Top 15 Things To Do In Downtown Orlando, Florida, USA

things to do in orlando downtown
Shino
Shino 
Updated
| 4 min read

Downtown Orlando is jam-packed with things to do. It’s more than just its meaningful history and vibrant culture but Downtown Orlando is also a lot about the food, the nightlife, and also its breathtaking theaters. Simply by strolling along the streets will open your eyes to various delicacies that can only be found here. Stop by Orlando’s natural playground, Lake Eola Park, or get amused by the gush of inspiration in Orlando Science Center. The list of things to do in Downtown Orlando is neverending, but we have compiled a list that can help you kick-start your itinerary. Read on to find out more about all the exciting things to do here.

1. Visit the Kennedy Space Center (from USD 208.0)

Enjoy a unique space experience here at the Kennedy Space Center, where you will get the chance to witness the history of American space exploration through interesting simulations and IMAX screenings alongside an experienced guide. The visit to the Kennedy Space Center will open your eyes to the many wonders behind space exploration. Lunch will also be provided for you. This is definitely a day trip we would love to recommend for families with children.

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Kennedy Space Center Tour, Chat with a Astronaut from Orlando

Duration: 10 hours

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2. Catch a sports match or music show at Amway Center

Amway Center-4
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Visitor7 used under CC BY-SA 3.0

Amway Center is the best place for you to catch a sports match or a music show when you are in Downtown Florida. Amway Center is also a meaningful spot for you to stop by due to it being the home to NBA’s Orlando Magic and ECHL’s Orlando Solar Bears. It also graces the pride of being the most technologically superior arena in North America. So if you are interested in witnessing the greatness of the arena by yourself, don’t forget to add this to your itinerary.

Amway Center

Address: 400 W Church St #200, Orlando, FL 32801, USA

Website: Amway Center

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3. Dine at the East End Market

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

We feel for the rest of the country going through some real cold weather, power outages & closures this week. Sounds...

Posted by East End Market on Tuesday, February 16, 2021

East End Market is the place in Downtown Florida where you can indulge in good food in a neighborhood market inspired by Central Florida’s local farmers and food artisans. The market also takes into consideration creativity as a way to cultivate the growth of a better food system and hence, you will be able to find a lot of healthy yet affordable food here in East End Market. Keep your stomach empty when you visit because there’s just too much food you will want to try out here.

East End Market

Address: 3201 Corrine Dr. Orlando, FL 32803

Website: East End Market

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4. Stroll in Thornton Park

Orlando- Thornton Park/South Eola
Source: Photo by Flickr user Joseph Wingenfeld used under CC BY 2.0

Enwrap yourself in a cosmopolitan environment while you stroll down the paths in Thornton Park, where you will find a variety of interests lining up along the street. High-end fashion boutiques, luxurious condominiums, mouthwatering food; you name it. It is a place where you can completely enjoy the high-end feel of Downtown Florida due to its growing interest for the upper-end society to reside in. You will also find a diverse neighborhood in Thornton Park, giving you a homey feeling right from the moment you set foot on the place.

Thornton Park

Address: Orlando, FL 32801, USA

Website: Thornton Park

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5. Explore the Farmer's Market


The Farmer’s Market in Downtown Florida allows you to bring home fresh, locally produced green goods that you can only find here in Florida. The open-air market gives you a fresh breath of air while you stroll down the streets, experiencing the rich flavors of the local lifestyle, all the while discovering some of the fruits and vegetables that you may never have tried before. If you are looking for a different kind of exploration here in Florida, why not surround yourself with some fresh natural products?

Farmer's Market

Address: 401 South Park Avenue, Winter Park, Florida 32789

Website: Farmer’s Market

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6. Marvel at the art in the Orlando Museum of Art (from USD 15.0)

The Orlando Museum of Art is an ideal place to drop by for those who are interested in witnessing some of the best art pieces in town. Here, you will get to appreciate more than 900 pieces of artwork, inclusive of paintings, sculptures, and photography. There is no time limit to the visit so take your time and admire the artwork at your own pace.

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Skip the Line: Orlando Museum of Art Admission Ticket

Duration: 1 day

7. Enjoy the nightlife in the downtown clubs and bars (from USD 35.0)

Looking for a boost in Downtown Florida? Jump onto this fun bike and pedal your way down International Drive where you will be able to enjoy the various pubs and restaurants throughout the journey. Nightlife in Downtown Florida is always happening and what makes it a better way to enjoy such nightlife than by enjoying the food and drink? This is definitely something we will recommend for friends who would like to have a good time in Downtown Florida when the sun sets!

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Swampbike Pub Crawl Party Fun Bike

Duration: 2 hours

8. Catch a show at Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts

Dr. Phillips Center Pics 03
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Elisfkc used under CC BY-SA 4.0

Enjoy exciting shows in this sizable 330,000-square-foot (30658-square-meter) art complex. Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts highlights dedicated spaces for different shows, including two high-end performance theaters and an outdoor courtyard. The fantastic venue, serving as the hub for Orlando’s distinctive culture and arts, organizes over 300 programs every year, including educational classes, concerts, Broadway, ballet, comedy, and more. Check out their official website for updates on upcoming activities. Pre-show specials such as live piano and beverages are also offered.

Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts

Address: 445 S Magnolia Ave, Orlando, FL 32801, United States

Website: Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts

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9. Watch the latest movies at CMX Cinemas Plaza Café 12 (Formerly Cobb Theatres)

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Still thinking of ways to spend New Years Eve? ? How about CMX and Chill? Close out the year watching any of our...

Posted by CMX Cinemas on Wednesday, December 30, 2020

CMX Cinemas Plaza Café 12 offers an unparalleled viewing experience to enjoy alone or with family. The state-of-the-art theater is situated in the downtown Plaza Building. Comfort and quality are the main priorities of this establishment, boasting upscale reclining seats in each of its 12 viewing rooms, often uncrowded. Plus, all your dining needs are catered to with the location’s two café wine bars, serving drinks, candy, and popcorn, and a full kitchen, offering tacos, burgers, and more. The parking area is a secured garage.

CMX Cinemas Plaza Café 12 (Formerly Cobb Theatres)

Address: 155 S Orange Ave, Orlando, FL 32801, United States

Website: CMX Cinemas Plaza Café 12

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10. Travel back in time at the Orange County Regional History Center

Regional History Center in Orlando
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Miosotis Jade used under CC BY-SA 4.0

From the rustic 1927 courthouse housing this complex to its displays, spanning 12,000 years of the area’s heritage, an unforgettable historic tour awaits you. Orange County Regional History Center focuses on Central Florida’s initial settlers’ history down to the location’s present state — a favorite tourist destination. Some of the exhibitions you’ll find here include a replica of Seminole Indian village, a recreated 50s motel’s tent, and a pioneer Cracker-style cottage. Traveling exhibitions are also held biannually, and the center regularly organizes programs to engage adults, children, and families.

Orange County Regional History Center

Address: 65 E Central Blvd, Orlando, FL 32801, United States

Website: Orange County Regional History Center

Opening hours: 10am - 5pm (daily)

Price: 7 - 8 USD

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11. Savor special cocktails in the quirky Hanson’s Shoe Repair

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Our hours are extending! Join us every Friday from 5 pm to 8 pm for Golden Hour our interpretation of your end of the...

Posted by Hanson's Shoe Repair on Friday, January 26, 2018

After a hard day exploring the bustling downtown, Hanson’s Shoe Repair on Pine Street is a perfect place to spend your evenings. The boutique bar dates back to the late 19th century when it was established as a cobbler’s shop. It’s arguably the longest-standing structure in downtown, and today, a curiosity in the city’s bar scene. Unlike other bars in the city, entry is a little different. You’ll place a call, and a password will be texted back to you if there is a vacant place in the 30-seat Victorian-themed space. Hanson’s Shoe Repair serves Prohibition-era-inspired cocktails. The bartenders know their stuff and will be glad to tell you the history of the variety you’re sipping.

Hanson’s Shoe Repair

Address: 27 E Pine St, Orlando, FL 32801, United States

Website: Hanson’s Shoe Repair

Opening hours: Sat - Thu: 8am - 2am; Fri: 5am - 2am

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12. Check out the relics at Wells'Built Museum of African American History & Culture

Orlando Wellsbuilt Hotel
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Ebyabe used under CC BY 2.5

During the segregation era, famous black performers, such as Duke Ellington and Billie Holiday, couldn’t reside in upscale hotels or eat in high-end diners. Seeing the need, Dr. William Monroe Wells established this two-story hotel on downtown’s western part, specifically for the black artists. With the South Street Casino near the accommodation, they could finally enjoy their stay in Orlando. However, around 1970, the building had to shut down due to urban renewal projects. It later opened in 2001 with the upstairs hosting an office and the downstairs, a sizable exhibition space. Within, you’ll find souvenirs, artifacts, books, artworks, and photographs commemorating African-American history.

Wells'Built Museum of African American History & Culture

Address: 511 W South St, Orlando, FL 32805, United States

Website: Wells'Built Museum of African American History & Culture

Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 9am - 5pm (closed on Sat & Sun)

Price: Free - 5 USD

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13. Wander around Church Street

Church Street Station-08
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Miosotis Jade used under CC BY-SA 4.0

Church Street Orlando is located in the center of Downtown Orlando. Here, you will find a mix of dining spots, a sports arena, nightlife spots, as well as the prominent Amway Center, all in one location. Take the time to wander down the street, check out the small items and local delicacies along the way, and you might even get to witness one of the live performances on the street if you are lucky. Regardless of whether you are here for a meal or if you are here in search for an entertaining activity, Church Street has everything for everyone.

Church Street

Address: 99 West South St, Orlando, FL 32801, USA

Website: Church Street

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14. Visit Lake Eola Park

Lake Eola Park in Orlando
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Miosotis Jade used under CC BY-SA 4.0

Lake Eola Park is an ideal spot for guests who are looking for a place to enjoy the natural setting of Downtown Florida. Here, you will find peace alongside your own privacy as you drop by various landmarks such as a weekly farmers’ market or the playground, making it a perfect activity to enjoy for families with children. Don’t forget to also enjoy a meal in the Relax Grill, Lake Eola Park’s very own restaurant while you are here!

Lake Eola Park

Address: 512 E Washington St, Orlando, FL 32801, USA

Website: Lake Eola Park

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15. Enjoy a comedy show at SAK Comedy Lab


If you intend to take a break from the vibrancy of Downtown Florida’s streets, come over to SAK Comedy Lab and get prepared to laugh your lungs out by watching shows and performances conducted by professional actors and actresses! The comedy shows are suitable for audiences from all walks of life, regardless of whether you are bringing along your children, or if you intend to enjoy an activity with your old folks. On top of that, you can also grab a beer or wine from the lobby to further enhance your watching experience.

SAK Comedy Lab

Address: 29 S Orange Ave, Orlando, FL 32801, USA

Website: SAK Comedy Lab

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Lots to do in Downtown Florida

As you can see, there are many things that you can do in Downtown Florida but we deem it important to have a range of variations when it comes to exploring the vibrant town. Regardless of whether you are in Downtown Florida for a relaxing trip or a thrilling one, the city will not disappoint.

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Any must-sees we missed? Tell us about them in the comments section or write a post here to help out fellow travelers!
Disclosure: Trip101 selects the listings in our articles independently. Some of the listings in this article contain affiliate links.

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Shino holds profound interest in social media and storytelling. She has been an avid fiction and non-fiction writer for the past decade and possesses profound interest towards the Japanese culture,...Read more

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