Orlando, Florida, is often celebrated for its thrilling theme parks, but beneath the glitz and glamour lies a diverse city with a rich culinary scene, charming historic neighborhoods, and a vibrant cultural life. This article takes you on a 48-hour journey to discover Orlando, exploring not just the familiar attractions but also secret bars, hidden gems waiting to be uncovered. Let’s unveil the secrets and experience a completely different side of Orlando!
Day 1: Discovering the Unexpected
Morning: Starting the Day with Energy
10:00 AM: Choosing accommodation is a crucial first step. If you’re traveling with family and want easy access to theme parks, Loews Sapphire Falls Resort is an excellent option. Conversely, if you prefer exploring the city’s unique areas, Grand Bohemian Hotel Orlando, an Autograph Collection hotel located in the heart of Orlando’s arts district, would be an ideal base. Regardless of your choice, try to check in early and take some time to relax before a long day of exploration.
11:30 AM: Breakfast is essential! Hash House A Go Go is a renowned eatery with a distinctive Midwestern flair. Indulge in their pecan-crusted French toast or Margie’s Famous One-off Benedict featuring fresh blue crab, asparagus, and chipotle cream sauce. These delightful dishes will provide you with the energy you need for the day ahead.
Breakfast at Hash House A Go Go featuring pecan-crusted French toast and blue crab Benedict, providing energy for exploring Orlando
Afternoon: Fun and Relaxation
2:00 PM: Whether you’re a local or a tourist, a trip to Orlando isn’t complete without visiting one of its famous theme parks. Disney’s Magic Kingdom is perfect for families with young children, where you can relive childhood memories and meet beloved cartoon characters. Teenagers and adults can purchase tickets to visit both Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure to experience thrilling rides and explore the world of movies.
Universal Studios Orlando with thrilling rides and a vibrant movie world, offering a top-notch entertainment experience for visitors
Disney’s Epcot is a fantastic choice for food and culture enthusiasts. Here, you can explore pavilions representing different countries around the world, savor authentic cuisine, and learn about unique cultures. Don’t miss the opportunity to “Drink Around the World” and sample distinctive beverages.
6:00 PM: After a long day of fun, unwind at La Cava del Tequila, a bar located in the Mexico pavilion at Epcot. This bar is famous for having Orlando’s largest collection of tequila and mezcal. Let tequila experts guide you to drinks that suit your palate and enjoy a refreshing cucumber margarita with caramelized pineapple juice, basil, and a sweet-spicy Tajín chili powder rim.
Evening: Dining and Secrets
7:00 PM: Christner’s Prime Steak and Lobster is one of Orlando’s oldest and most renowned restaurants. It’s known for its elegant ambiance, professional service, and exquisite dishes. Carole’s Filet, a perfectly prepared tenderloin steak, is a customer favorite. The restaurant also boasts an extensive wine collection with over 4,500 bottles from around the world.
9:00 PM: Discover Hanson’s Shoe Repair, a secret bar located in the oldest building in downtown Orlando. To enter, you need a password, which changes daily. Call the bar’s number between 1 PM and 7 PM to get the password. This bar offers a cozy and sophisticated atmosphere with unique handcrafted cocktails, providing a memorable and intriguing experience.
Sophisticated and cozy atmosphere at Hanson's Shoe Repair, a secret bar with unique handcrafted cocktails
Day 2: Relaxation and Exploration
Morning: Exploring the Local Area
8:00 AM: Start your day at the East End Market in Audubon Park. This market is a hub for the city’s best chefs, local farmers, coffee roasters, and other merchants. Enjoy a rich cup of coffee at Lineage Coffee Roasting, Japanese-American mochi donuts at Dochi, and a nutritious açai bowl at Skyebird Juice Bar.
10:00 AM: If you love water activities, rent a kayak or try wakeboarding at the Orlando Watersports Complex. It’s one of the largest wakeboarding parks in the U.S., offering lessons for beginners, an inflatable aqua park for kids, and boat or cable courses.
Afternoon: Exploring Winter Park
12:00 PM: Prato is a popular Italian restaurant in Winter Park, serving Neapolitan pizzas and an extensive wine list. Try the Widowmaker pizza with hazelnut romesco, cavolo nero, fennel sausage, and a farm egg.
1:00 PM: Stroll through the affluent neighborhood of Winter Park, with its wide boulevards, boutiques, and moss-draped oak trees. This area is known for its grand homes, the largest collection of Tiffany lamps, glass, and jewelry in the world at the Charles Hosmer Morse Museum, and the expansive campus of Rollins College.
Winter Park with tree-lined streets, upscale shops, and unique architecture, offering a pleasant shopping and cultural exploration experience
Evening: Arts and Entertainment
6:00 PM: Enjoy dinner at Hillstone, one of Orlando’s best restaurants, featuring American comfort food like pan-seared salmon, crispy chicken sandwiches, and key lime pie.
11:00 PM: If you want to dance the night away, head to One80 Skytop Lounge, located on the sixth floor of the Amway Center. This bar offers lively music, a chic atmosphere, and stunning city views. It’s the perfect place to end your trip and raise a toast to a vibrant Orlando.
One80 Skytop Lounge with a chic atmosphere, lively music, and panoramic night views of Orlando city
Orlando is more than just theme parks; it’s a diverse city with a rich culinary scene, charming historic neighborhoods, and a vibrant cultural life. Take the time to discover the unexpected and experience a completely different side of Orlando. Have a wonderful and memorable trip!