Orlando: what's actually worth it
Once a sleepy citrus grove named after the Seminole word for "big spring," Orlando has evolved into a vibrant tapestry of sunshine and surrealism. 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.
Top things to do in Orlando
Universal Studios Florida
Amusement Center · ★ 4.7 (161,388 reviews)
Famous, sprawling amusement park featuring movie-themed rides, attractions & entertainment.
Check tours & tickets →SeaWorld Orlando
Amusement Center · ★ 4.4 (114,385 reviews)
Marine life shows, thrill rides, aquariums & up-close encounters with dolphins, penguins & more.
Check tours & tickets →Old Town
Amusement Center · ★ 4.6 (37,667 reviews)
Amusement park featuring old-time carnival rides, shopping, dining & weekly classic car shows.
Check tours & tickets →Gatorland
Amusement Park · ★ 4.7 (27,201 reviews)
Animal park with species such as alligators, birds & wild cats, plus educational shows & a zip line.
Check tours & tickets →Lake Eola Park
Park · ★ 4.7 (24,682 reviews)
Popular spot for walking, special events, feeding the swans & renting swan-shaped paddleboats.
Check tours & tickets →Universal Volcano Bay
Water Park · ★ 4.5 (31,851 reviews)
Universal Studio's sprawling water park offers high-thrill slides & rides, plus low-key pools.
Check tours & tickets →Aquatica Orlando
Water Park · ★ 4.4 (35,338 reviews)
Marine life shows, waterslides, aquariums & up-close encounters with dolphins, penguins & more.
Check tours & tickets →Discovery Cove
Amusement Park · ★ 4.7 (14,713 reviews)
All-inclusive park with dolphin encounters, snorkeling with rays, bird feeding & a lazy river.
Check tours & tickets →Fun Spot America
Amusement Park · ★ 4.5 (17,323 reviews)
Attractions include roller coasters, kiddie rides & bumper cars plus go-karts & arcade games.
Check tours & tickets →Madame Tussauds Orlando
Tourist Attraction · ★ 4.6 (7,864 reviews)
Museum chain for life-size wax replicas of famous Americans & historic icons in themed galleries.
Check tours & tickets →Where to eat
The Hampton Social - Orlando
American Restaurant · ★ 4.8 (8,887 reviews)
Breezy hangout serving seafood & beach-themed cocktails in stylish, nautical surroundings.
Website →Café Tu Tu Tango
Tapas Restaurant · ★ 4.6 (10,935 reviews)
Funky tapas spot with resident artists, live entertainment, plus a patio and bar.
Website →Tacos My Guey
Mexican Restaurant · ★ 4.9 (4,819 reviews)
Website →Voodoo Bayou
American Restaurant · ★ 4.8 (5,665 reviews)
Website →Santiago's Bodega
Tapas Restaurant · ★ 4.6 (4,212 reviews)
Charming tapas bar pairing global small plates with house-specialty sangria in a warm room.
Website →Pig Floyds Urban Barbakoa
Barbecue Restaurant · ★ 4.6 (4,110 reviews)
Rustic counter-serve joint offering globally flavored BBQ dishes plus craft beers.
Website →Mrs. Potato Restaurant
Brazilian Restaurant · ★ 4.7 (2,936 reviews)
Brazilian-American fusion flavors are featured in this restaurant, along with cakes & desserts.
Website →TaKo Cheena
Asian Fusion Restaurant · ★ 4.5 (3,609 reviews)
Tacos, burritos & empanadas have Pan-Asian fillings at this busy, compact restaurant.
Website →Tours worth booking ahead
Wild Florida Adventure Park
Tourist Attraction · ★ 4.7 (7,601 reviews)
Drive-thru wildlife & safari park offering airboat tours, alligator-handling shows & a petting zoo.
Check tours & tickets →Marsh Landing Adventures / Orlando Airboat Tours
Tour Agency · ★ 4.8 (1,356 reviews)
Guided airboat rides through swamp & the Everglades, with chances to spot gators, eagles & turtles.
Check tours & tickets →Get outside
Blue Spring State Park
State Park · ★ 4.8 (18,755 reviews)
Park featuring a cool-water spring on the St. Johns River that's popular for swimming & kayaking.
Website →Wekiwa Springs State Park
State Park · ★ 4.6 (11,209 reviews)
Guided & self-guided canoe or kayak tours on the Wekiwa River with equipment rental available.
Website →Waterfront Park
Park · ★ 4.7 (4,251 reviews)
Lakefront park offering a fishing pier, a paved walking trail, a playground & seasonal swimming.
Website →Lake Louisa State Park
State Park · ★ 4.7 (3,628 reviews)
In addition to housing one of the area's only swimmable lakes, this park also boasts scenic views.
Website →Blue Jacket Park
Park · ★ 4.7 (1,902 reviews)
Sports, recreation, loop path & picnic areas amid stone structures & a fountain on 75 acres.
Website →After dark
Tin Roof
Bar · ★ 4.4 (4,567 reviews)
Unpretentious shotgun shack bar & music venue with creative takes on American pub food.
Website →ICEBAR Orlando
Bar · ★ 4.4 (2,923 reviews)
A below-freezing room with a bar built from ice & an adjacent lounge with dancing for warming up.
Website →Thrive Cocktail Lounge & Eatery
Restaurant · ★ 4.7 (1,699 reviews)
Creative tapas & cocktails are featured at this cool, retro-style haunt that also offers brunch.
Website →Blue Martini Lounge Pointe Orlando
Lounge bar · ★ 4.3 (2,662 reviews)
Martinis & champagne accompany a global tapas menu, live music & daily specials in a stylish space.
Website →More guides
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