Toronto is Canada’s largest and most populated city—which you might be able to intuit from its grand skyline.
Videos by TravelAwaits
Like other major metropolitan areas, from Boston to San Francisco, the city is framed around a downtown area that’s dense, walkable, and home to the city’s tallest skyscrapers. There’s one key difference: downtown Toronto isn’t solely focused on business, like many other city centers.
Downtown Toronto is a cultural hub and home to the city’s top entertainment venues. It’s home to world-class restaurants, pedestrian-only streets lined with shops, and is even peppered with historic sites. Though sprawling, downtown is easy to reach thanks to public transit like the TTC and PATH.
In short, if you’re visiting Toronto for the first time, or during the colder winter months, you’ll appreciate a centrally located place to stay downtown. You’ll be connected to its top sites—and you’ll be spared from long journeys in the cold. Here’s where to stay if you’re looking for high-rise Airbnbs in downtown Toronto.
[This article is part of TravelAwaits new Airbnb and Vrbo recommendation series. We dig into listings to identify the crème de la crème of Guest Favorites, Superhost listings, and hidden gems to make finding the perfect rental for your next trip a breeze.]
Best high-rise Airbnbs in downtown Toronto: short list
- Best corner unit: Presidential Loft
- Best skyline views: Modern 1BR
- Best park views: Luxury Lakeview
- Coziest design: 23rd Floor Corner Unit
- Coolest setup: Photographer’s Studio
- Best non-high rise: Victorian Main Floor Suite
- Best amenities: Waterfront Escape
- Most fun: Skyline Haven
Best high-rise Airbnbs in downtown Toronto
Presidential Loft
If you’re new to high-rise residential buildings, I have one key piece of advice: You want the corner unit. They normally have the best views thanks to an abundance of windows, letting you capitalize on the skyline around you. That’s the case with this two-bedroom condo, which offers both city and water views. It’s not the penthouse, but you’ll still appreciate the soaring views from every room. I’m also a fan of the décor, which feels warmer and homelier than many other Airbnbs in downtown Toronto. Plus, it comes with a chef’s kitchen.
Modern 1BR
If you’re after non-stop views, go for the corner unit listed above. But if you’re looking for a smaller one-bedroom rental, this unit will get the job done thanks to its balcony. The small balcony offers bird’s-eye views of Toronto’s skyline, letting you soak up the Tron-like Toronto skyline. The apartment also faces west, meaning half the unit is drenched in amber light during the golden hour.
Luxury Lakeview
Not all travelers want skyline views of skyscrapers. If that’s the case, this spacious two-bedroom offers a slightly greener vista of Toronto’s Lake Ontario shoreline. It’s also a corner unit, letting you maximize the views and natural light. At 1,200 square feet, it’s also one of the larger Airbnbs in downtown Toronto. You can sleep six in this unit thanks to a pullout sofa in the living room.
23rd Floor Corner Unit
You might have already noticed a theme when it comes to Airbnbs in Toronto’s downtown district: Most units are modern and minimalist. If you crave a touch of warmth in your rentals, this cozy two-bedroom has features you’ll appreciate—like warm leather couches, bookcases, houseplants, and even a kid’s play corner. These additions add a nice touch, especially when you’re visiting a dense, cold city center. (This home has cribs and playpens, too, making it great for families with toddlers and infants.)
Photographer’s Studio
With floor-to-ceiling windows, an open floor plan, and towering ceilings, this loft feels like something out of a design book. You can sleep up to four guests, although the single-room setup is ideal for couples. This unit is also located in the Queen Street West area, putting you close to the popular nightlife venues on King Street.
Victorian Main Floor Suite
The majority of Airbnbs in downtown Toronto are located in high-rise buildings—but don’t forget, the area is also home to historic buildings. This Victorian mansion is located in Kensington Market between downtown Toronto and Little Italy, letting you escape the shadows of those towering skyscrapers a bit. The one-bedroom unit includes a blend of old and new features, along with massive windows that fill the main living area with natural light. Though you’re a little further removed from downtown, you get a warm, traditional stay in exchange.
Waterfront Escape
You’ve got a little bit of everything at this affordable one-bedroom unit. First, the apartment has a large balcony where you can sit and enjoy a meal or a drink. Second, it comes with community features like a shared pool, sauna, hot tub, and gym. Lastly, it has a central location in the downtown area, letting you walk to places like Rogers Centre and CN Tower. That’s a lot of perks for a unit with such a low nightly rate.
Skyline Haven
Looking for a rental with a little pizzazz? This two-bedroom corner unit has tons of playful perks. First, the views from the living room and balcony are spectacular. Second, the unique fixtures (including a floating cloud light on the ceiling and a neon sign) create a menagerie of lights that you can enjoy at night. Third, the host has included a few board games that are sure to liven up the fun. Cheeky, colorful additions aside, this Airbnb also has a neutral, tasteful design—just in case you don’t normally like neon lights.
[Just a heads-up: We may earn an affiliate commission when you make a purchase from a link in our articles.]