Visitors know it as the theme park epicenter of the world, but locals know that Orlando is home to much more than Disney and Universal. The City Beautiful has a compact downtown perfect for bar hopping. MLS games and Lake Eola’s resident swans deserve your daylight hours, while concerts and basketball offer you exciting nights at Amway Center. One of the best things to do in Orlando that’s decidedly non-touristy is explore the many neighborhoods brimming with boutiques, breweries, and restaurants, which recently received mentions in the Michelin Guide.
Autumn is ideal for a visit, as slightly cooler temperatures make outdoor activities much more enjoyable. Seasonal things to do in Orlando like Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Studios and Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party are worth braving the crowds. Spring is also a fine time to explore the city. Temperatures aren’t too high, and there are fewer crowds than during the summer. The Florida Film Festival in Maitland and the Orlando International Fringe Theatre Festival offer weeks of entertainment throughout the city’s hip and creative neighborhoods.
Downtown Orlando is compact, allowing you to walk from the Sunday farmers market at Lake Eola to an event at Amway Center within minutes. Lime bike rentals are available, and a free Lymmo bus has three routes around the city operating daily. The good news is that SunRail runs from DeBary to Kissimmee with one station downtown; the bad news is that schedules are limited, so rely on rideshares or private cars for exploring the wider area.
East End Market in Audubon Park requires a visit—and an appetite. Though it may be a small collection of local food stalls, it offers a mighty mix of local grub like half-pound cookies at Gideon’s Bakehouse, white cold brews at Lineage Coffee, and amazing wings at Domu. If your tastebuds need more, you’re only a few steps away from craft beer at Redlight Redlight, decadent scoops at Kelly’s Homemade Ice Cream, and amazing sushi at Kadence.
Local Currency US Dollar ($) | Time Zone EDT (UTC -5) | Country Code +1 | Language(s) English | Attractions 49 | Tours 687 | Reviews 26,972 |
Las Vegas-based Jenny has worked for Viator for over 20 years and she can no longer count the number of times she’s visited Orlando, a city that really has everything you could want in a destination.
head to Disney Springs and take a cruise in a vintage amphicar. The shops are far more artisanal than you would expect and it’s a great place to pick up Disney treats and souvenirs.
involves lunch in Winter Park, a quaint little town, followed by a kayak or paddleboard trip. Finally, get dinner at Cowfish at Universal CityWalk—I recommend the Parmesan Bacon Truffle Fries and Bacon Double Cheeseburgooshi.
the theme parks, where adults get to be kids again. I love flying through the air on the Millennium Falcon and being immersed in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter.
get outdoors. Head to one of the nearby natural springs or visit either Tampa and Clearwater Beach to the west and Cocoa Beach to the east.
head to the Wheel at ICON Park on International Drive, a 400-foot tall wheel offering great views. Then, have dinner or a drink at the restaurants located nearby. I personally love the Tin Roof.
Orlando is home to more than a dozen world-renowned amusement parks, including the Walt Disney World® Resort (the largest amusement park in the world) and Universal Studios. Orlando's shopping and dining scenes are also draws, as is its proximity to coastal destinations such as Cocoa Beach, Daytona Beach, and Cape Canaveral.
...MoreThere are more things to do in Orlando than blockbuster theme parks, from trips into nature (including kayak or airboat tours of local wetlands) to sports (like the Orlando Magic), shopping excursions, and eclectic food tours. It's also a convenient base for attractions including the Kennedy Space Center and Cocoa Beach.
...MoreApril is a good month to visit Orlando if you want to avoid summer's high-season prices, crowds, and sweltering temperatures (not to mention the potential upheaval of hurricane season). Springtime temperatures typically don't exceed the 80s℉ (27℃), making beach trips, nature excursions, and theme park visits more pleasant.
...MoreWalt Disney World® Resort welcomes upwards of 50 million visitors per year, and is far and away Orlando's most-visited attraction (and one of the most popular tourist resorts in the country). It offers six amusement parks (including two water parks), dozens of hotels, shopping and entertainment options, and top-tier restaurants.
...MoreIf you have just three days, begin by exploring the parks and entertainment at the Walt Disney World® Resort. On day two, go to Universal Orlando to visit the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. And on day three, head into nature: swim with manatees or go for a kayak excursion.
...MoreYes, Orlando is generally a very safe and family-friendly city, and that's particularly true at tourist destinations like its many resorts and theme parks. Climate conditions often pose the biggest threat: Heat stroke can be a risk, and it's worth keeping an eye on the forecast during hurricane season (from June to November).
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