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What to do in Orlando

So, you’re probably in Orlando for the theme parks – and why wouldn't you be? They are among some of the biggest and best in the world. But there’s more to an Orlando holiday than its star attractions.

The Wheel at ICON Park

Perfect for getting your bearings on arrival, the Wheel at ICON Park – previously known as the Orlando Eye – is a 122m (400ft) observation wheel on International Drive.

Each capsule carries up to 15 people for a 23-minute ride. Book your tickets ahead and arrive 15 minutes before your allotted time – it’s also possible to book your own private capsule for a special occasion. The views are superb, with the Atlantic coast visible on a clear day.

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter

Split across Universal’s Islands of Adventure and Universal Studios Florida – connected by the Hogwarts Express – the Wizarding World of Harry Potter will have any fan waving their wand with delight.

Hogwarts, Hogsmeade and Diagon Alley have been expertly recreated, and rides include Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure and the family-friendly Flight of the Hippogriff. One of the top attractions is Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts, a 3D simulation ride. Finish with fish and chips, a Cornish pasty or Butterbeer at the Three Broomsticks tavern.

Fireworks at Walt Disney World

At Disney, every day ends with a bang! At the Magic Kingdom, the centrepiece of an 18-minute fireworks show is Cinderella's Castle. Recreating the company’s famous film credits, expect bright and colourful explosions, art projections, lasers and a soundtrack of Disney classics.

At Epcot, there are lasers and even ‘choreographed kites’. And at Disney's Hollywood Studios, you can watch fireworks set to the music of Star Wars.

Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art

If you’re maxed out on theme parks, try a change of pace at the Morse Museum. This museum is a collection of art and design by Louis Comfort Tiffany, the son of Charles Lewis Tiffany, founder of Tiffany & Co.

There’s a whole range of pieces, from leaded-glass windows to paintings, mosaics, lamps, furniture and jewellery, plus the restored chapel interior Tiffany designed in the late 1800s.

Orlando Science Center

If you’re looking for something educational to even out the theme park adventures, take the kids to Orlando Science Center. At the core of the museum is a tree that grows through the atrium.

There are changing exhibits on topics such as the human body, the solar system and dinosaurs, mostly aimed at children. There are also regular ‘Science Live’ events, experiments in Dr. Dare’s Lab and films at the CineDome Theatre.

Where to stay in Orlando

For families

If you’re travelling as a family, there’s a big chance that you’ll be here for the resorts. South West Orlando is home to Universal Studios, Walt Disney World, Gator Golf Adventure Park, Madame Tussauds and loads of other major attractions and theme parks.

Families may also consider downtown Orlando, which is close to lots of restaurants and shops – and just 20 minutes from the theme parks. Celebration is south of Orlando and was designed by Disney to mirror a classic American neighbourhood. It’s a bit quieter, which will suit many families, and is home to plenty of shops, cafés, restaurants and parks.

For travellers on a budget

The unusually named Doctor Phillips neighbourhood is just outside the city centre, but within easy reach of the top tourist attractions of Orlando, including the theme parks. This area has a lot of cheap holiday options, which makes it very popular.

Further out, Kissimmee is a small city just south of Orlando on the north shore of Lake Tohopekaliga. It’s a cheaper option for the peak summer season when Orlando hotels are fully booked or very expensive, and it’s still just a short drive from the major theme parks (Walt Disney World is only half an hour away).

For food and drink

Downtown Orlando is the best place to stay if you’re into your food and drink. There are all kinds of foodie scenes, from fine dining to food trucks. Work your way through proper Japanese ramen, authentic Italian, European ‘gastropub’ fare, classic American and Floridian dishes, Cuban, Vietnamese and lots more.

Thornton Park is another option. This is a hip neighbourhood with loads of cool restaurants, including sushi and Mexican joints, alongside cocktail and beer bars. Take advantage of it being fairly walkable and stroll around to see where the vibe is good.

For nightlife

The heart of Orlando’s nightlife is in the downtown area, with plenty of nightclubs and bars to choose from, regardless of your tastes; there are speakeasies, cocktail bars, Irish pubs and clubs where you can dance the night away.

Ivanhoe Village is a newer area to the nightlife scene, less obvious than Downtown, with its own speakeasies, breweries, rooftops bars and LGBTQ clubs. Around the theme parks, there are burlesque and multi-level EDM clubs – unsurprisingly, given the location, these are among the priciest nightlife hangouts in Orlando.

For culture

There are more cultural attractions in Orlando than you might think. Staying downtown, you’ll be close to most of them, including the Mennello Museum of American Art, the Mad Cow Theatre and the Harry P. Leu Gardens with its historic home.

The Orlando Museum for Art is also downtown, with its collections of permanent and temporary exhibitions. If you’re around for the first Thursday of the month (‘1st Thursdays’), make sure you head to the museum between 6pm and 9pm to admire the work of local artists and enjoy some live music, drinks and food.