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City Guide
- Overview
- The Basics
- Contacts
- Attractions
- City Tours
- Airports
- Transport
- Climate
- Photos
- Hotels in Tampa
Directory
Time
Why? The city of Tampa is one of the top spots in
Florida's vacation-land, the main draw of a holiday in Tampa being
the fantastic Busch Gardens amusement park and Ybor City, the
historic downtown Spanish district with its nightclubs, bars and
shops which was once famed for its Cuban cigar factories. This
high-rise city has dozens more attractions on offer too, including
some world-class museums.
When? Snowbirds from the wintry north flock to holiday in
Tampa during winter and spring, which is peak season in this warm,
sunny holiday city. In summer activities can be dampened by
afternoon thunderstorms, and if you travel to Tampa at this time of
year be prepared to roast during the day, but enjoy cool breezes at
night.
Who for? Unquestionably a holiday in Tampa is designed for
families with children. Adults and youngsters all have fun in the
sun exploring the city's entertaining attractions.
More Info: To find out the opening and closing times of
Tampa's main attractions, as well as other useful details for
planning a holiday in Tampa (including public transport in the
city), use our comprehensive Tampa travel guide, which is updated
regularly and can be printed out.
Overview
Multi-ethnic Tampa on the Florida peninsula’s west coast is a thriving city where quaint historic neighbourhoods co-exist happily with sleek skyscrapers, and shrimp boats vie with cruise liners for space in the busy port. It was the Cuban immigrant community, led by Vicente Martinez Ybor, who put Tampa on the map when they introduced the cigar industry in the 1880s and developed Ybor City, now fully restored to its Latin Quarter elegance and a favourite neighbourhood for tourists to explore, by day or night.
Most visitors to the Tampa area stay in the resorts of St Petersburg and Clearwater, across Tampa Bay from the city. Most pay at least one visit to Tampa itself, however, for the exciting attractions and excellent museums on offer, particularly families with children in tow. The most popular attraction is the Busch Gardens entertainment park. Tampa is also within easy reach of Orlando, site of the world-famous Walt Disney World's theme and adventure park.