The city feels like an endless summer party where imagination is currency, blending quirky local charm with larger-than-life entertainment. Today it stands as a global hub for tourism and aerospace, offering more than just theme parks through its thriving arts scene and lush natural springs. This unique mix creates an atmosphere that is simultaneously fantastical and grounded, inviting visitors to explore beyond the glossy brochures and discover the authentic soul beneath the spectacle.
Do Orlando the way locals do: start slow at Blue Spring State Park, eat where the regulars do at The Hampton Social - Orlando, let the evening run long at Tin Roof.
Top things to do in Orlando
Ranked by rating and review volume. These earn their hype. Booking links may earn Roam a commission, at no cost to you.
1
Universal Studios Florida
Famous, sprawling amusement park featuring movie-themed rides, attractions & entertainment.
Check tours & tickets2
SeaWorld Orlando
Marine life shows, thrill rides, aquariums & up-close encounters with dolphins, penguins & more.
Check tours & tickets3
Old Town
Amusement park featuring old-time carnival rides, shopping, dining & weekly classic car shows.
Check tours & tickets4
Gatorland
Animal park with species such as alligators, birds & wild cats, plus educational shows & a zip line.
Check tours & tickets5
Lake Eola Park
Popular spot for walking, special events, feeding the swans & renting swan-shaped paddleboats.
Check tours & tickets6
Universal Volcano Bay
Universal Studio's sprawling water park offers high-thrill slides & rides, plus low-key pools.
Check tours & tickets7
Aquatica Orlando
Marine life shows, waterslides, aquariums & up-close encounters with dolphins, penguins & more.
Check tours & tickets8
Discovery Cove
All-inclusive park with dolphin encounters, snorkeling with rays, bird feeding & a lazy river.
Check tours & tickets9
Fun Spot America
Attractions include roller coasters, kiddie rides & bumper cars plus go-karts & arcade games.
Check tours & tickets10
Madame Tussauds Orlando
Museum chain for life-size wax replicas of famous Americans & historic icons in themed galleries.
Check tours & ticketsWhere to eat
Local favorites, not tourist traps.
11
The Hampton Social - Orlando
Breezy hangout serving seafood & beach-themed cocktails in stylish, nautical surroundings.
Website12
Café Tu Tu Tango
Funky tapas spot with resident artists, live entertainment, plus a patio and bar.
Website13
Tacos My Guey
Website14
Voodoo Bayou
Website15
Santiago's Bodega
Charming tapas bar pairing global small plates with house-specialty sangria in a warm room.
Website16
Pig Floyds Urban Barbakoa
Rustic counter-serve joint offering globally flavored BBQ dishes plus craft beers.
Website17
Mrs. Potato Restaurant
Brazilian-American fusion flavors are featured in this restaurant, along with cakes & desserts.
Website18
TaKo Cheena
Tacos, burritos & empanadas have Pan-Asian fillings at this busy, compact restaurant.
WebsiteHungry for more? Book a food tour or tasting in Orlando
Advertisement
Tours worth booking ahead
These sell out, so lock them in early.
19
Wild Florida Adventure Park
Drive-thru wildlife & safari park offering airboat tours, alligator-handling shows & a petting zoo.
Check tours & tickets20
Epic Paddle Adventures
Check tours & tickets21
Get Up And Go Kayaking - Rock Springs
Check tours & tickets22
Scenic Boat Tour
Check tours & tickets23
Gray Line Orlando Tours
Check tours & tickets24
Marsh Landing Adventures / Orlando Airboat Tours
Guided airboat rides through swamp & the Everglades, with chances to spot gators, eagles & turtles.
Check tours & ticketsGet outside
25
Blue Spring State Park
Park featuring a cool-water spring on the St. Johns River that's popular for swimming & kayaking.
Website26
Wekiwa Springs State Park
Guided & self-guided canoe or kayak tours on the Wekiwa River with equipment rental available.
Website27
Waterfront Park
Lakefront park offering a fishing pier, a paved walking trail, a playground & seasonal swimming.
Website28
Lake Louisa State Park
In addition to housing one of the area's only swimmable lakes, this park also boasts scenic views.
Website29
Blue Jacket Park
Sports, recreation, loop path & picnic areas amid stone structures & a fountain on 75 acres.
WebsiteAfter dark
30
Tin Roof
Unpretentious shotgun shack bar & music venue with creative takes on American pub food.
Website31
ICEBAR Orlando
A below-freezing room with a bar built from ice & an adjacent lounge with dancing for warming up.
Website32
Thrive Cocktail Lounge & Eatery
Creative tapas & cocktails are featured at this cool, retro-style haunt that also offers brunch.
Website33
Blue Martini Lounge Pointe Orlando
Martinis & champagne accompany a global tapas menu, live music & daily specials in a stylish space.
WebsiteEverything above is live data. Real ratings, opening hours, and photos, not AI guesswork. The planner turns it into your day, hour by hour.
The whole guide on one map
Every numbered pick above, pinned. Tap to pan, zoom, and plot your day.
SightsFoodToursOutdoorsAfter dark
Tips from travelers
No tips yet. Been to Orlando? Yours goes first.
Roam planner Turn this into your personalized Orlando itinerary Build my Orlando dayMore guides
Some links may earn Roam a commission, at no cost to you.