Our most recommended things to do in Orlando

Orlando: I-Ride Trolley Hop-on Hop-off Pass

1. Orlando: I-Ride Trolley Hop-on Hop-off Pass

Purchase a 1, 3, 5, 7, or 14 Day Orlando I-Ride Trolley Pass to enjoy unlimited opportunities to hop-on and off at numerous attractions, restaurants, and shopping venues along the International Drive resort precinct. The trolleys are a charming throwback while providing the modern day comforts of air-conditioning and a smooth ride. Stops are situated up and down the main thoroughfares and trolleys arrive approximately every 20 minutes. The trolleys service both SeaWorld and Aquatica, as well as other attractions including ICON Park, Fun Spot America Orlando, Dezerland, and WonderWorks. Major shopping and dining areas of the International Drive resort area are also covered along the route map as well as the Orange County Convention Center.

Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex: Admission Ticket

2. Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex: Admission Ticket

Enjoy many exhibits, shows, and attractions at Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, including Space Shuttle Atlantis®, Shuttle Launch Experience, Gateway complex, Rocket Garden, and Heroes & Legends featuring the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame presented by Boeing®. Experience the exhibit "Journey to Mars: Explorers Wanted", which includes a live interactive theater presentation about the Red Planet. Enjoy the deep space launch by visiting the Gateway complex to discover the current and upcoming cutting-edge innovations of space exploration from NASA and their commercial partners. Then enter the spaceport of the future and launch aboard one of four unforgettable journeys to distant worlds on an immersive ride. Head to the Apollo/Saturn V Center via a Kennedy Space Center Bus Tour, which features a fully restored, massive Saturn V rocket, one of only 3 in the world. At Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex you'll have the opportunity to explore the world’s largest collection of astronaut memorabilia. Not only will you see tributes to the heroes of the Mercury, Gemini, Apollo, and Space Shuttle Programs, but what is happening now and next at Kennedy Space Center, America’s multi-user spaceport.

Orlando: Universal Studios Park to Park Ticket

3. Orlando: Universal Studios Park to Park Ticket

Take a holiday beyond anything you've experienced before at Universal Orlando Resort. Three amazing theme parks let you immerse yourself in the next generation of latest blockbuster entertainment, and journey through the legendary worlds of incredible heroes. Unleash your imagination at Universal Studios Florida where heart-pounding, cutting-edge attractions bring your favorite movies, television, and more to life. Next door, step right into powerful stories, myths, and legends at Universal’s Islands of Adventure. At Universal’s Volcano Bay water theme park — only included with the 3-Park Ticket option — you’ll find an oasis of excitement along with laid-back luxuries. And you can savor the unforgettable dining and unparalleled entertainment of Universal CityWalk, home to an array of themed restaurants, clubs, concert venues, movies, shops, miniature golf, and more. Universal Orlando Resort is a holiday of endless awesome. Universal’s Volcano Bay (closed on select dates. Visit the Universal Orlando App for park hours and updates) WIZARDING WORLD and all related trademarks, characters, names, and indicia are © & ™ Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. Publishing Rights © JKR. (s22) Jurassic World franchise TM & © 2022 Universal City Studios LLC and Amblin Entertainment, Inc. All Rights Reserved. © 2022 MARVEL. Universal Cinemark © 2022 Universal Studios. All rights reserved. © 2022 Cinemark USA, Inc. Century Theatres, CinéArts, Rave, Tinseltown, and XD are Cinemark brands. “Cinemark” is a registered service mark of Cinemark USA, Inc. Hollywood Drive-In Golf™ Hollywood Drive-In Golf and associated logos are trademarks of Adventure Golf Design & Development, Inc. TRANSFORMERS© and its logo and all related characters are trademarks of Hasbro and are used with permission. 2022 Hasbro. All rights reserved. Minions and all related elements and indicia TM & 2022 Universal Studios. All rights reserved. Before visiting Universal Orlando Resort, review the safety guidelines at UniversalOrlando.com/SafetyInfo The terms and conditions for this ticket type can be found by clicking the "GetYourGuide Tours & Tickets GmbH" link featured under the Organized by section

Orlando: Pirates Adventure Dinner Show with Drinks

4. Orlando: Pirates Adventure Dinner Show with Drinks

Board an 18th-century Spanish galleon replica and let your imagination set sail on a pirate adventure and dinner show in Orlando. Witness an epic performance unfolding before your very eyes as you taste a delicious 3-course dinner with soft drinks (non-alcoholic). Enjoy a fun dance party after the show. Watch the evil pirate Captain Sebastian the Black as he leads his crew of renegades against the heroes: Benjamin Blue and the beautiful Princess Anita. Be prepared to engage with the spectacle, as no show is complete without an audience. Experience the chance to come on stage and take part in the action. Cheer and sing along as the pirates fight and swoop through the air, accompanied by cannon blasts, pyrotechnics, and plenty of laughs. Feel as if you're inside an adventurous tale while having dinner with your family. Your 3-course menu will consist of the following options: - Soup or salad - Chicken - Dessert - Soft drinks and coffee After the show, stay for the Pirates Bash Dance Party for an opportunity to dance, take pictures and meet the pirates, Princess Anita, and the magical mermaid. Upgrade your experience with Treasure Level or VIP Tickets. Treasure Level tickets guarantee you third-row seating, 50% off alcoholic beverages, a souvenir bandana and eye patch, and 50% off parking. Meanwhile, VIP tickets include first or second-row seating, a photo package, a premium restroom, a bandana and eye patch, free parking, and upgraded appetizers.

SeaWorld Orlando: Park Admission Ticket

5. SeaWorld Orlando: Park Admission Ticket

Immerse yourself in wonder at SeaWorld Orlando, where the aquatic world comes to life like no place else. With the combo ticket options available, you can also enjoy the thrills of Aquatica Orlando, Busch Gardens Tampa and Adventure Island. SeaWorld Connect with the ocean at SeaWorld, watching killer whales leap at the One Ocean show, racing like a ray on Manta the ride, entering the all-new thrilling, chilling adventure of Antarctica: Empire of the Penguin and sharing an epic voyage with sea turtles at TurtleTrek. Experience the power and grace of killer whales in the awe-inspiring Shamu show One Ocean. Orcas jump skyward, dancing fountains dot the water, and a Splash Zone seat gives you submerged views of killer whales flapping their fins and drenching you with water. For fast thrills, the Manta flying roller coaster tilts you parallel to the ground and sends you headfirst on a twisting, plunging trip that starts with an inverted nosedive. At Antarctica: Empire of the Penguin, you’ll glide past ethereal, icy sights on a trackless ride to a no-glass penguin exhibit, which gets you closer to the charming birds and lets you experience their ideal, frosty conditions. Aquatica Orlando From high-speed water slides and exhilarating wave pools, to tranquil beaches and the remarkable animal habitats that are the hallmark of SeaWorld, Aquatica Orlando, SeaWorld's Waterpark, delights all ages and interests. This one-of-a-kind park is home to some of the world's most thrilling water rides, featuring 38 slides, rivers and lagoons and 84,000 square feet of sparkling white, sandy beaches. Busch Gardens Tampa Take your family to Busch Gardens Tampa, a place where fun comes naturally. Everyone can enjoy the unparalleled mix of animal encounters, captivating shows, and thrilling rides. Race like a cheetah aboard Cheetah Hunt, or dive face down at 60 mph on Falcon's Fury, America's tallest freestanding drop tower. Adventure Island Treat your family to a tropical oasis, where the fun never sets. Enjoy thrilling rides, chilling slides and splashes to delight everyone. Swirl down the wild tubes of Caribbean Corkscrew, swoosh the 210-foot GulfScream descent or race to the finish on Riptide. Little ones will find adventure too at Fabian’s Funport, with fountains, splash zones and water slides perfect for pint-sized summer fun.

Kennedy Space Center: Entry Ticket with Explore Bus Tour

6. Kennedy Space Center: Entry Ticket with Explore Bus Tour

Get the most out of your time at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex by combining a 1 or 2-day admission ticket with the in-depth Explore bus tour. On the Explore tour, you'll ride along with a space expert as they take you on a tour of America’s multi-user spaceport. The KSC Explore Tour goes beyond the Kennedy Space Center Bus Tour, making several stops to capture once-in-a-lifetime photo opportunities. Get a photographic view of numerous spaceflight icons like the Vehicle Assembly Building and historic Launch Complex 39, disembarking to capture photos along the way to the Apollo/Saturn V Center. With your admission ticket to the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, enjoy many exhibits, shows, and attractions, including Space Shuttle Atlantis®, Shuttle Launch Experience, Gateway complex, Rocket Garden, and Heroes & Legends featuring the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame presented by Boeing®. Experience the exhibit "Journey to Mars: Explorers Wanted", which includes a live interactive theater presentation about the Red Planet. Enjoy the deep space launch by visiting the Gateway complex to discover the current and upcoming cutting-edge innovations of space exploration from NASA and their commercial partners. Then enter the spaceport of the future and launch aboard one of four unforgettable journeys to distant worlds on an immersive ride. At Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex you'll have the opportunity to explore the world’s largest collection of astronaut memorabilia. Not only will you see tributes to the heroes of the Mercury, Gemini, Apollo, and Space Shuttle Programs, but what is happening now and next at Kennedy Space Center, America’s multi-user spaceport.

Universal Orlando Resort Theme Park Tickets

7. Universal Orlando Resort Theme Park Tickets

Take a holiday beyond anything you've experienced before at Universal Orlando Resort. Three amazing theme parks let you immerse yourself in the next generation of latest blockbuster entertainment, and journey through the legendary worlds of incredible heroes. Unleash your imagination at Universal Studios Florida where heart-pounding, cutting-edge attractions bring your favorite movies, television, and more to life. Next door, step right into powerful stories, myths, and legends at Universal’s Islands of Adventure. At Universal's Volcano Bay water theme park you can experience a spectacular volcano towering over a sun swept beach. Swaying palm trees lining your path through a picturesque island escape. It’s a South Seas oasis right in the heart of Universal. From thrilling water slides to secluded waterfalls, Volcano Bay is a water theme park like no other. They’ve taken care of the lines so you don’t have to worry about them. The park’s Virtual Line™ means you have the freedom to spend more time with your family, doing the things you want to do instead of spending all day standing in lines. Volcano Bay is the perfect place to get away from it all, a beach paradise you can enjoy without ever leaving Orlando. And you can savor the unforgettable dining and unparalleled entertainment of Universal CityWalk, home to an array of themed restaurants, clubs, concert venues, movies, shops, miniature golf and more. Universal Orlando Resort is a holiday of endless awesome. Universal’s Volcano Bay (closed on select dates. Visit the Universal Orlando App for park hours and updates) WIZARDING WORLD and all related trademarks, characters, names, and indicia are © & ™ Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. Publishing Rights © JKR. (s21) Jurassic World franchise TM & © 2021 Universal City Studios LLC and Amblin Entertainment, Inc. All Rights Reserved. © 2021 MARVEL. Universal Cinemark © 2021 Universal Studios. All rights reserved. © 2021 Cinemark USA, Inc. Century Theatres, CinéArts, Rave, Tinseltown, and XD are Cinemark brands. “Cinemark” is a registered service mark of Cinemark USA, Inc. Hollywood Drive-In Golf™ Hollywood Drive-In Golf and associated logos are trademarks of Adventure Golf Design & Development, Inc. Some imagery shown throughout our website does not represent current operational and safety guidelines. The terms and conditions for this ticket type can be found by clicking the "GetYourGuide Tours & Tickets GmbH" link featured under the Organized by section.

Orlando: Wild Florida Everglades Airboat & Wildlife Park

8. Orlando: Wild Florida Everglades Airboat & Wildlife Park

Just a short drive from Orlando, the Disney area, Kissimmee, the Space Coast, and the Orlando International Airport, Wild Florida offers the best of Orlando’s most sought-after activities: airboat rides, alligators and wildlife. This Orlando Everglades tour is widely known as the most beautiful ride in Central Florida. Hop aboard to explore 4,200 acres of beautiful lush scenery, including protected swamps, marshes and rivers, at the heart of the Central Florida Everglades. You can also enjoy a real Florida barbecue, exotic animal exhibits, a tropical bird aviary, a gift shop, and a 500-foot (150 meter) sightseeing dock (costs not included). Wild Florida is owned and operated by one of Florida’s pioneer families that know the meaning of southern hospitality. This is one of the only airboat companies in Central Florida that privately owns their property. The facility is properly insured with a fleet of US Coast Guard approved boats and captains. Day or night, they are prepared to offer individual, family, group and corporate experiences you’ll never forget.

Orlando: Boggy Creek Airboat Ride with Options

9. Orlando: Boggy Creek Airboat Ride with Options

The Central Florida Everglades are natural wonders, best explored with locals who know their backwaters. The beautiful landscape and expert guidance of your captain will make this tour a trip that you'll never forget. Guests on the Scenic Nature Tour explore narrow water trails engulfed in the brush of the Central Florida Everglades. On this tour you'll stop periodically, hoping to spot Florida's state reptile, the American Alligator, in its natural setting. Witness rare and endangered birds swooping effortlessly through the skies as the sunshine warms your body and the wind whips through your hair. Other wildlife abounds throughout the trip. This tour is perfect for groups and families looking to explore and learn about the unexpected side of Central Florida. A longer trip on a Detailed Nature Tour of 1-hour increases the number of encounters with Florida's wildlife, especially the American Alligator, which can reach up to 15 feet in length and 1,000 pounds. You'll experience nature right alongside turtles, bald eagles, blue herons, deer, and a wide variety of waterfowl in their natural environment, not in captivity. Be sure to also check out the Gem Mining Station. You will be able to purchase buckets filled with treasures that are native to Florida and take them to the mining station. While mining, you will discover various gems, alligator teeth, shark teeth, rocks, and other treasures. There will be an additional charge for gem mining bags or buckets. A restaurant with indoor or patio seating is available, where you can dine before or after your tour (at your own expense).

Orlando: SEA LIFE Orlando Aquarium

10. Orlando: SEA LIFE Orlando Aquarium

Experience a wave of underwater adventures with sea creatures from around the world at the Sea Life Orlando Aquarium. Come face-to-face, or rather, face-to-fin with thousands of fish, sharks, stingrays, sea turtles, and more. Prepare for a world of glittering scales, enormous tentacles, and rows of sharp teeth. Get ready to plunge deep into the oceans as you explore Florida’s only 360-degree ocean tunnel with sharks, sea turtles, eels, and tropical fish swimming over, under, and all around you.  Meet the friendly rescue sea turtles, Ted and Chely, and a curious pacific octopus. Touch real sea creatures at the coastal rock pool, a microhabitat full of incredible creatures. Pet a starfish or anemone. Swim with sharks in a 10-minute virtual reality experience, if option selected, and learn about the aquarium on the behind the scenes tour, a 35-minute guided tour of the aquarium’s backstage areas. See how aquarists take care of the thousands of sea creatures and feed some of the fish yourself.

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Insider tips: Explore Orlando like a local

Megan & Aram is a travel blog that focuses mostly on travel in the Nordics and Eastern Europe with the occasional trip beyond those regions. We love coffee, promoting small businesses, and sports.

What should I do on my first trip to Orlando?

Orlando has a plethora of diverse things to do, and many of them are some of the world's most famous theme parks! First (and most famously) is Walt Disney World. This iconic theme park is home to different parks, including Disney's Hollywood Studios, Animal Kingdom, Epcot, and Magic Kingdom. There are several resorts associated with it and it is the perfect playground for kids and adults both! Universal Orlando Resort is another top spot as it is home to Universal Studios Florida and Universal's Islands of Adventure (where you will find the Wizarding World of Harry Potter). However, there are plenty of fun things to do in Orlando beyond the theme parks! You can take a day trip to the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, enjoy an airboat ride on nearby wetlands, or play a round of golf at one of the city's many courses.

What are some hidden gems to see in Orlando?

In a way, anything that is not a theme park in Orlando can be considered a 'hidden gem' as the other attractions and places to visit in the city are often forgotten about. The 50-acre Leu Gardens is a top spot away from the parks that warrants a visit. Situated north of the downtown, you can find the largest rose garden in Florida there. Orlando is situated on Lake Eola and the picturesque lake has swan boats that are a great way to chill out and enjoy the skyline (and it is the perfect activity for children). Also be sure to check out some of the city's markets, such as the Orlando Farmers' Market in Lake Eola Park and the East End Market.

How much time should I spend in Orlando?

The amount of time you should spend in Orlando is completely dependent on how much time you're looking to spend at an amusement park there. If you're visiting Disney or Universal, you will need a week (minimum) to enjoy the parks to their fullest. This will also allow you downtime to visit other key places like SeaWorld Orlando and do some of the top day trips from the city.

If you're not keen to spend time at any of the amusement parks, you can see Orlando's main attractions within a long weekend.

What food is Orlando known for?

Many cities have a particular food associated with it, but Orlando is an exception. While the Florida city does boasts a lot of delicious food, there is not a particular dish that stands out. You can enjoy some foods that are popular in Florida there, however. Fried alligator, Cuban cuisine, and fresh seafood are ever-present. You can also find conch fritters at some establishments. If you're visiting Disney, be on the lookout for a Dole Whip. It is delicious and a good treat to escape the heat.

What is the best way to get around Orlando?

Orlando is best visited with a rental car. However, the city does have a pretty decent public transportation system throughout and if you're staying along International Drive, you can walk between restaurants and activities if you're looking to get some extra steps in! In addition, many of the hotels have shuttles to the theme parks so you can avoid paying the parking fees at them.

If you are looking to take public transportation around, the SunRail is a passenger rail system in Central Florida. It runs for 61.5 miles and connects 4 counties as well as Orlando. You can also take the LYMMO bus which is a free bus downtown. It has 21 stops and is great for the budget traveler.

What are the best months to visit Orlando?

Orlando enjoys a humid subtropical climate and the weather is fairly warm all year round (with winters being milder). But, not all seasons are created equally! The winters tend to have less rain and more tolerable temperatures than the summer months. During summer, you can expect rain anywhere from 13-15 days a month. With the rain comes the mosquitoes. So, while there is not a bad time to visit Orlando, the winter months are milder in temperature and experience less rain.

What are the best neighborhoods to visit in Orlando?

If you're shying away from the theme park area and looking to really enjoy the city itself, you can start in Winter Garden which is situated about 25 minutes from the downtown area. There are plenty of cultural activities and delicious restaurants there. Also be sure to check out South Eola, Winter Park, Celebration, Lake Nona, and College Park. And of course, be sure to check out the Downtown area where you'll find Lake Eola Park and plenty of unique cocktail bars and restaurants.

What are the best neighborhoods for shopping?

While there is not one specific place to go shopping in Orlando, you can find several shopping centers and outlet malls throughout various parts of the city (and not particularly inside of a neighborhood specifically). The Mall at Millenia is a large, indoor shopping mall with several upscale stores such as Neiman Marcus and Louis Vuitton. It also has a food court with a variety of options. For those looking for outlet mall shopping opportunities, check out the Orlando Vineland Premium Outlets and the Lake Buena Vista Factory Stores.

What neighborhood should I stay in when I visit Orlando?

Since most people visiting are looking to spend a lot of time at theme parks, it is recommended to stay somewhere close to the parks! Universal and Disney both have resorts affiliated with the parks that offer easy access, but many large hotels in the area have shuttles to the parks, which will save you money on parking. If you're wanting to stay somewhere with plenty to do for the kids, opt for a hotel close to International Drive (or 'I-Drive' as locals will call it). There are many chain food options along the thoroughfare, but it will certain satisfy all taste buds.

What's are 4 best tips for a person traveling to Orlando?

1) The parks are expensive! Plan ahead. If you can afford express passes, they will save you time at the park and allow you to ride as many rides as possible. But, they come with a price! So, if you are unable to purchase for the entire family, you may need to set aside an additional day in the park you are visiting. Also - be sure to purchase a multi-day ticket if you're planning to spend more than one day in the park. These can save a little bit of money.

2) Try to plan an extra couple of days in Orlando if you're a beach lover. Clearwater Beach is one of the nation's top beaches and it is an easy day trip from Orlando. The area also has some fantastic seafood and boat excursions for adults and children!

3) Food lovers can find some fantastic food options in Orlando but you will also find a lot of chain restaurants. Do a little research on Google and steer clear of I-Drive if you're looking for some of these places. You can find fantastic hot spot, Korean BBQ, and Venezualan arepas if you are willing to drive down the road a bit.

4) Visiting in the summer months? Expect a little rain! In the evenings, especially, it is not uncommon to get a storm or some heavy rain. It doesn't usually last too long, but it will help cool things off for a bit (and then bring the muggy aftermath). Bring an umbrella or be ready to head under cover during these times.

What should people avoid doing in Orlando?

I know this goes without saying for any trip, but Orlando really needs to be planned ahead. So, avoid a last minute trip if you can help it. The parks are bustling and can create more stress than fun if you don't know what to expect and wait until the last minute to plan your trip. Also, don't leave Orlando without taking a day trip outside of the city and its parks! There are so many day trips including beaches, the Everglades, Kennedy Space Center, Tampa Bay, and the springs (including snorkeling with manatees).

What are your top 5 favourite GetYourGuide experiences in Orlando?

1) Orlando: Boggy Creek Airboat Ride with Options

2) Orlando: Universal Studios Park to Park Ticket

3) Orlando: Walt Disney World Resort Admission Base Tickets

4) Orlando: 3-Hour Manatee Encounter by Kayak

5) Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex: Admission Ticket

What is one thing that surprised you about Orlando?

I have been traveling to Orlando since I was a kid and although I have never been to Disney (even still today!), I always find so much to do that I could spend weeks there. But one thing that never ceases to amaze me is how many cool things exist within a days' drive of the city. Definitely rent a car and take advantage of this - or you can book trips through GetYourGuide for day excursions as I did on my last trip (I went to Clearwater and the Kennedy Space Center).

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Read our complete guide to Orlando, or discover the city's best experiences.

What people are saying about Orlando

Overall rating

4.6 / 5

based on 6,252 reviews

Really enjoyed the day out good value for money seen things I would not have seen if I hadn't taken the tour

Would highly recommend this excursion for the entire family. Fun, informative and the area is beautiful.

We had a fantastic time at Universal Studios. Tickets were easy to acquire at the gate and off we went!

Large alligator reserve with plenty to do! You won’t be bored! If you enjoy gators, this is for you.

Staff was so kind and friendly. It was amazing and will do again!