First time visit to Toronto!
 

My sister & I will be going to Toronto the last week of May. How are the plays at the Royal Alexander Theater? We are open for any suggestion on "must see" sights. We are in our mid-20's if that might make a difference on what to see or do.

You may want to peruse a few tour guides and see what you find most appealing. The Fodor's Citypack Montreal (not a plug - this really is an excellent tour guide) is wonderful, and the full sized map enclosed is awesome (all the hotels are on it, even the bus and trolley routes). Also good are the Colorguide and Ulysses. On the web, www.toronto.com is fabulous. You can find out here what's playing at all the theatres, even order tickets on line or on the phone ahead of time. There's a half price (same day purchase) ticket booth at Eaton Center (where there's also a metro stop). We enjoyed everything we did in Toronto. I would not recommend the "trolley tour". While we have enjoyed this in other cities, in Toronto it just goes from hotel to hotel; the sights and attractions are quite a walk from the stops. There wasn't much commentary, and much to much time was consumed by processing tickets as new folks joined. You could taxi everywhere you want to go more economically.

Yes, the plays are usually quite good at the Royal Alex. I've been to a few myself. The area around the theatre has a number of small cafes, larger restaurants, bars, pubs, clubs.... all depends on your mood. From low-key to CRAZY. You'll have fun in this area, I'm sure of it. Not to far from there is the Sky Dome - you could catch a Jays game if you are a baseball fan. Or, Ontario Place is a nice place to spend the day outside - or Toronto Island, catch the ferry from Harbourfront. <BR>Shopping - THE EATON CENTRE is every tourists stop, but I prefer the little shops on Queen Street West, lots of funky little things.... from clothing to jewellery to knick knacs. There is quite a range from the GAP to used clothing stores. Also a great place to people watch. Watch out for the squeegie kids at the corner of Queen & Spadina.... they are harmless usually - but will harass you with a window cleaning if you are driving. Actually - avoid driving downtown if possible. <BR>.... the TTC (subway & street cars) is an excellent way to get around, I wouldn't waste money on cabs, unless you want to splurge! <BR>HAVE FUN, I'm sure you will!

I just left Toronto a year ago after 18 years of living there. You'll have a good time; but I thought I can throw in a few tips for you: <BR> <BR>Chinatown centered in the corner of Spadina and Dundas is interesting and clean and safe -- compared to most major cities' Chinatowns. <BR> <BR>The Marche restaurant at the BCE place on Yonge St. and Front St. is unique. I won't elaborate; just go and find out yourself, it's not expensive and you'll like it. <BR> <BR>When you get to Toronto, go to the Tourist Information Office at the Eaton Centre (if that office is still there) where you can get brochures on other shows showing in theatres other than the Royal Alex. If that office is no longer there, get a copy of the free city paper in most restaurants around the city and it should have the latest listings of current and upcoming shows and other happenings. <BR> <BR>If you have other questions, don't hesitate to e-mail me.

<BR>I love to go to Alice Fazooli's Crab Shack and Pasta Eatery (I think that is the whole name...) inexpensive and very good - if you go have the garlic bread! I also love going to The Loose Moose after for a casual but fun evening...we always meet great people whenever we go there.

Alice Fazoolis is good, yes the Garlic Bread is amazing. However, the Loose Moose just closed down. It was fun in its Heyday but the clientele dropped off so under it went. However, the same owners of the Loose Mosse own Al Frisco's which is still hopping.

<BR>I have also been to Al Frisco's -- also good and not that expensive. Too bad about the Loose Moose I was there last summer when I was in Toronto and it was still a blast!!

If you are looking electronically for the theater, it's the Royal Alexandra, not Alexander. A block away,owned by the same family, is the Princess of Wales theater. I'll try to remember to find out what;s on, and report back in a day or two. My office is two blocks from each of them. May is Photography Month in Toronto, and thre are dozens of photo shows in galleries, stores, restaurants, etc. For restaurants, look one block west of the Royal Alex for a dozen excellent places, with a wide variety of styles. Many dance clubs are within two or three blocks. If you like art, the Art Gallery of Ontario is excellent. big show about angels is on now. Wlak along queen Street West, from University Avenue to Spadina, for funky Toroton, and visit the Yorkville area, immeidately north east of Bloor Street and Avenue Road, for luxury Toronto. Harbourfront is worth a couple of hours; there are art galleries and theater there, too. Toronto has two free entertainment papers, Eye and Now, both available free from hotels, restaurants, bars, etc. The patios are open at Alice Fazooli's and at Al Frisco, and at Club Lucky, just south of Al Frisco's. <BR>BAK <BR> <BR>

Our Town, by Thornton Wilder,opens at the Royal Alex on May 7, and runs until June 19. Tickets 1-800-461-3333. <BR> <BR>The Princess of Wales is dark at the end of May. Notre Dame de Paris opens June 8, but there may be previews for several days before this. The same ticket number can help you learn if there are previews. <BR> <BR>BAK <BR>

Try this site for Toronto play information. <BR> <BR> <BR> http://www.stage-door.org/

ok, for nightlife some key streets for dance clubs are Richmond st., Adelaide st. John St to name a few. <BR>Casa Loma is interesting to see, um some other good places to shop other than EAton centre are some great places on Queen Street. They also have some cafes and restaurants along the way that are good. <BR>King Street is good for some great restaurants as well. <BR>If you like Greek food you can check out greektown located on Danforth ave. which you can get to by subway and nightlife there is good too. Astoria and Omnonia's is good for Souvlaki. <BR>There is a great new movie theatre in the Manulife centre at Bay and Bloor St. at Bay Station. And just above the movie theatre there is a great little bar/restaurant 55 floors up called "Panorama" and it has a beautiful view of the city and great drinks too. A must see. <BR> <BR>If you want to know anything else, let me know ok?

i suggest for your age and stuff depending on what kind of music you like there is the "left bank" and it is on queen st west you will see a line possibly but it is never long and they play current dance music and 80's stuff check out these sights. www.toronto.com and www.now.com ( i think or else put in address bar NOW MAGAZINE. also the EYE has a sight also that way you can look up what is going on before you go. also i can help you with more if you like ( i went to hair school there and go about 7 times a years!! [email protected]

Rebecca, <BR>If either of you are into hockey, the Hockey Hall of Fame is in Toronto. <BR>Kittie ( a sports nut)