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Orlando

Lonely Planet's Best in Travel 2025

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Lake Eola Park, Orlando.

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Overview

While it's easy to get caught up in worlds of Disney or Universal Studios, the city of Orlando itself has a lot to offer, including lovely tree-lined neighborhoods, a rich performing arts scene, fabulous cuisine and a delightful laid-back pace.

Attractions

Must-see attractions

  • The Dudley Do-Right Ripsaw Falls ride at Universal Studios Islands of Adventure theme park.

    Universal Orlando Resort

    Orlando

    Pedestrian-friendly Universal Orlando Resort has got spunk, spirit and attitude. With fantastic rides, excellent children's attractions and entertaining…

  • ORLANDO, FL, USA - OCTOBER 29: Visitors admire the larger than life living floral clock at Harry P. Leu Gardens, a destination garden with over 40 diverse plant collections as seen on October 29, 2017

    Harry P Leu Gardens

    Orlando

    Camelias, roses, orange groves and desert plants cover 50 acres, as well as plenty of grassy spots for a lakeside picnic. Pick up supplies at the trendy…

  • Orlando, Florida, USA - December 7th 2021: Photo of The Mennello Museum of American Art and its surroundings. ; Shutterstock ID 2087845444; full: 65050; gl: Online editorial; netsuite: POI updates; your: Ann Douglas Lott 2087845444

    Mennello Museum of American Art

    Orlando

    Tiny but excellent lakeside art museum featuring the work of Earl Cunningham, whose brightly colored images, a fusion of pop and folk art, leap off the…

  • Orlando Museum of Art, Winter Park.

    Orlando Museum of Art

    Orlando

    Founded in 1924, Orlando's grand center for the arts boasts a fantastic collection – both permanent and temporary – and hosts an array of adult and family…

  • SONY DSC

    Walt Disney World®

    Orlando

    This mega-scale park, with its own monorail, sections of eight-lane highway, and thousands of acres of rides, amusements, parks, and hotels, is larger…

  • Orlando, Florida. November 06, 2019. People enjoying Shark encounter tunnel at Seaworld 1; Shutterstock ID 1558738823; full: 65050; gl: Online editorial; netsuite: POI updates; your: Ann Douglas Lott 1558738823

    SeaWorld

    Orlando

    One of Orlando’s largest theme parks, SeaWorld is an aquatic-themed park filled with marine animal shows, roller coasters and up-close sea-life encounters…

  • EABWK7 Discovery Cove, Orlando, Florida

    Discovery Cove

    Orlando

    At Discovery Cove, guests spend the day snorkeling in a fish- and ray-filled reef, floating on a lazy river through an aviary and simply relaxing in an…

  • Upside down building, Wonderworks, Orlando, Florida USA. Simply amazing.

    WonderWorks

    Orlando

    Housed in a hard-to-miss, upside-down building, this is yet another bright, loud, frenetic landmark trying to make its mark in Orlando. This one is a…

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Planning Tools

Expert guidance to help you plan your trip

Best Time to Visit

When to avoid (or embrace) the crowds at theme parks, attend seasonal festivals and more.

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Free Things to Do

After enjoying Orlando’s world-famous (and famously expensive) theme parks, these are 10 free things you can do in and around the city.

Read article

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