Last Updated on October 7, 2023
Check out these Things to Do in Tampa that you won’t want to miss out on!
While many people travel to Tampa for theme parks, professional sports, or its proximity to the beach, the area is full of historical and educational things to do, too.
From quaint neighborhoods to delicious restaurants and stunning architecture, we’ve compiled a list of the top 10 things to do in Tampa.
Ybor City
One of our favorite stops in Tampa is the historic neighborhood of Ybor City. The city was founded as an independent town in 1885 by a group of cigar manufacturers.
Ybor is unique because the city was built and populated almost entirely by Cuban, Spanish, Italian, and Eastern-European Jewish immigrants.
Unfortunately, this booming neighborhood endured a period of neglect during the Great Depression when the demand for fine cigars decreased. However, beginning in the 1980s, a slow recovery of the area resurfaced.
Many homes, businesses, and historic structures are now renovated.
Today, there is plenty to explore in Ybor City. You can visit various retail stores, small businesses, and restaurants.
Downtown Tampa/Ybor City Streetcar
Walking is a must to get around, but we also highly recommend taking the streetcar. There are 11 stops throughout Tampa, in Downtown and Historic Ybor City. The streetcar is FREE and comes every 15 minutes.
In case you get lost, contact a Ybor City Ambassador. These guides offer directions, act as safety escorts, and provide general information.
Take a tour of the area, grab a Cuban Sandwich and cafe con leche, and visit a locally-owned business or a museum — the possibilities are endless!
Make sure to watch out for the Ybor chickens! That’s right — chickens roam the streets of Ybor City and have been doing so for over 100 years.
They are protected and allowed to roam around freely. However, there are always those few people who don’t follow the rules and feed the chickens. Don’t do that!
TAMPA TIDBIT: Did you know Tampa’s Premier Historic District (near Ybor City) is the only neighborhood on Florida’s West Coast designated a National Historic Landmark?
Columbia Restaurant
While you’re visiting Ybor City, make sure to stop by the original Columbia Restaurant for a delicious meal. The Ybor location is Florida’s Oldest Restaurant and the Largest Spanish Restaurant in America!
Columbia was first founded in 1905. It began as a small 60-seat cafe that served Cuban coffee and Cuban sandwiches to the local cigar workers.
In 1919, the original owner teamed up with the man who owned the restaurant next door.
The two named the restaurant “Columbia” and doubled the size of the store. One of the men’s sons took over the restaurant and added music and dancing unique to the area.
They also made the restaurant the first air-conditioned dining room in the Tampa area.
The music tradition continues today, with Spanish flamenco dancers performing every Tuesday through Saturday at 7 p.m. On Friday and Saturday, they offer 9:30 p.m. shows.
Reservations are required for each show!
TAMPA TIDBIT: Everything at Columbia is delicious. The menu ranges from tapas and traditional Cuban dishes to the legendary “Columbia 1905 Salad”. The 1905 Salad is one of our team’s absolute favorites (we like to add shrimp to it).
Columbia Restaurant Address: 2117 E 7th Ave., Tampa, FL 33605
Le Meridien Tampa
Did you know you can stay in a unique boutique hotel in downtown Tampa? Le Meridien was a historic courthouse from 1905 that was transformed and renovated into a hotel.
Not only is the hotel beautiful from the outside, but it also features marble hallways and original oak doors. An old judge’s desk is repurposed and now is used as the concierge desk.
The on-site restaurant, Bizou Brasserie, serves French-inspired food, including delicious coffee, chocolate souffle tortes, eclairs, and a variety of pastries.
TAMPA TIDBIT: If you stay at the hotel, you will be close to Ybor City, Armature Works, Amalie Arena, the University of Tampa, Channelside, and other fun Tampa attractions.
Le Meridien Tampa Address: 601 N Florida Ave., Tampa, FL 33602
ZooTampa at Lowry Park
ZooTampa (formerly known as Lowry Park Zoo) focuses on conservation, education, and research. It’s one of the most popular zoos in the Southeastern United States.
This Florida zoo is also home to many endangered animals, including African Elephants, White Rhinoceros, and Florida’s manatees and panthers.
One of the best things about ZooTampa is its wide array of special encounters, experiences, and events.
To keep up with their latest adventures, visit their website. However, we’ve highlighted a few animal encounters below:
- Manatee Critical Care Center Backstage Encounter
- Aldabra Tortoise Encounter
- Koala Photo Encounter
- Giraffe Meet & Greet
- Stingray Bay Touch Experience
- Yoga in the Wild
ZooTampa at Lowry Park Address: 1101 W Sligh Ave., Tampa, FL 33604
Check out our favorite zoos throughout the state: Our Favorite Florida Zoos & Gardens.
Henry B. Plant Museum
Originally part of the Tampa Bay Hotel, the Henry B. Plant Museum is on the University of Tampa campus. The building is now called Plant Hall.
It’s a National Historic Landmark accredited by the American Alliance of Museums.
This museum is unique because it transports visitors to the beginning of Florida’s tourism days. In fact, it contains actual furnishings by the first guests to visit.
Tickets to the museum are $12 for an adult and $7 for a child, which includes the audio tour. NOTE: Ticket sales end at 4:30 pm each day.
TAMPA TIDBIT: Take a guided audio tour, enjoy the beautiful outdoor gardens, and visit a current exhibition. You can check out the current exhibits on their website.
Henry B. Plant Museum Address: 401 W Kennedy Blvd., Tampa, FL 33606
The University of Tampa
While you’re at the Henry B. Plant Museum, make sure to stroll around the entire University of Tampa campus.
The campus is full of ornate buildings and beautiful grounds that span 110 acres.
While most of the campus is modern, Plant Hall and the cobblestone roads help keep the ambiance of yesteryear.
The majority of the buildings on the University of Tampa’s campus are open to the public with the exception of the dorm rooms.
The buildings offer stunning views of Tampa Bay and the downtown Tampa area.
The University of Tampa hosts several events annually, encouraging visitors to explore the surroundings. This includes an annual market in Plant Hall.
TAMPA TIDBIT: Sit along the Hillsborough River to relax and watch the boats ride by. Also, please note that the entire University of Tampa campus is smoke/tobacco-free.
The University of Tampa Address: 401 W Kennedy Blvd., Tampa, FL 33606
Tampa Theatre
The Tampa Theatre opened its doors in 1926 as one of America’s most elaborate movie palaces. The theatre was incredibly popular in the beginning.
For just 25 cents, guests enjoyed entertainment while being served by uniformed ushers. They also beat the Tampa heat with the popular “man-made air.”
In 1973, the demand for a movie palace diminished, and the Tampa Theatre was set to be demolished. However, the citizens of Tampa banded together, and the City Council was able to purchase and preserve the building.
In 1977, the theatre reopened. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1978 and became a Tampa City Landmark in 1988.
Today, the theatre is managed by the Tampa Theatre Foundation. It hosts first-run and classic films, live concerts, tours, and special events.
Attend an upcoming event at the Tampa Theatre by checking out their events page.
TAMPA TIDBIT: Tampa Theatre was originally built by Paramount Pictures!
Tampa Theatre Address: 711 N Franklin St., Tampa, FL 33602
Interested in discovering more historic theatres? Check out: 8 Unique and Historic Theatres in Florida
Tampa Bay History Center
Founded in 1989, the Tampa Bay History Center is a 60,000-square-foot museum on Tampa’s Riverwalk.
Here you can learn about the history of Florida in a museum accredited by the American Alliance of Museums. It also is a Smithsonian Affiliate Museum.
The museum focuses on 12,000 years of Florida history, including the very first people of Florida inhabitants over 10,000 years ago.
Additionally, you can learn about the European Explorers who came to the area in the 1500s and how Tampa Bay became a modern port city.
Overall, the History Center shares the heritage, culture, and history of Florida but with a focus on Tampa Bay.
There are over three floors of exhibits to explore, from the infamous pirate Jack Rackam to Teddy Roosevelt. Plus, there’s a fun outdoor play area for the kids.
Check out all the exhibits the museum offers at the Tampa Bay History Center Website.
Tickets to the museum are $16.95 for adults, $14.95 for seniors (60+) and college students, $12.95 for youth (7 – 17), and free for children six and under or members.
TAMPA TIDBIT: If you’re hungry, they have a Columbia Restaurant cafe on site.
Tampa Bay History Center Address: 801 Water St., Tampa, FL 33602
Want to explore the surrounding area? Check out Top 5 Things to Do North of Tampa.
Sacred Heart Church
Built in 1905, this church is one of the oldest churches in Tampa.
When you see the Sacred Heart Church in Tampa, you may feel as if you’re in Europe with its beautiful Roman architecture.
This ornate marble and granite building includes 70 stained glass windows, solid oak pews and doors, porcelain tiles, and a marble altar.
You can still peek inside even if you’re not there for a service.
TAMPA TIDBIT: Only take photos if no one inside is praying.
Sacred Heart Church Address: 509 N Florida Ave., Tampa, FL 33602
The Hub Bar
In 1949, The Hub opened as a piano cocktail lounge near the Tampa Theatre. The bar catered to Tampa’s elite, including judges, attorneys, bankers, and mob bosses.
It has been the “hub” of the nightlife scene ever since.
Not only does the ambiance of the past still exist, but you can get the infamous “hub pour” — the bar never uses bottom-shelf liquor, and the shots are plentiful as well as reasonably priced.
For entertainment, live and local bands periodically appear. Above all, they have the best vintage jukebox around that plays all your favorite tunes.
Additionally, you can play some old-school pinball machines while sipping on a drink.
TAMPA TIDBIT: Bring cash because this dive bar does not take credit cards.
The Hub Bar Address: 719 N Franklin St., Tampa, FL 33602
While in the Tampa area, you may want to check out these other articles:
- 7 Best Places to Get Key Lime Pie in Tampa
- Pick a Piece of Florida’s Citrus History at Dooley Groves
- Tampa Fresh Foods: A Walk-Thru Immersive Art Experience
- The 20 Best Historic Hotels in Florida
- Step Right Up! The Showmen’s Museum is the Epicenter of Carnival History
- 7 Best Vegan and Vegetarian Restaurants in Tampa
- Top 5 Things to Do North of Tampa
- 19 Best Things to Do in Dunedin, FL – 2023
If your into Techno or Industrial music a visit to the Castle night club in Ybor is a must ! Considered one of the premiere Techno clubs in the world ! The world famous DJ Tom Gold spins on Friday and Saturday nights the energy is intense. This is one of those places that more people around the world know about then local residents. The Gothic ambiance, pulsating music, multi million dollar dance floor, friendly atmosphere & skilled bartenders make this a must visit.
Historic Skipper’s Smokehouse just re-opened after closing for COVID-19. The best blues venue in FL and Uncle John’s Band (Grateful Dead cover band) every Thursday!
Loved the Tampa Bay History Center! It is fantastic!
The river walk and water taxi. Two can’t miss activities in Tampa.