Orlando is a Central Florida city of about 320,000 people (about 2.8 million in the metropolitan area) and the world's best-known theme-park hub, with Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando Resort and SeaWorld Orlando nearby, plus a walkable downtown, lakeside Winter Park, Mills 50 dining and International Drive attractions.
Best souvenirs
Authentic items worth bringing home.
Orange blossom honey and citrus candy
Orange blossom honey, key lime products, citrus marmalade and orange candy are easy-to-pack Florida gifts.
Price: $6-$25
Where: East End Market (3201 Corrine Dr), Orlando Farmers Market at Lake Eola and Publix supermarkets
Theme-park memorabilia
Mouse ears, character plush, pins, Harry Potter wands and other licensed merchandise; park-exclusive items cost more than generic versions.
Price: $15-$80 (wands about $55-65)
Where: World of Disney (Disney Springs, 1486 Buena Vista Dr) and Universal CityWalk and park shops
Brand-name apparel at outlet prices
Nike, Adidas, Levi's, Coach and Polo Ralph Lauren outlets sell select items below US retail, attractive for visitors from abroad.
Price: $20-$200
Where: Orlando Premium Outlets (4951 International Dr and 8200 Vineland Ave)
Winter Park and Mills 50 art prints and ceramics
Local galleries sell paintings, glass, prints and Tiffany-style stained-glass pieces linked to Winter Park's art history.
Price: $15-$250
Where: Park Avenue galleries, Winter Park, and the Audubon Park Garden District shops
NASA and space-themed gifts
Shirts, patches and model rockets tied to the Kennedy Space Center, about an hour east of Orlando, are sold in local gift stores.
Price: $10-$60
Where: Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex gift shops and Florida Mall
Traditional markets
Where locals shop and travellers find treasures.
Orlando Farmers Market at Lake Eola
Local produce, baked goods, plants, artisan goods and prepared foods
Where: Downtown Orlando
Hours: Sundays 10:00 AM-4:00 PM year-round
East End Market
Local food artisans, coffee, bakery, fresh produce and gifts
Where: Audubon Park Garden District
Hours: Monday-Thursday 8:00 AM-7:00 PM, Friday-Saturday 8:00 AM-9:00 PM, Sunday 8:00 AM-6:00 PM; individual vendors vary
Winter Park Farmers' Market
Produce, flowers, baked goods, coffee and prepared foods
Where: Winter Park
Hours: Saturdays 7:00 AM-1:00 PM year-round
Shopping districts
Neighbourhoods known for retail.
Malls & modern shopping
Air-conditioned, international brands, and food courts.
Orlando Premium Outlets - International Drive
Hours: Monday-Saturday 10:00 AM-9:00 PM, Sunday 11:00 AM-7:00 PM; verify holidays
Orlando Vineland Premium Outlets
Hours: Monday-Saturday 10:00 AM-9:00 PM, Sunday 10:00 AM-8:00 PM; verify holidays
The Mall at Millenia
Hours: Monday-Saturday 10:00 AM-9:00 PM, Sunday 11:00 AM-7:00 PM; verify holidays
The Florida Mall
Hours: Monday-Saturday 10:00 AM-9:00 PM, Sunday 11:00 AM-7:00 PM; verify holidays
Park Avenue, Winter Park
Hours: Most shops 10:00 AM-6:00 PM Monday-Saturday, shorter Sunday hours; restaurants later
Disney Springs
Hours: Daily about 10:00 AM-11:00 PM; individual stores and restaurants vary
Fashion Square
Hours: Monday-Saturday 10:00 AM-8:00 PM, Sunday 12:00 PM-6:00 PM; verify holidays
Bargaining tips
Negotiate like a local.
Prices are fixed in malls, outlets and boutiques; bargaining is unusual outside flea markets and antique stalls.
Ask for tourist coupon booklets at the guest services desks at Orlando Premium Outlets and the Florida Mall; some require a passport or out-of-area ID.
Outlet pricing is not always lower than sale prices on a brand's own website, so compare before buying.
Many outlet stores add extra markdowns during holiday weekends and the November sales.
Customs & restrictions
What you can and can't take home.
Orange County sales tax is 6.5 percent and is added at the register; the United States has no tourist tax refund., US Customs and Border Protection allows returning travelers to bring home certain goods duty-free up to their personal exemption (generally $800 for US residents); other countries differ, so check your own allowance., Cards, Apple Pay and Google Pay are accepted nearly everywhere; carry some small bills for farmers markets., Most malls open around 10:00 AM and close at 9:00 PM; theme-park shopping districts stay open later.