About Tampa

Tampa is a Gulf Coast city in Florida, U.S. It is the largest city in the Tampa Bay area and the third most populous city in Florida. It served as a military headquarters in the middle 19th century which was a milestone for infrastructural development in the city. This led to the city being a part of one of Florida’s largest metropolitan areas. Tampa has a humid subtropical climate but also shows some characteristics of a tropical climate, being on the Florida peninsula. The city observes a milder dry climate from November to April, followed by a hot and humid environment from May to October. Fall brings a welcoming relief from the oppressive heat and humidity of Tampa while maintaining sunshine and pleasant weather. It is due to this reason that Tampa receives its tourist peaks in the months of October until the end of the year. You should avoid traveling during the precipitation season that begins in June and carries showers until September.  

Fun facts about Tampa: The city has the world’s longest continuous sidewalk, Bayshore Blvd measuring 4.5 miles. It is also home to the largest Spanish restaurant globally called the Columbian Restaurant. 

Tampa is a fun place to spend your location in with irresistible tourist attractions such as the Busch Gardens and the Florida Aquarium. Wondering what more this great place holds? Know more about Tampa along with the famous places and accommodation options for your visit to the city below.

Where to stay in Tampa

Whether you want a lavish stay or are looking for affordable rooms, this guide can help you find suitable accommodation. Explore a few of our picks especially for you. 

Tampa Marriott WaterStreet

If you are looking for the best hotels in Tampa that can match your luxurious lifestyle, Marriott Waterstreet is your place and has been listed among the best hotels in Tampa, Florida. It is among the few accommodation centers that are AAA inspected and approved, indicating they offer clean, comfortable, and hospitable stays for guests. They are located near the most visited attractions like the Tampa Riverwalk, Florida Aquarium, Amalie Arena, and Sparkman Wharf. Take a dip in their rooftop pool featuring stunning city and water views and later relax along with cabanas with delicious meals served. Along with sophisticated decors and private balconies with ocean views, they also offer 35 rooms specially designed with features of Stay Well technology to optimize your physical and emotional well-being. 

Hampton Inn Tampa Downtown channel district

It is a perfect blend of comfort and convenience. Hampton Inn is the closest hotel to Port Tampa Bay Terminal which makes it an ideal stay for cruise travelers. If you are on vacation with your family, the hotel also offers connecting rooms that make you stay together while giving you privacy too. With less than a 5 minutes drive for Downtown Tampa and Amalie Arena, it is close by to many more places you would love to visit. In addition to this, the inn also serves complimentary breakfast that you can enjoy by the side of their outside pool or while looking at the mesmerizing city from the room’s window. 

Roof Top Inn Tampa Fairgrounds – Casino

In case you are looking for something affordable, Roof Top Inn is highly cost-efficient and offers great services while being counted as one of the best hotels in Tampa for an affordable stay. For tourists traveling by car, the place has free parking and greets you with a free coffee whenever you enter their lobby. The rooms are clean and moderately spacious while maintaining proper hygiene. It is a delight for foodies with many major restaurants within walking range of one mile to try local cuisines. Tampa Fairgrounds is a pet-friendly place with absolutely free stay for them if weighing less than 80 pounds. They are also 100% smoke-free and are a safe place for visitors more prone to respiratory problems due to smoking.

Things to do in Tampa

For the best experience, checking the most visited places can help you plan your trip so that you do not miss the major attractions. Tampa is the home to mesmerizing natural beauty and soothing river walks with museums that will make your stay a memorable one. The city has an amusement park that can be a fun add-on to your visits to the zoo and aquarium. Here are some exciting suggestions:    

Busch Garden

Busch Garden is perfect for thrill seekers as well as nature lovers and is counted among the top fun things to do in Tampa. The amusement garden holds multiple roller coasters like the all-new Serengeti flyer and Iron Gawazi which are a delight for adventurers. You can also get inside tours of wild animals such as Cheetah, Lion, and Elephant in an environment that closely resembles their natural habitat. Visit their state-of-the-art center to know interesting facts and how the staff takes proper care of these animals. It also has a long range of stores for shopping and filling up yourself with snacks as you roll your list of things to do in Tampa today. 

Ybor City

The city is named after its founder, the cigar baron Vicente Martinez Ybor and has turned to become a center of the Latino community and a major Tampa attraction. The area is well known for reviving old times and houses many shops, galleries, restaurants, and cafes. The world’s largest Spanish restaurant, the Columbia Restaurant, is famous for its dinner shows and early 20th-century architecture. Enjoy the essence of tradition with your loved ones in the cafes hosting live music events, including flamenco and jazz.   

Tampa Riverwalk

With mesmerizing sightings, Tampa riverway is a 2.4 miles walkway running along the Hillsborough river. It serves as a perfect place for admirers of public art ranging from murals to sculptures. Leading the list of free things to do in Tampa, you can join it from its beginning at Sparkman Wharf, which leads directly to Armature works with multiple shops and food centers throughout the entire walk. The place has a charm of its own, and tourists visit it to experience the soothing atmosphere with relaxing breezes all around.

Current Tampa Events, Places to Visit and Tickets Availability

Tampa has made itself one of the most happening cities in the United States, offering an unmatched range of live events. It features many international personalities and also grooms the best of local artists. You will always find live music, comedy shows, theatrical cinematography, exciting sports matches, and other art forms with vibrant nightlife. To know the upcoming events and check the venues, you can visit Eventsfy and buy tickets to your favorite shows. Some of the most visited venues in Tampa have been listed below.

Tampa Theatre

Tampa Theatre is the city’s only non-profit movie palace that hosts 600+ events every year. These include contemporary films, classic movies, concerts, corporate events, and educational events. If you are searching for events in Tampa this weekend, a majority would have this as their venue. It is well preserved and serves as a great example of John Eberson’s architectural style of an atmospheric movie palace. It is close to most of the hotels and is just 10 miles away from the Tampa car show.    

Amalie Arena

Amalie Arena, known as the home for the Tampa Bay Lightning of the National Hockey League, also serves as a great venue for live events. With a seating capacity of more than 21000, it has been highly spacious for hosting performances for internationally renowned artists and other Tampa concerts. Initially known as Ice Palace in 1996, it received a renovation of a great amount making it one of the most technically advanced indoor complexes.  

Straz Centre for Performing Art

It is the largest performing arts center in Southeastern America and has a dedicated on-site performing arts conservatory. It presents numerous concerts, performances, and events, including a top-rated Broadway series and grand opera productions. If you have a tight schedule to follow or are on a long vacation, the center holds five distinct theaters running in conjunction so that you never miss a thing. In addition to live music, they also hold happy hours and comedy shows. In addition to this, it also has numerous retail shops and on-site restaurants, along with banquet facilities for your snack time and refreshment in between.

Events in Tampa – Current and Upcoming Events Calendar

Check out the current events happening in the Tampa area and book tickets now.

Events in Tampa 

Music Events/Concerts in Tampa Today

Comedy Events in Tampa 

Theater Events in Tampa

Sports Events in  Tampa Today

A trip to Tampa can give you memories to cherish lifelong. The city is full of tourist attractions and offers a wide range of live events to make your stay more fun. If you find yourself closer to nature in Tampa, you must also visit Jacksonville, which boasts the largest urban park system in the country, along with its magnificent beaches and natural landscapes.