Financial District and Underground City are Toronto's heart; it is also the business centre for the city. All of the financial magic happens up top, while down in the Underground City, pedestrians can experience Toronto's heart in a different way.

The Financial District is located in the very heart of downtown Toronto. You will find this neighbourhood sitting between Queen Street and Front Street. On the west you will find University Ave and on the east is Yonge Street. 

Businesses from all walks of life happen in this Toronto neighbourhood; more people pass through these streets on a daily basis then any other.

The Underground City is located almost directly under the Financial District. The signs saying 'PATH' are exit and entrance points to the maze of shops and services below. It is generally located within Dundas Street, Bay Street, and Yonge Street. 

The history of the Financial District goes back to the mid 1900s. Many banks from all over started building their head offices in this part of Toronto. Over the years, the older banks disappeared and the major ones moved in.

The Underground City started even earlier then the Financial District; in the early 1900s the Eaton Centre, which was a huge shopping centre, built an underground pathway between one of the buildings to the other. Yes, the Eaton's Centre was that big! 

From there, in the mid 1900s, Union Station was connected to the Eaton underground path. These original connections are stil used today!

The culture of the Financial District and Underground City are a huge mix of wealthy business women and men, students, and tourists. 

It is a wealthier district, with many headquarters and huge buildings. The streets are often packed with people; the hustle and bustle of the Financial District is almost as famous as the buildings!

Architecture in this area is the perfect example of Toronto's style. It is a jumble of old and new; nicely balanced to showcase the majestic old buildings while brand new skyscrapers glisten in the light. The experience is odd when you see the different generations of architecture standing side by side.

The Underground City is also Toronto Architecture at its finest. This is a whole other city below ground, with pathways leading to different buildings, streets, and attractions. It gets really cool when you think of how long ago the original pathways were made.

Cuisine in the Financial District and Underground City is just like its culture; a big jumble of everything from American to Chinese to Italian, and so much more. 

The main theme for majority of these places is speed: people who work in the area don't have much time to sit and eat, so the service in these restaurants are usually very quick and convenient. 

You will also find a lot of small snack shops, coffee shops, or on-the-go sandwich joints. But for those who want to sit and enjoy your food, you might want to try these restaurants when it isn't lunch or dinner time! 

Nightlife in Toronto's Financial District is a little calmer. There is also a huge student population nearby, so fun pubs, bars, and lounges can be found throughout the skyscrapers, some even with live music. 

Being in the heart of Downtown Toronto, you aren't too far away from the Entertainment District where you can find clubs, theatres, and music venues. 

Toronto's Financial District also has some great cocktail lounges and wine bars, which can be filled with a mixture of businesses people and artsy students. The Underground City is generally opened during the day, most of the shops and services close at regular business hours.

Events and entertainment in the Financial District that are fun for the whole family include those such as Scotiabank Nuit Blanche, which takes art to the streets of Toronto. There are also music venues for larger concerts instead of in the local bars and pubs, as well as a design museum.

But Toronto's Underground City has some great and convenient shopping available in its mazes. It has over 1200 stores in its underground passageways, including bookstores, clothing stores, florists, music stores, jewellery stores and more. There are also many services available such as pharmacies, post offices, and other medical related offices.

Toronto's Financial District and Underground City do not yet have a Business Improvement Area organization, but is currently in the process of establishing one.

Real estate in Toronto's Financial District is more geared towards Condominiums. The cost of living in Toronto is at its most expensive in this neighbourhood. The space is also smaller because of how cramped this Toronto neighbourhood has become.

The Financial District and Underground City are a busy neighbourhood full of life and money. Come shop around or grab a bite to eat as you explore the beautiful buildings and skyscrapers. 

Totally Toronto has more on this unique area, so feel free to take a look around.