Top Must-Do’s at Universal CityWalk at Universal Orlando Resort

Universal CityWalk at Universal Orlando Resort is the gateway to Universal Studios Florida, Universal Islands of Adventure and Universal Volcano Bay — and so much more. Every visit to the open-air dining and entertainment district is a vibrant adventure where unforgettable fun meets a kaleidoscope of cuisine with lots of awesome surprises along the way. Whether it’s date night, an evening out with friends or some all-ages family fun, here are the top things to do when you visit Universal CityWalk in Orlando.

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  • Universal’s Great Movie Escape at Universal CityWalk at Universal Orlando Resort
    Universal’s Great Movie Escape at Universal CityWalk, Part of Universal Orlando Resort

    New to Universal CityWalk, Universal’s Great Movie Escape is the first-ever escape room experience inspired by Universal Pictures and Amblin Entertainment’s blockbuster films Jurassic World and Back to the Future. Inside, you can tackle two challenges with interactive state-of-the-art missions, captivating storytelling and intricately detailed sets.

    Discover: Inside Universal’s Great Movie Escape

    Part of what makes Universal’s Great Movie Escape so unique is the wide variety of challenges, which you’ll need to cooperate with your team to complete. Each room is also specifically designed to be enjoyable for novices and experienced escapees alike. The venue even has two bars serving specialty cocktails inspired by the featured film franchises, so one way or another, you are sure to escape.

  • NBC Sports Grill & Brew at Universal's CityWalk
    NBC Sports Grill & Brew at Universal CityWalk, Part of Universal Orlando Resort

    No matter your dining preferences, you’ll find the perfect restaurant at Universal CityWalk. All-American? Hard Rock Cafe®, Hot Dog Hall of Fame®, NBC Sports Grill & Brew, or the flame-fueled Bigfire™. Island flavors? Jimmy Buffett’s® Margaritaville® or Bob Marley — A Tribute to Freedom℠. Something south of the border? Antojitos Authentic Mexican Food. A taste of Italy? VIVO Italian Kitchen. Asian? Fusion Bistro Sushi & Sake Bar™.

    Discover: Orlando Dining

    You can also choose from several themed dining experiences that are sure to satisfy your craving for adventure and flavor, including Bubba Gump Shrimp Co.™ Restaurant & Market, The Toothsome Chocolate Emporium & Savory Feast Kitchen, The Cowfish® Sushi Burger Bar, and others.

  • Universal Citywalk performers on Rising Star
    CityWalk’s Rising Star at Universal CityWalk, Part of Universal Orlando Resort

    On evenings from Tuesday through Sunday, step into the shoes of a headliner and perform with a live band and backup singers at CityWalk’s Rising Star. You’ll feel like a chart-topping icon as you belt out your favorite songs while the crowd goes wild. (On Sunday and Monday evenings, recorded tracks fill in for the band.)

    Discover: Orlando Nightlife

    If you’re more interested in the show than the spotlight, the nightly rock-concert ambiance will keep you entertained — as will the robust selection of cocktails and other adult beverages.

  • Universal CityWalk Toothsome Chocolate Emporium
    The Toothsome Chocolate Emporium & Savory Feast Kitchen at Universal CityWalk, Part of Universal Orlando Resort

    Universal CityWalk has two venues where you can enjoy instantly Instagrammable desserts. First, Voodoo Doughnut adds a terrific twist to the sugary favorites. Between unusual flavors like Grape Ape, Voodoo Doll or Tangfastic Cake, gourmet takes on time-tested classics, and even vegan options, there’s a taste for every donut-lover.

    Then, experience an age only dreamed of at The Toothsome Chocolate Emporium & Savory Feast Kitchen, a steampunk-influenced restaurant where gourmet desserts compete with awe-inspiring milkshakes to completely satisfy your sweet tooth. Plus: They have a robot.

  • Hard Rock Cafe & Live exterior with people
    Hard Rock Cafe & Hard Rock Live® at Universal CityWalk, Part of Universal Orlando Resort

    Anyone who loves live music is going to love Universal CityWalk. Catch a never-ending lineup of concerts at Hard Rock Live®, showcasing top names in rock, pop, country, alternative and more. Or, visit an authentic recreation of the King of Reggae’s house for tunes written and inspired by the namesake legend at Bob Marley — A Tribute to Freedom℠.

    Discover: Live Concerts in Orlando

    You can also get your groove on — literally — at the groove, or let your dance moves heat up the night at the tropical Red Coconut Club. These and other Universal CityWalk nightlife options stay open until 2 a.m. so you can keep the party going late.

  • Universal CityWalk family at Hollywood Drive-In Golf
    Hollywood Drive-In Golf™ at Universal CityWalk, Part of Universal Orlando Resort

    Travel to the heyday of 1950s shock cinema for a golf game that’s truly out of this world. Hollywood Drive-In Golf at Universal CityWalk invites you to giggle and scream your way through two larger-than-life mini-golf courses: “The Haunting of Ghostly Greens” and “Invaders From Planet Putt,” inspired by classic horror and sci-fi flicks, respectively.

    Discover: Orlando Mini-Golf

    Try both for an exciting double feature as you encounter monsters in a haunted house, aliens from a flying saucer … and even a 30-foot robot.

  • Three women at Universal CityWalk near the entrance to Universal Studios Florida
    Unique Shopping Awaits at Universal CityWalk, Part of Universal Orlando Resort

    Get in some retail therapy at Universal CityWalk’s lineup of unique shops, starting with mementos from your adventures and keepsakes of your favorite characters at Universal Studios Store. Find even more one-of-a-kind collectibles at the Universal Legacy Store and the Rock Shop.

    Discover: Orlando Shopping

    You can also buy clothing and gear for your inner wave-chaser at Quiet Flight® Surf Shop, or get inked with a fresh design at Hart & Huntington Tattoo Company®. Minions tattoo, anyone?

  • Universal's CityWalk at Universal Orlando Resort water taxi in lagoon
    Water Taxis at Universal CityWalk, Part of Universal Orlando Resort

    If you need a quiet escape from the excitement of Universal CityWalk, or just want to tour three of Universal Orlando Resort’s most luxurious hotels, take advantage of these free, relaxing water taxi rides. The offer passage from the entertainment district to Loews Portofino Bay Hotel at Universal Orlando, Loews Royal Pacific Resort at Universal Orlando and Hard Rock Hotel® at Universal Orlando.

    Discover: Universal Orlando Resort Hotels

    Taxi services start about 30 minutes before Universal Orlando Resort’s theme parks open and continue till 2:30 a.m., all year long. Time your trip to Loews Portofino Bay Hotel to arrive shortly before 6:30 p.m. and you can pair your trip with the sweet sounds of the property’s famous Musica della Notte live show (weather permitting).

  • Two girls walking across a splash pad at Universal Citywalk Orlando
    Enjoy Free Admission at Universal CityWalk, Part of Universal Orlando Resort

    Universal CityWalk isn’t just the place to be — it’s also completely free thanks to complimentary admission all day, every day. After 6 p.m., parking is free on most nights, too, and parking fees never apply if you arrive via public transportation or stay at an official Universal Orlando Resort hotel. (Free parking after 6 p.m. is not available during Halloween Horror Nights and other select events.)

    Take the money you save and put it toward making memories that will last forever at Universal Orlando Resort.

Have an Awesome Day at Universal Orlando Resort

Endless adventures await at Universal Orlando Resort — and Visit Orlando powered by BestofOrlando.com can help you save on admission to all Universal Orlando theme parks and water parks. Take advantage of our free planning tools to discover more ways to enhance your experiences in the Theme Park Capital of the World.