Things To Do
in Tampa
Tampa is a vibrant city located on the west coast of Florida, known for its beautiful waterfront, pleasant climate, and rich cultural heritage. It is home to a variety of attractions, including Busch Gardens, a theme park with thrilling rides and an African-themed animal park, and the historic Ybor City neighborhood, known for its Cuban and Spanish influences, particularly in its cuisine and cigar industry.
Tampa also serves as a business hub and has a bustling nightlife, offering a balance of family-friendly activities, cultural experiences, and entertainment options for residents and visitors alike.
Prices
- 🏠 Accommodation (per night): $80 - $250
- 🍽️ Meal at a Restaurant: $15 - $50
- ☕ Coffee: $3 - $6
- 🚌 Public transport ticket (single journey): $2 - $3
- 🛒 Grocery shopping (per week): $50 - $100
- 🏋️♂️ Gym Membership: $30 - $80
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with breakfast at a local café near the beach. Enjoy some time relaxing on the warm sand and taking a dip in the ocean.
Head to Clearwater Beach for lunch at a seaside restaurant. Spend the afternoon sunbathing or trying water sports.
Enjoy dinner at a beachfront grill while watching the sunset. Stroll along the beach to unwind before heading back.
Grab coffee and a pastry at a local coffee shop in downtown Tampa. Explore the Riverwalk, taking in the views of the bay.
Visit the Tampa Museum of Art for some cultural enrichment. Enjoy lunch at a nearby bistro and continue exploring the city.
Dine at a rooftop restaurant with panoramic views of Tampa's skyline. End the evening with a leisurely walk through Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park.
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Warm weather year-round, making it ideal for outdoor activities.
- No state income tax in Florida, providing potential financial benefits.
- A growing job market, particularly in sectors like healthcare, finance, and tourism.
- Access to beautiful beaches and a wide variety of recreational activities.
- Vibrant cultural scene with numerous festivals, museums, and entertainment options.
- Strong community and family-friendly environment.
- High humidity and potential for hurricanes during the summer months.
- Traffic congestion can be an issue, especially during tourist season.
- Public transportation options are limited compared to larger cities.
- Higher crime rates in certain areas.
- Cost of living is rising, particularly in desirable neighborhoods.
- Allergies and health concerns related to pollen and other environmental factors.
Best Activities in Tampa
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
Explore the scenic Tampa Riverwalk, which offers beautiful views of the city's waterfront, parks, and public art installations.
Enjoy a day of thrilling rides, animal encounters, and live entertainment at Busch Gardens, a popular amusement park in Tampa.
Relax and soak up the sun at some of the beautiful beaches in the Tampa Bay area, such as Clearwater Beach or St. Pete Beach.
Engage in watersports such as kayaking, paddleboarding, or taking a boat tour to explore the scenic waters of Tampa Bay and its surrounding areas.
Tours
Uncover the best of Tampa with these unforgettable tours.
Places to Visit in Tampa
Visit one of these nice places.
Offers stunning views of the water and the city skyline, perfect for both day and night photography.
A scenic walkway along the Hillsborough River with picturesque views of downtown Tampa and the waterfront.
Beautiful waterfront neighborhood with great spots for capturing cityscapes and sunsets over the water.
Food in Tampa
Tampa Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A Tampa classic, this sandwich traditionally consists of ham, roast pork, Swiss cheese, pickles, mustard, and Cuban bread. Try the iconic version at the historic Columbia Restaurant.
Must-Try!
A savory local favorite, deviled crab features a seasoned mixture of crab meat and other ingredients, formed into a patty and deep-fried. Visit the historic Ybor City neighborhood to savor this dish.
As a coastal city, Tampa excels in seafood offerings. The grouper sandwich, made with fresh local fish and often served with tartar sauce, is a must-try. Sample it at local seafood shacks like Oystercatchers or Shells Seafood Restaurant.
Unique Experiences
Get to know Tampa better with these unique experiences.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
This historic building turned food hall features a wide variety of vendors serving up an array of cuisines, making it a great spot to explore different flavors all in one place.
A vibrant farmer's market with an assortment of local produce, ready-to-eat foods, and artisanal goods, providing a true taste of the city's diversity and culture.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Tampa is a diverse city, so it's important to show respect for people of different backgrounds, cultures, and identities.
Tampa has a relaxed and friendly atmosphere, so it's common to engage in casual conversations and greet people with a smile.
When in public spaces, it's important to be mindful of noise levels and to respect personal space and privacy.
Hidden Gems
Discover the hidden gems of Tampa with these exclusive activities.
Safety
Tipping in Tampa
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is a common practice in the service industry in Tampa, United States. It is customary to tip around 15-20% of the total bill at restaurants, bars, and for other services such as taxi rides and hotel staff.
Payment in Tampa follows the standard practices in the United States, with most establishments accepting major credit cards and cash. Contactless payment methods are also becoming increasingly popular, offering convenience and security for transactions.
Top Things To Do
Engage in these activities to dive deeper into Tampa.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Spring is one of the best times to visit Tampa, with warm temperatures and low humidity. This season is popular for outdoor activities and festivals, such as the Gasparilla Music Festival and the Florida State Fair.
Fall is also a great time to visit Tampa, with pleasant temperatures and fewer crowds. The city comes alive with events like the Tampa Bay International Gay and Lesbian Film Festival and the Guavaween festival.
Winter in Tampa brings mild temperatures and is a popular time for visitors looking to escape colder climates. The city hosts events like the Outback Bowl and the Clearwater Jazz Holiday during this season.
Summer in Tampa is hot and humid, with frequent afternoon thunderstorms. However, it's a great time to enjoy the city's beaches and water-based activities, as well as events like the Summer of Rum Festival and the Tampa Bay Comic Con.
Tampa at Night
Hiking in Tampa
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A beautiful natural oasis featuring trails along the Hillsborough River, offering a range of hiking options amid diverse wildlife and scenery.
A popular urban park with a boardwalk and nature trails, providing opportunities for hikers to explore the lush wetlands and observe local wildlife.
A scenic paved trail perfect for hiking and biking that stretches through parks and preserves, offering views of the bay and surrounding nature.
Featuring a variety of trails suitable for both hiking and biking, this park offers beautiful landscapes and river views.
A long, multi-use trail that runs through the natural areas of Hillsborough and Pasco counties, perfect for hiking, biking, and enjoying the outdoors.
Unforgettable Journeys
Delve deeper into Tampa through these rare and unique activities.
Aiports
How to reach Tampa by plane.
The primary airport serving the Tampa Bay Area, it is located to the west of downtown Tampa and offers a range of domestic and international flights.
Located approximately 85 miles northeast of Tampa, Orlando International Airport is one of the busiest airports in the U.S. and provides numerous international flights.
Situated about 55 miles south of Tampa, this airport serves the Sarasota and Bradenton areas with a mix of domestic and limited international flights.
Located near Clearwater, about 20 miles west of Tampa, this airport primarily serves domestic flights with some international options.
Roughly 140 miles northeast of Tampa, Jacksonville International Airport offers a variety of domestic and international flights.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Approximately 26% of the population identifies as Hispanic or Latino, reflecting a significant Spanish-speaking community in the area.
The Black or African American population makes up about 23% of Tampa's demographics.
Non-Hispanic Whites constitute around 48% of the city's population.
The Asian population in Tampa is around 4%, representing various Asian ethnicities.
Native Americans account for less than 1% of the population.
Individuals identifying as two or more races comprise about 3% of the population.
The Soul of Tampa
Discover the essence of Tampa through these truly unique experiences.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Football is extremely popular in Tampa, particularly with the presence of the NFL team, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Baseball has a strong following in Tampa, especially with the Tampa Bay Rays of Major League Baseball.
Ice hockey is also very popular, with the Tampa Bay Lightning being a successful team in the NHL.
Soccer is growing in popularity, especially with the presence of the Tampa Bay Rowdies in the USL Championship.
Basketball enjoys a solid following, particularly at the collegiate level with the University of South Florida.
Tampa has numerous golf courses and hosts various golf tournaments, making it a popular sport among locals.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Tampa.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Tampa's food scene caters well to vegetarians and vegans, with many restaurants offering dedicated menus or creative plant-based dishes. Notable spots include Cider Press Café and The Bricks.
For those seeking gluten-free options, several eateries in Tampa provide accommodating menus, such as Fresh Kitchen and Boca Kitchen Bar Market.
Cultural Immersions
Experience the heart and soul of Tampa with these cultural adventures.
