It’s going to be another thrilling weekend in Toronto for a variety of reasons, not least of which is Nuit Blanche. The word’s out on some best bets and spectacles to see, but we’re giving you a Torontonian’s Nuit Blanche Survival Guide.
Survive:
Take a power nap on Saturday afternoon. Don’t lie in bed and watch a movie, legitimately close your eyes for an hour or two. It’ll give you a great boost.
image: pinterest.com
Keep your body temperature in check by layering. The weather has been deceptively warm the past week or two, but don’t be fooled. It’s October. Our signature Nuit Blanche style includes wearing stockings under a pair of jeans plus socks with whatever shoes you’re wearing. Berks lovers, if you must do it, we’ll give you a pass on socks with sandals that night. Shoes need to be comfy because you have a lot of walking to do. A long sleeved tshirt plus a cozy scarf and jacket/hoodie will help you win the night. If it’s warm, you can disrobe and shove it in your purse/murse. If it’s cool, you’ll be sufficiently bundled.
Nuit Blanche is an all night art marathon, not a sprint. Take your time to roam, enjoy and absorb the art strewn across downtown Toronto. And don’t let yourself get hangry. Lines can be long and crowds are large. Keep your cool by stopping off periodically to get food and drink at any of the many bars with 4 am last calls or food trucks feeding art lovers for the night.
Enjoy:
We typically don’t hit the streets until 12 am. Hoards of young people frolicking along excitedly, and drunkenly, are fun but if you want to enjoy the art or meander calmly with a friend (or maybe even a sexy creature) we’d suggest waiting. Further reason why our afternoon nap plan is so important.
Use the map/app and check out the guides we linked above, but also allow yourself to wander and discover.
To save your feet, start on one end and move to the other. If you weave north and south as you move from east to west, or west to east, you’ll be good to go.
via torontoist.com
A lot of the crowds tend to be centralized at installations around Queen & King between Yonge & Spadina, specifically around the Eaton Centre and Nathan Phillips Square. If you feed off the electricity of a crowd, head there. If crowds make you angsty, save yourself from these areas until 1 or 2 am.
Decompress:
Nuit Blanche is a big deal. Toronto’s a big deal. It’s an epic night.
Ok. We’re being a bit tongue-in-cheek about it all. Even if nothing impacts you too deeply, it’s a long night at worst. We’d recommend a delicious, leisurely brunch. Whether you’re flying solo or with friends, there’s no shortage of great brunch options in Toronto. And if you’re coupled… pick something up for a lazy breakfast in bed.
