A vacation in Orlando offers more than just world-famous theme parks and mouth-watering key lime pie. Traveling is an incredible experience that opens your mind to diverse cultures and unforgettable memories. In fact, research shows that vacationing can even improve your ability to understand new things and solve problems.
And what better place is there to take a vacation than Orlando, Florida? There’s so much to do that you don’t even have to leave the city limits!
If the tourist in you is eager to find the top things to do in downtown Orlando, keep reading. We’re about to show you the best Orlando has to offer.
Go to Ripley’s Believe It or Not!
Ripley’s Believe It or Not! is a museum that embodies the spirit of curiosity and wonder by showcasing a collection of bizarre and unusual facts, events, and antiques. Each visitor goes on a journey through some of the world’s most amazing truths.
All ages can enjoy this spot, though children might especially love it. The museum features interactive exhibits that are sure to captivate a kid’s imagination. Youngsters can even get their hands dirty with sand art or play with bouncing balls at the Gravity Room exhibit.
Other famous attractions include:
- A mirror maze where you can test your reflexes
- An aquarium filled with exotic fish and reptiles from around the world
- Shrunken heads made out of candy bars
If you want to visit this exciting attraction, it’s in the I-Drive 360 entertainment complex. Have at least a few hours to spare so you can take in all the wackiness the museum has to show.
Explore the Orlando Science Center
Speaking of family activities in Orlando, the Orlando Science Center is a great choice. Get ready to have your mind blown here!
Let’s start with their breathtaking planetarium. It’s the ultimate chill spot where you can lay back and witness a galaxy of stars right above your head. Enjoy an interstellar holiday without leaving the comfort of your seat.
At the Orlando Science Center, young minds can bend and twist reality to their heart’s content. Children can interact with a myriad of fascinating exhibits that will expand their knowledge of the cosmos, delve into the intricate wonders of the human body, and unravel the mysteries of the unbelievable world around us.
The facility is in the bustling heart of downtown Orlando, right on the magnetic strip known as International Drive. Come on any day of the week between 10 am and 5 pm. You’ll participate in an enchanting blend of learning, laughter, and quality time that’ll make your family bond like never before!
Shop at East End Market
East End Market is where food cravings and retail therapy join forces in a harmonious shopping frenzy. It’s a one-stop wonderland for food, drinks, and fashion galore.
If you head into the East End Market on a weekday, you’ll beat the weekend swarm. Otherwise, prepare to mingle with the hordes of Orlando dwellers and globetrotters itching to get a taste of the latest trends the market has.
On Fridays and Saturdays, they’re open until 9 pm. Every other day, they’re available until 7 pm. Sundays are the only exception; festivities generally end at 6 pm.
If you’re tired of the same old culinary scene, consider this joint your new best friend. They’ve rounded up a scrumptious array of eateries and patisseries-all conveniently housed under one roof.
Visit the Orlando Museum of Art
The Orlando Museum of Art showcases an eclectic collection where masterpieces from celebrated artists mix with the groundbreaking creations of rising stars. It’s one of the rare Orlando tourist attractions that leaves no boundaries unbroken. Only visit them if you’re interested in a true celebration of diverse creative expressions.
But the Orlando Museum of Art isn’t just another dusty collection of artifacts. Their undying dedication to education and involvement with the local community is what sets them apart.
The museum offers enlightening programs, workshops, and lectures that cater to the curious minds of every generation. These offerings create a splendid brew of enrichment for curious souls.
Not only does the OMA go above and beyond within its own four walls, but it also extends its commitment to community involvement. The museum orchestrates artistic encounters between local schools, organizations, and underserved communities. It’s all about making the art world one big inclusive party!
Thanks to their devotion to neighborhood outreach, the museum has become a cherished cultural gem.
If you’re interested, the price of admission for adults is a mere $20. Students get a $10 discount with a valid ID. Tiny tots under 5 years old can embark on this adventure without costing their parents a dime. In contrast, youngsters over the 5-year milestone need $8 to access this magical kingdom.
Enjoy the Amway Center
Brace yourselves for jaw-dropping spectacles when you visit the Amway Center! This dazzling playground morphs from a sports mecca to an entertainment utopia with ease.
The arena hosts a duo of sports awesomeness: the Orlando Magic of the NBA and the Solar Bears of the ECHL. Not only can you witness the epic showdowns of basketball teams, but you can also revel in the symphonies of concerts and other marvelous events in this colossal space.
Best of all, you’ll seldom have to worry about seating. The stadium holds more than 20 thousand individuals.
Furthermore, the Amway Center’s obligation to sustainability is evident in the way they run their business. So much so that the arena was awarded the coveted LEED certification. The award is a testament to the building’s green design and relentless environmental crusade.
It’s also an irresistible hotspot for tourists. Located in the buzzing core of downtown Orlando, this place is a short walk away from nightclubs, mouth-watering eateries, and stylish hotels.
Experience Fine Dining
Downtown Orlando’s food scene is as diverse as it is delicious. With countless acclaimed chefs and restaurants, this area has become a food lover’s paradise.
We recommend staying near any of the following dining spots. If your hotel is within walking distance, you can immerse yourself in the dining experience without the hassle of navigating unfamiliar routes. Those who haven’t booked rooms yet can click here to find a hotel suggestion that’s in the vicinity.
Bull and Bear Steakhouse
Of all the dining places to visit in Orlando, Bull and Bear Steakhouse serves up some of the best steaks in town. Customers praise their culinary ingenuity, which makes every meal a memorable experience.
Prices range from $20-$70, depending on what you order. Of course, some family-sized meals will cost a lot more. In either case, every dish is made with fresh ingredients and cooked to perfection.
If you’re looking for a place to dine with friends, Bull and Bear Steakhouse offers an upscale atmosphere with attentive service. The restaurant even has a children’s menu, so young diners don’t miss out on the deliciousness!
Bull & Bear’s hours are Monday through Thursday from 4 pm -10 pm. On Fridays, they’re open until 11 pm. As for the weekend, you can catch them on Saturdays starting at 5:30 pm, but the staff takes a rest on Sunday.
Seito Sushi Orlando
Seito Sushi Orlando is amazing, and it’s not just because of the delicious food. Since this spot is tucked away in the middle of the city, it’s a convenient break from all the noise and crowds that downtown Orlando can bring.
The menu has a ton of options, with all kinds of traditional and modern Japanese dishes. Think super fresh sashimi and tasty ramen noodles.
And the vibe at Seito Sushi Orlando is just right-not too formal, not too wild. A casual shirt and jeans are just as acceptable as a suit and tie in this laid-back environment.
One of the most appealing aspects of this cool diner is its affordability. Despite offering high-quality cuisine and an inviting atmosphere, the typical noodle dish with two appetizers can cost you well under $50, depending on your tastes.
Season 52
Season 52 is an American restaurant chain that serves contemporary American cuisine. The restaurant serves fresh, locally-sourced dishes. They have a variety of meals for every diet, so your vegetarian relatives won’t feel left out at dinner.
With a budget of $50, you can experience organic, seasonal ingredients. This place is a favorite among savvy dining enthusiasts looking for healthy and flavorful meals.
Some of the most popular dishes at Seasons 52 include the Maui Tai Crunch Salad. It’s a delicious salad with fresh greens, mango, red peppers, and toasted dressing.
Customers can choose from over 10 entrées that are sure to satisfy them. The Wood-Grilled Boneless Rainbow Trout, for example, is cooked flawlessly every time with a flavorful sauce made of dill mustard.
If you’re looking for a sweet treat after dinner, try the Belgian Chocolate S’mores Mini. It’s made with layers of chocolate mousse and topped with a graham cracker and marshmallow.
Play Mini Golf at Hollywood Drive-In
Mini golf is a universal joyride that brings people of all ages and abilities together. It’s like a magnet for human connection, drawing your whole travel group into the fun. On the field, witty banter flows like a gentle river, laughter echoes through the air, and good-natured rivalries ignite.
But with all the mini golf options in Orlando sprouting like weeds, it’s hard to decide which course is best. Even so, Hollywood Drive-In Golf is a must-play.
Their golf courses are like stepping onto a movie set, where you’ll be immersed in all the drama of a retro drive-in theater. For course options, take your pick between the mind-blowing sci-fi adventure or the spine-tingling horror flick realm. Each playing area is inspired by the eccentric minds of Hollywood’s creative geniuses.
The fun doesn’t end until the clock strikes twelve in the morning. On Saturdays and Sundays, you have an extra hour to play, so you can spend all night enjoying the game.
Browse the Artifact Exhibit on International Drive
This exhibit features genuine items from the Titanic wreck in 1912. These cool relics give you a deep connection to the tragic event, letting you get immersed in the history and stories of the doomed ship. Seeing items like jewelry, suitcases, and love letters that belonged to the passengers really hits youthe in the heart.
Mock cabins, fancy staircases, and ship decor take you back in time so you can picture what life was like on the ship. The level of attention to every little detail in the exhibit’s design adds to the whole experience and makes it way more interesting.
The museum always incorporates new exhibits into its permanent collection so visitors can always see something different. One of the most recent additions was a genuine leather suitcase received from the wreckage. Newly found silverware was also added to the dining room displays.
If you want an opportunity to step back in time and gain a deeper understanding of one of history’s most legendary and tragic events, don’t miss this spot.
Explore the Best Things to Do in Downtown Orlando
If you’re looking for exciting things to do in downtown Orlando, we hope our list has given you some inspiration. This city has so much to offer, and we think it’s worth spending a little time exploring. If nothing else, make sure that at least one stop on your itinerary is Ripley’s Believe It or Not!
For those who are planning a trip soon, we have more travel advice in our tips and guides section. You can learn how to get around a new city, where to stay, what attractions are worth visiting, and more.
