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Why Downtown Orlando is a Tourist Magnet

While the whole city of Orlando already tops the list of the most visited place in the US – thanks to theme parks and new attractions like Walt Disney World’s Fantasyland and Universal Studios’ Harry Potter ride and Diagon Alley – the area of Downtown Orlando has become a bona fide tourist magnet on its own.

As reported by the Orlando Sentinel, the city’s Central Business District enjoyed a 6% rise in visitors, 40% of which were overseas tourists.

Downtown Orlando’s combination of beautiful arts and sporting events, together with its fantastic restaurants and nightlife, has been responsible for the steady increase of visitors year after year.

Food tours

In response to Downtown Orlando’s popularity as a tourist destination, the city’s business development councils have introduced tours that highlight the best of the area.

The Downtown Orlando Partnership, which collaborates with business and the community downtown initiatives, launched the Downtown Food Tours last year.

It takes place every Saturday, walking participants through an abundance of local cuisines and passing through some of downtown’s most iconic landmarks.

The food tour now includes separate jaunts through the eclectic tastings of the Thornton Park District and an early evening Crafty Cocktail Tour with specially selected beverages from downtown’s top mixologists.

Gallery tours

With Orlando being named the second most creative city in the US, it’s no surprise that Downtown should showcase its thriving art scene.

The Downtown Orlando Partnership’s guided Gallery Tour explores the range of art found in four downtown galleries. They feature some of the finest and most exciting local contemporary art as well as showcase the work of international artists.

The tour accommodates up to 20 people and lasts 90 minutes. It is held every Saturday at the Central Business District. You can book here.

More tours

The Downtown Historic Walking Tours is another favorite, featuring recently updated and renovated downtown buildings, as well as historic structures re-adapted for modern use. The guided tour is led by a local preservation expert.

For a more unique way of exploring Central Florida, Local Motive Tours utilize bikes and trains for custom or curated tours around the themes of food, drink, art, and wellness.

If there are six or more of you visiting Downtown Orlando, look to Custom DTO Tours as an option. These private tours are available any time of the year is a great way to celebrate birthdays, anniversaries, and other milestones in the company of family and friends. Custom tours are also ideal as a corporate team-building activity. Email info(at)downtownorlandotours(dotted)com or call (407) 228-3891 for inquiries.

Triple Crown for Downtown

In addition, what’s been called the Triple Crown for Downtown, has been underway since 2010. It consists of three major public works projects.

The Amway Center, recognized for its signature spire, is a 20,000-seater arena famous for hosting NBA All-Star games, NCAA basketball tournaments, Olympic ice and track trials, ultimate fighting and professional wrestling, extreme sports, and motorsports exhibitions, among many others. It is the home of Orlando Magic, Orlando Predators, and Orlando Solar Bears. Family events, topnotch concerts, and other live shows from A-list performers are also held at the Amway Center.

Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts is a hub for performance, community outreach, and arts education. It occupies two blocks of Downtown Orlando and consists of multiple venues – the Walt Disney Theater (2,700 seats), Alexis & Jim Pugh Theater (300 seats), Dr. Phillips Center Florida Hospital School of the Arts, the Seneff Arts Plaza, and other rental spaces for events. In 2015, it was named by Travel + Leisure magazine as one of the World’s Coolest New Tourist Attractions. The center hosts Broadway shows, ballet, pop and classical concerts, comedy, jazz, festivals and outdoor concerts, family shows, as well as arts education programs.

Camping World Stadium is the new name of what’s long been known as the Florida Citrus Bowl. It was built in 1936 and named Orlando Stadium before undergoing renovations and name changes over the years. Its $207.7-million renovation in 2014 resulted in a stadium that was 90% new and a change in name to Orlando Citrus Bowl. In May 2016, the stadium was rebranded Camping World Stadium as part of a naming rights sponsorship.

Visit this link to check out the city’s highest rated attractions.

Contact Chris Quarles today to learn how he can help you find the perfect home in Orlando at the best possible price.

Contact Chris Quarles

Chris Quarles Properties

407.540.7040
Chris(at)ChrisQuarles(dotted)com