Toronto, pronounced ter-raw-no, by the locals, is also referred to as T.O., the T-Dot, and the Big Smoke. Whatever you want to call it, it's home to 5.5 million people, 50 per cent of whom were born outside of Canada, making Toronto one of the most multi-cultural metropolitan areas in the world.

The current city of Toronto is an amalgamation of six prior municipalities, but really we're a city of neighbourhoods; from the lakeside Beaches to the Boho Annex, to ritzy Rosedale and Yorkville, Little India to Little Italy, Greektown, Cabbagetown, the Gay Village and Queer West, Koreatown and at least two Chinatowns, you'll feel right at home, no matter where you're from! And there is no better way to explore our city's ethnic diversity than by eating your way through it at any of our countless restaurants…. By the way, we have an app for that! Looking to try "Canadian cuisine"? Get a poutine, you can thank us later!

Like your dinner with a side order of rock 'n' roll? Our city has some of the greatest live music venues. The Silver Dollar, the El Mocambo, Lee's Palace and the Dakota Tavern are just a few of the many great spots where on any given night, you could potentially see the next big thing. A 'must' on any music fan's list, would be the Legendary Horseshoe Tavern. It's been in operation since 1947 and has played host to Arcade Fire, Bryan Adams, Billy Talent and the Rolling Stones. We are the proud hometown of Neil Young, Rush, Blue Rodeo, and the dude with the 'tude who won the job as the new lead singer of INXS. So no matter what kind of music you like, there's a bar for that!

Consider yourself a bit of a theatre buff? We've got you covered. Toronto has over 90 theatre venues in the GTA (that's Torontonian for Greater Toronto Area). We're also home to the National Ballet of Canada, the Toronto Symphony Orchestra, and the Canadian Opera Company.

Still looking for more? We boast 125 museums and public archives. Daniel Libeskind actually designed the much talked about addition to the Royal Ontario Museum, and at very least that's worth a photo op, as well as Frank Gehry's redesign of the Art Gallery of Ontario.

Perhaps art isn't your bag? Looking for some outdoor adventure? Visit the Toronto islands, there's lots of green space for picnics, running and bike paths, and beaches! Be careful though… you don't want to accidentally stumble upon the clothing optional beach unprepared!

In need of a brew to wash down your lunch, and to perk you up after a day of museums, art galleries, or a long bike ride around the islands? Our streets are littered with some really great bars and lounges. The Rhino on west Queen West has a selection of over 300 beers and a huge outdoor patio and Crush wine bar on King Street, has an extensive wine list. If you're looking for a drink with a little kick, the Rivoli makes the best Caesars in the city -- the drink not the salad, and their Queen Street patio is a prime location for people watching. For those who don't know what a Caesar is, it's one of the few alcoholic beverages that goes great with breakfast, brunch and hangovers but isn't girly like a mimosa, and it's uniquely Canadian.

Is the city getting overwhelming for you yet? Completely lost? Just know the CN Tower and the lake are south or ask someone on the street, they will be more than happy to share their knowledge of the city; we're not commended on our friendliness for nothing after all, eh?