Tampa Open-Air Trolley Tour with Ybor City Cuban Sandwich Tasting
A narrated ride on an open-air trolley through downtown Tampa, Hyde Park and Ybor City, finishing with a taste of the Cuban sandwich that Tampa claims as its own.
Florida
Tampa
Tampa is Florida's Gulf coast city of cigars, coasters and waterfront parks, a place where the brick streets of Ybor City, the glass towers of a revived riverfront and the roller coasters of Busch Gardens all sit within a short drive of each other.
Founded on the cigar trade, the city still tastes of its Cuban, Spanish and Italian roots in a pressed Cuban sandwich with salami, a plate of black beans and rice and a pastry filled with guava. Visitors walk the Riverwalk at sunset, watch dolphins from a harbor cruise, see manatees at the zoo, paddle a glowing kayak under the bridges and cheer for hockey at a waterfront arena. This guide covers the trolley and walking tours, the big attractions, the museums, the best hotels by neighborhood and six practical guides to planning your trip.
Don't miss
Tampa Open-Air Trolley Tour with Ybor City Cuban Sandwich Tasting
A narrated ride on an open-air trolley through downtown Tampa, Hyde Park and Ybor City, finishing with a taste of the Cuban sandwich that Tampa claims as its own.
Busch Gardens Tampa Bay
Tampa's big-league theme park, an Africa-themed mix of record-setting roller coasters, animal habitats and family rides on a sprawling park north of downtown.
The Florida Aquarium
A waterfront aquarium in the Channel District with sharks, sea turtles, otters and a walk through the ecosystems of the state, from freshwater springs to open reef.
Iconic Ybor City Cuban Sandwich and History Tour
A guided walk through Ybor City that follows the Cuban sandwich from cigar-factory lunch to modern icon, with tastings and stories along the way.
Things to do in Tampa
Hand-picked: every experience here has strong traveler reviews and a verified booking link.
Busch Gardens Tampa Bay
Tampa's big-league theme park, an Africa-themed mix of record-setting roller coasters, animal habitats and family rides on a sprawling park north of downtown.
The Florida Aquarium
A waterfront aquarium in the Channel District with sharks, sea turtles, otters and a walk through the ecosystems of the state, from freshwater springs to open reef.
ZooTampa at Lowry Park
A leafy zoo on the Hillsborough River known for its manatee care center, big cats, elephants and the hands-on animal encounters that make it a family favorite.
Adventure Island Tampa
A big water park beside Busch Gardens with slides, a wave pool and a lazy river, built for hot Florida days and open for a long season.
Tampa Bay CityPASS
A bundled pass for several of Tampa Bay's headline attractions, built to lower the cost for visitors who plan to see more than one big sight.
Ybor City Historic Walking Tour
A guided stroll through Tampa's cigar district, with brick streets, wrought-iron balconies and the stories of the immigrants who built the neighborhood.
Iconic Ybor City Cuban Sandwich and History Tour
A guided walk through Ybor City that follows the Cuban sandwich from cigar-factory lunch to modern icon, with tastings and stories along the way.
Ybor City Ghost Tour
An evening walk through Tampa's oldest entertainment district, trading in stories of cigar-factory tragedies, haunted theaters and the spirits said to linger in old brick buildings.
Tampa Food Tour with Local Tastings
A guided tasting walk that samples local favorites and classics, with stories about the people and places behind the city's food.
Tampa Riverwalk
A scenic waterfront path along the Hillsborough River in downtown Tampa, linking parks, museums, restaurants and water views for a free, flexible stroll.
1 to 3 hoursDetails →
Bayshore Boulevard
A long, free waterfront promenade along Hillsborough Bay in South Tampa, lined with mansions, palms and skyline views.
1 to 2 hoursDetails →
Where to stay
Hotels we would book ourselves, from splurges to good-value bases.
Tampa Marriott Water Street
Water Street / Channel District
A large waterfront hotel in the Water Street district, steps from the arena, the aquarium and the Riverwalk, with a pool, restaurants and an easy walk to most downtown sights.
Check rates →The Tampa EDITION
Water Street / Channel District
A design-forward luxury hotel in the Water Street district, with stylish rooms, notable dining and a location that puts the waterfront, arena and aquarium on your doorstep.
Check rates →Epicurean Hotel
SoHo / South Tampa
A culinary-themed boutique hotel in the SoHo district of South Tampa, close to Hyde Park, Bayshore Boulevard and some of the city's best restaurants.
Check rates →Le Meridien Tampa, The Courthouse
Downtown Tampa
A hotel in a restored 1950s courthouse in downtown Tampa, blending historic architecture with modern rooms and a short walk to the Riverwalk.
Check rates →The Westin Tampa Waterside
Downtown / Riverwalk
A modern riverside hotel beside the Tampa Convention Center, with stylish rooms, wellness touches and easy access to the Riverwalk and downtown dining.
Check rates →Embassy Suites by Hilton Tampa Downtown Convention Center
Downtown / Convention Center
An all-suite hotel near the convention center and the Riverwalk, with separate living areas, a typical complimentary breakfast and an easy walk to downtown sights.
Check rates →Hyatt House Tampa Downtown
Downtown Tampa
A suite-style hotel with kitchens in downtown Tampa, designed for longer stays and families who want space, a breakfast spread and easy access to the city center.
Check rates →Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tampa
East Tampa
A big casino resort east of downtown with a large pool complex, a concert venue, many restaurants and a lively entertainment scene.
Check rates →Grand Hyatt Tampa Bay
Westshore / Tampa Bay
A bayfront resort-style hotel in Westshore, near the airport, with water views, a pool, a nearby nature preserve and a quiet setting that still reaches downtown quickly.
Check rates →Embassy Suites by Hilton Tampa USF Near Busch Gardens
North Tampa / USF
An all-suite hotel on the north side of the city near the university and Busch Gardens, with a typical free breakfast and plenty of space for families.
Check rates →Tampa guides
Tampa for First-Time Visitors: How the City Fits Together
A practical introduction to Tampa, with the districts to know, the sights worth your time and the planning choices that matter most on a first trip.
Tampa in Three Days: Ybor City, the Waterfront and a Big Attraction
A three-day itinerary that balances the history of Ybor City, the museums and parks of the waterfront and one major attraction.
Where to Stay in Tampa: Downtown, SoHo, Ybor City and Beyond
A neighborhood guide to Tampa hotels, from the walkable Water Street district to South Tampa dining, theme-park suites and the airport area.
Eating and Drinking in Tampa: Cuban Sandwiches, Seafood and More
A food guide to Tampa, from the great Cuban sandwich debate to Gulf seafood, Spanish classics and the craft drink scene.
Ybor City: A Visitor Guide to Tampa's Cigar District
A guide to Ybor City, with its cigar history, the best ways to explore, where to eat and when to visit.
Best Time to Visit Tampa: Seasons, Weather and Events
A seasonal guide to Tampa, covering weather, crowds, hurricane season, the pirate festival and how to plan around the heat.
