18 Great Things To Do In Downtown Orlando

“The City Beautiful,” Orlando is home to a beaming downtown district. To help you out on your visit, here are 18 of the most amazing things to do in downtown Orlando.

Is Downtown Orlando Worth Visiting?

Although Orlando mainly draws visitors to its world-famous theme parks, the downtown district has plenty of exciting activities to fill your day.

Whether you find yourself looking to enjoy time at the popular Lake Eola, want to explore arts attractions, or experience an exciting nightlife scene at a unique speakeasy, downtown Orlando has you covered!

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18 Amazing Things To Do In Downtown Orlando

1. Ride a Swan Boat at Lake Eola

Chances are that if you ask a local, they will tell you that one of the best things to do in downtown Orlando is to visit Lake Eola. One of the greatest features of this lake is the popular swan boat ride attraction.

While riding on the pedal-driven boats, you can take in gorgeous views of the lake, the beautiful swans that have resided at the lake since 1922, and the famous Linton E. Allen Memorial Fountain.

The boats are available from 10 AM – 7 PM Sunday through Tuesday and from 10 AM – 9 PM Wednesday through Saturday. You are permitted to bring pets on the boats.

Lake Eola features many more free activities to do that will also be included later in this post!

Cost

Each boat ride costs $15 for 30 minutes and can seat up to 5 people. Keep in mind that they only accept cards, not cash.

Note: If you visit on the weekend or in the evening, plan ahead, as they do not take reservations. The activity can build a wait time, and the waitlist can get filled up for the rest of the day.

Address: 211 Eola Pkwy, Orlando, FL 32801. This is the location of Relax Grill, Lake Eola Park Swan Boat Rentals is located right across from.

2. Enjoy a Panoramic City View at AC Sky Bar

One of the more recent sought-after things to do in downtown Orlando is to visit the AC Sky Bar. Located on the 18^th floor of the AC Hotel by Marriott Downtown Orlando, this trendy spot offers indoor seating and an outdoor terrace filled with fireplaces and live music on select days.

The outdoor area provides guests with wonderful 360° scenic views of downtown and even as far as International Drive with clear skies! If you visit during sunset, be prepared for a spectacular sight.

Together with the food menu that offers tapas-style dishes, the drink menu features delicious cocktails and craft beers. Each Sunday, the Sky Bar offers an appetizing brunch where you can enjoy bottomless mimosas.

Keep in mind that no reservations are accepted except for Sunday Brunch. The bar is first come, first served. Brunch hours of operation are from 11 AM – 3 PM on Sundays.

Public parking is available in the garage located below the hotel. Parking is not validated by the bar.

Note: The bar is located inside the Marriott Hotel. However, you do not need to be a hotel guest to enter.

The dress code asks that no vulgar or extremely distressed clothing is worn.

Address: 333 S Garland Ave Floor 18, Orlando, FL 32801

3. Attend an Event at the Amway Center

Happen to be a fan of sports and/or concerts? With an arena at a staggering 367,000 square feet, this exciting venue might be one of your top things to do in downtown Orlando!

Several Orlando sports teams call the Amway Center home, including the NBA’s Orlando Magic, the ECHL’s Orlando Solar Bears, and the NAL’s Orlando Predators.

Moreover, concert-goers can enjoy the many live entertainment options offered at the Amway Center throughout the year. Numerous major headlining artists have hosted their concerts here while touring in Orlando. These notable names include Ariana Grande, Travis Scott, and Ed Sheeran.

Note: The Amway Center offers advance-purchase reserved parking at the GEICO garage. This must be purchased by 5 PM the day before your visit. You can make your purchase here. Parking at surrounding public garages and lots may get very busy depending on the event’s popularity.

Address: 400 W Church St, Suite 200, Orlando, FL 32801

4. Explore the Nightlife

One of the prime things to do in downtown Orlando is experience the nightlife! With so many options to choose from, surely you are going to have a fun night out.

One of the most known destinations for downtown nightlife is Church Street. This hotspot comes to life at night with several bars and clubs.

Undoubtedly, Chillers, Cahoots, and Latitudes are some of the most lively parts of Church Street. These are three bars on three separate floors in the same building that each have a different theme. Enjoy city views on the rooftop bar, Latitudes!

Wall Street Plaza is a popular spot for downtown nightlife, a 10,000-square-foot area of eight locally-owned bars and nightclubs. Each weekend, two streets are closed off for a lively Block Party. The variety of options makes this a great place to dance and spend time with friends!

Downtown Orlando is home to many more bars and nightclubs. Whether you want to enjoy EDM at Celine or Aero Rooftop Bar or experience live blues and jazz music at Tanqueray’s, there are plenty of places to hop around!

5. Sip a Cocktail at Mather’s Social Gathering

Fan of hidden gems? Then you should take a visit to Mather’s Social Gathering!

Mather’s is a Prohibition-styled speakeasy, one of downtown Orlando’s most unique bars. The vintage furnishings and employee attire illustrate the ambiance and decor of the Roaring Twenties.

Prepare to be impressed by the craft cocktails and appetizers. I highly recommend the Mathers Fizz, Frosé, and charcuterie board!

When you first enter the building, you will be greeted by a bouncer that will guide you to the elevator to reach the third floor. You will then enter a library, and from there, look out for a secret book that will be the entrance to the bar.

Besides Mather’s, downtown is also home to a few other speakeasies, which include Hanson’s Shoe Repair and The Courtesy.

Surely, you cannot pass up a trip to Mather’s Social Gathering!

Note: Mather’s does have a dress code policy that can be found here, along with other house rules.

Address: 3 Phoenix Building, 30 S Magnolia Ave, Orlando, FL 32801

6. Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts

If you are searching for a live music and theater option, attending a performance at the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts is one of the best things to do in downtown Orlando.

This phenomenal, glass-gleaming building is an entertainment hub. It offers many performances, including Broadway musicals like “Wicked” and “Hamilton,” concerts, ballets, orchestral performances, and more.

The complex currently has two theatres and will be introducing a third one, Steinmetz Hall, in the second phase in later 2021. This addition will have the building standing at a whopping 698,000 square feet!

Note: Parking is available at the nearby City Commons Garage and Seaside Plaza Garage with flat rates of $13 and $12, respectively. Valet parking is also provided.

Address: 445 S Magnolia Ave, Orlando, FL 32801

7. Orlando Science Center

With a mission to “inspire science learning for life!” the Orlando Science Center is a wonderful activity for people of all ages to experience.

At this spectacular center, visitors can enjoy several engaging exhibits, including NatureWorks, where you can learn more about how animals, plants, and other living organisms live and interact in different habitats.

Some other popular exhibits at the center include Our Planet, where you can learn about the four spheres of planet earth and enter an earthquake simulator, as well as the DinoDigs exhibit that explores fossils of famous prehistoric animals.

Moreover, activities are available, including movie theatres, an observatory, live science demonstrations at Science Live!, and various events that can be viewed here.

Cost

Ticket admission is $21 for adults, while there are discounts for students and seniors at $19, for children ages 2-11 at $15, and is free for youth under age 2.

Address: 777 E Princeton St, Orlando, FL 32803

8. Dine Out Downtown

A trip to downtown Orlando would be incomplete without venturing out to some of its best dining options! You’ll encounter restaurants offering a wide variety of cuisines to choose from.

Whether you’re craving Thai food at Oudom Thai & Sushi or margaritas and Mexican dishes at Reyes Mezcaleria, downtown Orlando has you covered!

Some popular late-night options include Tex-Mex spots Gringos Locos Tacos and Tin & Taco. Additionally, at night there are several food trucks and pizza spots to suit your late-night tastebuds.

For those wanting a more upscale dining experience, Kres Chophouse specializes in delectable steaks and seafood, while The Boheme offers world-class dishes in its jazz-themed interior.

If you’re a fan of brunch served with bottomless mimosas, then you are in luck! Several brunch restaurants serve tasty dishes, including 310 Lakeside, Soco Thornton Park, and The Stubborn Mule.

Looking for a unique dining experience? Be sure to check out Hamburger Mary’s, a burger chain where you’ll be entertained with live drag shows.

9. Wine Down at Eola Wine Company

Craving a trip to a great wine bar? You can’t pass up a visit to Eola Wine Company.

Located across the street from Lake Eola, this wine bar has a fantastic wine selection, from red, white, and rosé. Several cocktail and craft beer selections are additionally available.

Eola Wine Company has great flight options if you are overwhelmed with large drink menus. The mimosa flight is a personal favorite of mine and is available during brunch hours. It comes in multiple delicious fruit flavors, including mango, raspberry, and banana.

Lastly, what would wine be without a food dish to accompany it? The menu features several tasty bites, including charcuterie boards, flatbreads, salads, and more. Be sure to check out their baked brie!

Address: 430 E Central Blvd, Orlando, FL

10. Laugh Your Night Away at SAK Comedy Lab

Are you in search of a good laugh? Seeing an improv show at SAK Comedy Lab will be one of the best entertaining things to do in downtown Orlando for you then.

Founded in 1991, the 250-seat theatre provides its visitors with a memorable night as they will have hilarious experiences witnessing the improvisations performed by local actors.

You can expect every show to be different as the performances are original. Audience members are encouraged to participate when the improv actors ask for suggestions, and guests to even act as judges during the shows.

Cost

If you decide to attend a show, ticket prices range from $5 to $20.

Address: 29 S Orange Ave, Orlando, FL 32801

11. Ride an Electronic Bike or Scooter

Looking for a fun way to travel around downtown Orlando? Well, you’re in luck, as the city offers electronic bike and scooter sharing.

Downtown provides Lime e-bikes for use and several brands to choose from for scooters, including Bird, Lime, and Wheels. As a way to help avoid busy traffic times, there are many bike lanes in the area.

All you’ll need to do to rent a bike or scooter is download the application of your chosen company. After locating one with the app’s GPS, scan the QR code with your mobile device. Safety helmets are available for use.

Cost

It will cost $1 to unlock the specific bike or scooter, with a rate of 25 to 35 cents per minute, depending on the company.

Note: Although it may seem enticing, scooters and bikes cannot be ridden at Lake Eola.

12. Explore Thornton Park

Thornton Park is a charming and chic neighborhood outside the Central Business District. Here you can walk around and enjoy the views of the vintage bungalows and gorgeous Spanish moss hanging from trees.

There are plenty of things to do in Thornton Park. The neighborhood features many restaurants, some mentioned earlier, such as Soco Thornton Park, and more, including Graffiti Junction, Ootoya Sushi, and Anthony’s Italian Restaurant. You can also shop till you drop at the different boutiques and shops in the area.

A fun activity is to attend a Wine & Art Walk hosted on the second Thursday of the month. Attendees go on a walking tour at this event, commemorating the local neighborhood. Several local vendors participate in the event.

You’ll find many arts, food, and drink vendors at the Wine & Art Walk in addition to live music entertainment. The Wine & Art Walk tickets are $10 and can be purchased here.

13. Shopping

If you need to shop till you drop, you have come to the right place! Downtown Orlando provides an assortment of shopping options to meet your needs.

Those visiting Orlando looking for a shopping adventure will find trendy boutiques and locally-owned stores. Check out Lauren Nicole’s boutique to find stylish clothing and accessories.

If you are willing to venture slightly northeast of the central downtown area in the Audubon Park District, East End Market is a popular shopping destination. In addition to food vendors, several stores offer arts, home furnishings, and other goods at this location.

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Free Things To Do In Downtown Orlando

14. Farmers Market

A great free thing to do in Orlando is to visit the Orlando Farmers Market in the southeast of Lake Eola! 

Hosted every Sunday from 10 AM – 3 PM, the farmers market features dozens of local vendors selling fresh produce, plants, arts and crafts, and fresh foods and drinks. Be sure to try the fresh coconut water served straight out of a coconut!

Additionally, as one of the premier spots in downtown Orlando, you can find live music played at the plaza next to World of Beer.

Address: 20 N Eola Dr. Orlando 32801

15. The Walt Disney Amphitheater

Furthermore, with free activities to do at Lake Eola is the outdoor venue, the Walt Disney Amphitheater, which hosts numerous events throughout the month.

Received as a donation by the Walt Disney Company in 1989, the amphitheater has become a popular spot to watch concerts, movie screenings, and even plays!

The gorgeous backdrop of Lake Eola makes this an ideal destination to share with family and friends and enjoy some entertainment.

Address: 195 N Rosalind Ave, Orlando, FL 32801

16. Enjoy Lake Eola

Together with the previously mentioned activities that there are to do at Lake Eola, one of them is to do a simple activity like a jog or have a picnic!

With a distance of 1 mile, the lake is a great place to go on a casual stroll or jog. Lake Eola also provides intriguing viewpoints, such as wildlife and surrounding art.

A popular activity that locals enjoy is having a picnic at the park. Through this, you can take in the gorgeous scenery, including the phenomenal Chinese Pagoda, a symbol of Orlando’s sister-city relationship with Guilin, China!

17. CityArts

What better way to spend time in downtown Orlando than visiting an art gallery? Without a doubt, you should plan a trip to the CityArts Factory, which houses Orlando’s most extensive art collection.

You will find an exquisite collection of creative works of art done by local and international artists at this art gallery. The gallery rotates every month, providing guests with fresh experiences and new visits.

Admission is free of charge Tuesday through Thursday from 11 AM – 6 PM.

This is surely one of the best things for art lovers to do in downtown Orlando!

Note: If you park at the Plaza Parking Garage, a CityArts employee will be able to validate your parking ticket upon your arrival to $4.

Address: 39 S Magnolia Ave, Orlando, FL 32801

18. Orlando Brewing Tour

Orlando Brewing is a brewery that is well worth your visit and includes a free thing to do!

On Mondays through Thursdays at 6 PM, you can catch free tours here. This follows a first-come-first-serve policy, so ensure you get there on time!

Uniquely, this brewery uses only organic ingredients for its beers, making it the only brewery to do so in the state of Florida!

Additionally, you will enjoy entertainment options at this location, including live music each Friday by the band, The Swamp Donkeys. You can find more activities offered at Orlando Brewing here.

Address: 1301 Atlanta Ave, Orlando, FL 32806

Can You Walk Downtown Orlando?

Downtown Orlando is very walkable! A perk of downtown is that the various attractions are not too far from one another. For example, if you are around Lake Eola, the nightlife hubs around Wall Street and Church Street are only about a 10-minute walk away.

The North Quarter district is home to places like Reyes Mezcaleria is around a mile and a 20- to 30-minute walk from Lake Eola, as well as the entertainment districts located more southward. So, downtown Orlando is still very manageable by foot, bike, or whatever your preferred method of transportation is.

Is Downtown Orlando Safe?

Yes, downtown Orlando is overall a safe place. You should feel comfortable in the most congregated areas with a good police presence.

As with any city, it is important to be aware of your surroundings and keep track of your belongings at all times, especially at night.

How Far Is Disney From Downtown Orlando?

Generally speaking, downtown Orlando is around a 30-minute drive from Disney World. Although it’s a longer journey time than by car, there are public transportation buses through LYNX if you do not have a personal vehicle.

When it does come time to take a break from the most magical place on earth, downtown Orlando is not too far away!

To Sum Up: 18 Things To Do In Downtown Orlando

If you are having trouble deciding on the best things to do in downtown Orlando, I hope this guide has assisted you and shown you the incredible activities downtown offers.

With the wide range of activities to choose from, don’t hesitate the chance to visit! If you’re wondering about other great destinations to visit in Florida, a trip to Miami is a must!