Your budget-friendly city guide to Tampa, a gorgeous and lively Floridian city.

For anyone seeking a stunning and adventure-filled city to explore, put Tampa, Florida on your bucket list.

The city is home to two universities, a theme park, professional sports stadiums, museums, and music venues.

There are also countless bars, restaurants, and clubs for your entertainment.

Tampa has enough cultural activities, outdoor activities, and places to eat to keep any traveler happy.

Home to endless entertainment and picturesque sights, Tampa represents the perfect city for a vacation in the USA.

Here is your city guide to Tampa, Florida!

City Guide to Tampa, Florida

First, I’ll list some of the best cultural activities in Tampa. Then, I’ll list some fun outdoor activities, followed by the best places to eat.

Later, I’ll include some other fun Tampa attractions, like events and theme parks.

Enjoy this city guide to Tampa, Floria!

Cultural Activities in Tampa

For enriching cultural experiences in Tampa, visit one of the many art and entertainment venues.

The Tampa Art Museum and the Museum of Photography reside right in Downtown.

Nearby, the Straz Center performance venue is always showing Broadway musicals, comedy shows, and local plays.

Also, be sure to check out the lineups at the MidFlorida Credit Union Amphitheatre.

This outdoor venue is always hosting amazing concerts year-round.

Ybor City

Slightly north of Downtown lies Ybor City.

This historic and alternative district is packed with entertainment and culture.

Here you can find art galleries, quirky shops, unique restaurants, and lively dance clubs.

Outdoor Activities in Tampa

Another way to enjoy Tampa is to bask in the gorgeous sunny weather.

Visit Bayshore Boulevard, the world’s longest-running sidewalk. You can walk, run, or bike along the sparkling waters of Tampa Bay.

Another lovely walking route is the Riverwalk. This walking path stretches along the Hillsborough River and weaves through the skyscrapers of Downtown.

Also, kayak, canoe, paddle-board, and boat rentals are dotted throughout the city. Spend a little money to enjoy Tampa’s outdoors with an adventurous twist!

Parks in Tampa

For a more relaxing day, visit one of the grassy parks in Downtown Tampa.

In front of the minarets of the University of Tampa lies Plant Park. This waterfront oasis has lots of park benches, palm trees, and sunbathing spots.

Across the river lies the Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park, which is great for having picnics, playing frisbee, and doing yoga.

Beaches Near Tampa

As for beaches, the turquoise waters of St. Pete Beach are only a 40-minute drive from Tampa.

Clearwater Beach is only a 30-minute drive from Tampa. This beach is ranked as one of the best in the USA!

If you don’t want to leave Tampa for a beach day, head to Davis Island.

The beaches here are small but still nice. And they’re right in the city!

Where To Eat And Drink In Tampa

No city guide to Tampa would be complete without mentioning the food!

Tampa has some incredible restaurants, bars, and farmer’s markets. Here are the best places to eat and drink in Tampa.

Soho

For amazing food and drink, visit South Howard Avenue. Nicknamed “Soho”, this street is lined with many delicious restaurants.

For the health-conscious, Soho Juice, So Fresh, and Fresh Kitchen are great places to find tossed salads, vegan/paleo/GF/DF meals, and cold-pressed juices.

Soho also has lots of bars with affordable happy hours. College students tend to congregate here so they can drink and socialize cheaply!

Local favorites for college students include Friday and Wednesday happy hours at Macdintons, and Taco Tuesday at the Green Lemon.

Those who really want to treat themselves in Tampa have to eat at Bern’s Steakhouse.

The food is very expensive here! But you can always just visit the upstairs Dessert Room and taste heavenly sweets while sitting inside giant wine barrels.

Tampa International Mall

Another great location for food and drink is the Tampa International Mall.

This place has everything. From sushi restaurants, to Irish pubs, to healthy smoothie and juice bars, to fancy cocktail bars, there is no shortage of food and drink here.

Hyde Park

On Sunday mornings be sure to check out the Hyde Park Market!

This open-air street market is full of local produce, fresh bread, and other artisan foods.

There are lots of amazing restaurants in Hyde Park that attract a more sophisticated crowd.

One of the best Hyde Park restaurants is the upscale Mexican lounge, Bartaco.

Downtown Tampa

Downtown Tampa also has a huge variety of trendy food and drink venues.

For a casual evening with great food and spectacular views of the city, visit Taps Restaurant Bar and Lounge.

For an upscale dining experience, visit Malio’s Prime Steakhouse.

This fancy restaurant overlooks the Hillsborough River and has expensive, high-quality meals.

Other Attractions in Tampa

Here are some of the other highlights of Tampa.

From pirate festivals to sports games to roller coasters, Tampa is never boring!

Gasparilla

A great time to visit Tampa is the last week of January when the annual Gasparilla Pirate Festival takes place.

During Gasparilla, Tampa residents dress like pirates, indulge in loads of food and drinks, and throw parties.

There is also a massive parade on Bayshore Boulevard.

Tampa Sports

For sports fans, there are many major league sports venues scattered throughout the city.

Games happen all year round, and tickets are usually reasonably priced.

Watch the Tampa Bay Rays if you like baseball. Or watch the Tampa Bay Lightning for hockey or the Buccaneers for football.

Theme Parks

Tampa is home to its own theme park: Busch Gardens.

There are plenty of fun rides and roller coasters here that are family-friendly.

For even more excitement, take a 1.5-hour drive to Orlando and experience the magic of Disney and Universal Studios.

Thanks for reading my City Guide to Tampa Florida!

From the beauty of the beaches to the captivating lights of Downtown to the various social opportunities in Soho or at Gasparilla, Tampa represents a charming oasis of vibrant culture and Floridian spirit.

If you’re thinking of traveling to the USA, visit iVisa.com to apply for your visa online!

For more articles about the USA, my home country, check out these articles:

Bayshore Boulevard and All Its Beauty

7 Fun Summer Things To Do In New England

New England Appreciation Post