Church Street District, Central Business District, Orlando, Florida, United States - Historic Site Review | Condé Nast Traveler

"What can we see in this area of Orlando? Downtown Orlando is a much-overlooked location, especially given the worldwide fame of its surrounding attractions. The neighborhood dates back to the 19th-century, and some of the period aesthetic remains in the form of wrought-iron balconies and bridges and cobbled streets. You won’t find huge malls; rather, smaller boutiques and independent stores and restaurants that offer an interesting alternative to the chains and global brands dominating most of the city. Wow. What are some of the best parts? The original railroad depot, which dates back to 1889, is still standing, evoking a time before the theme parks arrived in this corner of the world. Today Downtown Orlando is a big dining destination; stand-outs include Hamburger Mary’s and the Kres Chophouse and Lounge. Head to Chillers and Native Social Bar for drinks; later on, dance at The Beacham or Tier. The Amway Center is home to the Orlando Magic NBA team, and also hosts regular concerts and other large-scale events. There’s also great culture in the form of the Mad Cow Theater and state-of-the-art Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts. What's the best way to get around? The relatively new SunRail commuter rail station, linking Church Street to other downtown neighborhoods in Orlando, is the easiest way to travel if you want to avoid finding (and paying for) parking. Cool. So who would you recommend this for? There’s something for most visitors here, from small clothing boutiques and galleries to a plethora of nightlife and entertainment options. Given the artificiality of the worlds inside the theme parks, this also a good place to reconnect to actual city living." - Paul Oswell