Welcome to our tour of the top things to do in downtown Orlando.
Downtown Orlando is the historic core and central business district of Orlando, Florida. It is bordered by Marks Street in the north, Mills Avenue in the east, Orange Blossom Trail in the west, and Kaley Avenue in the south.
Central Business District
The Central Business District, or Downtown, is also home to City Hall, modern office towers, and 19th-century buildings. The ultra-modern Dr. Phillips Center presents musicals and opera, while the nearby Amway Center features big-name concerts and Orlando Magic basketball and Solar Bears hockey games. Excellent eateries and pubs are set around the area, with a few in Church Street Station (former train depot). Lake Eola Fountain performs a famous light show.
Church Street District
Church Street is considered as the original downtown nightlife for all of Orlando when it was initially called Church Street Station. Today, its named Church Street Market place (a brick-walled market place with a variety of local & chain dining options, shops, and a movie theatre). There you’ll find fantastic bars and fabulous restaurants such as Graffiti Junction and coffee shops very popular with the young crowd on Friday and Saturday nights.
Orange Avenue
Once you’ve done touring Church Street Market, you might want to hurry on over and take a drive down Orange Avenue. Orange Avenue is considered the center of Orlando’s nightlife scene. This downtown area is a long road lined with dance clubs, piano lounges, music venues, and dozens of bars. Honestly, there is something to do for everyone here. Whether you want fine dining, a raucous evening of partying, loud and lively music, or merely a quiet place to visit and unwind with a drink. Not much on the shopping side but very popular, especially in the evening and during lunchtime hours.
Orlando Public Library (downtown Orlando)
The Orlando Public Library is the headquarters and resource center for the Orange County Library System. The 290,000 square foot Downtown Orlando facility is one of the most significant public library buildings in the State of Florida. The ‘Brutal’ concrete architecture is breath-taking, go inside it’s free!
Orange County Regional History Center
We believe the Orange County Regional History Center is an amazing private, non-profit history museum, in downtown Orlando. Located inside the historic Orange County Courthouse, the five-story museum consists of exhibits presenting local and regional history beginning from 12,000 years ago. We strongly recommend booking The Orange County Regional History Center tours in advance to secure your spot.
Orlando City Hall
The City Hall is highlighted by a 120-foot copper dome and granite sides, Orlando’s City Hall is an iconic piece of the downtown Orlando skyline. Hundreds of people walk through the doors of Orlando City Hall Daily – everyone from City staff and elected officials who serve the public, to residents obtaining services from City departments, to visitors who want to view the rotating collection of public art. City Hall was built in 1991, the nine-story, 200,000 square-foot building is home to Orlando’s City government.
Lake Eola Park
Lake Eola Park is open for the public and located in the Downtown Orlando area. Lake Eola is the main feature of the park. Also found in Lake Eola Park is the Walt Disney Amphitheater, which entertains many community events and various productions year-round. On the east side of the park, you find a Chinese pagoda and a playground for public use.
As iconic as the fountain itself, you will find the swan-shaped paddle boats. If you haven’t embarked one of these big white swan boats, make your reservations and head to the small dock beside Relax Grill. A perfect way to paddle your troubles away in downtown Orlando.
Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts
Known as a state-of-the-art performing arts center in Downtown Orlando. It replaced the Bob Carr Theater, which originally opened as the Orlando Municipal Auditorium back in 1927. The Dr. Phillips Center’s grand opening was held on November 6, 2014. Do yourself a favor and view your favorite play or musical artist here, you won’t be disappointed.
Click here to learn about the Avalon Park area in East Orlando.