Orlando
The theme parks are only part of it: lakes, Vietnamese food and a real downtown
Browse Orlando
Orlando is the most visited city in the United States, and almost all of that traffic goes to the theme parks south-west of town. The city itself is quieter and stranger: a chain of lakes running through the centre, the Vietnamese businesses of Mills 50 that have been there since the late 1970s, the oak-shaded streets of Winter Park, and Kennedy Space Center an hour east on the coast. Our local picks are for the days between park days – filter by category and budget below.
Orlando at a glance
- Ideal stay: 4 to 7 days
- Best time to visit: October to April
- Highlights: the theme parks, Kennedy Space Center and Winter Park
- Where to stay: International Drive and Lake Buena Vista for the parks; downtown and Thornton Park for restaurants and walkability; Winter Park for lakes, shops and quiet
- Local picks: 32 hand-chosen places across eight categories
- Getting around: Orlando International is 16 km from downtown; Brightline runs to Miami and SunRail links Winter Park to the centre
Where to stay in Orlando
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Before you go
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How many days do you need in Orlando?
Four to seven if the theme parks are the point, since each takes a full day. Two to three covers downtown, Mills 50, Winter Park and a day at Kennedy Space Center.
Where is the best area to stay in Orlando?
International Drive and Lake Buena Vista for the parks; downtown and Thornton Park for restaurants and walkability; Winter Park for lakes, shops and quiet.
Is Orlando worth visiting without the theme parks?
Yes. Mills 50, the Audubon Park Garden District, Winter Park's museums and gardens, and the springs and coast within an hour all stand on their own.
What is the best time of year to visit Orlando?
October to April. Summer is hot, humid and prone to daily afternoon thunderstorms, and hurricane season runs from June to November.