City break (noun): a short holiday spent in a city, such as when on business travel.
Before there was bleisure travel, there was the city break—the short space of leisure time that grants you access to the cultural and culinary amenities that big cities offer. In this series from TripIt, we explore some of the world's best cities for planning a quick getaway or extending a work trip.
Here are our tips for making the most of your city break in Orlando.
Getting to Orlando: Airport & arrival tips
Orlando metro area is served by Orlando International Airport (MCO). Located 10 miles southeast of downtown Orlando, MCO airport is one of the top-15 busiest airports in the U.S. It has one main airport terminal, consisting of four airside concourses.
Once on the ground at MCO, travelers can rent a car to get around the city—Orlando is the largest rental car market in the world, after all—with many of the major rental car agencies located on-airport. Additional off-airport rental car agencies, and their lots, can be accessed via complimentary shuttle. Alternatively, MCO is served by SunRail—Orlando’s commuter rail—or the LYNX local bus system. Taxis and ride shares are also available from MCO.
Where to stay in Orlando: Best hotels & resorts
Kids aren’t the only ones living their best lives in Orlando. Leisure travelers have loads of entertainment options, including treating themselves to the city’s luxury hotels. Choose from four-star digs like Universal's Loews Portofino Bay Hotel, Wyndham Grand Orlando Resort Bonnet Creek, or Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa for your city break.
In Orlando on business? Here are our picks for where to stay:
- If you’re attending an event at the Orange County Convention Center, you can’t beat the convenience of the Westgate Lakes Resort & Spa. You’ll be staying less than a half a mile from the convention center, as well as an easy 10-minute drive to Universal Studios for after-hours fun.
- If a hotel in a prime downtown Orlando location is what you’re after, look no further than the Marriott Orlando Downtown. Business travelers will appreciate the close proximity to Amway Center, plus the hotel’s amenities, including a business center and express check-in and check-out.
- Short on time? Book a stay at the Hyatt Regency Orlando International Airport—located immediately inside MCO airport—to make catching your return flight a breeze.
Getting around Orlando: Car rentals, public transit, & rideshare
As mentioned above, renting a car is your fool-proof way to traverse Orlando during your city break. Prefer to stick to public transportation? Your options include the city’s LYNX bus system; a single ride costs $2.00 (you can pay when you board) or an all-day pass costs just $4.50. Utilize their system map to plan your journey. Alternatively, you can take the SunRail commuter rail system. With 16 stations serving four counties and covering almost 50 miles, SunRail is your most eco-friendly option for getting around the Orlando metro area.
Alternatively, Lyft and Uber are available in Orlando and are likely your best option for getting around the city in a jiffy if you didn’t rent a car.
Where to eat in Orlando: Best restaurants, local favorites, & hidden gems
If you only have time for one meal during your city break in Orlando, make it at Knife & Spoon. Award-winning chef John Tesar helms the kitchen, producing not-your-average surf-and-turf dishes that impress from the very first bite.
Craving Asian food? You’ll be spoiled for choice in Orlando. Choose from local favorites like King Bao for gourmet Taiwanese bao buns, Domu for creative ramen, or Kadence for sushi and sake. More in the mood for Mexican? Try Black Rooster Taqueria. We recommend their made-to-order guac to start, followed by their delectable tacos—start with two, though we suspect you might go back for more.
Have breakfast on the brain? Start your day at Se7en Bites, located in Orlando’s Milk District. Breakfast is served all-day long—as is lunch—so pop in for a bacon morning biscuit or skip straight to the 5 Cheese Mac n’ Cheese. You won’t leave hungry. You will leave happy.
Things to do in Orlando: Theme parks, attractions, & fun activities
In a city known worldwide for its entertainment, you’ll surely find something to do, even if you just have a few hours after work to explore. If you’re visiting Orlando during the NBA basketball season, be sure to catch the Magic at Amway Center. More of a soccer fan? The Orlando City Soccer Club play at Exploria Stadium; the Orlando Pride—Orlando’s professional women’s soccer team—share the stadium and team colors with their MLS counterparts. (Hint: Pack purple and white if you want to root for the home team.)
If your family tagged along on your city break, it goes without saying that there are plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Orlando. Choose from any of the world-renowned amusement parks, including Walt Disney World Resort and its many theme parks, Universal Orlando Resort—with its can’t-miss Islands of Adventure and The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, LEGOLAND Florida theme and water parks, and more.
Adults only? By day, take an airboat ride through the Florida Everglades to experience the area’s unique fauna and flora. Prefer to stay on dry land? Spend the day at the Orlando Museum of Art. By night, visit Orlando Brewing Company for a free brewery tour or head straight to the taproom to sample their freshly brewed, organic beer.
Frequently asked questions about planning a trip to Orlando
Q: What airport do you fly into for Orlando, Florida?
A: Orlando International Airport (MCO) is the main airport serving the metro area. It’s located about 10 miles southeast of downtown Orlando and offers on-site car rentals, taxis, ride shares, SunRail, and LYNX bus connections.
Q: What are the best hotels to stay at in Orlando?
A: Orlando has a wide range of hotels to suit every traveler. Top picks include Universal’s Loews Portofino Bay Hotel, Wyndham Grand Orlando Resort Bonnet Creek, Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, and Westgate Lakes Resort & Spa near the convention center.
Q: Is it better to rent a car or use public transportation in Orlando?
A: Orlando is easiest to explore by car—rental agencies are conveniently located at MCO Airport. However, public transit options like the LYNX bus system and SunRail commuter train are also available for those who prefer not to drive.
Q: Where should I eat in Orlando?
A: Try Knife & Spoon for upscale dining, King Bao for gourmet bao buns, Domu for ramen, Kadence for sushi, Black Rooster Taqueria for tacos, or Se7en Bites for an all-day breakfast.
Q: What are the top things to do in Orlando?
A: Catch an Orlando Magic basketball game or an Orlando City Soccer match, visit world-famous theme parks like Walt Disney World Resort, Universal Orlando Resort, and LEGOLAND Florida, or explore local favorites like the Orlando Museum of Art and Orlando Brewing Company.
Q: What can families do in Orlando?
A: Families can spend the day at Disney World, Universal’s Islands of Adventure, or LEGOLAND Florida. For a low-key outing, head to the Orlando Children’s Museum or take a guided airboat tour through the Florida Everglades to see native wildlife.
