Orlando Guide; 72 Hours in Orlando

I wanted to bring this post out for all of you who are like me! Not exactly into Disney and just wanting to hangout, drink, eat and experience some pretty cool spots! (all while taking Instagram photos of course!) 72 Hours in Orlando? I’m bringing you the ultimate guide on what to do! Orlando has always been a top tourist destination , with Disney here why wouldn’t it be but that’s not exactly my idea of fun and if you’re anything like me (and that’s most of you reading this) it’s not your idea of fun either!  Let’s get right into this!

WHERE TO STAY

I’ve always been a hotel kinda girl ( I mean I work for the largest hotel management company in the world) but lately I’ve found myself getting more and more into the Airbnb thing! Although the amenities you get with a hotel and the no fuss service are great it’s always a little nicer having your own kitchen and your own space – I’m all about finding a house on Airbnb and would highly suggest it! In terms of travel and getting around Uber is everywhere and if you’re staying in and only planning on exploring one area a car isn’t necessary but I would suggest waying your options between using Uber and renting a car – with all the different neighborhoods Orlando has to offer, you’ll find yourself all over the city for some fun!

Below are some Airbnb’s I would suggest in the city! Take a look

UPSCALE LOFT SPACE CLOSE TO DOWNTOWN

Eco-Friendly Backyard Bungalow + Pool + Downtown

Atmospheric Studio in the Garden

The Shed in Downtown Orlando

FRIDAY

LUNCH

Head to Pig Floyd’s Urban Barbarkoa in the Mills 50 District for some local BBQ with an edge.  I can confidently say there isn’t one thing on the menu that you’d regret, especially if you love that essence of BBQ as much as me!  My mouth is watering as I think bout the Mongolian Beef BBQ Bento Box!

Locals Tip; be sure to get a seat on the patio! people watching as locals walk by is always fun!

MIDDAY ACTIVITES

This one is for those who are as into the Instagrammable spots as I am.  Since you’re already in the Mills 50 District take the self guided walking art tour.  By self guided I mean take some time to explore the different neighborhoods that Mills has to offer and they many murals along the way! The district has a listing of all murals and locations to make planning a little easier.

Locals Tip; Stop at ROYALTEA and be sure to get the Royal Fruits Tea – it’s unlike anything you’ve had and so refreshing for a hot day

Next up head to Leu Gardens, since you’re already in the area this course be a nice little walk.  Leu Gardens is Orlando’s tropical and semi-tropical gardens on nearly 50 acres of land at Leu Garden you’ll see and be able to take photos with hundreds of species of flowers and plants and the many exhibitions they typically have on the grounds. Walking your way through the gardens should take at least 2 hours.

Local’s Tip; The trails are easy to walk so sneakers aren’t a necessity

DINNER

For Dinner, go to The Stubborn Mule on the residential side of Downtown Orlando.  I know you’ve been dying to get to Downtown Orlando and this spot is situated just between some of the most beautiful condo buildings Orlando has to offer!  Not just does The Stubborn Mule have the best patio on the east side of Rosalind but the menu is killer as well! I absolute recommend the Pastrami Press, You won’t regret it and if you’re planning on spending the night drinking you’re definitely going to appreciate this large sandwich!

Local’s Tip; Either get there after happy hour ends or call in the morning to put in your reservation

NIGHTLIFE

I’m going to give you a peek into what Downtown Orlando has to offer!  Everything you could possibly want to do regardless of your vibe and music choice can be done in Downtown Orlando! Friday night I highly recommend Wall St. Plaza for the Friday Night Block Party.  The crowd is mixed and you can definitely put together a cute outfit.  The fun thing about Wall St. is you get a wristband and the entire street is blocked off- that wristbands gets you into every bar on the street! The live entertainment these bars have to offer are perfect for the group who likes to dance. Wall St Plaza consists of Cantini, Waitiki, The Monkey Bar, The Hen House, Hooch and Shine!

Local’s Tip; If you plan on partaking in the $4 Fireball shots you’re going to want to head to Tin & Taco on Washington St. after or stop at 1 of the many food trucks around Downtown.

SATURDAY

BRUNCH

You’re probably still a little drunk from the many $4 Fireball shots you had last night so 10/10 you’re wanting breakfast! Head to Church St. and check out Artisan’s Table for a Croughnut or if you’re like Jeff the Fried Chicken Biscuit (it’s literally the size of my head).

MIDDAY ACTIVITES

Since you’re already on Church St. I’d take some time to walk around the area and explore what Downtown Orlando has to offer during the day.  You can find all the stories about which Downtown buildings are haunted and why/how!  The architecture of some of those older Downtown Orlando buildings is amazing and the photos you can take will be envy worthy for sure!

Local’s Tip; Check out the Roger’s Building, the old time green building is a great backdrop for photos!

I’d say hop in your Uber and head over to Hannibal Square/Park Avenue, one of the smaller and of course super beautiful neighborhoods in Winter Park. You absolutely have to do some shopping while you’re in the area in local shops like TUNI, SOULTRE BOUTIQUE and DEAR JANE.

Winter Park has some pretty amazing bars and restaurants but while walking through Hannibal Square and Park Avenue be sure to stop in The Wine Room – You can load a card with as much money as you want and stop at the many wine machines for tasting! You have to try the pre Brie Flatbread while you’re here!

DINNER

Orlando seriously has so many amazing options for dining it’s pretty ridiculous but for a Saturday Night Dinner I’d say check out ICON Park and Tapa Toro to be exact!  The Tapas Bar and Paella Pit will draw you in on smell alone. Whether you want chicken or steak or maybe just some small plates – this spot has something for everyone!

NIGHTLIFE

You’re already on International Drive, so while you’re at ICON Park just walk on over to Cafe 34 Istanbul and wind down with some hookah and some drinks. Open 24 hours you can stay along as you’d like!

Local’s Tip ; The Orlando EYE is at ICON Park on is constantly changing colors – makes for the perfect Orlando Instagram shot

SUNDAY

BRUNCH/MIDDAY ACTIVITES

On Sunday you absolutely must head over to the Lake Eola Farmer’s Market, Not only are all the local artisans out and about selling their products but there’s a range of food trucks too! You can find yourself getting lost in the Farmer’s Market but I typically find myself gathering around the Tamale Co. Food Truck and the OverRice Food Truck after a late morning of checking out what the artisans have created!

Local’s Tip ; Head across the street to Eola Wine Co for a Mimosa Flight.  Who doesn’t want 4 half champagne flutes (orange, pineapple, cranberry and peach) and a whole Champagne flute of your favorite flavor!

HAPPY HOUR

Before you head back home let’s end the weekend at one of my personal fav spots! The Guesthouse.  Not only s the bathroom lined with the most perfect Instagram worthy wall paper, the back patio bar is an airstream!  While you’re enjoying the great weather on the patio with locals and their pups under market lights you’re drink is being mixed by a mixologist in the airstream.  If you’d rather sit inside you’ll see a magnificent bar in the middle of a large space with seating all around!

Local’s Tip;  The drinks on this menu are the perfect mixology dream so order the Old Fashion at least once!

There you have it! Your 72 Hour Orlando Guide from an actual Orlando Resident. I would love to hear if you’re coming to Orlando for the first time or if you’ve been here before and what you have planned! I hope my guide was a big help!

XOXO