Orlando · Downtown · Lake, history and scenery

What to see and do in Downtown Orlando

Urban Orlando is discovered around its lake.

Lake Eola, the History Center and Dr. Phillips Center offer a downtown tour that combines public space, regional history and an optional performing arts performance.

2 days suggestedModerate budgetUrban life · Culture and towns · Nature

Duration, budget and itinerary: editorial suggestions adjustable to your trip. No prices or availability in real time.

Lake Eola Downtown Orlando
Michael Rivera Original photography · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Reduced version of Wikimedia; without editing the content. The website may show a frame crop.

What to visit in Downtown Orlando

PLACES AND EXPERIENCES

What to do in Downtown Orlando

nature

Lake Eola Park

Orlando's downtown lake and walkways offer views of the fountain, gardens, and a break between Downtown buildings.

Activities for your visit

  • Walk a section of the public promenade next to the lake.
  • Observe the fountain and the urban profile from the enabled spaces.

Tips for this place

  • The ride and the boat rental are different activities.
  • Check event notices and respect the park's fauna.
Access ↗

Access to public park. Swan boat rentals, events and other services have their own conditions.

Reference sources and location

Orientative reference of the venue; it does not indicate an entrance, ticket office, parking lot or an accessible route.

Reference coordinates: 28.543889, -81.369722.

Wikidata Lake Eola Park

Lake Eola Downtown Orlando
Michael Rivera Original photography · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Reduced version of Wikimedia; without editing the content. The website may show a frame crop.

museum

Orange County Regional History Center

A museum in the old downtown courthouse allows you to explore stories of Central Florida and the communities that have transformed the region.

Activities for your visit

  • Browse the available exhibitions on regional history.
  • Observe the historic building that houses the museum.

Tips for this place

  • Check which rooms are open: the museum announces jobs and updates.
  • Special programs may require a reservation other than general admission.
Book tickets ↗

Purchase general admission to the History Center. Check open rooms and special event tickets.

Reference sources and location

Orientative reference of the venue; it does not indicate an entrance, ticket office, parking lot or an accessible route.

Reference coordinates: 28.5431, -81.3779.

Wikidata Orange County Regional History Center

culture

Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts

A Downtown performing arts center with theater, music, dance and other shows in different venues.

Activities for your visit

  • Choose a performance from the official schedule.
  • Arrange arrival at the room indicated on your ticket.

Tips for this place

  • Confirm show, date and room before purchasing.
  • A ticket to a performance does not imply a free visit to all the rooms.
Book performance tickets ↗

Choose a performance from the venue's schedule and buy an official ticket.

Reference sources and location

Orientative reference of the venue; it does not indicate an entrance, ticket office, parking lot or an accessible route.

Reference coordinates: 28.538, -81.3782.

Wikidata · Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts

A PROPOSAL TO ORGANIZE YOURSELF

2-Day Downtown Orlando Itinerary

  1. Day 1

    Lake Eola and regional history

    Stroll along Lake Eola and arrange a visit to the History Center based on available rooms and admission.

  2. Day 2

    A function in Downtown

    Choose a Dr. Phillips Center show if it matches your dates and arrange entry and arrival at the venue.

Tips for visiting Downtown Orlando

  • The public walk, the museum and the function have different conditions.
  • Check the History Center's open rooms and listings before setting your dates.

LOCAL FLAVORS

What to eat in Downtown Orlando

Orlando brings together Florida flavors, southern tradition and Cuban cuisine. Discover these dishes and a citrus drink between parks and walks around the city.

Portion of pale yellow key lime pie with strawberries, cream and a slice of lime
Key lime pie with strawberries and cream; reference photograph of this preparation. Ralph Daily Original photography · CC BY 2.0

A Florida classic

Key lime pie

Creamy key lime pie with a cookie or dough base. A dessert linked to the Florida Keys that you can also try in Orlando.

Reference: Visit Florida · Regional flavors

Two halves of a toasted Cuban sandwich with melted cheese and pickles on the side
Pressed Cuban sandwich with cheese and pickles; reference photo of the plate. jeffreyw · Original photography · CC BY 2.0

Cuban tradition present in Florida

Cuban sandwich

Pressed and toasted Cuban bread with roast pork, ham, Swiss cheese, pickles and mustard. A bite of the Cuban tradition present in Florida.

Reference: Visit Florida · Cuban cuisine

Seared grouper fillet with prawns and sauce, served on a white plate
A preparation of grouper with shrimp, photographed in Key West, Florida. Elin B Original photography · CC BY 2.0

Flavors of the Florida coast

Grouper

Fish with white, firm flesh, served grilled, spiced or fried. It is one of the flavors of Florida coastal cuisine.

Reference: Visit Florida · Florida Fish

Shrimp on creamy grits with sauce, chives and small pieces of bacon
A version of shrimp with grits, photographed in New Orleans as a reference to the dish. Jason Riedy Original photography · CC BY 2.0

Southern Cuisine in Orlando

Shrimp and grits

Shrimp on a creamy ground corn base. A dish of southern tradition that you will find in Orlando's gastronomic offer.

Reference: Visit Orlando · Southern Cuisine

Orange juice pouring into a transparent glass on blue background
Orange juice served in a glass; illustrative image of the drink. USDA · version edited by Arad · Original photography · Public domain

Central Florida Citrus Tradition

Florida orange juice

A citrus break to accompany breakfast. Look for juice made from Florida oranges and discover the region's citrus tradition.

Reference: Visit Florida · Central Florida Citrus

Sources to prepare your visit

Reference location: Wikidata Lake Eola Park.

Reference of an area or group of visits to Orlando and surrounding areas; It does not represent all the venues or a route.

Editorial content by SoyTurista PR, based on the linked sources. Confirm details with each provider before traveling.

Report a change to this guide. Include its URL and an official source if available.

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