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Lake Eola and the downtown Orlando skyline

No. 21 Top 100 City Destinations 2025

Orlando

United States

The theme park capital of the world, with lakes, gardens and the Space Coast nearby.

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Photo: JER3L1337, CC BY 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Overview

Orlando is No. 21 in Euromonitor International's Top 100 City Destinations Index 2025. The central Florida city is best known for its theme parks. Walt Disney World opened nearby in 1971, and Universal Orlando and SeaWorld followed.

Beyond the parks, Orlando has a lively downtown around Lake Eola, the pretty town of Winter Park, natural springs and lakes, and easy access to Florida's beaches and the Kennedy Space Center.

Downtown Orlando reflected in Lake Eola at night
Downtown Orlando reflected in Lake Eola at night. Photo: Miosotis Jade, CC BY-SA 4.0, source

Best time to go

Spring (March to May) and late autumn (October to early December) bring pleasant weather. Crowds peak during school holidays, especially around Christmas, Easter and in summer.

Summer is hot and humid, with near-daily afternoon thunderstorms, and hurricane season runs from June to November.

Top sights

  • 1

    Walt Disney World

    Four theme parks (Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Disney's Hollywood Studios and Disney's Animal Kingdom), two water parks and Disney Springs for shopping and dining.

  • 2

    Universal Orlando Resort

    Universal Studios Florida, Islands of Adventure, the Volcano Bay water park and Epic Universe, which opened in 2025.

  • 3

    SeaWorld Orlando

    A marine-themed park with roller coasters, animal shows and aquariums.

  • 4

    Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex In our Top Landmarks

    About an hour's drive east, see real rockets and Space Shuttle Atlantis.

  • 5

    Lake Eola Park

    A downtown park around a lake, with swan-shaped pedal boats and a Sunday farmers' market.

  • 6

    Winter Park

    A leafy town with shops and cafés on Park Avenue, a scenic boat tour on its chain of lakes, and the Morse Museum's collection of Tiffany glass.

Getting there

Orlando International Airport (MCO) is about 15 km south-east of downtown and close to the theme park areas. Orlando Sanford Airport (SFB) mainly handles low-cost and charter flights.

Brightline trains link the airport with Miami.

Getting around

A rental car is the most practical way to get around. Many resort hotels run shuttles to the parks, and ride-hailing apps are widely used.

The I-Ride Trolley runs along International Drive, and LYNX buses serve the wider area.

Practical tips

Currency
US dollar (USD). Cards and phone payments are accepted almost everywhere. Tipping is customary: around 18–20% in sit-down restaurants and a dollar or two per drink in bars.
Language
English. Spanish is also widely spoken.
Theme park tips
Buy park tickets and check reservation or queue systems in advance on the official park websites. Arrive at opening time.
Safety
Bring sun protection and stay hydrated. Shelter indoors during thunderstorms. The emergency number is 911.
Visa & entry
Citizens of Visa Waiver Program countries (including the UK, most EU countries, Australia and Japan) need an approved ESTA before they travel; most other visitors need a visa. Canadian citizens generally need neither for a short visit. Apply only on the official site esta.cbp.dhs.gov and check travel.state.gov for the current rules.
Power
120 V, 60 Hz; plug types A and B.

Official information: Visit Orlando (official tourism website). Check opening hours, prices and entry rules there before you go.

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