Toronto's slogan, "the world within a city," could easily be attributed to the city's cosmopolitan flair, wide range of activities and welcoming attitude towards visitors, but more likely is due to its personality. Known as one of the most culturally diverse cities in the world, Toronto's personality is in the mix of its people, their cultures, traditions, languages and customs. That diversity is apparent in the many different neighborhoods of the city, and in its attractions, dining, shopping and theater.

It's been said that neighborhood-hopping is the best way to get to know Toronto. Here's a quick snapshot of where to go:

Visit Greektown, Little Italy, or Chinatown for a real community flavor; Bloor—Yorkville, Corso Italia of Queen Street West for shopping; The Beaches or Harbourfront for Toronto's waterfront; and the Entertainment District of St. Lawrence Market for good times.

Toronto's history began, in spirit, much as it is now, as an area well used as a meeting place (hence its name, Toronto, from the Huron word for "meeting place"). After the British purchased the land from the Mississauga Indians in 1788, the city grew as a settlement along the waterfront, and, after a brief tenure during which it was named York, it was incorporated as Toronto in 1834.

Toronto was occupied by the Americans twice in 1813 during the War of 1812, but by 1834, the town of 10,000 was mainly composed of British and Scottish immigrants. Other immigrants, including Jews from the United States, Russia and Germany, as well as about 40,000 Irish fleeing famine, would also arrive and settle in the area. African Americans escaping from the United States during the Civil War also made up a portion of the immigrants, adding to Toronto's diverse population.

In 1867, Canada was established, and Toronto was named the capital of the new province Ontario.

Waves of immigrants continued to arrive in Toronto, especially during the years after the two World Wars, and the city continued to grow, through its infrastructure, arts and culture, and manufacturing and industrial industries. In the 1950s, because of the opening of the St. Lawrence Seaway, Toronto became a viable port, and investment in the city thrived.

Immigration from Europe slowed in the 1960s, only to be replaced by people from Asia, the Caribbean, Latin America and Africa. Lester B. Pearson International Airport opened the city up even more during that time, and has since become Canada's major entry point.

In 1988, the city's downtown core and five surrounding suburban cities merged into a consolidated Greater Toronto Area, home to all the culture and diversity that has shaped its entire life.

Now, as a true home to so many different people, Toronto continues to welcome visitors who wish to experience a world's worth of cultures and attitudes in one place.