photo by Nan Palmero (CC BY 2.0) modified

Bars and Clubs on Church Street

Though the old train station here provides a quaint culture fix, a look round and getting your photo taken next to it can only ever take up so much time. The real draw of Church Street is its vibrant nightlife scene, with most venues set around West Church Street, East Church Street, and the surrounding smaller lanes nearby.

For a night on the town, a good starting point would be Chillers (33 West Church Street), an absolute Church Street icon with an additional venue (Latitudes) upstairs. Expect classic comfort food, craft beers, tempting happy hours, and a mixed crowd of locals, day-trippers, international tourists and the occasional bachelor/bachelorette party. One80 Gray Goose Lounge (400 West Church Street) is easily Orlando’s swankiest rooftop bar with some prices to match, while the more ‘local’ Native Social Bar (27 West Church Street) has a more relaxed vibe and decent live music.

Most of the best nightclubs in the area are a block or 2 away – easy walking distance if you use the central train station as a starting point. The Beacham (46 N. Orange Avenue) is a relatively new concert venue housed in a converted 1920s building, while Tier (20 E. Central Boulevard) goes big on dance music, welcoming big-name DJs on a regular basis.

photo by Xiquinho Silva (CC BY 2.0) modified

Dining on Church Street

From all-American classic diners to swanky French bistros, sushi bars, fresh seafood, Italian, Thai and pretty much everything in between – Church Street has it. Among the highlights is Hamburger Mary’s (110 West Church Street), which is good for a quick stop to line your stomachs for the evening. Kres Chophouse and Lounge (17 West Church Street) is top of our list for steaks and ribs.

Amway Center

For more dining, as well as live events, shows and performances, Church Street is home to the Amway Center. The vast events and sports arena is also home to the Orlando Magic of the NBA, the Orlando Predators of the Arena Soccer League, the Orlando Solar Bears of the ECHL.

photo by Ray Villalobos (CC BY 2.0) modified