Wooden boardwalk winding through palm trees and greenery.

Culture in Orlando: How to Spend a Weekend

Where to Discover Orlando's History, Art and Culture?

Orlando might be the “Theme Park Capital of the World” but it’s also a hotbed of classy cultural attractions that will appeal to the more erudite traveler. Historic Church Street offers a glimpse of The Sunshine State’s old-world architecture while the Orlando Museum of Art showcases one of the finest American art collections in the Southeastern United States, dating between the 18th century and the mid-1940’s.

Meanwhile, the compact coastal city of Mount Dora delights with its antiques shops, annual festivals, and charming cafes, while Downtown Kissimmee draws in the throngs with its lively farmer’s market and eclectic collection of restaurants. There’s plenty more to discover in every corner of the city.

What are the best ways to spend a weekend in cultural Orlando?


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1. Church Street

The unofficial heart of Downtown Orlando

Church Street in Orlando

Categoría: Gastronomía en , Historia, Vida nocturna


If you’re a first time visitor in Orlando, Church Street is the place to go. This historic stretch is home to some of the city’s best restaurants and also boasts a lively nightlife scene. The iconic Railroad Depot was built in 1889 and stands as a reminder of the city’s long-lost past.

Stroll the length of Church Street to marvel at its intriguing architecture before taking a spooky ghost tour of the area’s most haunted buildings. Come evening, dance the night away at Studio 27 or enjoy hearty fare and spirits at the buzzy Delaney’s Tavern. Más información


Ubicación: Church Street, Orlando, FL, USA

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Church Street

Church Street, Orlando, FL, USA

2. The Albin Polasek Museum & Sculpture Gardens

Pays homage to the internationally acclaimed Czech sculptor

Albin Polasek Museum in Orlando

Categoría: Parejas, Grupos, Historia, Foto


The Albin Polasek Museum & Sculpture Gardens can be found in Winter Park, a spirited neighborhood just north of Orlando. The museum is set in the historic home of Czech sculptor Albin Polasek. Though the property is small, it contains a great number of artworks.

The guided tour features a short video which explains the history of the property, giving you a better understanding of the sculptures and why Polasek created them. Each piece represents different eras in the artist’s life, with most focused on religion. Don’t miss the special guest exhibits. Más información


Ubicación: 633 Osceola Ave, Winter Park, FL 32789, USA

Horarios: Tuesday–Saturday from 10 am to 4 pm, Sunday from 1 pm to 4 pm (closed on Mondays)

Teléfono: +1 407-647-6294

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The Albin Polasek Museum & Sculpture Gardens

633 Osceola Ave, Winter Park, FL 32789, USA

3. Rollins Museum of Art

Discover objects ranging from antiquity through to contemporary eras

Rollins Museum of Art

Categoría: Económico, Historia, Foto


The Rollins Museum of Art is home to over 5,000 exceptional objects, from rare antiques to contemporary works. Located in the grounds of Rollins College, it’s right in the heart of Orlando’s Winter Park neighborhood and overlooks stunning Lake Virginia.

The museum boasts the only European Old Masters collection in the Orlando area, along with contemporary American pieces. Exhibitions change frequently, so there’s always something new to enjoy, along with special events like art presentations. Entry to the venue is free. Más información


Ubicación: Rollins College, 1000 Holt Ave, Winter Park, FL 32789, USA

Horarios: Tuesday from 10 am to 7 pm, Wednesday–Friday from 10 am to 4 pm, Saturday and Sunday from 12 pm to 5 pm (closed on Monday)

Teléfono: +1 407-646-2526

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Rollins Museum of Art

Rollins College, 1000 Holt Ave, Winter Park, FL 32789, USA

4. Downtown Kissimmee

Historic Floridian city that’s close to major attractions

Downtown Kissimmee in Orlando

Categoría: Parejas, Familias, Historia


Downtown Kissimmee, in Osceola County, is a typical all-American town. Despite its past as a shipping port, the region now boasts plenty of boutique shops, eclectic art galleries, and ambient restaurants. Hunt for vintage homewares in the many antiques stores before taking part in an art workshop at La Casa Del Artesano or shopping creative pieces at Fragments Art Studio. For a decadent treat, head to Abracadabra Ice Cream Factory.

See as much of Downtown Kissimmee as possible by taking a self-guided walking tour, starting from the Kissimmee Street Office. Easily reachable by car or taxi, the town is a 30-minute drive south of Orlando. Más información


Ubicación: Kissimmee, FL, USA

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Downtown Kissimmee

Kissimmee, FL, USA

5. Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts

State-of-the-art theater complex

Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts

Categoría: Parejas, Familias, Vida nocturna


The Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts is a sprawling entertainment complex in Downtown Orlando which hosts numerous shows and events. The venue features a 2,700-seat theater hall for spectacular Broadway plays and musicals. There’s also a 1,700-seat venue for smaller events such as ballet recitals, orchestral performances, and awards ceremonies.

If you’re wanting to grace the stage yourself, take a Broadway masterclass or enroll the kids in a camp to learn the ins and ours of the theater industry. Más información


Ubicación: 445 S Magnolia Ave, Orlando, FL 32801, USA

Horarios: Show times vary

Teléfono: +1 407-358-6603

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Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts

445 S Magnolia Ave, Orlando, FL 32801, USA

6. Mennello Museum of American Art

A charming folk art museum

The Mennello Museum of American Art in Orlando

Categoría: Parejas, Familias, Historia


The Mennello Museum of American Art is home to a permanent collection of paintings by self-taught artist Earl Cunningham. His vivid landscapes with mismatched details feature alongside special exhibitions and events, including an annual Folk Art Festival. Family days take place every second Sunday of the month with free admission.

Just outside the Mennello Museum of American Art is The Sculpture Garden. It’s where you can find “The Mayor,” a 350-year-old live oak tree draped with Spanish moss. On selected days of the week, enjoy a peaceful yoga session by the lake. Your yoga ticket also includes entrance into the museum. Más información


Ubicación: 900 E Princeton St, Orlando, FL 32803, USA

Horarios: Tuesday–Saturday from 10.30 am to 4.30 pm, Sunday from 12 pm to 4.30 pm (closed on Mondays)

Teléfono: +1 407-246-4278

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Mennello Museum of American Art

900 E Princeton St, Orlando, FL 32803, USA

7. Mount Dora

A culturally rich city in Central Florida

Mount Dora

Categoría: Parejas, Familias, Ir de compras


The charismatic city of Mount Dora is surrounded by beautiful lakes and offers charming attractions all year round. With a population of around 12,000 people, this relatively small community boasts a unique charm that’s punctuated by its active arts community. Known as the “The New England of the South” and “The Festival City,” Mount Dora sees outdoor celebrations take place throughout the year, including the Mount Dora Arts Festival.

Downtown is full of boutiques selling hand-crafted art, clothing, and gifts. Antique lovers should check out the more than 60 vendors in the Village Antique Mall for rare collectibles and jewelry. Más información


Ubicación: Mt Dora, FL 32757, USA

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Mount Dora

Mt Dora, FL 32757, USA

8. Orlando Museum of Art

A beloved community art museum

Orlando Museum of Art

Categoría: Parejas, Familias, Historia


The Orlando Museum of Art is a non-profit visual arts space. Founded in 1924, it’s one of the oldest and most renowned museums in the Central Florida area, featuring a wide array of nationally recognized exhibits. Permanent collections include historic and contemporary works, African art, and pieces spanning the ancient Americas (long considered the best of its kind in the Southeastern USA).

Exhibitions rotate frequently, so there’s always something new to discover, alongside docent-led tours, workshops, and yoga classes. Every third Thursday of the month, opening hours are extended so you can peruse works by local artists and enjoy live music performances. Más información


Ubicación: 2416 N Mills Ave, Orlando, FL 32803, USA

Horarios: Tuesday–Friday from 10 am to 4 pm, Saturday–Sunday from 12 pm to 4 pm (closed on Mondays)

Teléfono: +1 407-896-4231

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Orlando Museum of Art

2416 N Mills Ave, Orlando, FL 32803, USA

9. Winter Park

A scenic small town in Central Florida

Winter Park Orlando

Categoría: Gastronomía en , Vida nocturna en , Ir de compras


The upscale village of Winter Park is full of historical and cultural attractions, a little north of Downtown Orlando. From its 9-hole golf course and sophisticated shopping boutiques to its fine-dining restaurants, there so much to do along its peaceful leafy streets.

You can visit this quaint area during the day for a spot of lunch and shopping, or head there come evening when the main street is lit up and bustling with activity. Its pleasant vibe sees many couples head out for a stroll after dinner and drinks. For a touch of culture, visit the Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art or swing by Central Park for a walk amongst nature. Más información


Ubicación: Winter Park, FL, USA

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Winter Park

Winter Park, FL, USA

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