There’s a rumour going around that Hamilton is to Toronto, what Brooklyn is to New York City. Some credit Toronto’s sky-high real estate prices with driving artists, musicians and chefs out of the city to set up shop in Hamilton. Others say the city of steel has always been cool, and is just finally getting the credit it deserves.

Why don’t you be the judge? Just like Manhattanites can hop on public transit to get to Brooklyn, GO Transit makes it easy for Toronto residents to get to Hamilton to explore the much buzzed about scene for themselves. .

Wondering what sights should be on your must-see list once you get here? Well, that depends on your interests.

Art lovers should plan a stop at the Art Gallery of Hamilton. It’s Canada’s third-largest public art gallery and is home to over 9,500 works of art. Just down the street you’ll find the Art Gallery of Hamilton Design Annex. Time your visit with one of the hands-on classes offered here, shop for unique art pieces in the Art+Design store, and take in one of the gallery’s experimental exhibitions. A great way for out-of-towners to tour through some of the city’s independent art spaces, including galleries, shops and studios, is to attend the monthly James Street North Art Crawl. It’s held on the second Friday night of every month.

Foodies will want to make some time to explore the Hamilton Farmer’s Market. It’s been providing the city with fresh food since 1837 and is a great starting point for getting a taste for the city’s signature flavours. If you’d prefer a guided tour for your taste buds, consider tagging along on Hamilton Food Tour’s James Street North Food Tour. The 3.5-hour walking tour is offered every third Saturday of the month and is a fun way to get to know the city’s restaurant scene. Hamilton’s independent restaurant scene is cooking, so the only problem you’ll have finding a great restaurant is narrowing down your options. The restaurant round-ups you’ll find from Tourism Hamilton, Elle Canada and Huffington Post will help you choose.

Music lovers need to schedule their visit so they can take in some of the city’s amazing live local music scene. Popular music venues include This Ain’t Hollywood and The Casbah. If you’re only visiting during the day, get your music fix flipping through vinyl at the very cool Dr. Disc.

Just like Brooklyn, Hamilton is a city of distinct neighbourhoods, so leave some time to do some exploring. Locke Street South is one of the city’s hottest commercial districts with great fashion and gift stores. Ottawa Street is known as the city’s design district, with great fabric shops and sources for scoring unique vintage finds.

Don’t keep your Hamilton discoveries to yourself. Share photos of your favourite finds on social media by tagging them with #HamiltonHaltonBrant.

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Experiences & Tours View All >>

Now thru December 31

Abstract Painting

270 Sherman Ave N, Hamilton, ON L8L 6N4

Our experiences are offered in studio at The Cotton Factory in Hamilton, ON

Now thru March 28

Special Exhibition: Sound, Just Sound

Joseph Brant Museum

1240 North Shore Boulevard East, Burlington, ON, L7S 1C5

Date & Time: Tuesday - Saturday, 10:00am to 4:00pm Ticket Price: included with regular admission...

Now thru December 31

Coffee & Colours Adult Classes

The Williams Mill Creative Arts Studios

515 Main Street, Glen Williams (Halton Hills), ON, L7G 3S9

Reservation is required for Coffee & Colours. Email paulinegladstone@icloud.com to book and confirm a date...

Now thru December 31

Hamilton Art Retreats

studio k2

156 Parkdale Ave N, Hamilton, Ontario L8H 5X2

Sign up to their email list to stay updated

Now thru December 31

Browndale Farm Tour

Browndale Farm and Market

740 West Dumfries Road, Paris, Ontario

Book on your own time

Now thru November 29

Oakville Museum Workshop – Knitted Scarf

Oakville Museum at Erchless Estate

8 Navy Street Oakville, , L6J 2Y5

Date & Time: Nov 22nd & 29th, 6:30pm to 8:00pm Workshop Cost: 2023 Program Fee...

Now thru December 31

Barn Door Studio Private Workshops

The Barn Door Studio

158 Main St E #156, Milton, ON L9T 1N6

A booking is needed prior to the workshop. To book a private party all they...

Now thru November 30

GPS Rally

Treetop Trekking

5050 Harrison Rd, Binbrook, ON L0R 1C0

All ages: $13.27, Rates are per person, before tax.

Now thru December 31

Romance Couples Retreat

Six Nations Tourism

2498 Chiefswood Road, Ohsweken, ON, N0A 1M0

Now thru November 30

Discovery Kids Courses

Treetop Trekking

5050 Harrison Rd, Binbrook, ON L0R 1C0

Individual Rate Ages 5-8: $27 School/ Youth Groups Rate Ages 5-8: $20

December 10 - 17

Christmas in the Woods with Westfield Heritage Village

Westfield Heritage Village

1049 Kirkwall Road, Rockton, ON, L0R 1X0

Date & Time: Dec 10th & 17th, 10:00am - 4:00pm More details to come Reservations...

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