Downtown, FL

Downtown Orlando is the city’s business and cultural center, built around Lake Eola Park. Come here for live performances, pro sports, history museums and a walkable lakefront that feels a world away from the theme parks.

Things to do in Downtown Orlando

Start at Lake Eola Park, where the Linton E. Allen Memorial Fountain lights up nightly and swan boats are available to rent. A 0.85-mile path loops the lake, and the Walt Disney Amphitheater hosts concerts and events. The park also stages a big Independence Day fireworks show. Across Orange Avenue from City Hall, the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts presents touring Broadway shows, concerts and dance. The Orange County Regional History Center, in the former county courthouse on Central Boulevard, covers the region’s story from early settlement to the theme park era.

On the west side, the Parramore neighborhood, historically the center of Orlando’s Black community, is home to the Kia Center (Orlando Magic) and Inter&Co Stadium (Orlando City and Orlando Pride). Thornton Park, a block east of Lake Eola, has historic homes and brick streets.

Getting around Downtown Orlando

Downtown is compact enough to walk. LYMMO, a free bus service, runs several downtown loops, and SunRail commuter trains stop downtown, mainly on weekdays. Garages are the easiest parking on event nights. Orlando International Airport is about 20 minutes away by car. For more of the city, see the Orlando guide.