Toronto's Old and New City Hall and Nathan Phillips Square

Toronto City Hall is a striking landmark featuring a modern architectural design which sharply contrasts the Romanesque Architecture of the adjacent Old City Hall

Toronto City Hall
Toronto City Hall cc licensed photo by -Jerome-

The adjacent new and old Toronto City Halls overlook Nathan Phillips Square, a popular gathering place for locals and visitors alike. The modern design of the New City Hall which opened in 1965, stands in sharp contrast to the 1899 architecture of the adjacent Old City Hall.

The new Toronto City Hall islocated on a large tract of land north of Queen Street West and west of Bay Street, which was the site of Toronto's first Chinatown. Much of Chinatown had to be displaced to the northwest in order to accommodate the new City Hall.

The modern design was created by Finnish architect Viljo Revell along with associates Heikki Castren, Bengt Lundsten, and Seppo Valju who won a contest to come up with the best design. The modern design consists of a rectangular base from which two curved towers rise to different heights. The circular council chambers are constructed on top of the rectangular base in between the two towers. The tallest tower reaches 27 stories (326 feet).

In front of the City Hall is a courtyard called Nathan Phillips Square featuring a reflecting pool which is used as an outdoor skating rink during the winter months, as well as the Peace Garden which serves as a memorial to the bombing of Hiroshima. The square features a weekly farmers' market, the winter festival of lights and is also used for concerts and art displays.

In stark contrast to the new Toronto City Hall and surrounding buildings, the Old City Hall sits next door and features Romanesque Architecture including a 340 foot clock tower complete with gargoyles and the third largest clock in the world. Built in 1899 this historic Toronto Building now serves as the Ontario Court of Justice.

For anyone interested in architecture, both old and new, Toronto's City Halls are a great place to explore.

Facts For Your Visit

Fee: No

Toronto City Hall Hours:
Opening hours may differ on holidays

  • Monday: Open 24 hours
  • Tuesday: Open 24 hours
  • Wednesday: Open 24 hours
  • Thursday: Open 24 hours
  • Friday: Open 24 hours
  • Saturday: Open 24 hours
  • Sunday: Open 24 hours

Address: 100 Queen St W, Toronto, ON M5H 2N1, Canada

Phone: (416) 392-2489

Official Website: Toronto City Hall

Toronto City Hall Reviews

Rated 4.6 out of 5 Star Rating

5 Star Rating This is one of my favourite spots in Downtown Toronto. I love the Toronto sign. It is very unique where you can see the old and new hall from the square. It is so impressive. The square is always active with different type of activities specially during the weekends. It doesn't matter if is summer or winter, people always have fun at this place. Also, I enjoy the free ice skating. Recommended to bring your own ice skating shoes to avoid the line at the shoes rental.
Sebastian Barros - a week ago

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4 Star Rating During my recent visit to Toronto, Nathan Phillips Square quickly became a highlight of my trip. Nestled in the heart of downtown, this iconic public space captivated me with its striking modern architecture and the renowned Toronto sign that adds a splash of color and vibrancy to the cityscape. The square truly comes alive with a rich mix of activities. From concerts and markets to cultural festivals, there’s always something happening that draws both locals and visitors into its dynamic atmosphere. I took my time to explore every corner, snapping photos and soaking in the lively surroundings. The stunning city views, combined with the palpable energy of the square, made it a memorable and essential stop on my Toronto adventure.
Honey Grace Leopando - 3 months ago

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5 Star Rating Nathan Phillips Square, located in the heart of Toronto, is a vibrant public space and a hub for community events. Framed by the iconic Toronto City Hall, it features the famous TORONTO sign, a favorite for photos. The square hosts farmers' markets, concerts, and seasonal activities, including a popular skating rink in winter. Its reflecting pool and green spaces provide a peaceful contrast to the surrounding urban landscape. A cultural landmark, it embodies Toronto's diversity and energy. While it can get crowded during major events, its central location and dynamic atmosphere make it a must-visit spot for locals and tourists alike.
Gábor Majer - 3 weeks ago

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5 Star Rating Nathan Phillips Square is a vibrant public space at the heart of Toronto that truly captures the city’s spirit and diversity. Located in front of the iconic Toronto City Hall, the square is a bustling hub for events, relaxation, and cultural activities throughout the year. It’s a place where locals and tourists alike gather to soak up the energy of downtown Toronto, with a unique blend of modern architecture, community life, and scenic beauty. One of the square’s standout features is the massive, illuminated “Toronto” sign. It’s a popular spot for photos, and the colorful lights reflecting off the surrounding pool create a stunning scene, especially at night. The pool itself adds a tranquil touch in the summer months, where people gather on the benches nearby to relax and enjoy the surroundings. Come winter, this reflective pool transforms into an open-air skating rink, complete with festive lights and a warm, inviting atmosphere. Skating here with the Toronto skyline as your backdrop is an unforgettable experience that draws both families and couples looking for a bit of seasonal magic. Nathan Phillips Square also serves as a major venue for Toronto’s biggest events, from New Year’s Eve celebrations to international festivals, concerts, and food markets. The square comes alive with diverse crowds, food trucks, live performances, and art installations, offering something for everyone. During special occasions, like Nuit Blanche, the entire area becomes a canvas for artists, adding another layer to Toronto’s vibrant art scene. The surrounding architecture adds to the appeal of the square. City Hall’s curved towers and the distinctive archways over the pool give the area a futuristic feel, which contrasts beautifully with the more historical buildings nearby. Whether you’re grabbing a coffee from a local stand, skating with friends, or attending a cultural festival, Nathan Phillips Square is a true representation of Toronto’s energy and inclusiveness, making it a must-visit for anyone looking to experience the heart of the city.
NOSA Oba - 3 weeks ago

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5 Star Rating A nice square to visit. I would not go out of my way to go all the way to see it however. Nevertheless if you happen to be in the area it is a nice place to see and take pictures of the iconic Toronto letters.
VincenzoMaxpower - a week ago

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Directions

TTC Subway Line Nearest Station Walking Time
Yonge-University-Spadina Osgoode or Queen Station3-4 Minutes

How to get to Toronto City Hall by TTC Subway

No Bus required. From Osgoode Station walk east along Queen Street West or from Queen Station walk west along Queen Street West. Nathan Philips Square and the Toronto City Hall is located on the north side of Queen Street West about half way between these two stations.

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