Visitors know it as the theme park epicenter of the world, but locals know that Orlando is home to much more than Disney and Universal. The City Beautiful has a compact downtown perfect for bar hopping. MLS games and Lake Eola’s resident swans deserve your daylight hours, while concerts and basketball offer you exciting nights at Amway Center. One of the best things to do in Orlando that’s decidedly non-touristy is explore the many neighborhoods brimming with boutiques, breweries, and restaurants, which recently received mentions in the Michelin Guide.
Autumn is ideal for a visit, as slightly cooler temperatures make outdoor activities much more enjoyable. Seasonal things to do in Orlando like Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Studios and Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party are worth braving the crowds. Spring is also a fine time to explore the city. Temperatures aren’t too high, and there are fewer crowds than during the summer. The Florida Film Festival in Maitland and the Orlando International Fringe Theatre Festival offer weeks of entertainment throughout the city’s hip and creative neighborhoods.
Downtown Orlando is compact, allowing you to walk from the Sunday farmers market at Lake Eola to an event at Amway Center within minutes. Lime bike rentals are available, and a free Lymmo bus has three routes around the city operating daily. The good news is that SunRail runs from DeBary to Kissimmee with one station downtown; the bad news is that schedules are limited, so rely on rideshares or private cars for exploring the wider area.
East End Market in Audubon Park requires a visit—and an appetite. Though it may be a small collection of local food stalls, it offers a mighty mix of local grub like half-pound cookies at Gideon’s Bakehouse, white cold brews at Lineage Coffee, and amazing wings at Domu. If your tastebuds need more, you’re only a few steps away from craft beer at Redlight Redlight, decadent scoops at Kelly’s Homemade Ice Cream, and amazing sushi at Kadence.
