A close-up image of a smartphone screen showing a folder labeled "TORONTO" with popular travel and navigation apps for visiting the city. App icons include Citymapper, Uber, Transit, Rocketman, Yelp, TTC, Google Maps, ParkSpot, and Instagram. The screen is sharply focused, with vibrant colors standing out against a dark, blurred background

Best Apps to Download Before Visiting Toronto (2025 Guide)

May 12, 20253 min read

Planning a trip to Toronto? Whether you’re here for a few days or a few weeks, having the right apps on your phone can make your travel smoother, more affordable, and way more fun.

In this post, we’re sharing the top apps every traveler should download before visiting Toronto—from apps that help you get around, to apps that save you money on food, hotels, and attractions.


🧭 What Is the Best App for Getting Around Toronto?

Toronto's public transit system is efficient, but it can be confusing if you're not familiar. These apps will help you navigate the city like a local.

Citymapper app logo on a green background, featuring a white right-facing arrow between two dots — popular transit and navigation app for urban travel planning.

1. 🚇 Citymapper

  • The ultimate transit app for TTC, GO Transit, streetcars, and even walking and biking.

  • Real-time updates, delay alerts, trip planning, and cost estimates.

  • A favorite among both locals and tourists.

Transit app logo with a white stylized transit route on a green gradient background — real-time public transportation tracking app for Toronto.

2. 🚌 Transit App

  • Simple and user-friendly.

  • Real-time departure times and TTC alerts.

  • Great if you’re only using public transit and don’t need extra features.

Uber app logo in white on a black background — ride-hailing and transportation app for getting around Toronto efficiently

3. 🚖 Uber

  • Widely available in Toronto.

  • Often cheaper and faster than taxis.

  • Use it when you're out late or carrying luggage.

📍 Bonus Tip: Download the Uber app ahead of time and set your payment preferences for a smoother arrival.


🍽️ What Apps Help Tourists Find Food & Hidden Gems?

Yelp logo with black and white lettering and a red burst icon — local review app for restaurants, shops, and attractions in Toronto

4. 🍕 Yelp

  • Find Toronto’s top-rated restaurants and cafes.

  • Includes hours, photos, menus, and honest reviews.

  • Perfect for discovering hidden local favorites.

Street Food Toronto app logo with an illustrated food truck in blue and yellow — app for finding food trucks and street eats around Toronto.

5. 🚚 Street Food Toronto

  • Get real-time locations of Toronto’s best food trucks.

  • Find events with multiple vendors in one place.

  • Ideal for trying something new without breaking the bank.


🛏️ What’s the Best App for Booking a Hotel in Toronto?

HotelTonight app icon showing a white bed symbol on a purple gradient background — last-minute hotel booking app used in Toronto

6. 🏨 HotelTonight

  • Great for last-minute hotel deals in downtown Toronto.

  • Save on premium hotels if you’re flexible.

Airbnb app logo with a white geometric symbol on a coral background — short-term rental platform widely used by Toronto visitors

7. 🛋️ Airbnb

  • Stay in a trendy loft or cozy home in one of Toronto’s neighborhoods.

  • Often more affordable and spacious than hotels.

  • 🛒 Affiliate Pick: Get a universal travel organizer on Amazon to keep your travel documents, phone accessories, and charging cables all in one place.


🎟️ What Apps Are Best for Exploring Toronto?

Toronto travel guide app icon with a white CN Tower and skyline illustration on a red background — digital travel guide for exploring Toronto

8. 🗺️ Toronto Travel Guide by Etips

  • Offline maps, walking tours, and top attractions.

  • Ideal for international tourists or those without roaming.

Bike Share Toronto app logo featuring a white bicycle inside a green circular badge — bike rental service in Toronto for locals and tourists.

9. 🚴‍♀️ Bike Share Toronto

  • Unlock and ride bikes across the city.

  • Great for short distances, waterfront views, and sunny days.


🛒 Essential Shopping & Convenience Apps

Amazon Shopping app icon featuring a smile logo on a cardboard package design — online shopping app used worldwide including Toronto.

10. 📦 Amazon

  • Forgot something? Order travel essentials to your hotel or Airbnb.

  • A must-have, especially if you’re staying for longer.

PRESTO card app logo on a black background — Toronto's official fare payment system for TTC, GO Transit, and other regional transit.

11. 📲 Presto App

  • Load your TTC transit card, check balance, and avoid lineups.

  • Essential for anyone taking public transit regularly.


📌 Which Apps Should I Download Before Visiting Toronto?

We recommend downloading these apps before you arrive, especially if you won’t have reliable Wi-Fi right away. Many tourists ask: “Which is the best app to download apps?” — The answer is simple: stick to the App Store (iOS) or Google Play (Android) for security and accuracy.


The right apps can make a huge difference when visiting a city like Toronto. From real-time transit info to local eats and booking your stay, these tools help you feel like a local—even on your first visit.

➡️ Download them now, thank us later.


True City Tourism is a Toronto-based tourism brand that showcases the city's best attractions, hidden gems, and cultural highlights through engaging content. Focused on history, local experiences, and travel tips, True City Tourism helps both visitors and locals explore Toronto in a fresh and authentic way through videos, blogs, and social media.

TrueCity Tourism

True City Tourism is a Toronto-based tourism brand that showcases the city's best attractions, hidden gems, and cultural highlights through engaging content. Focused on history, local experiences, and travel tips, True City Tourism helps both visitors and locals explore Toronto in a fresh and authentic way through videos, blogs, and social media.

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