Orlando Travel Guide:Top Things to Do in Orlando

Located in Central Florida, Orlando is the county seat of Orange County. As the third-largest metropolitan area in the state, over 2 million people live in Metro Orlando. The most prominent districts and neighborhoods include Central Business District, City District (downtown’s entertainment district), South West Orlando (home to world-class theme parks), and Lake Eola Heights (one of the oldest and architecturally diverse areas).

Originally settled by aboriginal natives, Orlando as a settlement began about 1843 around Fort Gatlin. A regional center for cotton, cattle, and later on the citrus industry, the area’s population and the economy grew after the development of the Cape Canaveral aerospace complex (1950s) and Walt Disney World (1970s). Today, the city’s economy is heavily dependent on tourism, conventions, manufacturing, high-technology, and citrus industries. Known as the theme park capital of the world, Orlando’s first theme park was Cypress Gardens, which was opened in 1936. Then in 1949, Gatorland, a theme park and wildlife preserve welcomed its first visitors.

Orlando is also the home to so many attractions and exciting experiences. Fun for the whole family, visitors can step back in time in Old Town Kissimmee, learn about Florida’s native animals in Exotic Animal Experience, paddleboard your way to the beautiful Wekiva Island, be curious in Orlando Science Center, or watch the knights battle it out at Medieval Times dinner show.

The most common way to reach Orlando is by air via Orlando International Airport (MCO) and Orlando Sanford International Airport (SFB). But it is worth noting that there are several alternative options to reach the city from other US locations. To drive to Orlando from the east coast of the US, take I-95 south; from elsewhere in the country, take I-75 south. Visitors can take the Amtrak train to Orlando from Tampa or Miami in Florida, or board the direct "Silver Star" or "Silver Meteor" train from New York City. And the cheapest option is the Greyhound bus, with a direct bus from Tampa, Miami, or Jacksonville, a connection required from elsewhere in the US.

With its unmissable theme parks and brilliant weather, Orlando is a popular destination year-round. Knowing when’s the best time to go can save you hassle, money and ensure you’ll have a memorable vacation. For pleasant weather and reasonable prices, the best times to head to Orlando are March to May, and September to mid-November. While many people tend to visit in summer, the scorching heat, unbearable humidity, and high prices actually make it the worst time to go.

With more than 450 hotels and resorts in Orlando, how do you choose the right one for you? If you plan to visit one or multiple theme parks, all of them are located southwest of the city center along Interstate 4. It's more convenient to stay nearby to one of the parks as most hotels offer shuttle service to the theme park closest to them and a list of included destinations. Other great neighborhoods include Downtown Orlando (good for first-timers, foodies, and art-lovers), South Eola (suitable for sightseers and off-the-beaten-track travelers).

With all the luxury shopping and hotel options, costs can add up quickly in Orlando. Here are some money-saving tips for first-time visitors who are budget conscious. Look for those shopping discounts as all Orlando malls and outlet centers offer online coupons worth hundreds of dollars in savings. You can also get a Style Savings Book at the Simon Guest Services Booth in The Florida Mall, Orlando International Premium Outlets, and Orlando Vineland Premium Outlets. Take advantage of the no-cost shuttles offered by many Orlando hotels to nearby shopping centers, theme parks, and attractions. Looking for free things to do in Orlando? Both Disney’s Springs and Disney’s Boardwalk have free admission where you can enjoy the open-air dining and shopping with entertainment that includes jugglers and comedians.

For a resort city that welcomes over 60 million tourists each year, Orlando has an extensive transportation system. Getting to the city is easy if you decide to fly in. While there are a number of airports in Central Florida, Orlando International Airport (MCO) and Orlando Sanford International Airport (SFB) are the two main airports used by most tourists. Situated 10 km (6 miles) southeast of downtown, visitors can easily reach central locations in a 15-minute drive. The airport has two terminals, over 40 airlines are in operation to link the city with 135 domestic and international destinations.

To transfer between the MCO and Orlando city center, visitors can pick up a rental car from one of many rental car companies by the airport. It’s worth looking into hotel shuttle options in Orlando as many top resort hotels like Disney (Disney’s Magical Express / DME) and Universal (Universal’s SuperStar Shuttle) offer airport shuttle services. For other private shuttle options, head to the Ground Transportation Level of both A-Side and B-Side of the Terminal. Fares for shuttle van transfer range from $20-50 depending on your destination. Both taxis and RideShare services are available and plentiful in Orlando International Airport, they can be located in the center of the Arrivals Level of both A-Side and B-Side of the Terminal. Taxi fares to various locations in the city center range from $38-75.

The other airport serving Orlando is the Orlando-Sanford International Airport (SFB). Airport transfer options available to visitors include, including shared shuttle vans, buses, taxis and rideshares, and Orlando Sanford Airport shuttle. The Attraction Express shuttle bus travels between SFB and Universal Orlando Resort for $10 (one-way).

With a long list of must-visit destinations to cover, Orlando makes it easy for tourists to traverse around the city by offering several transportation options. For those who prefer to drive, Orlando is a car-friendly city and Interstate 4 (I-4), which runs East and West, is the way to all of the theme parks in the area and Orlando International Airport.

LYNX local bus service has 77 routes, it is one of the cheapest ways to get across town. The ticket costs $2 per ride, remember to prepare the exact fare as no change is given and only small bills are accepted. All-day and 7-day passes are available too. Useful bus routes for tourists include Links 21, 37, and 40 stops at Universal Orlando, take Links 8, 50, 111, and 38 for SeaWorld, Links 38 connects Downtown Orlando and International Dr., and Links 50 goes from Downtown Orlando to SeaWorld and Magic Kingdom. To travel in Downtown Orlando, a free circulator bus called LYMMO make 21 stops between Amway Arena to City Hall.

The easiest way to explore the International Drive Resort Area is to take the I-Ride Trolley’s two routes and 107 stops. The single fare is $2 and the One-Day Pass is available at $5 (Pass not sold on Trolley). The I-Ride Trolley stops at all the major sights on International Drive, so even if you have a car, this is still the most convenient and cost-effective way to travel in this area.

Most of the hotels and resorts in Orlando offer a free shuttle service to a list of destinations around the city. This is especially true if you are staying at a Disney Resort Hotel as you’ll have several transfer options at your doorstep, like buses, boats, and monorails to take you to and from all 6 Disney Parks, and the Disney Springs area.

Located in Central Florida, Orlando has a humid subtropical climate which means distinct wet and dry seasons. While tourists arrive year-round, the best time to explore the city is in Spring, from February to May. During this period, the heat and humidity are moderate, and the rainy season hasn’t fully arrived. The hottest months are July and August with an average high temperature of 33 C (92 F). These are the least comfortable times because of high heat and humidity. The coldest month is January with mildly warm temperatures of 10-22 C (50-73 F). While the Fall temperature is pleasant and there’s less crowd, but hurricane season runs from June to October, so expect lots of rain at least.

Crowds are at their peak in Orlando during school and national holidays, and this is particularly true around the Spring break (March-April), Summer break (June to August), and Winter break (mid-December to early January). As result, visitors should expect higher prices, and it’s advisable to book accommodations months in advance. So, depending on what you’re looking for, the best time for good weather is January to April, the best time for beaches is March to May, the best time for theme parks with fewer crowds is mid-January and mid-May, and the best times for the lowest prices are mid-January to mid-February and mid-September through early December.

With over 68 million tourists flocking to Orlando every year, it is undoubtedly the theme park capital of the world and the number one destination in the United States. Out of all that Orlando has to offer, one of the most popular attractions has been Walt Disney World for so many years. Visitors are treated to not one but four massive parks, Magic Kingdom, Epcot's Spaceship, Hollywood Studios, and Animal Kingdom. Amongst the four parks, Magic Kingdom's Cinderella's Castle standing at the center of the park is the most iconic. Movie fans will be wowed by the stunt and special effect shows in Hollywood Studios park. Want to go on a safari? Visitors will be delighted by African animals running free in a natural habitat. Don’t forget the nightly fireworks and parades in the parks either.

The other megastar in the theme park world is the Universal Theme Parks, which include Universal Studio Florida and Universal's Islands of Adventure. While loved by everyone, Universal Studio Florida’s hands-on experience with the filmmaking industry is particularly popular with teenage kids. Tourists can indulge in their favorite films at Universal’s Islands of Adventure’s seven film franchise-themed parks, such as The Wizarding World of Harry Potter complete with Hogwarts Castle, Hogsmeade, and Hogwarts Express. What can be better for Harry Potter fans than getting a wand as a souvenir of their Orlando trip?

While there are many other family attractions like SeaWorld Orlando, Legoland Florida, Gatorland, and Wonderworks Orlando, adults and kids can combine fun with education at Orlando Science Center. Visitors of all ages can engage in many interactive experiences the center has on offer. Popular exhibits include Pompeii: The Immortal City and the dinosaurs exhibit. For a thrilling day trip, head to John F. Kennedy Space Center. Located in Cape Canaveral, it is about an hour from Orlando.

Besides its world-famous attractions, Orlando is also in the limelight for an array of culinary cuisines and regional favorites. If you are an obsessed fan of seafood, then you must visit this city at least once in your life where you can indulge in some of the freshest and most delicious creations like Stone Crab Claws. Due to strict harvesting regulations, only the regenerable claws are eaten. So, if you are in the area between October and May, savor these sweet meaty claws served chilled with a side of mustard. For other seafood classics, try the Apalachicola oysters, shrimps cooked in various ways, group fish, and conch fritters.

Now, what can be more Orlando than alligators? Locals love their fried gator bites; these high-protein low-fat meaty goodies are a staple on the menu in many Orlando restaurants. While deep-fried is the most popular method, but they are also served stewed, blackened, grilled, and in a chowder.

The most favorite dessert item of the region is Key Lime pie. This creamy pie is a combo blast of nuts and a vibrant flavor of key lime that can be found everywhere in the city, including supermarkets, restaurants, and bakeries.

While Orlando is known for its amazing theme parks and family fun, for all the shopping fans traveling to the city, you can get your fill of retail therapies too. The city is filled with art galleries, unique boutiques, awesome antiques, and luxury shopping malls. In case you’re unsure of what to bring home as souvenirs, here are some visitor favorites: Mouse ears from Walt Disney World, Orlando shot glass, Harry Potter Wand from Universal Studios, chocolates from Orlando confectioners, and Florida oranges.

Orlando is a city of world-class shopping malls and factory outlets, visitors can shop till drop in mega retail venues like The Mall at Millenia, Disney Springs at Walt Disney World Resort, Universal CityWalk at Universal Orlando Resort, The Florida Mall, and Pointe Orlando and ICON Park on International Drive, and many more.

If you prefer to shop local, Winter Park and Orlando Farmers Market are two great options. Winter Park is a quaint historic area with tree-lined streets, historic homes, and over 140 shops, cafes, and museums. Orlando Farmers Market is on the shoreline of Lake Eola, where visitors can slow down, relax, browse through locally made products while enjoying a bite to eat in the beer garden.

Orlando is considered safe for travelers. This is partially due to the fact it is the number one travel destination in the US and the locals take the safety of visitors very seriously. However, while tourist and business areas are very safe and clean, the crime rate is significantly higher in some neighborhoods. Hence, visitors should stay vigilant, be aware of which areas to avoid, then they should have a pleasant and safe stay. For emergencies, dial 911 for police, fire brigade, and ambulance services.

Like elsewhere in the United States, the US Dollar ($ or USD) is the official currency. Tipping is hugely important in the US, the standard tip in the country between 15-20%.