Things To Do Near Downtown Orlando
The best things to do in and near Downtown Orlando: ghost tours, Mills 50 and Ivanhoe food tours, Lake Eola, night bike tours and more, plus hotels.
Downtown Orlando is where locals live, eat and go out. Beyond the theme parks you will find Lake Eola Park and its swan boats, the food halls and Vietnamese restaurants of Mills 50, the bars of Ivanhoe Village and the Milk District, and the arenas where the Orlando Magic and Orlando City play.
This page ranks the bookable experiences in and around downtown by traveler ratings and review volume, from the city's top-rated ghost tour to neighborhood food tours, and adds the best free things to do nearby.
- 13 options compared
- From $5.55
- Avg rating 4.9 (980 reviews)
- Typical length 2 hours
- 9 with free cancellation
Prices and ratings updated .
Our quick picks
Compare the top 12
| # | Experience | Rating | From | Length |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 HR Interactive Walking Ghost Tour in Downtown Orlando | 4.9 (769) | $77.77 | 2 hours |
| 2 | Milk District Eats Food Tour | 4.9 (90) | $99 | 3 hours |
| 3 | Food Tour of Local Orlando's Ivanhoe Village | 5.0 (47) | $95 | 3 hours to 3 hr 10 min |
| 4 | Downtown Orlando Food Tour with Authentic Fusion Cuisine Tastings | 4.9 (15) | $96.99 | 3 hr 30 min |
| 5 | Orlando’s Historical Highlights: A Self-Guided Audio Tour | 4.8 (19) | $8.99 | 1 hour to 1 hr 30 min |
| 6 | Orlando Night Bike Tour: A Fun Ride Thru the City’s Nightlife | 5.0 (8) | $75 | 3 hours |
| 7 | Outdoor Escape Room in Orlando - Lake Eola Park Area | 4.7 (18) | $75 | 2 hours |
| 8 | A Toast to the Ghost Haunted Pub Crawl in Downtown Orlando | 5.0 (5) | $45.03 | 2 hours |
| 9 | Savor Orlando Culinary Gems in Mills 50 Food Tour | 4.5 (2) | $85 | 2 hours |
| 10 | Self-Guided Podcast Tour Orlando: Unfiltered Story of Mills 50 | New | $5.55 | 1 hr 6 min |
| 11 | Astonishing Scavenger Hunt: Lake Eola Swantastic | New | $14.99 | 1 hr 30 min |
| 12 | Self-Guided Walking Audio Tour around Lake Eola in Orlando | 4.0 (1) | $7.99 | 1 hour to 2 hours |
What is on this list
1. 2 HR Interactive Walking Ghost Tour in Downtown Orlando
Americanghostadventures. com -This 2-hour walking tour will take you through historic downtown Orlando.
Why it made our list
- Rated 4.9 out of 5 by 769 travelers
- Free cancellation available
- Flagged by Viator for excellent quality
- Private option for your group only
2. Milk District Eats Food Tour
Our tour offers an insider’s look (and taste! ) into one of Orlando’s most vibrant and creative neighborhoods.
Why it made our list
- Rated 4.9 out of 5 by 90 travelers
- Free cancellation available
- Small group experience
- Flagged by Viator for excellent quality
3. Food Tour of Local Orlando's Ivanhoe Village
This is more than a food tour. It is a locally owned, small group experience designed to feel personal, relaxed, and genuinely connected to Orlando.
Why it made our list
- Rated 5.0 out of 5 by 47 travelers
- Free cancellation available
- Small group experience
- Flagged by Viator for excellent quality
4. Downtown Orlando Food Tour with Authentic Fusion Cuisine Tastings
Experience the authentic soul of the "City Beautiful" on our Secret Food Tour: Orlando. While most travelers never leave the theme parks, we invite you to explore the historic heart of the city—the vibrant Downtown district and the lush, swan-filled shores of Lake Eola Park.
Why it made our list
- Rated 4.9 out of 5 by 15 travelers
- Free cancellation available
- Popular: often sells out, so book ahead
- Small group experience
5. Orlando’s Historical Highlights: A Self-Guided Audio Tour
Are you looking for a way to see downtown Orlando without joining a tour group? Explore at your own pace with this affordable walking tour.
Why it made our list
- Rated 4.8 out of 5 by 19 travelers
- Private option for your group only
- Takes about 1 hour to 1 hr 30 min
6. Orlando Night Bike Tour: A Fun Ride Thru the City’s Nightlife
Explore Orlando after dark on a guided bike ride through downtown + nearby neighborhoods. You’ll make stops at a few local favorite bars and take in the city’s laid-back nightlife scene along the way.
Why it made our list
- Rated 5.0 out of 5 by 8 travelers
- Free cancellation available
- Small group experience
- Private option for your group only
7. Outdoor Escape Room in Orlando - Lake Eola Park Area
An immersive clue-solving adventure around Orlando's beautiful Lake Eola Park. Search for real-world clues, solve puzzles, and discover the neighborhood with an experience you'll never forget!
Why it made our list
- Rated 4.7 out of 5 by 18 travelers
- Takes about 2 hours
8. A Toast to the Ghost Haunted Pub Crawl in Downtown Orlando
Explore the spooky side of Downtown Orlando on this haunted pub crawl. Join a Ghost Ambassador to uncover chilling tales as you visit lively bars and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere.
Why it made our list
- Rated 5.0 out of 5 by 5 travelers
- Free cancellation available
- Private option for your group only
- Takes about 2 hours
9. Savor Orlando Culinary Gems in Mills 50 Food Tour
Discover the vibrant flavors of Orlando’s Mills 50 District on a guided food tour that showcases a mix of inventive street eats and cultural comfort foods. This 2.
Why it made our list
- Rated 4.5 out of 5 by 2 travelers
- Free cancellation available
- Small group experience
- Private option for your group only
10. Self-Guided Podcast Tour Orlando: Unfiltered Story of Mills 50
Step off the theme park path into Orlando's true beating heart. From refugee survival after the fall of Saigon to rowdy punk venues and craft breweries, explore the sights, smells, and gritty history of Mills 50 and Little Saigon.
Why it made our list
- Free cancellation available
- Private option for your group only
- Takes about 1 hr 6 min
11. Astonishing Scavenger Hunt: Lake Eola Swantastic
Dive into adventure with Let’s Roam, your go-to for the ultimate app-led adventure hunts! Step into a world where every landmark and hidden gem is waiting to be discovered.
Why it made our list
- Free cancellation available
- Takes about 1 hr 30 min
12. Self-Guided Walking Audio Tour around Lake Eola in Orlando
Take a self-guided GPS audio walk along the most beautiful path in Orlando around Lake Eola. This tour along the paved path around this iconic lake will not only teach you about interesting Orlando history, but you'll also learn about the structures, statues, and art instalments located here.
Why it made our list
- Rated 4.0 out of 5 by 1 travelers
- Private option for your group only
- Takes about 1 hour to 2 hours
Free and local highlights downtown
- Lake Eola Park: The heart of downtown, with a walking loop, the fountain, swan boat rentals and a Sunday farmers market.
- Thornton Park: Brick streets, cafes and bars just east of Lake Eola.
- Church Street: Historic buildings, restaurants and the Church Street SunRail station.
- Dr. Phillips Center: Broadway tours, concerts and a free public plaza in the arts district.
How to choose
Eat your way through the neighborhoods
Food tours in Mills 50, Ivanhoe Village and the Milk District are the fastest way to find the local favorites.
Go after dark
The ghost tour and night bike tour show downtown at its liveliest, when the bars and restaurants are busy.
Catch a game or a show
Check the schedules for the Orlando Magic, Orlando City SC and the Dr. Phillips Center when you plan your downtown night.
Good to know before you book
- Downtown is 20 to 30 minutes from the theme parks without traffic.
- Street parking and garages are paid; rideshare is easiest on busy nights.
- SunRail connects downtown with Winter Park.
- Event nights at the arenas bring heavy traffic, so plan ahead.
How we rank
We compare every matching experience listed on Viator for the Orlando area and rank them with a weighted score that balances the average traveler rating with the number of reviews, so a few perfect scores cannot outrank thousands of consistent ones. Transport-only services and listings Viator flags as inactive are left out, and near-duplicate listings are grouped. Prices and ratings refresh each time we update our data. We may earn a commission when you book, which never affects the ranking. See our disclosure.
Frequently asked questions
How much do tours and attractions near Downtown Orlando cost?
The 13 options we track start from $5.55 per person, with a typical starting price of about $75. Prices change by date and group size, so check the booking page for your dates.
What is the best-rated option on this list?
Right now it is 2 HR Interactive Walking Ghost Tour in Downtown Orlando, rated 4.9 out of 5 by 769 travelers, from $77.77.
Can I cancel if my plans change?
9 of the 13 options here offer free cancellation, usually up to 24 hours before the start time. The exact policy is shown on each booking page.
Is Downtown Orlando worth visiting?
Yes, especially if you want food, nightlife and a local feel. Lake Eola, the neighborhood food scene and the sports and arts venues make it a great half day or evening.
What is there to do in Downtown Orlando at night?
Take the ghost tour or a night bike tour, eat in Mills 50 or Thornton Park, catch a Magic game or a show, and finish with cocktails around Lake Eola.