Downtown Orlando is the historic core and central business district of Orlando, Florida. It also has a lot of fun spots for shopping, dining, and nightclubbing.
In addition to helping you buy, sell or manage your rental property throughout Central Florida, we also make excellent local tour guides of all the communities we serve.
Visiting Downtown Orlando? Visit These 5 Destinations
In this article, we’ll explore all the fun things to do in Orlando’s downtown area, so you can make the most of your new neighborhood!
Church Street
If this is your first time visiting Orlando, Church Street is a must-see destination. Home to some of the best, most mouth-watering restaurants in the area, this hot spot plays host to an exciting nightlife, as well.
Make sure to include the legendary Railroad Depot as part of your itinerary. We promise; it will amaze you. The railroad, which has been around since 1889, is a reminder of the great history of this city. It also features the quaint Sunrail commuter project, which links Church Street to other downtown Orlando areas for shopping complexes, clubs, and of course, the Amway Center sports arena.
Visit Chillers for craft beers and comfort food, or drop by One80 Grey Goose Lounge for a classy rooftop bar party. Don’t forget to try the Native Social Bar if you want excellent live music and a relaxed vibe.
Amway Center
One of downtown Orlando’s most prominent attractions, Amway Center is the city’s major sports and live entertainment venue. After an exciting Orlando Magic basketball game or Orlando Solar Bears hockey game, nothing beats treating yourself to tasty food and drinks. Luckily there are tons of options.
Amway Center Orlando offers a wide range of cafes, restaurants, and bars—perfect for a post or pre-match refreshment. If you’re going to eat before watching a game, try Jernigan’s restaurant where you will find delicious pre-game meals and fantastic views of the court.
Orlando Science Center
If you’re bringing the kids, the Orlando Science Center is a perfect place to visit because it inspires exploration and curiosity. The exhibits vary and the topics covered in the presentations, shows, and interactions are comprehensive and really interesting.
Your budding paleontologists will have fun exploring the DinoDigs section. They’ll observe the fossilized dinosaurs and they’ll inspect the creature’s habitats, where they can imagine how they roamed the planet.
You should experience the Crosby Observatory on the 6th floor because it has the most prominent public refractor telescope in Florida. There’s also a sun-watching activity every first Saturday of the month from 3-5pm. You’ll also enjoy presentations, movies, and 3D experiences in 3 different onsite theaters. Screenings vary from shows about humpback whales to space travel.
Lake Eola Park
The panoramic vistas of skyscrapers will take your breath away. The fountain in the lake resembles a flying saucer. It squirts water jets during day time and is illuminated by colorful lighting at night.
Paddle a swan boat across the pond for a fun, unique experience. Find time to visit Lake Eola Park on a Sunday because there’s a fantastic market, as well as open-air concerts and festivals. Also, consider renting the Eola House for special events or conferences.
The Abbey
Looking for a little comedy and live performances to keep you entertained and amazed? Downtown Orlando is home to many exciting theaters and art venues. One of our favorites is The Abbey. Located on the ground floor of the Sanctuary high rise, this venue offers a cozy spot with a fireplace and crafty cocktail, plus all the live entertainment you can handle, including concerts, stand up, and cabaret sets.
This is also a great venue for private events and weddings.
Ready to Explore Downtown Orlando?
There’s so much to explore when you venture downtown. Get ready to be fascinated and inspired by our area’s rich history and exciting attractions. You’ll quickly realize there are many things to do in Orlando’s downtown area. The tricky part is trying to figure out which place to try first!
Central Florida welcomes you. Now, get out there and have some fun!
