A cultural guide to Tampa

While Orlando has princess-packed theme parks and Miami major international art events, Tampa has often been overlooked as a Florida destination—but that’s changing quickly. Sunny shores and adrenaline-pumping thrill rides are a given, while a new set of travelers are discovering the city thanks to stylish up-and-coming hotels, Michelin-starred restaurants, and a glittering, revitalized cityscape.

Tampa’s first boom came shortly after it was incorporated as a city in 1855. Nearby Ybor City was rising to fame as a major cigar hub, so Tampa quickly annexed it, earning itself the moniker “Cigar City.” Rapid growth welcomed a new population of Cuban, Spanish, Italian, Jewish, and German immigrants, both as industry workers and customers. While the city has changed drastically since then, that international influence is still evident in its food, art, and especially its inclusivity.

Art & architecture

While celebrated arts city St. Petersburg, with its Dalí Museum and Chihuly Collection, is just a half hour away, visitors would be wise not to overlook Tampa’s own cultural treasures. The city’s Riverwalk, which has been continually expanded and enhanced over the past few decades, connects many of downtown’s top institutions, including the Florida Aquarium, Straz Center for the Performing Arts, Tampa Bay History Center, and the Glazer Children’s Museum. Meanwhile, check out modern and contemporary works at the free Tampa Museum of Art—America’s only museum accessible by boat—and a permanent collection of more than 5,000 photos at the Florida Museum of Photographic Arts.

Food & drink

Tampa is one of just three cities in Florida included in the state’s first-ever Michelin Guide, which debuted in 2022. And while three upscale restaurants made the list—Koya, an eight-seat Japanese spot with seafood flown in weekly from Tokyo; Lilac for Mediterranean with a champagne cocktail cart; and Rocca, an indulgent Italian restaurant with a hand-pulled mozzarella cart and pastas made in-house—it’s the casual haunts that the locals recommend.

Go to Sparkman Wharf, an outdoor food hall in downtown Tampa, for fried chicken tenders and glazed doughnuts at EverGlazed, hot dogs smothered in spicy onions at JoDog, or drinks in the beer garden. Armature Works is another local-favorite food hall; it has everything from “quesatacos” to craft ice cream, plus outdoor seating overlooking the Hillsborough River.

The extravagant Bern’s Steak House, undeniably Tampa’s most famous restaurant, is a must-try—if you can snag a reservation. At this classic steakhouse, diners start with caviar, then enjoy steaks dry-aged to perfection. Florida’s oldest restaurant, Columbia, comes a close second and is much more accessible. The 1905 spot’s tiled setting is as impressive as the Spanish-Cuban food it serves. Order the award-winning “1905” salad and admire the cathedral ceilings and live flamenco shows.

Tampa also boasts a robust craft brew scene, with worthwhile taprooms such as Cigar City Brewing. But beer lovers would also be wise to check out the hip neighborhood of Seminole Heights with its four notable breweries, including Angry Chair. Stick around to explore the area’s cute cafés, vintage shops, record stores, and lively bars like The Independent.

Sports

Tampa sports fans don’t take their teams for granted, so expect to find stands filled with fans cheering on the home team. The Tampa Bay Rays currently play at the domed Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg, and a new $1.3-billion, 30,000-seat ballpark is in the works for 2028. Tampa’s Raymond James Stadium hosts the city’s NFL team, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers—and a 103-foot pirate ship that fires cannons whenever they score a touchdown. See Tampa Bay Lightning slay the ice hockey rink at Amalie Arena, or cheer on the city’s soccer team, the Tampa Bay Rowdies, who play at the waterfront Al Lang Stadium.

Hot ticket

In January and February, Gasparilla Season takes over Tampa with a two-month, sword-wielding celebration of Florida’s pirate folklore. Each weekend brings new activities, including live music, film festivals, road running events, and street parades, as more than three million visitors donning eye patches and pirate hats take to the streets. The whole season centers around the last Saturday in January, when the Seminole Hard Rock Gasparilla Pirate Festival (the third largest parade in the U.S.) launches 100-plus floats down Bayshore Boulevard to downtown Tampa. Book a hotel along the parade route early, as rooms will fill up and closed streets make driving impossible.