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Where the Locals Spend Their Time in Orlando

There are plenty of theme parks, attractions, and hotels in Orlando that draw visitors from all over the world. However, if you want to go to Orlando and experience the city like a local, chances are you won’t be visiting any thrill rides or parks with animated mice. In fact, Orlando has a flourishing culture, dining, and arts scene, where people who live in the Central Florida city full-time spend the majority of their time. If you are planning to visit Orlando and want to experience the area like a local, check out these popular spots below.

1. Leu Gardens

Forget Sea World. The real place to learn about nature in Orlando is the Leu Gardens. Leu Gardens is a 50-acre botanical garden featuring a slew of tropical plants and foliage. Travelers to Leu Gardens will find a real, natural escape within an urban city environment — a place where locals like to get away. To stay near Leu Gardens, book a room at The EO Inn and Spa.

2. Harp and Celt

Want to grab a beer and watch your favorite game alongside Orlando locals? Head to the Harp and Celt, located in Orlando’s main business district. The bar is a traditional Irish Pub with an awesome selection of beers on tap, as well as a television always tuned to sports channels. This is one of the most popular laid-back nightlife spots in the area. For hotel convenient to the bar, check out the Crowne Plaza Orlando – Downtown.

3. Orlando Shakespeare Theater

For some real entertainment, Orlando locals head to Orlando Shakespeare Theater, a professional theater that works in partnership with the University of Central Florida. The company produces Shakespeare plays, in addition to developing new plays from upcoming playwrights and offering educational opportunities about theater and the arts. To book a room that offers an easy drive to the theater, check out the Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress.

Orlando is full of attractions for tourists. But the city also has a bounty of things to do for locals who spend all of their time there. Visit Orlando like a local, and you’ll be rewarded with an authentic taste of this culture-rich and welcoming Central Florida destination.

This post was written by Fiona Moriarty of Hipmunk.