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Tampa downtown

The city of Tampa is the county seat of Hillsborough County and the largest city in West Central Florida.

Understand

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Tampa is on the north shore of Tampa Bay in West Central Florida. Saint Petersburg lies west of the bay, while Bradenton is on the southern shore. The downtown business center of the city is on the north shore of Hillsborough Bay (a small bay within Tampa Bay which is bordered by the eastern shore of Tampa Bay and the small peninsula of South Tampa) and Ybor City lies just to the east. MacDill Air Force Base is on the southern tip of South Tampa, while the city also extends to the north all the way to New Tampa.

Orientation

Tampa is divided into five main districts fanning out from Downtown in the south-center between the Hillsborough River and Ybor Channel. West Tampa, once a separate city, lies across the Hillsborough River to the west of Downtown. South Tampa, a large residential area, extends south along the Interbay Peninsula. Historic Ybor City (sometimes considered a part of downtown) lies on the northeast side of downtown. East Tampa, the historically African-American side of the city, lies north of Ybor City. North Tampa forms the urban/suburban sprawl north of Busch Boulevard. A significant suburban area, often considered a part of "Tampa", extends many miles to the northwest, north, and east of the city.

Within Tampa proper, there are six official "historical districts" (Hampton Terrace, Hyde Park, Seminole Heights, Tampa Heights, Historic West Tampa, Ybor City) and at least 86 named neighborhoods.

History

The Tampa Bay area was visited by many Spanish explorers, beginning with Panfilo de Narvaez in 1528. However, no long term permanent settlements were created until 1824 when the US federal government created a reservation for north Florida Seminole Indians. At the same time, the US created Fort Brooke to oversee the reservation as well as protect the strategic harbor.

The town's first population boom occurred in the 1880s. In 1883, phosphate was discovered in the area, spurring the development of the mining and shipping industries in the area. Shortly after, Henry B. Plant completed work on his railroad linking Tampa to Jacksonville. He began promoting Tampa as a holiday spot and built the grand Plant Hotel as a luxury resort destination. In 1886, Vicente Martinez Ybor opened Tampa's first cigar factory in Ybor City which encouraged the immigration of many Spanish, Cuban and Italian (primarily Sicilian) workers.

During the Spanish American War at the turn of the century, Tampa was the main port of departure for troops heading for Cuba. During this time, the Plant Hotel was converted into officer's accommodations, housing the Rough Riders and Teddy Roosevelt.

MacDill Air Force Base was created in 1939 and the University of South Florida in 1956. Over the course of the 20th century, Tampa has grown into the center of a large metropolitan area; it now hosts the regional headquarters of many international companies, has acquired numerous professional sports teams, and has even bid for the summer Olympics.

People

Tampa is a very diverse city. The first residents were the members of the Seminole Indian tribe that was relocated there from northern Florida and the soldiers stationed at Fort Brook to control the reservation. The town remained a mostly military town until the 1880s when the first major waves of immigration arrived from Cuba, Spain and Sicily. The major growth of the area did not occur until air conditioning became common after World War II, but the region has been growing steadily since then. Tampa is now home to many native Floridians, including Seminoles, Cubans, Spaniards and Italians, as well the residence of many 'transplants' from the Northeast, Midwest and other areas of the states as well as new immigrants from the Caribbean and Latin America. Tampa's population swells during the winter months with the arrival of the 'snowbirds,' retired persons from the northern U.S. and Canada who come down for a few months to enjoy the relative warmth.

Economy

Tampa has a growing economy and serves as a major port. Among others, Raymond James, Home Shopping Network, Outback Steakhouse, and a major portion of Citigroup are headquartered in Tampa. Tampa's major industries today are tourism, phosphate mining, shipping, citrus processing, shrimping, and services.

Get in

Airside C at Tampa International Airport.

By plane

1 Tampa International Airport (TPA  IATA), near Tampa Bay along I-275. TPA is consistently rated as one of the top airports in the country from various travel publications. Serving as a focus city for Southwest, Silver, and Spirit, TPA also has flights from all major carriers such as American, United, Frontier, etc. Additionally, the airport increasingly serves as an alternative to MCO in Orlando with international flights to London, Frankfurt, Panama City (Panama), Zurich, Amsterdam (2019), flights throughout the Caribbean. and four destinations in Cuba including Havana.

2 Saint Petersburg-Clearwater International Airport (PIE IATA) is an alternative 15 miles away, generally serving smaller routes and discount airlines.

3 Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport (SRQ IATA) is a bit further away, but is in proximity to beautiful Gulf beaches to the south of Tampa.

By train

See also: Rail travel in the United States

Amtrak runs its Silver Star service daily from New York City and Miami to Tampa. The train journey through Florida offers great views, but be aware that, while Amtrak reports an 80% on-time rate, the scheduled times, particularly on the southbound trains, can be hours before the actual time of arrival, and there are limited options for rescheduling. 4 Tampa Union Station Tampa Union Station on Wikipedia is located at 601 Nebraska Avenue in downtown Tampa.

By car

Tampa is easily accessible via the major interstate highways, I-75 from north and south, and I-4 from the east. From either highway, exit onto I-275 to reach Tampa. However, be prepared for frequent traffic jams particularly when it rains; nearly all of Downtown and the airport area are under constant and complete construction.

By bus

  • Greyhound, The Greyhound station in Tampa is at 610 Polk Street in downtown Tampa.
  • Sarasota-Tampa Express offers shuttle service between Tampa International Airport and the nearby towns of Bradenton and Sarasota for $40 one-way.
  • Megabus. Service from Orlando, Fort Lauderdale, and Miami. The buses stop at the Marion Transit Center, 1211 N Marion St (between Fortune and Laurel Sts) in downtown Tampa.

By boat

Cruise ships from five cruise lines operate from Tampa, mostly to Caribbean islands and Mexico. The Tampa cruise terminal is on the Ybor channel downtown.

Get around

By car

Car rentals are the most convenient for of transportation for visitors, with local companies offering better prices but national chains offering more convenience vis-a-vis return policies and times.

The main freeways in Tampa are Interstate 275, Interstate 4, the Veterans Expressway (toll FL 589), and the Lee Roy Selmon Crosstown Expressway (toll FL 618). Some of the main east-west roads through town are Kennedy Boulevard (SR 60), Gandy Boulevard (SR 694), Hillsborough Avenue (US 92) and Fowler Avenue (SR 582), while some of the north-south roads are Dale Mabry Highway (US 92) and Florida/Nebraska Avenue (US 41). Traffic is especially bad during the rush hours: from about 7:30AM to 9:30AM and 3:30PM to 7:30PM. During these times, try especially to avoid I-275 between I-4 and SR 60 (by the airport) as this section runs by downtown and is being rebuilt.

By bus

Tampa streetcars

Hillsborough Area Regional Transit Authority (HART) provides extensive bus service throughout Hillsborough County. There are four types of routes offered: "local", "Commuter Express", "MetroRapid" (Bus Rapid Transit), and trolleys (see below). Local routes are ones which have many stops in a small region. Commuter Express lines are long-distance lines namely providing service from suburbs into Tampa. Only local to local & commuter express to local transfers are allowed. Fares are $1.75 for local routes and $2.75 for commuter express lines. Four small routes (83, 87, 88, & 89) have a 50¢ fare with no transfers. Riders over 65, 17 and under, on Medicare, or disabled are half-price: 85¢ for "local" routes and $1.35 for "commuter express" routes. Bus transportation in the Tampa area is not popular and one can expect plenty of room in buses. 1 Marion Transit Center at 1211 N Marion St, just north of downtown is the hub for almost all local and regional buses.

PSTA, offers service in Pinellas County (the county west of Tampa Bay, home to Clearwater and St. Petersburg) similar to what HART offers in Hillsborough.

By streetcar

Tampa's TECO Line Streetcar runs from Whiting and Franklin Streets downtown to Centennial Park in Ybor City with 9 stops along the way (11 total stops). The line is useful for tourists and convention-goers. The line runs by many local shops, restaurants, and attractions including the convention center, Embassy Suites, the Tampa Bay Times Forum, Channelside, the Florida Aquarium, and through Ybor City. There are 3 types of streetcars in operation: 9 "Birney Safety" replicas (picture, right), one "Breezer" open-air replica (picture, left), and one original "Birney" car (#163, not pictured) which operated in Tampa from 1923-1946 and went through 10,000 man-hours of restoration. Even if you're not using it for transportation, the streetcars are a fun way to see some of the city's historic and cultural sights. Each station is covered and offers benches, ticket vending machines, and information kiosks. Dick Greco Plaza in downtown serves as an intermodal station, offering connections to HART buses, taxis, and easy pedestrian access to the surrounding area.

As of January 2019, the streetcar is fare free, simply board at any stop. Formerly, a one-way fare was $2.50. A 1-day, unlimited ride pass for streetcars, trolleys, and local HART buses are available for $5. Riders over 65, disabled, on Medicare, or 17 and under are discounted to $1.25 per trip or $2.50 for 1-day unlimited, with appropriate ID. A "Family All Day Ticket" is also available, allowing 2 adults plus 3 children or 1 adult and 4 children to ride streetcars only for only $12.50. Children under 4 are free, but if taller than the fare box ID is required. Exact change is required when purchasing on board, streetcar drivers do not provide change.

Additionally, automated Ticket Vending Machines (TVMs) are installed at all streetcar stations and accept cash or credit cards and can provide change when paying cash. Three-day and one year passes are available from TVMs and authorized sales outlets. Sales outlets along the line are located at Bank of America building's concierge (downtown), Grand Central at Kennedy (Channelside), Wine Design (Channelside), Tampa Bay Convention & Visitors Bureau Visitor Center (Channelside), Centro Ybor Visitor Information Center (Ybor City), and the HART Administrative Office (1201 E. 7th Ave in Ybor City). Tickets and passes for the streetcar and all HART lines can be purchased online. For more information about the streetcar line, tickets, or HART services, call +1 813 254-4278.

Service is available M-Th 7AM-11PM, F Sa 11AM-2AM, and Su noon-8PM. Streetcars arrive every 20 minutes, except every 30 minutes on Friday/Saturday from 1AM-2AM. Service is extended when the Tampa Bay Lightning play at the Tampa Bay Times Forum, allowing spectators to park in Ybor City and avoid the end-of-game traffic encountered when parking near the Forum.

By trolley

Tampa also a rubber-wheel trolley system serving the Central Business District. Unlike the streetcars, which are electric and run on a fixed track, the trollies are simply small, diesel buses styled to look like a streetcar. The In-Towner Trolley (Route 96) runs north-south from I-275, through downtown to the northern end of Harbor Island. It has service every 15 minutes at 17 stops [dead link], M-F 6-8:30AM and 3:30-6PM. On Saturday, the In-Towner Route 97 loop runs through Downtown and to the Channel District every 30 minutes 11AM-7PM. As of June 2018, rides are $0.25 (no transfers), $3.75 for a 1-day pass, and $5 for a 1-day streetcar/trolley pass. Riders over 65, 17 and under, on Medicare, or disabled are discounted to $1.85 for a 1-day trolley pass or $2.50 for a 1-day trolley/streetcar pass. Children under 4 are free, but if taller than the fare box ID is required. Only $1 bills are accepted.

By ferry

  • CrossBay Ferry, ☏ +1 727-273-6877. W-Su, no service M Tu (except for Lightning hockey games). Ferry service to/from downtown Tampa to downtown St. Petersburg Adult $8; senior, military, college student $5; youth (5-18) $3. (updated Feb 2020)

See

Downtown Tampa

A view of downtown Tampa, Florida taken from the W Platt Street bridge.
  • 1 Channel District. The Channel District has many shops, restaurants, and is one of the beginnings of the Tampa River Walk. Formerly home to a shopping center named Channelside Bay Plaza, this area is now completely remodeled and opened in late 2018 as Sparkman Wharf, with many take away eateries and a beer garden, along with a lively lawn beside the waterfront. The area also serves as a major cruise hub with five lines embarking or stopping in Tampa. The Florida Aquarium is also here (see entry below). (updated Jan 2019)
  • 2 Florida Aquarium, 701 Channelside Drive (Channelside district, just east of downtown), ☏ +1 813 273-4000. Daily 9:30AM-5PM. Fabulous aquarium following a drop of rain from a swamp through Florida's aquifer, to its rivers and out into the Gulf of Mexico and Atlantic Ocean. Restaurant, gift shop, children's play area, touch tank, interactive dive experiences, and eco-tours of Tampa Bay. The aquarium also has a great outdoor water play area (included with admission), so on hotter days bring swim attire and towels for the kids - bathrooms are located adjacent for changing. There is a fee for parking at the main lot, but on busier days/times only members are allowed to use it - others will be directed to the parking garages nearby. Adults $28.95, ages 3-12 $23.95, discount if bought online. Florida Aquarium (Q3074266) on Wikidata Florida Aquarium on Wikipedia (updated Jan 2018)
  • 3 Tampa Museum of Art, 120 W. Gasparilla Plaza (downtown Tampa on the Hillsborough river), ☏ +1 813 274-8130 (main), +1 813 421-8380 (tickets). M-Th 11AM – 7PM; F 11AM – 8PM; Sa Su 11AM – 5PM. Adult $15; senior $7.50, Florida educator $7.50, military plus one guest $7.50 (each); student $5; and child age 6 and under free. Pay-as-you-will admission Th 4PM-8PM. Tampa Museum of Art (Q7681719) on Wikidata Tampa Museum of Art on Wikipedia (updated Jun 2018)
  • 4 Tampa Theatre, 711 Franklin Street, ☏ +1 813 274-8982. Opened in 1926 in downtown, the Tampa Theatre is a historic movie palace featuring a wide range of independent, foreign, and documentary films on a daily basis. Architecturally stunning inside and out, it is no wonder that the Tampa Theatre has become a city and national landmark. It has been listed in the National Register of Historic Places since 1978. It is Tampa's only non-profit theatre and operating costs are largely covered by its membership program, various corporate sponsors, and ticket sales. 
  • 5 University of Tampa. Built at the turn of the 20th century as the Tampa Bay Hotel by railroad magnate H.B. Plant, the beautiful old building is now used as the administration building and classrooms for the University of Tampa. It has been lovingly restored to most of its prior glory; the ballroom is a showpiece with its domed ceiling under brilliant silver minarets. There is a small, but very interesting museum in the building that recreates a large portion of Tampa's early history, as well as giving visitors a peek into how the hotel appeared when it first opened. The University of Tampa (Q751289) on Wikidata University of Tampa on Wikipedia (updated Feb 2017)
  • 6 Tampa Convention Center, 333 S. Franklin St. (On southeast corner of Channelside Dr. and S. Franklin St.), ☏ +1 813 274-8511, . Events are at this site over a wide variety of hours almost every day. The Convention Center always has activities. National and international groups rent space for meetings and conventions. Regional and local groups rent space. Some of the activities require fees for entrance, but many are open to the general public either free or for a small fee. The Tampa Riverwalk passes along the south and west sides of the building. Just north of the Convention Center is the Convention Center parking garage for visitors. On the Tampa Bay side is a boat dock area where for a fee private boats may be docked. Several outlets inside the Center sell food and drinks. On the east side of the center property is the Sail Pavilion, which has some food but mainly sells alcoholic beverages. (updated Nov 2015)
  • Tampa Riverwalk. Tampa Riverwalk has been nearly 30 years in the making, and finally connects the vibrant Tampa Heights district with the heart of Downtown, all the way to the Florida Aquarium in the Channel District. Along the 2.4-mile walkway are many parks, including the incredibly popular Curtis Hixon, the Tampa Performing Arts Center, the Amalie Arena where the Tampa Bay Lightning play, and multiple hotels, bars, and restaurants. Free. (updated Aug 2018)

North Tampa

  • 7 Busch Gardens, toll-free: +1-888-800-5447. McKinley Drive. More than just an amusement park -- also a top-notch zoo. Expensive, but a very enjoyable day -- rides, shows. This is a fun place for all ages, kids, teens, and even adults. It has a family friendly atmosphere with lots of things to do and see. The scenery is amazing; it has a feel of different places as you travel throughout the park. Rides vary from a huge merry go round to the famous rollercoaster, Montu. There are many different types of rides to choose from and also many roller coasters to choose from as well. Not a ride fan? You can check out the many shows they perform daily. Ice skating, singing, magic, birds and other performances can be found all around the corners of Busch Gardens. Not a show fan either? Then check out the many food establishments spread out through the park. They offer fast food like popcorn and fries to a nice sit-down meal. Also check Busch Gardens out during different holidays. They always have special events and offers. For instance, for Halloween they have Howl-O-Scream when the park is open all night long. They also have special events for over night stays, New Years, and special ticket sales for Florida residents. Always watch out for these special events because they happen all the time. $70 visitors, $80 Florida residents. Busch Gardens Tampa (Q2743812) on Wikidata Busch Gardens Tampa on Wikipedia 
  • 8 Zoo Tampa at Lowry Park (Lowry Park Zoo), 1101 West Sligh Avenue, ☏ +1 813 935-8552. Daily 9:30AM-5PM. One of the top-rated zoos in the country, featuring children's areas, restaurants, a manatee hospital, and first-rate encounters with animals from around the world. Make sure to tour the aviary and feed the lorikeets. Popular section of the zoo include the Florida Wildlife Center with alligators, bears and Manatees; the Asian Gardens with Komodo Dragons, Rhinoceros, and leopards; and the new Safari Africa with meercats, elephants, and a wide variety of African animals. There is a large water play area near the entry of the park and in the Australia area (the kind where water comes up from the ground) that kids are drawn to - bring a towel and a change of clothes on hot days, or in case your child can't resist. Adult $34.95, age 3-11 $25.95; $2 discount per person if you purchase tickets online.. Tampa’s Lowry Park Zoo (Q6694171) on Wikidata Lowry Park Zoo on Wikipedia (updated Sep 2018)
  • Museum of Science and Industry (MOSI), 4801 E Fowler Ave, ☏ +1 813 987-6100. Daily 9AM-6PM. Hands-on children's science museum, including an IMAX dome and stellar revolving exhibits. Great way to spend a day with the family. Adult $23.95, age 2-12 $19.95. 
  • 9 University of South Florida, 4202 E. Fowler Ave, ☏ +1 813 974-3990. The main campus for this university. Blossoming from five buildings in its opening (1960) to 164 buildings on the Tampa campus alone, this beautiful college is now educating more than 29,000 students. With beautiful greenery, fountains, and named the "top architecture school in Florida" by the Florida Board of Architecture and Interior Design in 2002. A sports fan? The University of South Florida has you covered here as well! Home to the Division-1 football (at Raymond James Stadium) and basketball (at the on-campus SunDome) among others. University of South Florida (Q500606) on Wikidata University of South Florida on Wikipedia (updated Jan 2018)

Ybor City

This historic multi-ethnic district northeast of downtown & north of the Channelside district is best known to locals for its wide range of nightclubs, bars, and shops making it a popular evening and weekend hotspot. However, this historic district has much to offer the tourist by day. It used to be home to thousands of Cuban, Spanish and Italian immigrants (and smaller numbers of Romanian Jews and Germans), and was famous for its many cigar factories and is where the 'Cuban sandwich' was first popularized in the United States. Ybor City is one of only two active National Historic Landmark Districts in the state of Florida and can be easily visited by catching one of its famous streetcars that connects downtown Tampa to Ybor City (see "Get around" section).

  • Ybor City State Museum, 1818 9th Avenue. Daily 9AM-5PM, except major holidays. On 9th Avenue between 18th & 19th Streets, should be the first stop for any new visitor to the area. This small, but intriguing museum highlights the colorful history of this city-turned-Tampa-suburb and has a gift shop filled with small trinkets. The museum offers walking tours (see "Do" section, below). Visitors must park at metered spots on 9th/nearby streets. $3. 
  • Ybor City Cigar Museum, 1600 8th Ave. M-Sa 10AM-6PM, Su noon-6PM. Presents the history of cigar making in Ybor City. Nice gift shop. 
  • Centro Ybor. Centered by a 20-screen mega-cinema, plenty of shopping, bars, and nightclubs, this large entertainment complex/plaza at the heart of Ybor City, it is the epicenter of Tampa's young-adult nightlife. 
  • Saturday Market — Every Saturday from 9AM-3PM in Centennial Park, the market features local-grown produce, arts, crafts, and local food.
  • Ybor City ArtWalk — The first Saturday of every month, this event brings out the best area arts and crafts, from business owners to professionals to studio-dwelling amateurs showing off their goods.

Do

  • Walking tour of Ybor City — Every Saturday at 10:30AM, the Ybor City State Museum offers a 60-minute walking tour of Ybor City highlighting the cigar industry's impact on the area, historic cottages/businesses, and tours of the YC State Museum & YC Cigar Museum. The $6 cost includes both museum entrance fees. Longer tours are available by appointment Tu-Th for $12. If possible, stop by the 100-year-old Columbia Restaurant at the end of the tour for a tasty Cuban lunch.
  • Cruise ships, Port of Tampa.
  • Gasparilla Pirate Festival. An annual event consisting of several parades, live entertainment, and fireworks. The event is also known as the Mardi Gras of Tampa, and normally takes place on the last two Saturdays in January. 
  • 1 Adventure Island. Water park adjoining Busch Gardens, combined or single admission with the main park is available. (updated Aug 2018),

2 Sky Zone Tampa.  - in Tampa.

  • Guavaween. Ybor City's Halloween celebration. Offers daytime events and nighttime parade on the last Saturday in October. (updated Jun 2017)
  • Sant'Yago Knight Parade is an illuminated nighttime parade that takes place one Saturday in February in Ybor City.
  • Several film festivals take place at the Tampa Theatre several times a year.
  • Read the Tampa Tribune -- Tampa has some sort of event going on nearly every weekend, especially in the spring and early summer. Art festivals, a terrific Renaissance festival, street festivals -- take advantage of the great weather and enjoy our city.
  • Surprisingly, ice skating is a popular activity in the Tampa Bay area. The Tampa Bay Skating Academy in nearby Oldsmar has two NHL-sized ice surfaces. Other well-known rinks include Ice Sports Forum in Brandon, and Sunblades Center and the rink in Westfield Countryside Mall, both in Clearwater.
  • Lettuce Lake Park between I-75 and the University of South Florida has boardwalks that go through a nearly pristine area with 700-year-old cypress trees, alligators, egrets and herons. One end of the boardwalk overlooks the Hillsborough River in its original state, a far cry from what it looks like in the downtown area.
  • L-39 Albatross jet fighter flight. From St. Petersburg-Clearwater International Airport (updated Jun 2017)
  • Dade City's Wild Things, 37245 Meridia nave, ☏ +1 352-567-9453. Tu-Sa 9AM-5PM. A zoo with over 190 animals and private guides who facilitate animal encounters. 

Sports

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers playing at Raymond James Stadium off Dale Mabry Highway.
  • Tampa Bay Buccaneers are an American football team whose home field is Raymond James Stadium (off Dale Mabry a couple of miles north of I-275). Routinely near the top of the NFC South, they were the 2002 Super Bowl champions and the team which receives the most support in the Tampa Bay region (although the recent performance of the Rays has gotten much more support and attention). The season lasts from August (preseason)-January(postseason, if they qualify). Tickets start at $50.
  • Tampa Bay Lightning. Are an NHL (ice hockey) team who won the Stanley Cup in the 2003-2004 season. Their home is in the Amalie Arena. Season includes 41 home games and lasts October-June. 
  • Tampa Bay Storm. An Arena Football League team playing in the Tampa Bay Times Forum. They have won more Arena Bowl titles than any other team in the AFL. Season lasts March-June. 
  • Spring Training Baseball. The New York Yankees train at George M. Steinbrenner Field during the month of March. However, tickets are usually sold out several weeks before a game. 
  • Tampa Tarpons a minor league baseball team which plays its games at George M. Steinbrenner Field from April-September
  • South Florida Bulls The USF Bulls football team represents the University of South Florida. The Bulls compete in the Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) and the Big East Conference.

The Tampa Bay Rays (MLB, baseball) and Tampa Bay Rowdies (NASL, soccer/association football) play in St. Petersburg.

Golf

Buy

  • International Plaza Mall. International Plaza is near the airport, and would be worthwhile if you are trying to spend a few hours. The usual stores are present, plus a collection of boutique shops, restaurants, and bars in the outdoor area. Lots of food and drink options as well. (updated Sep 2018)
  • Westshore Plaza Mall. Also near the airport, has a food court, movie theater and shops. (updated Feb 2017)
  • Channelside. Beside the cruise terminals in downtown, this shopping complex has shops, food, and drinking places. Take the streetcar into Ybor City for more shopping and restaurants, the ride takes about 10 to 15 minutes. (updated Feb 2017)
  • University Mall. Near University of South Florida, it has mid-range shops and food. Few tourists would have a reason to visit this mall, but in a pinch it would be a good bet for basic clothing needs. However, in the mall's parking area along Fowler Ave, there are several good familty style restaurants such as Portillo's Hot Dogs, Long Horn Steakhouse, and a Racetrack convenience store. (updated Sep 2018)
  • 1 Westfield Citrus Park. In the northwest part of the county. Another Westfield Shopping Town with the standard food court, shops, and a movie theater. Westfield Citrus Park (Q7988661) on Wikidata Citrus Park Town Center on Wikipedia (updated Sep 2018)
  • Big Top Flea Market, Fowler ave. (Past I-75 on the left). Sa Su. 
  • Couture Designer Resale Boutique (Couture Designer Resale Boutique), 10117 Montague St, ☏ +1 813 926-9889. M-sa 10AM-6PM. Founded in 2003, Couture Boutique is one of the leading providers of authentic used luxury goods in the United States. Couture offers a wide selection of designer handbags, jewelry, clothing, and accessories and features top-name designers that include Chanel, Louis Vuitton, Hermes, Gucci, and David Yurman. With their ever-changing inventory and friendly staff, Couture Boutique has become a popular shopping destination for Tampa Bay area residents and travelers alike. 

Eat

Budget

  • Bo's Ice Cream, 7101 N Florida Avenue. Very close to Lowry Park Zoo at Florida & Sligh. Amazing local soft-serve, shakes and banana splits. 
  • Carmine's Restaurant, 1802 E 7th Ave. Ybor City neighborhood. Cuban, Spanish, and Italian. 
  • Cappy's Pizza, 4910 North Florida Avenue, ☏ +1 813 238-1516. Between MLK and Hillsborough on Florida Avenue. Great local pizza joint, family friendly. 
  • Hattrick's, 107 S Franklin Street, ☏ +1 813 225-4228. Daily 11AM-3AM. In downtown Tampa, chow down on wings, mozzarella sticks and other dishes while watching the Tampa Bay Lightning play against their rivals. (updated May 2015)
  • Hugo's Spanish Restaurant, 931 S Howard Ave, ☏ +1 813 251-2842. Slightly more expensive than La Teresita, but still a bargain in the pricey SoHo neighborhood. $10 will buy you a mountain of food at lunch time. 
  • The Jerk Hut, 207 E Twiggs St, ☏ +1 813 223-4473. and 1406 E Fowler Ave +1 813 632-9551. Don't be put off by the name - "jerk" is a Jamaican term for slow-roasting meats. The Jerk Hut serves theirs with an addictive sweet red sauce. Also, curries and oxtail stew. 
  • Mel's Hot Dogs, 4136 E Busch Blvd, ☏ +1 813 985-8000. A tacky little restaurant near Busch Gardens. Good hot dogs and bizarre hot dog related memorabilia. 
  • Mema's Alaskan Tacos, 1724 E 8th Ave, ☏ +1 813 242-8226. Ybor City. "Alaskan" or not, the good fresh made tacos and tamales are a favorite with locals and visitors alike in the Ybor City neighborhood, right on the trolley car line. 
  • New Soul Sandwich Shop, 518 N Willow Ave, ☏ +1 813 251-3720. Definitely "off the beaten path." Great soul food in industrial neighborhood, just off Kennedy. Don't mind the ramshackle surroundings, as the proprietors and the regulars are quite friendly. 
  • El Taconazo, 913 E Hillsborough Ave, ☏ +1 813 232-5889. Known locally as the "Taco Bus." Simple and delicious Mexican food for very little money. The ceviche is a steal at only $5, but be forewarned: there's no air conditioning. 
  • 1 La Teresita, 3246 W Columbus Dr, ☏ +1 813-879-9704. Inexpensive Cuban diner with good food and interesting characters. A true Tampa institution. La Teresita (Q16998942) on Wikidata La Teresita on Wikipedia (updated Nov 2018)
  • Westshore Pizza, 927 S Howard Ave, ☏ +1 813 251-2020. Numerous other locations throughout Tampa Bay. A local chain with good, cheap eats including pizza and cheesesteaks. 
  • Xtreme Juice Smoothies, 619 S. Dale Mabry Hwy, ☏ +1 813 879-6033. South Tampa's best smoothies. A local smoothie shop that offers Buy One Get One Free on Sundays. 

Mid-range

  • Bahama Breeze, 3045 N. Rocky Point Drive E, ☏ +1 813 289-7922. 
  • Fuego, 1721 West Brandon Blvd, ☏ +1 813 413-8382. Brandon (Just outside the Tampa city limits; Highway 60/Adamo Blvd becomes Brandon Blvd. at the line). Brazilian. If you're a meat eater and looking for something a bit different, this is a treat. Waiters bring a wide variety of chicken, beef, pork, and sausages fresh cooked in various ways to your table to sample as much as you wish of. 
  • T. C. Choy's Asian Bistro, 301 S Howard Ave, ☏ +1 813 251-1191. Sushi and dim sum, along with other traditional Chinese fare. 
  • 2 [dead link] The Refinery, 5910 N Florida Ave, ☏ +1 813-234-3710. The Refinery (Q7760021) on Wikidata The Refinery on Wikipedia (updated Nov 2018)
  • Tampa Bay Brewing Company, 1600 E. 8th Avenue, ☏ +1 813 247-1422. Ybor City section of Tampa. Brew pub with a good food menu including shepard's pie and huge calzones in addition to more standard fare. 

Splurge

  • 3 Bern's Steak House, 1208 S Howard Av, ☏ +1 813 251-2421. Considered to be one of the best steakhouses in Florida: it claims to have the largest privately owned wine lists in the world, with over 7000 labels and a million bottles. It is commonplace to have a tour of the kitchen and wine cellar after dinner, but expect to spend at least a few hours. Bern's Steak House (Q4892745) on Wikidata Bern's Steak House on Wikipedia (updated Nov 2018)
  • 4 The Columbia Restaurant, 2117 East 7th Avenue, ☏ +1 813 248-4961. Spanish, a landmark in the Ybor City neighborhood since 1905. Famous for their "1905 Salad, " traditional Spanish menu, and flamenco dance shows. Columbia Restaurant (Q5149811) on Wikidata Columbia Restaurant on Wikipedia (updated Nov 2018)
  • 5 Mise en Place, 442 W Kennedy Blvd, ☏ +1 813 254-5373. Mise en Place (Q6875313) on Wikidata Mise en Place (restaurant) on Wikipedia (updated Nov 2018)

Drink

  • Cigar City Brewing, 3924 West Spruce Street, ☏ +1 813 348-6363. West Tampa section of Tampa. Very popular craft brewery with a tasting room. 
  • Ybor City is a historic area of Tampa which now hosts the region's best known bar and nightclub district. It is a nationally known arts, bar and dining district and you could take several days visiting all of the bars and places to eat here. Certain parts to the extreme west and east sections of this neighborhood can be dangerous after midnight, but if you stay in the main areas it's well lit and there are plenty of police around. You can find any type of bar here, from punk rock/metal, hip-hop, house, blues, indie, country, or dive.
  • Tampa Bay Brewing Company, 1600 E. 8th Avenue, ☏ +1 813 247-1422. Ybor City section of Tampa. Good variety of well made beers. 
  • Seminole Heights is one of the most dynamic historic areas of Tampa. Just north of Downtown, it is filled with beautiful craftsmen and Mediterranean Revival homes. Seminole Heights is centered on two primary north/south thoroughfares, Florida Avenue and Nebraska Avenue. Florida Ave is more developed with a higher concentration of bars and restaurants, while Nebraska remains slightly grittier but definitely up and coming.
    • Florida Ave, north of Hillsborough Ave.
      • Seminole Heights City Wine Bar- 6703 N Florida Ave.
      • Hey Giant! little biscuits- 6607 N Florida Ave.
      • Chop Chop Shop- 6605 N Florida Ave.
      • Rooster & the Till- 6500 N Florida Ave.
      • 82 West Distillery- 6430 N Florida Ave.
      • Trip's Diner- 6414 N Florida Ave.
      • Angry Chair Brewing- 6401 N. Florida Ave.
      • Mortar & Pestle Cafe Bar- 6310 N Florida Ave.
      • The C House- 6005 N Florida Ave.
      • Front Porch & Barts Tavern- 5924 N Florida Ave.
      • The Refinery- 5910 N Florida Ave.
      • Bodega- 5901 N Florida Ave.
    • Florida Ave, south of Hillsborough Ave.
      • Ichicoro Ramen- 5229 N Florida Ave.
      • Red Star Rock Bar- 5210 N Florida Ave.
      • Independent Bar & Cafe- 5016 N Florida Ave.
      • Cappys Pizzeria- 4910 N. Florida Ave.
      • Florida Ave Brewing Company- 4101 N Florida Ave.
    • Nebraska Ave-
      • London Heights British Pub- 7701 N Nebraska Ave.
      • Blue Sea Seafood Market & Restaurant- 7110 N Nebraska Ave.
      • 7th Sun Brewery- 6809 N Nebraska Ave.
      • The Mermaid Tavern- 6719 N Nebraska Ave.
      • Hampton Station- 5921 N Nebraska Ave.
      • Martha's Restaurant- 5202 N Nebraska Ave.
      • Ella's Americana Folk Art Cafe- 5119 N Nebraska Ave.
      • Ebisu Sushi Shack- 5116 N Nebraska Ave.
      • Old Heights Bistro- 4703 N Nebraska Ave.
      • Southern Brewing and Winemaking- 4500 N Nebraska Ave.
  • Channelside/ Water Street
    • Sparkman Wharf- Includes a beer garden and various take away restaurants along the waterfront

Sleep

Budget

Mid-range

Splurge

Connect

  • Boba's Internet Cafe, 2764 University Sq. Dr.. Great internet cafe with Boba or (bubble) tea, try some! 

Stay safe

Be aware while in Suitcase City, the part of town surrounding Busch Gardens, USF and University Square Mall. Hitchhiking is also prevalent in this area, but do not stop! However, few tourists or visitors would find their way to this area of the city or have much a reason to be walking about in it; driving through is perfectly safe.

Cope

Consulates

Go next

  • Disney World in Orlando.
  • Gulf Beaches- Take State Route 60 or I-275 west towards Clearwater or St. Petersburg and follow signs. 45 minutes to an hour drive. There are many beaches towns to choose from including the world famous Clearwater Beach, but also smaller places such as Madeira Beach with the Johns Pass shopping/ entertaining complex. Filled with shops, restaurants, and bars, is a very pleasant way to spend an afternoon or, better yet, evening.
  • Sarasota About an hour south off of I-75. Home to the John Ringling Museum (house, circus exhibit and art museum).
  • Crystal River Dive with manatees in a natural spring
  • Tarpon Springs- An authentic Greek town along the Anclote River in Pinellas County. Fabulous restaurants with alfresco seating along Dodecanese Boulevard and the historic Sponge Docks. Nearby and still in Tarpon Springs is Fred Howard Park, a great place to watch the sunset. About 45 minutes to an hour from Tampa.
Routes through Tampa
Reverses direction ←  W  E  → Lakeland → Winter Haven → Miami
END ←  W  E  → Brandon → Orlando
Gainesville ← Wildwood ←  N  S  → Bradenton → Miami
Ends at ←  N  S  → St. Petersburg → Bradenton
Lake City ← Land O Lakes ←  N  S  → Bradenton → Miami
END ← Clearwater ←  W  E  → Brandon → Vero Beach


This city travel guide to Tampa is a usable article. It has information on how to get there and on restaurants and hotels. An adventurous person could use this article, but please feel free to improve it by editing the page.
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