of the Rockefeller Center. While you might be skyscraper-ed out at this point, I really recommend heading up here. Its one of my favourite viewpoints in the city. You’ll be able to see north to Central Park, and perhaps most significantly, your photos of Midtown will actually include the Empire State Building in them!
The observation deck at the Top of the Rock is an open air terrace with two levels on the tower’s 70th floor. The views are some of the best in the city. I think I still prefer One World Observatory, but its a really close call between the two. Take all your photos and when you’re ready, continue on with the day’s adventure.
Head a few blocks north and you’ll arrive at the entrance to Central Park, one of the world’s greatest urban parks. Central Park is HUGE and you can spend hours wandering around on a nice day, people watching and taking it all in. At 340 hectares, spanning all the way from 59th to 110th Street, there is no way you’ll see the whole thing. Of all the times I’ve been, I’ve only ever made it halfway up (to be fair, most of the tourist spots are in the park’s southern half before the Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis Resevoir).
Some spots you should make sure you stop by are the Bethesda Fountain (one of New York’s largest – you know the one), Strawberry Fields (a touching tribute near the site of John Lennon’s murder) and Belvedere Castle (often closed off, but a dramatic lookout point if its open). There’s also an assortment of statues riddled throughout the park, including those of various literary icons along The Mall.
If you have time, you should visit the Central Park Zoo. Its quite small, but contains penguins, peacocks, sea lions and more. Admission to the zoo is $19.95 USD for adults and it will take up at least an hour of your time. While you’re in the park, grab some lunch – there’s plenty of vendors to be found.
Once you reach the Reservoir, head to the east of the park and you’ll be near New York’s finest museum. Referred to simply as The Met, the Metropolitan Museum of Art is a world class institution, founded back in 1870. The Museum holds one of the world’s largest and important collection of artefacts from all around the world, spanning from Ancient Egypt to the Pacific Islands and so much in between. If you try to tackle the Met without a plan, you’ll quickly become overwhelmed (and with over 800 galleries, probably lost as well!)
The collection is split over two levels. The first floor contains galleries dedicated to Ancient Egypt, Ancient Greek and Rome, Medieval Europe, Africa and Oceania. On the second level, you’ll find the Asian, European Renaissance and Middle Eastern collections. The American Wing spans both levels and includes the famous Washington Crossing the Delaware painting.
I think the best way to do the Met is to take a guided audio tour. Taking you through the museum’s highlights, you’ll see the very best that the Met has to offer. Expect to spend at least 2 hours doing this. Along the way you’ll see the Egyptian Temple of Dendur, The Damascus Room, a mini-Chinese garden and so much more.
One of the most quintessential New York experiences is seeing a show on Broadway. The Big Apple is the theatre capital of the world after all. After dinner, you should see a play at one of the city’s many theatres. If you’re wanting to see one of the top billed performances, you’ll need to secure your tickets months in advance (and likely pay a fair bit for your tickets as well). If you don’t mind what you’re actually going to see and are just there for the experience, you could try your luck at the TK Ticket Box in Times Square for last minute discounted tickets (it will be a much smaller off-Broadway show).
I love live theatre, so I always make sure to have a look at whats going to be on when I’m heading to New York. Some of my top recommendations are Hamilton, the Book of Mormon and the Lion King musical – all great shows that are each greatly different from each other!
Check show times, but most shows will start around 7.00pm. You’ll generally be out of the theatre by 10.00pm.
With one more day left in New York, its time to venture out of Manhattan into another of the city’s boroughs. You’ll spend the afternoon in Brooklyn today, but with so much still to do in Manhattan, you’ll be sticking around for the morning.
With so many incredible museums in New York City, I’m giving you another choice to start the day. I’ve been to both of these next two museums. I found them both to be really interesting, but I don’t think you’d have time to do both of them in one day (of course, the answer is to spend more time in New York!). Either attraction will easily keep you busy into the early afternoon.
Its often overlooked on lists of the best things to do in New York, but I found the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum to be really cool. After all, its housed on an actual aircraft carrier (that’s the USS Intrepid)! The freighter, which is docked on the Hudson River, survived kamikaze attacks and bombings during World War II, and today contains extremely interactive exhibits that highlight the role of the vessel in conflict. You can tour the freighter’s living quarters, flight deck (filled with fighter jets), and much more (with an audio tour included). There’s even a motion simulator (which costs extra) where you can experience the thrill of flying in a military jet!
In addition to the Intrepid itself, you’ll be able to tour the Growler Submarine docked nearby and also see the NASA Enterprise shuttle up close in a specially themed space exhibition. For an extra fee, you can also tour the Concord aircraft, which set the record (less than 3 hours!) for crossing the Atlantic in 1996.
For a more traditional museum experience, the American Museum of Natural History has you covered. Movie goers might even recognise it as the setting of the Night at the Museum film (there’s even a specific highlights tour for children that takes you to all the exhibits that featured in the movie). With four floors of exhibits, the Museum was founded in 1869 and contains over 34 million artefacts. You can see dinosaur skeletons, ancient civilisations, evolution and biodiversity halls and so much more. One of the highlights of the collection is a full size replica of a Blue Whale suspended from the ceiling of the Hall of Ocean Life!
As if all the various halls of the Museum weren’t enough, the adjoining Rose Center for Earth & Space is a planetarium filled with exhibits about space. As with the Met, the American Museum of Natural History can be overwhelming without a plan. I recommend taking a highlights tour and then focusing on the selection of halls that you are most interested in.
Your tour continue continues with another New York landmark – the Brooklyn Bridge. The bridge connects Lower Manhattan to Brooklyn, spanning over 1.8 kilometres in length across the East River. Get your walking shoes on, because you’ll be crossing that on the pedestrian boardwalk, which overlooks the six lanes of traffic below. You can take the subway to Brooklyn Bridge-City Hall station, from which the entrance to the boardwalk is readily accessible.
Known for its legendary stone arches, construction of the bridge was completed back in 1883 and at the time was the longest suspension bridge in the world. Designated as a National Historic Landmark in 1964, crossing the bridge is something of a right of passage to New York travellers. There’s numerous points where you can stop to take photos. The views of both the Manhattan and Brooklyn waterfronts from the Bridge are nothing short of breathtaking.
There’s so much to do in Brooklyn, but for a first time visitor with only 4 days in New York, you should spend time in DUMBO. That’s Down Under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass by the way, and is the name of the district that you’ll enter into when you cross the Brooklyn Bridge into the borough. First things first, you’re going to want to take the photo. You know the one – standing in the middle of the street with the Manhattan Bridge behind you, framed between buildings on either side. If you lose the crowds that lead you there, you want to get onto Washington Street and follow it until the bridge is in sight. Watch out for traffic while you’re taking photos!
With your obligatory photo spot checked off, try some authentic Brooklyn Pizza. There’s so many restaurants to choose from, but I have a fondness for Grimaldi’s Pizzeria. Be prepared for a big feed though – they don’t serve by the slice!
After dinner, spend some time just wandering around the area. A great way to cap off a night in Brooklyn is to catch a basketball or hockey game at the Barclays Center. Its a decent distance away, so you’ll have to Uber it. There’s a bunch of great bars nearby as well, so get your pregame on and celebrate. Its been a busy trip, but you’ve just seen the best of New York in 4 days!
This post has only scratched the surface, but there’s only so much you can do in New York in 4 days. While you’ve had to make some choices along the way, I think its done a pretty good job in capturing the main places you need to see on a first time trip. If I’ve missed anything that you’d put on the list, let me know. There’s no place like New York – so I hope you can wake up in the city that doesn’t sleep very soon!
While there is no doubt that the best Niagara Falls experience is to be had on the Canadian side, considering it is the site of one of the world’s most beautiful border crossings, you’d be remiss to visit without crossing to Niagara Falls, USA. Crossing …
Niagara Falls is Canada’s most popular tourist destination, and its also visited by many more tourists from the United States and further abroad each year. The Falls straddle the border of Canada and the US, and are known for having the highest flow of water …
Casa Loma is Toronto’s very own castle. Yes, you heard me correctly – there is a castle in Toronto. In fact, Casa Loma is the largest castle in all of North America! The massive palace contains over 90 rooms and dates back to the first half of the 20th century. The gothic mansion that once belonged to one of Toronto’s most wealthy men is a fascinating attraction. I really encourage you to stop by when you’re in the city. I was looking forward to taking a trip to the castle when I first heard about its existence, and it definitely lived up to the expectations in my mind. In this post, I’ll take you through Casa Loma – the house on the hill.
First things first, Casa Loma never housed royalty. It was the mansion of the notable Toronto businessman, officer and philanthropist Sir Henry Pellatt and his wife Lady Mary. Rising from rags to riches through investments in the stock exchange at the turn of the 20th century, Pellatt engaged EJ Lennox to design his very own castle on a hill above Toronto. That castle became a hub for social events, balls and other happenings among Canada’s most wealthy, following construction of the castle being completed in 1914. After spending some 3.5 million Canadian dollars on the residence of his dreams, Pellatt only lived in Casa Loma for less than a decade. Losses of his fortune, coupled with the economic pressures of the First World War resulted in Pellatt having to sell Casa Loma in 1923. His wife died less than a year later.
After a short stint as a hotel, the City of Toronto acquired the castle in 1933, in recovery of back taxes. Casa Loma then became an eyesore for the city as it progressively fell into disrepair. Just as it seemed inevitable that the castle would be demolished, it was acquired by the Kiwanis Club in 1936, which began work on refurbishing and restoring it for use as a tourist attraction. Ownership of the castle passed to the Liberty Entertainment Group, which has continued Casa Loma’s legacy as a truly iconic Toronto landmark. Its even been used as a filming location in numerous Hollywood flicks.
Fittingly, Henry Pellatt visited Casa Loma on his 80th birthday, January 6, 1939, when he was honoured by the Queen’s Own Rifles regiment, under which he had served many years prior. He died two months later.
I visited Casa Loma right when it opened at 9.30am and it was the perfect time to get there. I was able to explore the castle without too many crowds, while it definitely started to fill up by the time I left. If you’ve got the flexibility to do so, I’d recommend doing the same. While its not essential, I also recommend booking your ticket in advance – it just means you don’t have to line up to do it when you get there. Tickets are available on the Casa Loma website, however you should look into the Toronto CityPass if you’re planning to hit up other attractions in the city. Casa Loma is included on the CityPass lineup and this great deal allows you to visit a number of Toronto’s best spots within a period of 9 consecutive days.
Your admission to Casa Loma includes a complimentary audio tour (available in multiple languages). Since Casa Loma is a self-guided attraction, I highly recommend taking the audio tour. You’ll get a lot more out of your visit than you would just wandering around the castle, as you’ll learn about the life of Sir Henry Pellatt, the castle’s lesser known features and a lot more.
Assuming you’re taking the audio tour, count on spending about 3 hours to get the full Casa Loma experience. There’s also a cafe on site where you can get a bite to eat before leaving.
You’ll enter Casa Loma on the first floor. As you begin your journey in the Great Hall, you’ll notice the sixty foot high ceilings in this grand chamber, with the second floor hallway above overlooking where you stand. As is the case with much of the castle, you’ll find all kinds of furnishings throughout, such an exact replica of a chair from Westminster Abbey used in the coronation of British monarchs dating back centuries. You’ll also get your first glimpse of the man behind Casa Loma, as a portrait of Sir Henry sits above the fireplace.
If you follow the main route through the castle, you’ll move into the Library and connected Dining Room. Its a massive ballroom style space. One of the cool things to see here is the optical illusion caused by the hardwood floor – depending which way you look across the room, the floorboard pattern will seem to change direction!
Beyond the Dining Room is the Conservatory. This really pretty room is something of a cross between an indoor greenhouse and function room. Lady Pellatt was known for hosting tea parties here among many exotic plants and flowers. The opulence is on full display with floors of Italian marble and an elaborate stain glass ceiling that cost $12,000 (at the time) alone.
The last room of note on the first floor is Sir Henry’s Study, where he spent much of his time working on business deals. Fun fact: the side of the fireplace contains a secret passage that leads up to the second floor (and another goes down to the basement!) – it really is like Hogwarts!
Casa Loma’s second floor contains an assortment of bedrooms, most notable those of Sir Henry and Lady Mary Pellatt themselves. Upon ascending the stairs, you’ll come to Sir Henry’s bedroom. While the only original piece of furniture in the room is the Phoenix lamp beside the bed, you’ll get a sense of what the room would have looked like in Sir Henry’s day (by the way, that tiger skin carpet is real). Just like his study, the bedroom contains a number of hidden chambers where he kept valuable possessions, and at one point he was even working on a electronic circuit that could control all the castle’s lights from inside the bedroom (that never came to fruition, but is a tribute to the innovative mind of Henry Pellatt).
Lady Mary’s room is actually considerably larger than Henry’s. Its made up of a suite of chambers and also contains a large balcony that look out over the castle grounds. The adjoining sitting chamber especially bears a sense of regality, basking in sunlight. Lady Pellatt was actually confined to a wheelchair for much of her time in Casa Loma – the elevator that was installed for her convenience was the first private electric elevator in Canada.
The Guest Suite is the largest of the guest rooms in the castle. This self-contained unit had its own bathroom and dressing room, and is just as opulent as the rest of the castle. One of the most distinguishable pieces on display here is the Chinese Peacock screen dating back to the 1930s.
Rounding out the Second Floor are the Windsor Room (set aside for Sir Henry’s aspirations for hosting Royalty) and the Round Room, which is built into the base of the castle’s western tower.
The majority of Casa Loma’s third floor is taken up by the Queen’s Own Rifles Museum. As Canada’s largest militia unit in Sir Henry’s time, Pellatt was heavily involved with the organisation, starting as a rifleman and rising through the ranks to become its colonel. In this dedicated space, you’ll find all kinds of memorabilia including weapons and medallions, as well as paintings of all its commanding officers (including Sir Henry).
Also on the third floor, you’ll find the Servant’s Chambers. Casa Loma was so big and extravagant that it required a staff of forty to keep things running – eventually part of Sir Henry’s financial decline. While their chambers were much more modest compared to the rest of the castle, Henry was generally known to be a generous employer.
While you’re on the third floor, you should definitely ascend the towers. Casa Loma has two – the Scottish Tower and the Norman Tower. They’re distinctly different – the Scottish Tower to the castle’s east is enclosed and round (it gave me serious Harry Potter vibes), while the western Norman Tower opens up to an outdoor rooftop where you can get some amazing photos, both of the castle and looking out at Downtown Toronto on the horizon. Oh by the way, you can do Escape Rooms in the towers at night! HOW COOL IS THAT?!
Don’t miss the Castle Gardens on your visit. You can access them from the Great Hall. The main terrace that overlooks the gardens is another spot where you can take some perfect photos of the surrounding area. Maintained initially by the Garden Club of Toronto, there’s all manner of colourful flowers throughout the castle grounds, in addition to picturesque fountains, greenery and a function area for wedding celebrations!
There’s even more to see in Casa Loma when you head downstairs from the ground floor entrance. This is actually where you’ll pick up your audio guide to start touring the castle. In that hall you’ll also find numerous movie posters for films shot at Casa Loma! Branching off from here is also where you’ll access the castle’s cafe and souvenir shop.
Just beyond the audio tour desk, you can go into what was eventually going to be the castle’s indoor swimming pool. It was never completed however, and instead now houses a movie theatre that shows a documentary chronicling Henry Pellatt’s life. While I saw this movie after touring the castle, it wouldn’t be a bad spot to start exploring.
Undoubtedly the coolest part of the basement level however is the Tunnel. Built 18 feet underground and 800 feet long, the tunnel links Casa Loma to its Stables, taking inspiration from the escape tunnels contained in many European castles of the medieval period. You’ll take the tunnel to reach the last part of your tour, while along the way looking at photos depicting “the dark side of Toronto” – an era of poverty and social protest during Pellatt’s lifetime. You’ll also see the Furnace Room, responsible for heating Casa Loma in its heyday.
Upon emerging from the other end of the castle, I was stunned to find that I was a whole city block north of Casa Loma. That’s how far the tunnel takes you as you arrive at the Hunting Lodge. Along with the Stables, it is the oldest part of Casa Loma and served as Sir Henry and Lady Mary’s home while the actual castle was being constructed. In addition to the lodge, you can visit the Stables, Potting Shed and Greenhouse, as well as the Garage (which contains a number of vintage cars from the early 1900s).
While its somewhat at odds with the rest of the property, the upper floor of the Stables hosts the Backstage Celebrity Gallery. This Madame Tussauds-eque exhibit contains wax figures of celebrities that have appeared in films shot in Casa Loma (as well as the Canadian President, Justin Trudeau). I love celebrity wax museums, so it was a good cap on the tour for me.
Once you’re done with this part of the property, you can head back through the tunnel to return to the castle.
Casa Loma is so cool! Make sure you visit it when you’re in Toronto. While its definitely a popular tourist attraction, I’ve actually seen it skipped on a fair few itineraries. Don’t make that mistake, as it will be a few hours well spent. If you’ve been to Casa Loma, what did you enjoy the most? Drop your fun facts about the Pellatt family and their residence below!
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Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada is arguably the most touristy attraction in all of Toronto. Its immensely popular with visitors of all ages and gets really crowded during peak vacation season and school holidays. While your first reaction may be to write it off as a tourist trap, knowing most major cities have attractions like these, the reality is that its a state of the art aquarium and I found visiting to be really worthwhile.
The aquarium houses over 16,000 sea creatures and is one of the three Ripley’s Aquariums in the world (with the other two being in South Carolina and Tennessee). While the Toronto aquarium is not the largest aquarium in Canada (you’ll find that one in Vancouver), this conveniently located experience is a great way to spend an hour or two indoors when in the city. In this post, you’ll learn about some of the creatures you’ll see on a trip to Ripley’s.
Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada opened in 2013 and is an easy walk from anywhere in downtown Toronto. I highly recommend booking tickets in advance, particularly if you’re on a tight schedule, as during the busy hours of the day the lines to get in can be quite lengthy. The CN Tower next door draws in masses of tourists, so its only natural that many head here before and after. Luckily, the Aquarium is open really late – it closes at 11pm. That means you’ve got plenty of time to see other attractions when most people are sightseeing. I entered the Ripley’s Aquarium at around 8pm on a Tuesday. While there were still a decent number of people at this time, it was nothing compared to the packed crowds I’d read about.
The overall experience takes around 1-2 hours, so you could even arrive later and have less people to contend with.
If you’re planning on seeing a number of Toronto’s popular attractions while in town, buy the Toronto CityPass instead of a single ticket. You’ll be able to get into many attractions over the course of 9 consecutive days. You can learn more on the CityPass website.
While Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada doesn’t seem THAT big from the outside, looks are quite deceiving. The aquarium covers two floors and is comprised of a range of galleries showcasing different aquatic environments and species. Your journey will begin with an introduction to the fish of Lake Ontario, before taking you on an aquatic adventure through the seas.
You’ll enter the aquarium with the familiarity of Canadian Waters. This opening exhibit takes you through the aquatic environments of the world’s second largest country, starting with the species in Lake Ontario just a mere walk away. Forming part of the Great Lake Basin, these environments make up 20% of the world’s freshwater. One of the most interesting species you’ll come across here is the prehistoric paddlefish. These unique fish have a large “paddle” (technically called a rostrum) which extends up to a third of their length and is used to detect the plankton upon which they feed! You’ll also come across plenty of American Lobsters, Cod and Wolf Eels. If you’re lucky, you might even catch a glimpse of the Pacific Octopus while exploring Canada’s waters (I sadly couldn’t see it in its tank).
The Canadian Waters section of the aquarium also houses a very impressive two storey tank containing a Pacific Kelp Forest.
Next, you’ll transition into a very different part of the world. The Rainbow Reef recreates the tropical waters of the Indo-Pacific Ocean and is filled with a myriad of brightly coloured corals, anemones and fish. Here you’ll learn how the amount of diversity living in these fragile ecosystems has resulted in coral reefs being referred to as the “rainforests of the sea”. There’s so many beautiful and colourful aquatic species in the 200,000 litre tank that this is actually the most diverse gallery in the entire aquarium.
One of the easiest species to see is the batfish (no relation to Batman), which in the wild actually move in small schools and aggressively feed on smaller fish. I guess fish are food, not friends for these guys. Perhaps its no wonder that the Sailfin Tang that swim in the same waters have the ability to extend their fins to look larger when they feel threatened!
Okay admit it, you came to Ripley’s for the shark tunnel. Well look no further, because its the next stop. You’ll have every chance to stop as well, since there’s a travelator that you can stand on and watch as the sea life swims around you. That travelator is the longest moving sidewalk in North America by the way – fitting since it passes through the aquarium’s largest gallery. The main shark species that you’ll find in the waters of the Dangerous Lagoon are sand tiger sharks. While they look just as ferocious as ever, they’re actually rather docile compared to many species. Make no mistake though, they’re still the top of the food chain and are highly efficient predators that can float motionlessly while hunting prey.
Within the shark tunnel, you’ll see a range of species that make their home in the Atlantic off the East Coast of North America. The Green Sawfish are really cool, though you might be surprised to learn they are closer relatives of stingrays than sharks! Their saws (or again, rostrums) stick out ahead of them and are lined with teeth that can kill prey in an instant. Mind you, they were lazing around while I passed through, so I’m thinking they were quite well fed.
Take your time in this gallery. If you’re patient, you’ll even see a few Green Turtles, one of the largest sea turtle species on the planet.
After passing through the Discovery Centre play area (don’t miss your chance to spot Nemo the Clownfish), you’ll next reach the Gallery. This section contains a number of small tanks dedicated to species that have mastered the ability to blend into their surroundings, as well as other unique adaptations. While you’ll find electric eels, lionfish, piranhas and more, my favourite species to watch in this part of Ripley’s Aquarium was the seahorse. These distinct creatures are known for their ability to swim upright and it really is fun to see that in action. The aquarium also houses a number of baby seahorses – did you know that they’re raised by their father (unlike most animals)?
Just beyond this section, you’ll come across a relatively new Shipwrecks exhibit, which provides a historical summary of some famous shipwrecks. My understanding is that this is a temporary exhibit that moves around various venues.
Up next, you’ll come to Ray Bay, another massive gallery where you can see four different kinds of stingray! The stingrays you’ll see here range from spotted eagle, cownose, roughtail and southern stingrays, all of which have their own special adaptations that help them thrive in the ocean. If you want to know the differences between them all, the aquarium staff will be happy to point them out to you. You’ll also learn about their different survival techniques in action – for example, spotted eagle rays can jump out of the water to avoid being caught by predators, while southern stingrays bury themselves in sand on the ocean floor, drawing in unsuspecting shellfish that become their dinner.
The last organism filled exhibit is one of the more memorable at Ripley’s Aquarium. Planet Jellies almost transports you to another world as you come across four species of jellyfish. The gallery holds them in one of the world’s largest kreiser tanks, which are special kinds of horizontal cylinders designed to hold jellyfish. These special tanks are designed in a way to ensure jellyfish safety, as the fragile species can be destroyed by bubbles and other elements of regular fish tanks.
The centrepiece of the gallery is the selection of vibrantly coloured Pacific Sea Nettles. Okay, so they look vibrantly coloured and seem to change hue at will. Spoiler alert: its all an illusion created by backlighting. Its still an extremely photogenic spot. The jellies wouldn’t know though – they have no eyes (or brain) and rely entirely on special organs designed to sense the presence of light!
You’ll also find the incredible upside-down jellyfish here. Unlike most jellies, these guys lay on the seafloor and take in sunlight through the algae found on their tentacles! So cool!
As you make your way back upstairs, you’ll pass through a rather cool section called Life Support Systems that shows you how the aquarium runs all its tanks through an array of complex pumps and filters. 95% of the aquarium’s water supply is treated and recycled. Continuing onwards into the Shoreline Gallery, you’ll pass the top of the stingray exhibit, which serves as a touch pool area filled with some smaller rays. Once you’ve spent some time here, you’ll filter out through the gift shop and be ready to take on another Toronto adventure.
With so many species to see at Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada, you’re bound to learn something new about the many creatures that fill our oceans and other aquatic environments. While I’ve been to many aquariums around the world, I liked this one a lot. If you’ve been, let me know something you learnt on your visit.
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