Toronto versus New York

As the largest city in Canada and the fifth largest on the continent, Toronto is a bustling, cosmopolitan place with plenty to keep visitors entertained.

Downtown

Downtown is the place to head for the best hostels in Toronto. The area is full of shops, restaurants, bars and theaters. The Entertainment District, Old Town Toronto and Bloor Yorkville all form part of Downtown and can rival New York's central neighborhoods when it comes to atmosphere and attractions.

High Park

New York may have Central Park but Toronto has the vast High Park which is situated on the edge of Lake Ontario. Like its counterpart in the US, High Park has plenty to keep visitors entertained and is within easy reach of most Toronto hostels.

The park boasts a zoo, restaurant, swimming pool and acres of walking trails. Not to be outdone by Central Park, High Park also operates an ice rink during winter and hosts outdoor Shakespeare plays in the warmer months.

CN Tower

Toronto's answer to the Empire State Building is the imposing CN Tower. This communications tower in Downtown is synonymous with the Toronto skyline and until recently was the tallest free-standing structure in the world.

At over 1,800ft high, the tower far surpasses the 1,250ft-tall Empire State! Like its counterpart in New York, the CN Tower boasts both indoor and outdoor observation decks over the cityscape below.

The Sky Pod observation deck is one of the highest in the world and offers views across the city and on to Lake Ontario. Some argue that on a clear day it is possible to see right to Niagara Falls.

Restaurants

New York may have a host of high-class restaurants but travelers staying at hostels in Toronto can dine in style at the Sky Pod's revolving restaurant – reservations are recommended, though. As well as offering stunning twilight views, the restaurant serves up some of the best cuisine in Canada and has won a host of awards to prove it.

Transport

Toronto also boasts its own subway system to help both locals and travelers traverse the city with ease. The Toronto Transit Commission (TCC) operates the rapid transport (RT) railway, which includes four easy-to-navigate lines. As in New York, the lines are color-coded and subway stations are well signposted.

Before settling down and becoming a copywriter for Hostelbookers .Paul Scottyn did a backpacking tour of USA, he checked out a variety of the country's budget accommodation, including a number of most New York Hostels.