We asked you what you wanted to know about downtown and your 20+ submissions resulted in a three-way tie, all of which we will get to but we’re starting with Michelle Morales’ very relatable question: Where is the least expensive parking downtown?
We’ve done our research over the years from many days and nights spent working and playing downtown but for this answer, we also asked the pros: our readers.
This is a list of both city- and privately-owned garages and then this website tells you the cost of parking, the distance from your location, and how many spots are inside (not to be confused with available spots — still, incredibly useful).
The top three choices for parking downtown are:
1. Library Garage (the parking garage across from the Orlando Public Library located at 112 E Central Boulevard) was your favorite. Reasons being? The owners don’t tow, it’s reasonably priced (on most nights), it feels safer because of the on-duty parking garage attendants, and because of sheer convenience. It’s right in the heart of downtown.
2. Solaire parking garage, but with a few reservations. This one surprised us because it’s not the easiest to navigate with its winding levels and gets expensive if you’re not careful. However, if you’re eating at Market on Magnolia or seeing a movie at the Plaza theater, you can get your parking validated. Plus, it’s conveniently located and has on-duty parking garage attendants.
3. The SunTrust parking garage across from the Grand Bohemian on Orange Avenue and South Street was the third most recommended garage because of its convenience to the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts, Church Street and the Amway, the ease of its entry and exit, and also the cost.
However, the cheapest option for parking is almost always street parking because it’s one dollar per hour and free after 6 p.m. but those spots are hard to come by. Plus, if you leave your vehicle overnight and don’t move it before 8 a.m. — then you’ll be the lucky recipient of a ticket worth $22 in fines.
Want to learn more about downtown? Check out our posts on the beloved vegan hot dog cart; the swans at Lake Eola and their caretakers, one of our themed, more popular watering holes, and up next, a look at our comedy scene and why it rivals that of New York City.Â