Your guide to Orlando
Orlando highlights
Theme park capital
With more theme parks than almost anywhere else, Orlando is dubbed the Theme Park Capital of the World. Rightly so. Thrill-seekers book flights and hotels to Orlando to visit Walt Disney World® Magic Kingdom®, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™, and Universal Studios Florida. Buy Lightning Lane entry online to skip the line for Walt Disney rides like the classic Indiana Jones Adventure.
Close animal encounters
Move over Mickey and Minnie. While the famous Florida alligators are arguably best seen when powering across the Everglades on an airboat, you can get even closer on a kayak trip around their Wewika Springs habitat. Don’t worry; it’s safe. For something tamer, visit the Back to Nature Wildlife Refuge to learn about its lemur, hawk and tortoise rehabilitation programmes.
Michelin-starred dining
Orlando’s year-round sunshine and growing food scene have helped attract some of America’s best chefs. The city now has dozens of Michelin Guide entries, including several starred restaurants. Book ahead for the intimate Japanese tasting menus at Soseki or settle in for Spanish tapas and skyline views at Capa, one of the city’s most talked-about dining rooms.
Orlando: Know before you go
| Language | English |
|---|---|
| Currency | United States dollar ($) |
| Time zone | UTC-5 (EST) and UTC-4 (EDT) |
| High season | March, June - July |
| Low season | September - October |
Find the best time to go to Orlando
Weather in Orlando
March – May: Temperatures peak in the high 20s°C during Orlando’s spring, a perfect time for strolling the theme parks. Look out for spring break crowds in March and April.
June – August: Summers are hot and humid in central Florida. Get outdoors early, then find refuge in the city’s air-conditioned attractions. June is the start of hurricane season, so keep an eye on weather advisories and expect rain.
September – November: Temperatures cool down by late autumn. Keep track of weather alerts, as November marks the end of hurricane season.
December – February: Orlando’s winters are mild with balmy daytime weather. Pack a light jacket for crisp evening air.
Events in Orlando
Florida Film Festival (April): See dozens of independent and international films at this Oscar-accredited festival. Spread over ten days, the schedule includes galas and live events, like a look back at the cult classic ‘But I’m a Cheerleader’ starring Natasha Lyonne.
Gay Days (June): Poolside parties, theme park takeovers and DJ sets are just some of what’s on tap at this popular LGBTQ+ event. You’ll also find concerts, pageants, karaoke, drag bingo and more.
Electric Daisy Carnival (November): Costumed crowds converge at this multi-day celebration of electronic dance music. Highlights include carnival rides, large-scale art installations and roaming circus performers.
The best neighbourhoods in Orlando
Winter Park
This tranquil neighbourhood just north of Downtown is where to stay in Orlando for green spaces where rare birds and other wildlife thrive. Then there’s the gorgeous cobbled streets of Park Avenue, where you’ll find independent boutiques, cafe culture and a buzzing arts scene.
Good for: Parks, gardens, art museums
Lake Nona
Lake Nona is the furthest away from Orlando’s theme parks but is worth the effort. Here, tech companies and new money have created an active community with leisure trails, art installations and weekly events, including farmers markets. After a busy day walking through theme parks, jump on the free shuttle to get around Lake Nona.
Good for: Art, farmers market, walking trails
Lake Eola Heights
The hundreds of historic buildings of Lake Eola Heights make it one of the best neighbourhoods in Orlando for history buffs. Here, you’ll see architectural styles spanning colonial revival to art deco. The district is perhaps best known for Lake Eola Park, where there’s a fleet of rentable swan pedal boats. Events are also held at the Walt Disney Amphitheater here.
Good for: History, park, boating
Things to do in Orlando
Family friendly things to do
One of the best things to do with the family in Orlando is exploring its iconic theme parks, but there’s plenty outside of those too. For starters there’s Gatorland, a (you guessed it) alligator-themed experience including a zipline over their swamp. There’s also ICON Park, home to a mammoth Ferris wheel and interactive museums, and there’s plenty of aquatic fun to be had at Nona Adventure Park.
Shopping
Everywhere you look, there are places to go shopping in Orlando, from mini-malls and mega-malls to premium outlets and fashion boutiques. Swing by the Discover Downtown Visitor Center to see what’s on the menu, including a number of LGBTQ-owned businesses. The tree-lined boulevards of Winter Park are best if you want to browse more indie offerings.
Take in the culture
Arts and culture span from thought-provoking museums in Orlando to live music and theatre at its many venues. Try the famous Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts to catch theatre performances before (and after) they hit Broadway, or simply check theme park schedules; EPCOT® at Walt Disney World® Resort often hosts concerts.
Nightlife
From dance nightclubs to comedy shows and jazz bars to country music venues, the nightlife in Orlando is a broad beast. Start at Wall Street Plaza, a complex with several venues hosting block parties, dance clubs and carnival-themed events. Or opt for one of the city’s many cocktail lounges – we recommend Jewel for its live piano entertainment.
Places to eat
There’s more to the food scene here than burger franchises and theme park pizza. The many restaurants in Orlando represent the city’s deep multiculturalism, with everything from fine-dining French to modern takes on southern classics. For the best bites, stay close to downtown, where you’ll find ramen hot spots, rooftop tapas and a traditional Oaxacan mezcaleria.
Beaches
Don’t be fooled by its landlocked location, as there are plenty of beaches near Orlando worth travelling for. An hour away on Florida’s Atlantic coast you’ll find Daytona Beach, a city known for its motorsports and nightlife. A two-hour drive southwest will bring you to Clearwater on the Gulf coast, known for its relaxed vibe, lapping waves and powder white sands.
Get ready for Orlando
Budget
With a little planning, you can enjoy an inexpensive stay in Orlando. Start by looking for shoulder season deals and avoiding the summer peaks when schools are out. An inexpensive meal will cost you about 20 US dollars ($). A domestic beer costs about $6, and a cappuccino is under $5. A short cab ride costs about $10.
Day trips from Orlando
Just an hour from Orlando, Cocoa Beach is the perfect detour. Spend a day relaxing on the sand, swimming in the bright blue water and strolling the pier. For something more out of this world, it’s less than an hour’s drive tot he famous Kennedy Space Center. Here, you can see a shuttle that orbited the Earth and even watch a rocket launch.
Getting around Orlando
We recommended hiring a car in Orlando. The streets are wide and easy to navigate, and most attractions have sufficient parking. If you’re looking to save on expenses, check out the commuter rail, which travels between the city’s neighbourhoods during the week. Downtown Orlando also has miles of bike paths.
