From amazing art to Cuban culture, seven reasons to visit Tampa in Florida
ALTHOUGH Tampa may seem like a busy business centre, the stylish city is home to numerous museums, driven restaurants and eye-catching public art displays.
Here's seven reasons why you should take a city break trip to this contemporary and dynamic place.
1. AMAZING ART
Stroll along Tampa’s Riverwalk, a 2.5-mile raised walkway that traces the curves of Hillsborough River.
The striking path is dotted with public art, from glass sculptures to ceramic panels forming a “wave”.
Pass them en route to Tampa Museum of Art – the shimmering mesh-fronted building showcases rare antiquities and modern installations, entry £12 ().
Nearby, the Florida Museum of Photographic Arts displays vintage images on subjects such as road trips and Americana, entry £7.50 ().
2. CUBAN CULTURE
Like Miami’s cool neighbourhood Little Havana, historic Ybor City – a 20-minute ride from downtown Tampa on the free streetcar – is a beguiling mix of Latino culture past and present.
Walk past putty-coloured former factories and fading frescoes, browse shops in Centro Ybor () and learn about the area’s heritage at the Ybor City Museum, which is housed inside Ferlita Bakery, entry £3 ().
4. BUNGALOW BOUTIQUES
Independent stores nestle alongside ‘20s bungalows in open-air shopping mall Hyde Park Village, around half an hour’s walk or a £5 Uber from downtown.
In downtown, get your souvenir fix at Unlock Tampa Bay Visitor Center, whose gift store sells retro posters and jewellery crafted from Ybor City bricks ().
Our top tips
- Flight time: 9hrs 50mins
- Average temperature: 25C
- Time difference: -5 hours
- Currency: US dollar
Return flights from the UK to Tampa start from £330 ().
Plan your trip at
6. FOODIE HANGOUTS
A brick building where streetcars used to park for the night is now one of the city’s trendiest nightspots. Armature Works, perched by the river in Tampa Heights, is a bright, airy space filled with food stalls and bars perfect for, well, perching ().
At The Hall on Franklin, a five-minute walk away, vendors serve poke bowls, pizza and perfectly crisp fried chicken ().
On the opposite riverbank, Oxford Exchange is a restaurant, cafe and shopping destination all in one elegant, ivory-brick package.
7. SWIMMING WITH MANATEES
Crystal River, just over an hour’s drive from Tampa, is one of only a few places in Florida where you can swim with manatees – sometimes called sea cows – in their natural environment.
Meander down the river on an open-sided boat before snorkelling up close to the gentle giants. Stay overnight at the charming, old-fashioned Plantation Inn, which runs early morning tours from its grounds.
Feeling active? Rent a kayak or SUP and paddle on the river, from £15 for two hours. Back in Tampa, be enchanted by marine creatures at the Florida Aquarium, entry £20 ().
Residents include otters, pelicans and sea dragons!