Planning an epic weekend trip to Tampa? Make sure to include Ybor City in your itinerary.
Ybor City, with its rich history and late 1800s vibe, and modern Tampa’s impressive architecture and art museums, create the perfect blend for a memorable Tampa weekend getaway.
At about 4 hours distance from Miami and the beaches, there are tons of things to do in Tampa. Tampa has it all. This Tampa weekend travel guide is a good start.
Start your Tampa weekend itinerary with a walking tour of Ybor City to get a sense of the city’s history.
THINGS TO DO IN YBOR CITY
Ybor City is known for its cigars, immigrant communities, delicious food, rich history, and roaming roosters.
The city was founded in 1885 by Spanish entrepreneur Vicente Martinez Ybor, who brought cigar manufacturing from Cuba to Tampa by way of Key West.
Over the next half-decade, more and more cigar manufacturers settled in Ybor City. Eventually, Ybor City became known as Cigar City.
The city was unique in Florida, and perhaps even in the entire United States, as a successful town that was almost entirely owned and operated by immigrants.
They came from Spain, Cuba, Italy, Germany and more to live harmoniously in their adopted country.
Today, the city of Ybor is still an immigrant melting pot. The Historic District is home to art galleries, museums, cigar stores and a lively nightlife.
The restaurants range from the elegant, historic Columbia, the oldest restaurant in Florida to trendy breweries and wine bars to sandwich shops to die for.
Ybor City State Park Museum
When planning a weekend trip to Tampa, one must-visit spot is the Ybor City State Museum.
This uniquely named museum, located just off the main square of Ybor City was once the Joven Francesca Bakery, rumored to have served the first loaf of Cuban bread.
Inside the museum, you’ll get an immersive experience of the city’s vibrant history through captivating videos and detailed exhibits.
An interesting highlight is the attached “casita” (little house) and its charming garden, complete with a working fountain.
A “casita” was the typical home of a cigar worker during Ybor City’s cigar heyday. The garden, which hosts various events throughout the year, adds a serene touch to the museum visit.
Additionally, a colony of friendly cats inhabits the garden area, adding to its unique charm.
Check out the roosters
Right across the street from the museum is Centennial Center, an open-air venue used for fairs and events.
As you explore, you’ll notice roosters wandering around loose. Soon, you’ll see more chickens pecking and crowing, making it clear that the place is teeming with these feathered residents.
The history of the Ybor City chickens is fascinating—they are direct descendants of the original chickens that lived in Ybor City’s backyards over 100 years ago.
Some of these birds are truly gorgeous, adding an extra layer of charm and history to your visit.
In Ybor City, you cannot mess with the local chickens because they are protected by the city’s decades-old ordinance declaring Ybor City a bird sanctuary.
There is a chicken sanctuary created for those fowl that, for some reason or other, no longer fit into the local chicken society.
The chickens even have their own Instagram, @yborchickens, with over 8,000 followers. If you are looking for something unique to add to your Tampa weekend getaway, Ybor City’s feral fowl certainly qualify.
El Circulo Cubano
The Circulo Cubano on 10th Avenue and 14th Street housed a mutual aid society that supported Cuban immigrants when they came to work in the cigar factories.
It is listed in the National Register of Historic Places. This building was where an attempt was made on the life of Cuban Patriot, Jose Marti.
Jose Marti Park
In Ybor City, you can travel to Cuba without a passport. The plot where this park is built actually belongs to the people of Cuba and is officially on Cuban soil.
The small plot was donated to Cuba in 1956, way before the Cuban Revolution. Over the years, it has been maintained by local Cuban historical groups.
In the center of the park is a statue of Jose Marti, who is to Cuba what George Washington is to the US. Within the park’s boundaries is soil from each of the original Cuban provinces.
There is also a statue of Antonio Maceo, a hero of the Cuban wars of independence from Spain. Don’t miss including this interesting little park in your weekend trip to Tampa.
Wander down 7th Avenue
One of the best free activities in Ybor City is simply strolling through its vibrant streets. Seventh Avenue, the main artery of downtown Ybor City, is brimming with excitement.
Here, you’ll discover a ton of Ybor City restaurants, cigar shops, art galleries, cultural centers, and an eclectic mix of bars.
There’s no shortage of things to do in Ybor City during your weekend trip to Tampa.
At the heart of 7th Avenue lies Centro Ybor, a bustling commercial center featuring distilleries, diverse dining options, wine bars, souvenir shops, and a variety of unique stores.
It’s the perfect spot to take a break, enjoy a refreshment, and soak in the local atmosphere during your Ybor City walking tour.
Go line dancing
Yeehaw! Saddle up and head on over to Southern Belle, one of the best country bars in Tampa. Get ready to kick up your heels and show off your best line-dancing moves as the lively music fills the air.
And if you’re feeling adventurous, why not take a ride on the mechanical bull? It’s the ultimate test of cowboy (or cowgirl) prowess!
With its vibrant atmosphere and friendly crowd, Southern Belle is the perfect place to let loose and have a boot-scootin’ good time.
YBOR CITY RESTAURANTS
Tampa Bay Brewing Company
While in Centro Ybor, make sure to stop at the Tampa Bay Brewing Company for original and unique craft beers with names like Big Elephant Foot and Reef Donkey.
Due to its central location, this is a good place to stop for lunch dinner, or a refreshing beverage while you explore Ybor City. The TBBC is also an ideal stop if you’re on a USA Craft Beer Brewery Road Trip.
This charming, neighborhood brewery stands as one of the oldest and largest in the state, having been established in 1995. It expanded with a second location in nearby Westchase in 2014.
The menu here goes beyond standard bar fare. While you’ll find classic options like burgers, pizza, and wings, the salads and entrees are also exceptional.
However, the main attraction is undoubtedly the craft beer, with a rotating selection that showcases the best in local brews.
Columbia Restaurant
Founded in 1905 by the Hernandez Gozmart family, the Columbia Restaurant holds the title of Florida’s oldest restaurant and is the world’s largest Spanish restaurant.
While the menu primarily features delectable Spanish dishes, it also incorporates elements of Cuban cuisine, offering a rich and diverse culinary experience that celebrates the best of both traditions.
Now under the management of the 5th generation of the original founders, it continues to impress with its excellent service and elegant décor.
The restaurant’s success has led to branches in five other Florida cities, as well as cafés in key Tampa destinations. This iconic establishment is a must-visit during your weekend trip to Tampa.
There’s a long-standing cultural debate between Tampa and Miami over who invented the Cuban sandwich. Despite the rivalry, Tampa claims victory.
In the early 20th century, Tampa was a bustling center of cigar factories with thousands of workers, while Miami had only a few hundred residents at the time.
This rich history supports Tampa’s claim as the birthplace of the now-ubiquitous Cuban sandwich.
Santo Stefano
This spacious, Sicilian-themed restaurant serves mouthwatering, authentic southern Italian dishes in a delightful setting.
The restaurant is directly opposite Columbia and is part of the same restaurant organization. Order a couple of appetizers to share. You may want to pick up a ceramic pitcher as a memento.
Carmines
Right on 7th Avenue in the center of Ybor City is Carmine’s Italian restaurant. The house specialty is Carmine’s Deviled Crab which everyone seems to order.
We were near the takeout section and saw dozens of these delectable delights fly out the door just in the time we were there. The restaurant has been around for over 35 years and is definitely worth a try.
Bernini
For a relatively small city, Ybor has an amazing selection of restaurants. Bernini is another winner—reasonably priced outstanding Italian fare in a welcoming setting. Don’t miss the happy hour specials.
La Segunda Bakery
Another Ybor City institution, this venerable bakery has been around since 1915.
Slightly off the main avenue, La Segunda Bakery is an oasis of old-world deliciousness offering pastries, sandwiches and cakes baked right on the premises.
Pick up a couple of yummy treats and have a picnic in one of the local parks. Or bring an order home with you. The specialty is the Cuban sandwich.
Ybor City’s history is all about its cigar manufacturing heyday. You see cigar museums, old cigar factories turned into hotels, cigar bars, and, of course, cigar rollers.
Things to do in Downtown Tampa
There are enough Downtown Tampa attractions to keep you busy for quite a while, but if you’ve only got a weekend getaway to Tampa, here are your top attractions in Tampa.
Stroll the Tampa Riverwalk. One of the best
One of the best things to do in Tampa is to stroll the Tampa River Walk. Tampa’s Riverwalk is one of the nicest ones out there.
It is two and a half miles of landscaped walkway connecting some of the city’s top attractions and activities like the Florida Aquarium, Tampa History Center, and the David A. Straz Jr. Center for the Performing Arts.
You can visit all these places on foot, bike or even Segway’s without ever having to get into your car. Now, that’s a walkable city. Make sure to:
- Rent a bike at the Tampa Bay Water Bike Company.
- Have a drink at the Sail Pavilion, a 360-degree waterfront bar.
- Take the hop-on-hop-off Pirate Water Taxi and enjoy its 15 stops along the waterfront.
The Tampa River Walk is an attraction in itself. You’ll see 30 statues and busts of influential historical figures placed along the River Walk, each one representing an important part of the region’s history.
Plant Museum and the University of Tampa campus
Henry Flagler transformed Florida’s east coast with his railroad network, much like how Henry Plant revolutionized the west coast.
Plant’s efforts extended the railroad to Tampa, linking it to major northeastern markets such as New York. This connection played a crucial role in sparking a commercial boom and putting the city firmly on the map.
In 1891, Henry Plant leveraged his resources to build the Tampa Bay Hotel at the end of his railroad line. This hotel became the centerpiece of Plant’s hospitality ventures, strategically situated along his rail route.
Notably, the Tampa Bay Hotel was the first in Florida to feature an elevator, as well as pioneering innovations like telephones and electric lights—both firsts for the state.
The hotel declined during the depression and was eventually converted into a junior college which morphed into the University of Tampa.
A large part of the former hotel is the University, but a section has been preserved as a museum which is really worth seeing.
The museum is a lovely representation of life in the hotel’s heyday at the start of the Gilded Age.
There are period artifacts and informative exhibits related to important events of the day like the Spanish-American War.
If you love history, this is one of the best places to visit in Tampa.
The most impressive part of the museum as well as the university is the surprising Moorish revival architecture, an unexpected delight in south Florida, all surrounded by a lush, green park.
The park is an ideal place to rest while you plot your next stop among the cool things to do in Tampa. Including this remarkable attraction in your Tampa weekend getaway is a must.
Tampa museums and parks are truly outstanding
Sacred Heart Church
Built in 1905, this is one of the oldest churches in Tampa. Its most impressive features are its 135-foot dome and its 70 stained glass windows.
There used to be a small wooden church on this same spot but the economic boom caused by Henry Plant’s railroad demanded that the city have a church worthy of its rising status.
Tampa Bay History Center
If you enjoy learning the history of places you visit, a stop at the Tampa Bay History Center is a must. The museum is three floors of exhibits showcasing the area’s history.
From the protracted Florida Seminole Wars to the arrival of the explorers like Ponce de Leon to the world of Henry Plant, the Tampa Bay History Center is a well-presented delight.
It is better to visit the museum after seeing Ybor City as you can delve deeper into the city’s cigar production and Cuban immigration history.
There are plenty of Tampa cultural experiences to enjoy in this city.
A great place for a snack is the Columbia Cafe, a branch of the original in Ybor City. Enjoy a classic Cuban sandwich in a beautiful setting overlooking the water.
Tampa Street Art
Like many Florida cities, most notably Miami, Tampa is a showcase for street art. You’ll find impressive examples of street art in both Ybor City and downtown Tampa.
Best Time to Visit Tampa
Before you jump on a plane, train, or into your car, you’ll need to know the best time to visit Tampa. After all, if you go at a time that doesn’t suit what you have planned, it’s going to affect your trip.
However, there is some good news: Tampa is great no matter which month you visit.
The most historic part of Tampa is Ybor City and the best time to visit Tampa if you want to explore the area freely is between October and November, or between January and March.
Peak Season in Tampa (May-August)
Between May and August, Tampa can be quite hot and humid, and you’ll also encounter larger crowds.
However, this period is packed with events and activities, so it’s all about balancing the pros and cons based on what you’re looking for.
If you love festivals, this is a great time to visit. You’ll get to experience the popular beer festivals: BeerFest in July and Bolts Brew Fest.
Plus, you can enjoy plenty of beach time to cool off from the summer heat.
Keep in mind that hotel prices peak during these months. For instance, a good hotel in Downtown Tampa will cost around $430 per night in July, compared to approximately $370 in October.
Shoulder Season in Tampa (September and April)
I believe the shoulder season is the best time to visit Tampa. It provides all the excitement of the peak season but without the extreme heat and crowds.
September is particularly great because the humidity starts to drop, offering some relief from the heavy air you experience in August while still keeping the weather warm.
April is similar; the weather is warming up but hasn’t reached the peak summer temperatures yet. It’s also a fantastic time to enjoy events like Taste@TheStraz, which is a must-visit for food enthusiasts.
Plus, hotel prices are typically lower during these months. You can often find a room for about $100 less per night compared to peak season rates.
Off-Season in Tampa (October and January to March)
While it’s not strictly an off-season, October and the months from January to March offer a quieter time to visit Tampa, especially if you’re considering the weather.
I personally enjoy this period because the rain tends to be brief and manageable. It’s an excellent time for finding hotel deals; you can often book a high-quality hotel in Downtown Tampa for around $300 per night or less, even on weekends.
In October, you can look forward to Oktoberfest, which attracts many craft beer enthusiasts. The reduced crowds make it easier to explore the city.
Where to stay on your weekend trip to Tampa
Ybor City and Tampa offer a variety of accommodation options to suit every traveler’s needs. To fully experience the charm of Ybor City, choose a stay close to the heart of the district, where many of the key attractions are within walking distance.
Consider booking a room at Hotel Haya, a stylish 4-star boutique hotel located just minutes from downtown Tampa in Ybor City. This hotel combines modern design with a boutique ambiance, making it an ideal choice for visitors.
Hotel Haya features a café, restaurant, and poolside bar, ensuring guests have plenty of dining options. The rooms range from two queen beds to a king-sized bed and several suites.
In the summer, the hotel hosts lively pool parties, adding an extra touch of fun to your stay. Positioned in the midst of Ybor City’s top attractions, Hotel Haya places you right where the action is.
In downtown Tampa, a stay by the waterfront is nice.
Make sure to bring good guidebooks and reference materials with you to maximize your stay in Ybor City and downtown Tampa
Shopping in Tampa
Tampa is a great place for a shopping expedition because it provides a wide range of shopping options to suit all tastes. The city offers a wide variety of shopping options, from exclusive local stores to posh boutiques.
Shops at Hyde Park Village are among the most attractive in all of Tampa. Elegantly designed streets and an open-air layout blend luxury boutiques with well-known brands.
Many people are drawn to shops like Madewell and Anthropologie because of their chic selection and the welcoming cafés make for excellent places to unwind and have a coffee break.
The best place to shop in Tampa is International Plaza and Bay Street. This mall has a huge selection of shops, including mainstream favorites like H&M and Zara as well as high-end labels like Gucci and Louis Vuitton.
Tampa FAQs
In Tampa, how many days is enough?
Depending on what you choose to see and do, three or four days is plenty for a well-rounded excursion.
You can take in the city’s main sights as well as its lively neighborhoods like Ybor City and the neighboring beaches for some relaxation.
If you want to do particular things, like visit theme parks or events, you may want to prolong your stay to get the most out of your trip.
Which transportation option works best in Tampa?
With so many transportation choices, getting about Tampa is easy. Renting a car is a common option because it gives you the freedom to move at your own speed and is ideal if you want to see sights outside of the city center.
Tampa boasts a dependable public transit network that connects downtown to Ybor City via the TECO Line Streetcar.
Uber and Lyft are widely accessible and offer a practical way to go around the city without having to worry about parking.
Take a water taxi to see the waterfront or bike along the Tampa Riverwalk for a more picturesque trip.
How to Get To Tampa?
Tampa sits midway on the western coast of the Florida peninsula. Whether you’re coming from the north, south, or east, you can easily drive to this vibrant city.
There is also bus service to the city as well as trains served by Amtrak. The principal station is the Tampa Union Station, also a historic building.
A different and highly recommended way to travel to Tampa coming from the northern states is to take the Amtrak auto train from Virginia to Sanford, Florida and drive to Tampa from there, just a 2-hour drive on US I 4.
By Air
Traveling by air into Tampa International Airport (TPA) is the most practical way to get to Tampa.
Situated within a few miles west of the city center, TPA has excellent access to major cities both domestically and abroad.
It is simple to get to your ultimate destination in Tampa from the airport thanks to the variety of transportation options available, such as rental vehicles, taxis, ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft, and public transportation.
By Car
Tampa is reachable by car via a number of important highways. North-south Interstate 75 connects Tampa to places like Atlanta and Miami.
Interstate 275 offers access from the west and connects to St. Petersburg, while Interstate 4 connects Tampa with Orlando to the east.
Driving to Tampa gives you the freedom to see the surroundings at your own speed, and there are plenty of parking spaces available for guests.
By Train
Amtrak’s Silver Star line, which connects New York City and Miami, stops at Tampa. The primary train station and gateway to the city is the Tampa Union Station, which is close to downtown.
With cozy seating and amenities on board, taking the train to Tampa may be a peaceful and picturesque journey.
By Bus
Numerous bus companies run trips from different cities to Tampa, such as Greyhound and Megabus.
Because it’s conveniently located in downtown Tampa, the main bus station is a great choice for tourists on a tight budget.
With several daily departures and arrivals, buses offer a dependable and reasonably priced mode of transportation.
By Cruise
One option for visitors who want to begin their trip to Tampa with something special is to arrive by cruise ship.
Ships from a variety of places arrive in the Port of Tampa Bay, which functions as a major cruise port. Upon disembarking, guests can quickly reach Tampa’s downtown and other surrounding attractions.
Day Trips From Tampa
Tampa’s central location on Florida’s Gulf Coast makes it an excellent base for exploring the surrounding area. Here are some fantastic day trip options that offer a variety of experiences, from beautiful beaches to charming small towns.
St. Petersburg
St. Petersburg, which is only a short drive from Tampa, is well-known for its breathtaking waterfront and lively arts district and exciting nightlife. It is an easy addition to your weekend trip to Tampa.
Explore the Salvador Dalí Museum throughout the day. It has a sizable collection of the artist’s creations.
After that, enjoy a leisurely stroll around the Sunken Gardens, a tropical plant and flower garden including over 50,000 plants.
Take a stroll along the St. Pete Pier to cap out your vacation, which offers a variety of food and shopping options in addition to stunning views of Tampa Bay.
Clearwater Beach
For a perfect weekend trip to Tampa, add Clearwater Beach. About 40 minutes drive from Tampa is Clearwater Beach, the epitome of a Florida beach day. The city boasts some of the best beaches near Tampa.
Clearwater Beach, well-known for its powder-soft sands and glistening waves, is ideal for swimming, water sports, and tanning.
See street performers and neighborhood merchants at Pier 60’s daily sunset festival, or go on a dolphin-watching excursion to witness these gregarious animals in their own environment.
Tarpon Springs
Tarpon Springs provides a distinctive cultural experience; it is well-known for its Greek heritage and old sponge docks.
Visit the Spongeorama Sponge Factory to discover the history of sponge diving in the town and explore the sponge docks.
Take a leisurely stroll along Dodecanese Boulevard to peruse the stores and try some of the many restaurants serving delicious Greek food.
Don’t pass up the chance to enjoy a picturesque boat ride down the Anclote River.
Crystal River
Want to swim with the manatees? Add beautiful Crystal River to your weekend trip to Tampa. A day excursion to Crystal River, which is approximately 90 minutes north of Tampa, is ideal for nature lovers.
Crystal River, sometimes referred to as the “Manatee Capital of the World,” provides an opportunity to get up close and personal with these kind giants, particularly in the winter.
Popular activities include kayaking and snorkeling with manatees, made possible by the superb visibility offered by the crystal-clear springs.
The Crystal River Preserve State Park offers excellent hiking and birdwatching opportunities in the vicinity.
Sarasota
Sarasota, which is just over an hour’s drive south of Tampa, is known for its picturesque beaches, interesting cultural institutions, and quaint downtown.
Explore The Ringling, a cultural landmark with an art gallery, a historic residence, and exquisitely designed gardens.
Renowned for its pristine white sand, Siesta Key Beach is ideal for a leisurely day at the beach. There are lots of options for dining, shopping, and entertainment in Sarasota’s bustling downtown.
Orlando
Orlando is only a 90-minute drive from Tampa if you’re looking for an exciting and adventurous day trip.
Orlando, the home of renowned theme parks like SeaWorld, Universal Studios, and Walt Disney World, provides countless entertainment opportunities for guests of all ages.
If you don’t like amusement parks, check out some of the other attractions in the area, like the picturesque Leu Gardens, the Orlando Science Center, and the Orlando Museum of Art.
Make sure to stock up on these informative reference guides to maximize your weekend getaway to Tampa.
What are your thoughts on a weekend trip to Tampa? What did we miss? Let us know in the comments.
