Top restaurants, quaint neighbourhoods, natural attractions… discover the lesser-known side of America’s most fun city

AZURE freshwater springs replete with wildlife, fabulous Michelin-star dining, eclectic neighbourhoods rich in history and culture: Orlando’s charms are many and varied.

As home to Walt Disney World Resort and Universal Orlando Resort, the Central Florida city is deservedly known as the Theme Park Capital of the World.

But with over 130 other attractions for nature and culture lovers, foodies, shop-till-you-droppers and watersports fans, it offers much more than just rollercoaster thrills.

It’s these fabulously diverse offerings for every taste and budget that help make the city one of America’s most visited destinations.

With British Airways Holidays you can book your Orlando break and enjoy a range of carefully selected hotels and the option to add a car to your trip.

Orlando’s neighbourhoods reflect a vast range of cultures and customs.

Mills 50 boasts Asian American and Pacific Islands influences, while the cobblestones, historic houses and moss-draped oak trees of Thornton Park drive home the European vibe.

They intertwine with the City District’s cultural showstoppers, the quirky Milk District’s street murals and lakeside neighbourhood Winter Garden, with its clutch of museums on Plant Street.

These neighbourhoods come together to create a city blessed with galleries, museums, live venues and, with the Dr Phillips Center for the Performing Arts, a home for opera, classical concerts and vibrant theatre.

Meanwhile, the nearby town of Eatonville has one of the US’s oldest African American communities.

Orlando also offers a magnificent range of dining. The city has more than 50 Michelin Guide restaurants, including stars for the sushi at Soseki, Vietnamese-French dishes at Camille and the modern Peruvian cuisine of Papa Llama.

Or try local favourites such as Se7enBites’ gourmet comfort food, 4 Rivers Smokehouse’s barbecue bites and classic American fare at Luke’s Kitchen and Bar.

You’ll also find the opportunity for serious retail therapy.

The Mall at Millenia hosts a range of luxury stores while, to the north of the city, Winter Park is great for boutique browsing. Head southwest to Orlando International Premium Outlets for bargain shopping.

And then there are acclaimed local independent stores, from The Ancient Olive with its gourmet goodies to Autumn and Ro’s handcrafted pottery and jewellery.

Summer of sport

From golf and basketball to the NFL and NHL, sports fans are spoilt for choice in Orlando all year round – but this summer is extra special.

Orlando will host six games in the FIFA Club World Cup, a tournament featuring 32 of the world’s best football teams.

It includes a mouthwatering clash between the world champions Manchester City and Italian giants Juventus.

The city has generous accommodation options. And with the comprehensive list of quality hotels offered by British Airways Holidays, there’s something for everyone.

There are big-name resorts with multiple pools, lazy rivers and state-of-the-art spas; theme park hotels like Loews Portofino Bay at Universal Orlando; and affordable three-star family choices, including the Rosen Inn at Pointe Orlando.

But Orlando doesn’t just offer urban fun. It’s also swaddled by glorious nature.

Central Florida’s clear natural springs are heaven sent for swimming, snorkelling, kayaking and paddleboarding.

Wekiwa Springs is a manatee hotspot and Rock Springs in Kelly Park is popular for tubing.

The unique Silver Spring State Park has underwater props from Hollywood films and TV shows.

Alternatively, watch out for alligators while riding a high-octane airboat across the surrounding Everglades, or head back to land to tackle scenic cycling routes including the West Orange, Cady Way and Shingle Creek trails.

Keep the heart rate up by driving an off-road buggy or a 17-ton American tank. Slow it down by watching the wetland’s exquisite birdlife, spotting everything from reddish egrets and white ibis to tricoloured herons.

In sunny, colourful Orlando, it’s all possible.

Book your Orlando adventure at ba.com/orlando