Queen Street West, Toronto - a city street filled with lots of traffic next to tall buildings
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Queen Street West Toronto

4.6
·169 reviews·Toronto, Canada

A vibrant Toronto neighborhood known for its eclectic shops, diverse restaurants, and captivating street art.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday afternoons

Fewer crowds, relaxed shopping

CrowdLow
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Queen Street West, Toronto - a city street filled with lots of traffic next to tall buildings

Queen Street West Toronto

Best Time

Weekday afternoons

Fewer crowds, relaxed shopping

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A vibrant Toronto neighborhood known for its eclectic shops, diverse restaurants, and captivating street art.

4.6
(169 reviews)

"Queen Street West is a must-visit for its unique blend of art, fashion, and food."

Vertical photo
TIP

🎨 Explore Graffiti Alley

Wander through this vibrant outdoor art gallery for unique photos and gritty urban vibes.

🛍️ Thrifting Gems

Hunt for unique fashion finds at the many thrift stores along Queen West.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Graffiti Alley

Graffiti Alley

Off Queen Street West, between Spadina Ave and Portland St

A vibrant, ever-changing outdoor art gallery showcasing stunning street art and murals.

Boutique Shopping

Boutique Shopping

Throughout Queen Street West

Discover unique fashion, vintage treasures, and designer finds in independent boutiques.

Diverse Culinary Scene

Diverse Culinary Scene

Along Queen Street West

From spicy Asian fusion to cozy cafes, Queen West offers a global taste adventure.

Bling Bling

Bling Bling

448 Queen St W, Toronto, ON

Craft your own personalized jewelry with a vast selection of beads and charms.

Planning Your Visit

Embrace the Vibe: Queen West's Eclectic Charm

Queen Street West is a dynamic Toronto neighborhood known for its unique blend of shops, restaurants, and art. Prepare for a vibrant, sometimes gritty, urban experience. Wear comfortable shoes for exploring its many boutiques and galleries.

Navigating Queen West's Delights

This area is a haven for shoppers and foodies, with everything from vintage finds to trendy Asian fusion. Consider visiting during weekdays to avoid the biggest crowds and enjoy a more relaxed exploration of its diverse offerings.

Best Times

When
Weekday afternoons
Why
Fewer crowds, relaxed shopping
Crowd
Low
When
Weekend evenings
Why
Lively atmosphere, dining
Crowd
High
When
Late Spring/Early Fall
Why
Pleasant weather for walking
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Non-tipping AND asian fusion restaurant in Toronto? Let’s go!!! You can check out Eric’s awesome food at @ThenAndNowRestaurant located on 1316 Queen Street West, Toronto.
@anguswannnn
71.9K likes • 1.3M views

🎨 Explore Graffiti Alley

Wander through this vibrant outdoor art gallery for unique photos and gritty urban vibes. Reddit

🛍️ Thrifting Gems

Hunt for unique fashion finds at the many thrift stores along Queen West. TikTok

I found SO many gems while thrifting at these spots in Toronto #torontoshopping #shopwithme #torontothrift #torontothrifting #thingstodointoronto
@icessr
41.6K likes • 582.2K views
The owners are also super nice too, overall 10/10 experience Location: Bling Bling - 448 Queen St W, Toronto On #fyp#viral#foryoupage#braceletmaking#toronto#torontoactivities#torontolife#torontotiktok...
@nazzonotfound
31.7K likes • 229.4K views

✨ Make Your Own Jewelry

Visit Bling Bling for a fun, affordable DIY bracelet-making experience. TikTok

👟 Comfortable Shoes Essential

You'll be doing a lot of walking to explore all the shops and sights! Reddit

not gatekeeping🫡 #viviennewestwood #toronto #shop
@juliabooliaaa
18.1K likes • 173.5K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎨 Explore Graffiti Alley

Wander through this vibrant outdoor art gallery for unique photos and gritty urban vibes. Reddit

🛍️ Thrifting Gems

Hunt for unique fashion finds at the many thrift stores along Queen West. TikTok

✨ Make Your Own Jewelry

Visit Bling Bling for a fun, affordable DIY bracelet-making experience. TikTok

👟 Comfortable Shoes Essential

You'll be doing a lot of walking to explore all the shops and sights! Reddit

🍻 Patio Hopping

Enjoy drinks and people-watching at popular spots like Rhino or Squirlys. Reddit

📚 Discover Independent Bookstores

Type Books is a must-visit for book lovers seeking curated selections. Reddit

🌮 Quick & Tasty Eats

Grab a delicious and fast lunch at places like Alpha's Shawarma or Los Compas Tacos. Reddit

🌳 Relax in Trinity Bellwoods

Take a break from shopping with a stroll through this popular urban park. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.6
(169 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Queen Street West is celebrated for its vibrant street art, eclectic shopping, and diverse culinary scene, offering a dynamic urban experience. Visitors love the unique boutiques, the creative energy of Graffiti Alley, and the wide array of dining options. Some find parking challenging and certain areas can feel gritty, but the overall consensus is a lively and engaging neighborhood worth exploring.

"Nov 2024 Almost 6 km span of road where a number of interesting stores and areas can be found"

Oliver Pe

"Good Vibes and pretty cool Colors. Love this place and street."

Delphine FRÉROT

"Lots of great restaurants and shops"

Stan

What People Like

Eclectic shopping
Vibrant street art
Diverse food options

What People Dislike

Parking challenges
Gritty areas

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Queen Street West is easily accessible by public transit. Take the TTC streetcar (e.g., the 501 Queen) which runs directly along the street. Several subway lines connect to streetcar routes that will take you to Queen West. Driving is also an option, but parking can be challenging and expensive. Reddit

Absolutely! Queen Street West is best explored on foot. The sidewalks are bustling with shops, cafes, and galleries, making it ideal for a leisurely stroll. Wear comfortable shoes! Reddit+1

The most popular way to explore Queen Street West is by walking its length, from Bathurst Street all the way west towards Roncesvalles. This allows you to experience the different vibes of each section. Reddit

Yes, Queen Street West is very well-served by public transportation. The 501 Queen streetcar runs along the entire street, and many other TTC routes connect to it, making it easy to reach from anywhere in Toronto. Reddit

Parking on Queen Street West can be difficult and costly. There are some paid parking lots and street parking available, but they fill up quickly, especially on weekends. Consider using public transit or ride-sharing services if possible. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, Queen Street West itself is a public street and does not require tickets to visit. You can freely explore the shops, galleries, and street art. Some specific venues or events within the area might have admission fees. TikTok

Shop hours vary greatly. Most boutiques and stores are typically open from around 11 AM to 7 PM on weekdays and extend their hours on weekends. Some restaurants and bars stay open much later. TikTok

Yes, exploring Graffiti Alley is a fantastic free activity. Window shopping, people-watching, and enjoying the street's atmosphere are also free. Many galleries may also offer free admission. Reddit

Yes, Queen Street West is lively at night with many restaurants, bars, and clubs open late. Ultraviolet, for example, is open until 4 AM. TikTok

No, Graffiti Alley is a public space and there is no entrance fee. It's a free outdoor art gallery for everyone to enjoy and photograph. Reddit

🎫 🛍️ Shopping & Style

Queen Street West is renowned for its diverse shopping, featuring independent boutiques, vintage clothing stores, designer shops, art galleries, and unique gift shops. You can find everything from trendy fashion to one-of-a-kind items. TikTok+1

Several vintage stores are scattered along Queen Street West, offering a wide array of pre-loved fashion. Common Sort is a popular spot for thrifting and finding unique pieces. TikTok

Yes, you can find some designer brands, including Vivienne Westwood, at stores like Original on Queen West. It's a great place to hunt for high-end fashion finds. TikTok

Bling Bling offers a fun DIY jewelry-making experience, allowing you to create custom bracelets. It's a popular activity for friends looking for something interactive. TikTok

Beyond the well-known spots, explore smaller boutiques for hidden gems. Type Books is excellent for curated reads, and many independent shops offer artisanal goods and local designs. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Queen Street West boasts a diverse culinary scene. You can find everything from Asian fusion at Then And Now Restaurant to quick bites like Alpha's Shawarma and Los Compas Tacos. TikTokReddit

Then And Now Restaurant, located at 1316 Queen Street West, is highly recommended for its Asian fusion cuisine and non-tipping policy. TikTok

Yes, cafes like Cafe 23 and Found Coffee are noted as pleasant spots for a coffee break while exploring the area. Reddit

For quick and convenient lunches, consider Pokito for poke bowls, Alpha's Shawarma at Queen and Bathurst, or the Bulgogi Kimchi sandwich at Minibar. Reddit

Lao-Thai at Queen and Gladstone is a good option for spicy food on a budget. Los Compas Tacos also offers affordable and tasty tacos. Reddit+1

📸 📸 Photography Spots

Graffiti Alley is a prime spot for vibrant and edgy street art photography. The unique storefronts and street scenes along Queen West also offer plenty of visual interest. Reddit

Graffiti Alley is the most famous spot for street art, but you'll also find murals and graffiti art scattered throughout the neighborhood, especially as you venture further west. Reddit+1

While not directly on Queen West, the Toronto sign is a popular photo op nearby. For unique shots, focus on the eclectic architecture, street art, and the bustling street life. TikTok

The 'golden hours' around sunrise and sunset can offer beautiful lighting for capturing the street's atmosphere. However, Graffiti Alley is visually striking at any time of day. Reddit

Photography policies vary by store. Some shops, like Original, may have restrictions on filming or extensive photography. It's always best to ask permission before taking many photos inside a business. TikTok

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Queen Street West can be a fun outing for families, especially if you focus on specific activities. Bling Bling offers a creative and engaging experience where kids can design their own jewelry. TikTok A walk through Graffiti Alley provides a visually stimulating and colorful environment for children to explore. Reddit Consider visiting Trinity Bellwoods Park for some outdoor playtime. While many shops are geared towards adults, the vibrant atmosphere and diverse food options can still be enjoyable for families looking for a lively urban adventure.

💸 Budget Travelers

Queen Street West offers several budget-friendly options. Graffiti Alley is a free attraction that provides incredible photo opportunities. Reddit For affordable eats, Los Compas Tacos and Lao-Thai are great choices for delicious meals without breaking the bank. Reddit+1 Many of the vintage and thrift stores offer unique clothing and accessories at lower price points than new retail. Exploring the street and window shopping is also a free way to soak in the atmosphere.

🛍️ Shoppers & Fashionistas

Queen Street West is a fashion mecca, especially for those seeking unique styles. Dive into the vintage and thrift stores like Common Sort for one-of-a-kind finds. TikTok Explore independent boutiques for the latest trends and designer pieces, including brands like Vivienne Westwood at stores like Original. TikTok Don't miss the chance to create your own accessory at Bling Bling for a personalized fashion statement. TikTok The area is perfect for a dedicated shopping day, so wear comfortable shoes and be prepared to explore!

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Art of Queen West: From Graffiti to Galleries

Queen Street West is a canvas for creativity, boasting a rich art scene that ranges from the raw energy of Graffiti Alley to curated collections in independent galleries. Graffiti Alley, a sprawling outdoor art installation, is a must-visit for its ever-changing murals and vibrant street art. It's a dynamic space where local and international artists leave their mark, offering a gritty yet beautiful backdrop for photos. Reddit

Beyond the alley, numerous small galleries and studios dot Queen West, showcasing contemporary art, photography, and mixed media. Keep an eye out for pop-up exhibitions and artist studios, which offer a more intimate glimpse into the local art community. The area's artistic spirit is palpable, making it a hub for art lovers and creatives alike. Exploring these spaces often leads to unexpected discoveries and a deeper appreciation for Toronto's thriving art scene.

Queen West Shopping: A Treasure Trove of Styles

Queen Street West is a shopper's paradise, celebrated for its eclectic mix of boutiques, vintage stores, and independent retailers. Whether you're hunting for designer finds, unique fashion pieces, or one-of-a-kind gifts, Queen West has something for everyone. Common Sort is a popular destination for thrifting, offering a curated selection of pre-loved clothing. For those seeking designer labels, stores like Original have been known to carry brands such as Vivienne Westwood. TikTok+1

The shopping experience here is less about mainstream chains and more about discovering hidden gems. Explore the side streets and smaller storefronts to uncover artisanal crafts, local designs, and vintage treasures. The area also offers unique experiential shopping, such as Bling Bling, where you can design and create your own jewelry, making for a fun and memorable activity. TikTok The sheer variety ensures that a shopping trip on Queen West is always an adventure.

Queen West's Culinary Delights: A Global Palate

The culinary landscape of Queen Street West is as diverse and vibrant as the neighborhood itself. From casual eateries to upscale dining, the area offers a global gastronomic journey. Then And Now Restaurant is a standout for its Asian fusion cuisine and a unique non-tipping policy, offering a different dining experience. TikTok For those craving quick and flavorful options, Alpha's Shawarma and Los Compas Tacos are highly recommended for their delicious and convenient meals. Reddit

Beyond these, Queen West is dotted with cozy cafes like Cafe 23 and Found Coffee, perfect for a mid-day pick-me-up or a relaxed chat. Reddit The neighborhood also caters to various dietary preferences and budgets, with options like Lao-Thai providing spicy and affordable dishes. Reddit Exploring the food scene on Queen Street West is an integral part of the experience, offering a taste of Toronto's multicultural richness.

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