One night stay

Question

I’m travelling from Miami next week (arriving in Orlando about 3pm) and staying one night before flying out at 17:45 the next day. So no time to do anything really but would like a nice evening. Where would be a good place to chill, eat, few drinks etc? Downtown, International Drive, somewhere else? Thanks.

Answer

For a one-night stay in Orlando with a relaxed evening, you have a few good options depending on whether you prefer a more lively atmosphere or something chill. Since your time is limited, staying near either Downtown Orlando or International Drive makes sense for convenience.

Downtown Orlando is great if you want a walkable evening with a mix of restaurants, bars, and lounges. International Drive is more resorty and tourist-focused, often with more casual dining and entertainment, but it can be busier and less “local” feeling.

Some recommended areas and options:

Downtown Orlando: Offers a more sophisticated evening experience with a variety of dining and cocktail spots within walking distance. You can stroll around Lake Eola for a nice view.
Church Street/Wall Street Plaza: Good for grabbing a few drinks and experiencing a lively bar scene in a compact area.
Thornton Park: Trendy neighborhood near Downtown with boutique restaurants, outdoor patios, and a quieter vibe than Wall Street.
International Drive: If you prefer staying near the airport or theme parks, there are plenty of options for casual dining, rooftop bars, and resorts with nice pools or lounges.

Suggested dinner and drinks spots:

Kres Chophouse – Upscale steakhouse downtown, good for a nice dinner and cocktails.
The Boheme – Eclectic, artsy restaurant in Thornton Park with craft cocktails and good food.
Hanson’s Shoe Repair – Hidden speakeasy downtown for a few creative drinks after dinner.
ICEBAR Orlando – Fun, novelty experience with cold cocktails; great for a memorable night.
Rocco’s Tacos and Tequila Bar – If you’re on I-Drive and want vibrant Mexican cuisine and drinks.

Tips:

If staying downtown, you can easily walk between dinner and a few bars, avoiding the need for a ride.
Check opening hours, as some spots close earlier on weekdays.
Consider making a reservation if you want a sit-down dinner, as even midweek popular spots can fill up.

With your limited time, Downtown Orlando offers the best combination of a relaxed evening, walkable atmosphere, and quality dining/drinks.