What To Do:
Walk the River Walk- One of the most popular things to do in Tampa is taking a stroll on the Riverwalk. This area has a beautiful view of the skyline and the Hillsborough River. You can take a bike ride, scan the waterfront for sea life or check out the sunset views! At night the bridges are lit and change color
Hyde Park Village - This Stylish open-air complex with higher-end retailers, restaurants & bars is a MUST when visiting the city. Plus there is a movie theater! Be sure to take a walk through and check out all of the unique boutiques and delicious restaurants!
Amature Works - Located at the end of the River Walk, Amature Works is a trendy food market with several restaurant stalls that serve some seriously delicious food and desserts. This place is any food-lover’s dream come true and has some great vibes! Check out the roof top bar, M.Bird for some great views!
Catch a Hockey Game - The Tampa Bay Lightning is a professional hockey team that compete in the National Hockey League and three Stanley Cup championships. Be sure to check out a game if you can!
International Plaza Mall - International Plaza and Bay Street is the dominant shopping mall and dining destination in Tampa. Home to some of my favorite stores, like Nordstrom, Zara and Alter'd State!
Sparkman's Wharf - A Modern waterfront area featuring hip restaurants & shops, a beer garden & street-food stands.
Traveler Tip: I wouldn't recommend eating at the Mexican restaurant, Jotoro. If you're looking for a good stand try Murph's BBQ stand instead!
Explore Ybor City -As Tampa's entertainment district, Ybor City is known for its many bars, music venues and restaurants. It's also known as the GaYBOR district around 7th Avenue and 15th Street and attracts a FABULOUS crowd to its bars and clubs!
Catch a show at Tampa Theatre - With over 600 events each year, catch a movie in one of Downtown Tampa’s most historic settings, the iconic Tampa Theater which has been operating as a cinema since 1926.
Fun Fact: The theater was named “One of the Most Spectacular Theatre's in the World” by CNN and is one of Florida’s most fascinating cultural attractions.
Where to Stay:
The Downtown Tampa area and the adjacent Channel District anchor the whole Tampa area. These hotels are steps away from the River walk and the Downtown Tampa area. I would highly recommend hotels in this areas as they are relatively close to many of the city attractions!
Where to Eat:
Oxford Exchange - A MUST stop for Brunch. One of the most picturesque restaurants I have ever been to.
Jackson's Bistro Bar & Sushi - Beautiful sunset views- Definitely try the Sushi!
Ulele -A lively restaurant, serving up a varied menu of food and drinks.
Bar Taco - Located in Hyde Park Village, Bar Taco has great vibes, yummy tacos and delicious margaritas. Need I say more?
On Swann - Hyde Park Village
Carmine’s - Ybor City
Bern’s Steakhouse - If you are celebrating an occasion or are willing to splurge!
Gourmet Pizza Company - Best Pizza in Town!
Doc B’s - Relaxed spot serving creative American plates with yummy cocktails & beer.
Green Lemon - Upbeat Mexican Restaurant with cheap, but delicious tacos!
Timpano Chop House- With locations in Fort Lauderdale and now in Tampa, this is a great dinner spot!
Where to Drink:
Flybar + Restaurant - Flavorful food, creative drinks, uncompromising attention to detail, and genuine hospitality.
CW's Gin Joint - Giving Speakeasy vibes, this bar offers gin-based cocktails, small plates & frequent live jazz.
Mandarin Heights- Taking cocktails to new heights, this spot is super cute and the drinks are made very well! Be sure to check out their seasonal drinks, if you can!
Miguelito’s - Cool, dimly lit hangout, plus a spacious patio, serving Tex-Mex plates & signature cocktails.
Ciro’s (speakeasy) - Classic cocktail bar located inside the historic Bayshore Royal Building. Until about 10pm soft jazz plays and then turns to upbeat electronic music at night
Hotel Bar - Watering hole with an old-school, cosmopolitan feel offering craft cocktails & artful bar bites.
The Champagne Bar - Located inside Oxford Exchange, this is the perfect place to get your after brunch mimosas (or before...no ones judging)
Wine Exchange- If you prefer to drink wine, check out the wine bar or wine tasting at Wine Exchange in Hyde Park Village! A delicious experience!
M. Bird Rooftop Bar & Lounge - Located on Amature Works rooftop. This place overlooks Tampa Bay and is another great sunset spot!
Sweets:
Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams - Located in Sparkmans Wharf, this place boasts a number of delicious ice cream flavors. Definitely try the Brambleberry flavor which is an Oven-toasted oat streusel and a sweet-tart “brambleberry” jam of blackberries and blackcurrants layered throughout vanilla ice cream.
Dough - Whimsical bakeshop serving housemade doughnuts, cupcakes & ice cream in specialty doughnut cones.
The Hyppo - Located in Hyde Park, a perfect treat to cool off on a hot day!
Whatever Pops - Similar to the Hyppo and located in Sparkmans Wharf, this vendor sells a variety of refreshing popsicles that just cannot be missed.
Oddfellows Ice Cream Co. - With a location in New York and now in Hyde Park Village, this new ice cream joint is a must!
Sign up to my Travel List for more tips and guides around the world!
