Orlando's 10 Most Impressive Buildings to Check Out

Courtesy Orange County Convention Center
Courtesy Orange County Convention Center
Michele Marin

Sure, Orlando is a relatively young city in comparison to others around the world, but it still bears some pretty impressive architecture. From impressive geodesic spheres at a theme park to Victorian homes, here are 10 of Orlando’s most impressive buildings worth checking out.

Orlando City Hall

Building

Orlando City Hall at night
© Matthew Kaiser/Flickr
Home to the Orlando City Government, the postmodern style building boasts a stunning 12-foot copper dome. Built in 1991, the beautiful addition to the city’s skyline is adorned with three repetitive relief panels, each showcasing the captivating central Florida landscape. Two gorgeous, grand staircases, reminiscent of typical Southern architecture grace the interiors. It’s worth a trip inside, not only for the dynamic interior design, but also to visit the two public art galleries, the Terrace Gallery and the Mayor’s Gallery, free of charge.

Waterhouse Residence

Museum, Historical Landmark

Courtesy Waterhouse Museum
© Kelly Canova Photography
Originally built in 1884 by pioneer settler and builder William H. Waterhouse as a home for his family, the home has been restored to showcase the lifestyle of a middle-class family during the Victorian Era. Today the home, listed on the National Register of Historic Places serves as a museum.

Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts

Visitors are welcomed by a grand staircase and ambiance lighting as they step foot inside the majestic Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts. The expansive state-of-the-art building invites guests to fully experience the arts with an open floor plan, seamlessly flowing from the lobby to theaters, for the full art experience. Even the grounds of the landmark set the stage for the remarkable facility, which presently houses three theaters—the 2700-seat Walt Disney Theater, the 290-seat Alexis and Jim Pugh Theater for smaller performances, and the 1700-seat acoustic Steinmetz Hall, which is anticipated to open in early 2020.
445 S. Magnolia Ave., Orlando, FL., USA, +1 407 839 0119

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CentralAmerica

GORGEOUS GUATEMALA

Gorgeous Guatemala

5 days . Mini
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1. Guatemala

An express adventure for those with limited time off. Prepare yourself incredible experiences. You will hike a volcano, visit mayan temples and witness a ceremony and take in beautiful colonial Antigua.

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CentralAmerica

BEACHY BELIZE

Beachy Belize

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2. Belize

A quick trip not too far away for those seeking a relaxing mini break. You will have plenty of free time to relax but also some awesome activities to experience the rainforest and the caribbean sea.
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CentralAmerica

COLONIAL MEXICO

Colonial Mexico

5 days . Mini
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3. Mexico

An exciting mini trip exploring the lesser known colonial towns of central Mexico. This is hte perfect trip for someone with limited time off and still wants to turn on explorer mode and do something different.
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SouthAmerica

ADVENTUROUS ECUADOR

Adventurous Ecuador

8 days . Epic
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1. Ecuador

A remarkable 8 days adventure through the Andes and the Amazon rainforest. The best choice for adventure seekers wishing to visit the 2 most iconic areas of South America, in only 1 week and no flights.

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SouthAmerica

ANCIENT PERU

Ancient Peru

9 days . Epic
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2. Peru

An alternative itinerary to classic Peru, from Cusco to Arequipa. This itinerary is great combination of highlights Cusco and Machu Picchu with the lesser known Arequipa and Colca Canyon.
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Europe

SEDUCTIVE SOUTHERN ITALY

Seductive Southern Italy

10 days . Epic
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1. Italy

The ultimate Italian experience from the vibrant streets of Naples to the breathtaking sceneries of the Amalfi Coast followed by Matera and down to Puglia with its golden beaches, intense flavours and fascinating destinations.

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Europe

EDINBURGH AND THE SCOTTISH HIGHLANDS BY TRAIN

Edinburgh And The Scottish Highlands By Train

7 days . Culture
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2. Scotland

Embark on this great adventure starting from London all the way to Scotland with a true Scottish experience made of breathtaking sceneries, whisky tasting and ..lots of fun! Ideal for train lovers and explorers.
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COMPLETE PORTUGAL BY TRAIN

Complete Portugal By Train

8 days . Culture
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3. Portugal

A wonderful train journey around Portugal, from the romantic city of Porto to the Douro Valley, to the beautiful Aveiro all the way to Lisbon and Sintra. The perfect trip to train, culinary and culture lovers.
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Asia

SOULFUL SOUTH KOREA

Soulful South Korea

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1. South Korea

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Asia

THAILAND, CAMBODIA & VIETNAM

Thailand, Cambodia & Vietnam

11 days . Epic
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2. Thailand

From Bankgok to Angkor Wat to Ho Chi Minh City and everything in between - adventure through the heart of South-East Asia. Taste the delights, see history brought to life and unwind on a Mekong River cruise.
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SECRETS OF SRI LANKA BY TRAIN

Secrets Of Sri Lanka By Train

10 days . Culture
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3. Sri Lanka

A fantastic adventure that showcases Sri Lanka's fantastic landscapes, wildlife and flavours. With 3 epic rail journeys, 3 UNESCO heritage sites and time to relax, this trip has loads to offer at a great price
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Africa

EPIC MOROCCO

Epic Morocco

11 days . Epic
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1. Morocco

An epic journey across Morocco: from Casablanca to Marrakech, through the blue city of Chefchaouen to the wonders of the desert and deep to the High Atlas Mountains - this trip has it all! Ideal for true explorers!

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ULTIMATE EGYPT

Ultimate Egypt

9 days . Epic
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2. Egypt

From Cairo to Aswan, this trip brings the land of the pharaohs to life. You'll visit the Pyramids, Valley of the Kings and Luxor Temple and cruise down the Nile in style. This is the perfect way to explore Egypt.
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IMMERSIVE KENYA

Immersive Kenya

8 days . Epic
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3. Kenya

An immersive blend of culture and wildlife for first time travelers to Africa. Learn about Nairobi, sample local coffee in the Aberdares and finish up with a fantastic safari stay in the Masai Mara.
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Della Phillips Grand Lobby

Orange County Convention Center

Building

Courtesy Orange County Convention Center
This is currently the second largest convention center in the United States, with seven million square feet and in 2012, the building earned a spot on the American Institute of Architects’ Florida chapters list of Florida Architecture 100 years 100 Places. The convention center includes eight food courts, a theatre, ballroom, exhibition space, lecture halls, 74 meeting rooms and gardens.

Rogers Building

Art Gallery, Building

Rogers Building
© Ebyabe/WikiMedia Commons 
Built in 1886, the Rogers Building, also known as the English Club, may seem a bit out of place in its surrounds. The building is named after Britain native Gordon Rogers, who at the time wanted to build a new English Gentleman’s Club. Rogers enlisted well-known architect William H. Mullins to construct a Queen Anne style building. The original cypress wood has been covered with imported pressed zinc plates, and this unique building was added to the U.S. National Register of Historic Places in 1983.

Dr. Phillips House

Dr. Phillips House

This historic house, tucked among botanical gardens, exudes charm. Built in 1893 by Col. Peckham as a wedding present for his daughter, the home was later purchased by Florida’s great citrus magnet, Doctor Philip Phillips and his wife Della in 1912. After undergoing renovations and discovering the original architecture detail, the home is now a bed and breakfast.

135 N. Lucerne Cir., E., Orlando, FL., USA,+1 407 648 5188

Dr Phillips House | © Visitor7/WikiMedia Commons

Spaceship Earth Disney

Spaceship Earth Disney
© Anthony Quintano/Flickr

One of Walt Disney World’s most iconic structures, the 18-foot geodesic sphere emblazes the Epcot Horizon. Resembling a giant golf ball, the complete sphere contains 11,324 silvered facets. The structure was designed with the help of science fiction writer, Ray Bradbury, and houses a 15-minute ride transporting guests back in time.

200 Epcot Center Dr., Orlando, FL., USA

Epcot Spaceship Earth | © Anthony Quintano/Flickr

Casa Feliz

Museum

Winter Park Casa Feliz
© Ebyabe/WikiMedia Commons
Designed by acclaimed architect James Gamble Rogers II, the beautifully restored Spanish farmhouse is tucked away in the charming Winter Park. In line with its Mediterranean façade, the home boasts the original Spanish roof tiles, a bell tower, and a heavy timber balcony. All within the backdrop of towering live oaks and lush landscaping.

Knowles Memorial Chapel Rollins

Church, Memorial, Building

Knowles Memorial Chapel
© Courtesy Rollins College/Flickr
Nestled among the beautiful grounds of Rollins College in Winter Park, sits the breathtaking Knowles Memorial Chapel, a historical Mediterranean revival building, one of the oldest and most beautiful in the state. The chapel was built between 1931 and 1932, by famed church and collegiate architect Ralph Adams Cram, who also built the chapel on the campus of the university of Notre Dame. Be sure to visit the inside of the chapel, as the organ, also built in 1932, is just as spectacular.

SunTrust Center

Building

SunTrust Center
© Gabriel Vanslette/WikiMedia Commons
Orlando’s tallest skyscraper, rising 441 feet, is actually three building complexes. This 640,000 square foot, postmodern style building contains 35 stories, a six-level parking garage, a restaurant and a beautiful eight-story atrium in the lobby.
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