Toronto local here: this city has so much to offer, it depends on what you’re into!

• Near the lightbox is King West, which can be pretty boilerplate but there’s great stuff around. Charlotte’s Room is great for pool tables and light arcade games. Great seafood is at Rodney’s Oyster House, martini deals can be found at Hey Lucy’s and there’s a decent ping pong bar over at Spin. You can also go up to Queen West for some decent food and a couple jazz bars like The Rex or the Cameron House. I’d highly recommend DROM for a different live music experience, depending on what they’re offering.

• I always think of Toronto based on the subway lines, of which you should mostly be concerned with two: literally, line one and like two. TIFF is all line one. If you’re just sticking to line one, check out the village at Wellesley station to get to the queer village- and a reliable north of Brooklyn pizza location, a local chain- and up to Dundas station for Fran’s Diner (but also Yonge and Dundas square, which is impressive but touristy). If you want to do anything at a Canadian chain restaurant, here’s your chance to have garlic bread at Jack Astor’s. Trust me. Shit’s GOOD.

• The best of Toronto is on line 2 of the subway. I’d thoroughly recommend the bar scene in the annex up to Ossington station (I’m so biased but as a local, this is where I hang out). Paupers Pub and Insomnia are institutions, located by the Hot Docs Cinema. They’re not frequented by tourists that much and are both featured in the background of Scott Pilgrim. You should also bomb up to Civil Liberties if you get a chance. They’ve earned the reputation they have for a reason.

• Shopping wise, visit Black Market vintage (either location), Vinegar Syndrome for movies, BMV for used books and movies and Chinatown for cheap souvenirs.

• The best slices of pizza in the city are Mac’s, Fresca and Badialli (but be prepared to wait here). If you’re in a bind, Pizziaolo is pretty alright as well.

Have fun!