Orlando holidays

When thrillseekers plan a holiday to Orlando, it’s usually with the magical theme park in mind. But those who venture off the resort path will find a diverse city with outdoor adventures including kayaking with alligators – yep, really – dining at Michelin-starred restaurants and boutique shopping on cobbled streets. There’s magic in every corner here.

Orlando holiday highlights

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Theme park capital

With more theme parks than almost anywhere else, Orlando is dubbed the Theme Park Capital of the World. Rightly so. Thrill-seekers book flights and hotels to Orlando to visit Walt Disney World® Magic Kingdom®, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™, and Universal Studios Florida. Buy Lightning Lane entry online to skip the line for Walt Disney rides like the classic Indiana Jones Adventure.

Close animal encounters

Move over Mickey and Minnie. While the famous Florida alligators are arguably best seen when powering across the Everglades on an airboat, you can get even closer on a  kayak trip around their Wewika Springs habitat. Don’t worry; it’s safe. For something tamer, visit the Back to Nature Wildlife Refuge to learn about its lemur, hawk and tortoise rehabilitation programmes.

Michelin-starred dining

Orlando’s prime location, and its year-round sunshine, has tempted some of America’s finest chefs to the city in recent years. It shows too, with dozens of entries in the Michelin Guide – four have a coveted star. There’s plenty to choose from on your holiday to Orlando, but do book ahead at Michelin-starred Japanese restaurant Soseki, as there are just 10 seats, or enjoy delectable Spanish meats and tapas at Capa.

Orlando: Know before you go

Language

English

Currency

United States dollar ($)

Time zone

UTC-5 (EST) and UTC-4 (EDT)

High season

March, June – July

Low season

September – October

Find the best time to go to Orlando

Weather in Orlando

March – May: Temperatures peak in the high 20s°C during Orlando’s spring, a perfect time for strolling the theme parks. Look out for spring break crowds in March and April.

June – August: Summers are hot and humid in central Florida. Get outdoors early, then find refuge in the city’s air-conditioned attractions. June is the start of hurricane season, so keep an eye on weather advisories and expect rain.

September – November: Temperatures cool down by late autumn. Keep track of weather alerts, as November marks the end of hurricane season.

December – February: Orlando’s winters are mild with balmy daytime weather. Pack a light jacket for crisp evening air.

Events in Orlando

Florida Film Festival (April): See dozens of independent and international films at this Oscar-accredited festival. Spread over ten days, the schedule includes galas and live events, like a look back at the cult classic ‘But I’m a Cheerleader’ starring Natasha Lyonne.

Gay Days (June): Poolside parties, theme park takeovers and DJ sets are just some of what’s on tap at this popular LGBTQ+ event. You’ll also find concerts, pageants, karaoke, drag bingo and more.

Electric Daisy Carnival (November): Costumed crowds converge at this multi-day celebration of electronic dance music. Highlights include carnival rides, large-scale art installations and roaming circus performers.

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The best neighbourhoods in Orlando

Winter Park

Winter Park

This tranquil neighbourhood just north of Downtown is where to stay in Orlando for green spaces where rare birds and other wildlife thrive. Then there’s the gorgeous cobbled streets of Park Avenue, where you’ll find independent boutiques, cafe culture and a buzzing arts scene.

Good for: Parks, gardens, art museums

Lake Nona

Lake Nona

Lake Nona is the furthest away from Orlando’s theme parks but is worth the effort. Here, tech companies and new money have created an active community with leisure trails, art installations and weekly events, including farmers markets. After a busy day walking through theme parks, jump on the free shuttle to get around Lake Nona.

Good for: Art, farmers market, walking trails

Lake Eola Heights

Lake Eola Heights

The hundreds of historic buildings of Lake Eola Heights make it one of the best neighbourhoods in Orlando for history buffs. Here, you’ll see architectural styles spanning colonial revival to art deco. The district is perhaps best known for Lake Eola Park, where there’s a fleet of rentable swan pedal boats. Events are also held at the Walt Disney Amphitheater here.

Good for: History, park, boating

Things to do in Orlando

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Family friendly things to do

One of the best things to do with the family in Orlando is exploring its iconic theme parks, but there’s plenty outside of those too. For starters there’s Gatorland, a (you guessed it) alligator-themed experience including a zipline over their swamp. There’s also ICON Park, home to a mammoth Ferris wheel and interactive museums, and there’s plenty of aquatic fun to be had at Nona Adventure Park.

Shopping

Everywhere you look, there are places to go shopping in Orlando, from mini-malls and mega-malls to premium outlets and fashion boutiques. Swing by the Discover Downtown Visitor Center to see what’s on the menu, including a number of LGBTQ-owned businesses. The tree-lined boulevards of Winter Park are best if you want to browse more indie offerings.

Take in the culture

Arts and culture span from thought-provoking museums in Orlando to live music and theatre at its many venues. Try the famous Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts to catch theatre performances before (and after) they hit Broadway, or simply check theme park schedules; EPCOT® at Walt Disney World® Resort often hosts concerts.

Nightlife

From dance nightclubs to comedy shows and jazz bars to country music venues, the nightlife in Orlando is a broad beast. Start at Wall Street Plaza, a complex with several venues hosting block parties, dance clubs and carnival-themed events. Or opt for one of the city’s many cocktail lounges – we recommend Jewel for its live piano entertainment.

Places to eat

There’s more to the food scene here than burger franchises and theme park pizza. The many restaurants in Orlando represent the city’s deep multiculturalism, with everything from fine-dining French to modern takes on southern classics. For the best bites, stay close to downtown, where you’ll find ramen hot spots, rooftop tapas and a traditional Oaxacan mezcaleria.

Beaches

Don’t be fooled by its landlocked location, as there are plenty of beaches near Orlando worth travelling for. An hour away on Florida’s Atlantic coast you’ll find Daytona Beach, a city known for its motorsports and nightlife. A two-hour drive southwest will bring you to Clearwater on the Gulf coast, known for its relaxed vibe, lapping waves and powder white sands.

Plan your holiday to Orlando

Budget

With a little planning, you can have a cheap holiday in Orlando. Start by looking for shoulder season deals and avoiding the summer peaks when schools are out. An inexpensive meal will cost you about 20 US dollars ($). A domestic beer costs about $6, and a cappuccino is under $5.

Day trips from Orlando

Just an hour from Orlando, Cocoa Beach is the perfect detour. Spend a day relaxing on the sand, swimming in the bright blue water and strolling the pier. For something more out of this world, it’s less than an hour’s drive tot he famous Kennedy Space Center. Here, you can see a shuttle that orbited the Earth and even watch a rocket launch.

Getting around Orlando

We recommended hiring a car in Orlando. The streets are wide and easy to navigate, and most attractions have sufficient parking. If you’re looking to save on expenses, check out the commuter rail, which travels between the city’s neighbourhoods during the week. Downtown Orlando also has miles of bike paths.

FAQs about Orlando holidays

English is what you'll hear the most while you're here. Master some local words and phrases during your city break in Orlando and you'll blend right in.
January brings the coolest weather. Take your Orlando holiday then and you can expect lows of 7ºC (45ºF).
If you are hoping to make it a cheap holiday to Orlando, it’s important to budget correctly. There are many deals to be found if you buy a package and travel in the off-peak season like October - December. How much you spend will also depend on how many theme parks you visit and which area you stay in.
You will be pleased to find that it is safe to visit Orlando – all of its neighbourhoods, theme parks and resorts are busy. Even those pesky Everglade alligators will be pleased to see you.
With around 23 cm of rainfall, August is the wettest month. If you're taking your Orlando holiday then, you might want to plan for some indoor activities. Grab a bite at one of the city's best restaurants, chill at a cosy cafe, or treat yourself to some retail therapy.
From Universal Orlando Resort to Universal's Islands of Adventure, this city knows how to keep things interesting. Start the countdown to your next big adventure by making a list of the top things to do in Orlando.
You'll be using the United States dollar (USD) while on your trip to Orlando. As well as your debit and credit cards, consider bringing some cash for things like small purchases and public transport.
The warmest month in Orlando is July, when temperatures hit a maximum of 34ºC (93ºF).
If you're coming from far away, consider booking a week or more. This will give you the chance to mix sightseeing with some leisure time. For a short trip to Orlando from someplace nearby, three to five days will be enough to see the key sights.
Orlando offers year-round sun so there is rarely a bad time to visit. When booking your flights and hotels to Orlando, consider that the peak summer months of July through August are the hottest, busiest and most expensive.

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