By The town’s roots date back to the 1820s, when it was flattened by Spanish and American settlers. Tampa played a particularly important role during the American Civil War, and at the end of the 19th century it became an economic center thanks to the production of Cuban cigars. The city is a mix of diverse cultures defined by the legacy of Spanish, Cuban and Italian immigrants
Ybor City is Tampa’s historic district, founded by Vincente Marinez-Ybor in the late 19th century. Here you can find the line of former cigar factories that made the city the „Cigar Capital of the World”
Tip: if you are interested in the history of Cuban cigars, read about it here: The art of rolling the rich history of cuban cigars
Extra tip not only for Victoria Residential ship passengers: Ybor City History
Riverwalk
It’s a 2.4-mile boardwalk in the heart of the city that connects downtown’s most important cultural and entertainment spots, such as the Tampa Museum of Art and Curtix Hixon Park
Tampa Museum of Art
it is a central element of the city’s cultural life, presenting a wide spectrum of modern and contemporary art, while also boasting a significant antique collection. The museum opened in 1979 and has been one of Tampa’s most important cultural institutions ever since. The museum offers exciting programs not only for art lovers, but for everyone who wants to discover the cultural wealth of Tampa
Tip: the museum’s café is a great place to relax after the exhibitions, while you can buy items made by local artists in the gift shop
Ybor City
Our visit to Tampa would not be complete without visiting Ybor City and trying the famous Cuban sandwich .
(Ybor City History ) is the best travel guide to explore Ybor City. After the tour, spend some more time exploring the colorful cigar shops. Even if you don’t smoke, this is a great photo opportunity.
Tip: the best culinary tour: Downtown Culinary Tour
Tampa Ghost Tour
If you want something special and creepy, a ghost tour is the perfect way to explore the dark side of the city. Tampa is full of mysterious events, legends and mysterious deaths. These tours offer a glimpse into the lesser-known, dark side of the city’s past. This tour revolves around Ybor City, where many of the buildings are said to be inhabited by ghosts.
Tip: This tour is especially popular around Halloween, when the mystical atmosphere of the streets increases even more
Extra tip: the best ghost tour: VIP Dinner and a Ghost Adventure Tour
St. Pete Beach
Visit one of Tampa’s best beaches. You can choose to spend a few hours swimming and sunbathing, or you can take my advice and join this adventure ( Dolphin Race Cruise ) , it’s sure to get your adrenaline pumping, the view is breathtaking and you might even see dolphins
Henry B Plant Museum
A major cultural institution in downtown Tampa. The building whose history is closely intertwined with the name of Henry B. Plant has become an important part of American historical and architectural heritage. The museum is housed in the famous Tampa Bay Hotel, built by Henry B Plant and opened in 1891.
Tip: the museum is open from Monday to Saturday. it is worth buying tickets in advance, especially at times with higher attendance
Extra tip: not only for Victoria Residential ship passengers: Plant Museum Ticket
Hop on a TIKI boat
It offers one of Tampa’s special experiences, where you can discover the beautiful landscapes and water experiences of Tampa Bay in a unique way. These are themed, fun craft that are usually tropical in style, basic amenities include a bar where Tiki tour participants are served a variety of drinks
Tip: tours can be booked in advance online, details can be found here: Tampa Bar Hop Tiki Cruise
Some wisdom
- dress for comfort, not style, wear comfortable shoes and clothing so you can enjoy the experience undisturbed
- you are visiting between June and November, there is a possibility of bad weather due to hurricanes
- avoid public holidays, as the city is packed during those times
- don’t be afraid of lightning, just go into a restaurant or museum and by the time you come out it will be gone
- it’s never that cold in Tampa, even in so-called „winter”, but outside of July and August, you may need a jacket in the evenings
- Buy a Tampa Riverwalk Pass,
Tampa is a vibrant city that boasts a rich history and cultural attractions. the Henry B. Museum is one of the city’s greatest historical treasures, located in a former luxurious hotel building, which presents the life of Henry B. Plant and Tampa’s rich past. Ghost tours of the city, like the Ybor City Ghost Tour, give you the chance to explore the mysterious side of Tamap and the ghostly legends attached to historic sites. In addition, you can enjoy the scenic views of Tampa aboard a Tiki boat, where you can explore the city’s waterways in a tropical atmosphere and in a comfortable environment.