An Interactive Itinerary - Local Tampa, FL

Tampa has a rich and tasty history. This city was the number one traveler’s destinations in the late 1800s. In the early 1900s we had a surge of cultural influence from our thriving immigrant communities, which provided a viable economy for the roaring 20s with our booze and hand-rolled cigar industry. With our stable economy, we pushed successfully into the 30s and 40s with no real lull during The Great Depression, which allowed our city to hone its cultural craft and create a tourism destination that, even today, we thrive in. As decades passed, many buildings and stories faded away, with only archive centers and family ties to keep our history alive.

This Interactive Itinerary allows you to control how you experience Tampa's past all through local tourism.

You and you alone are in charge of your adventure. You will use your personal interests to guide your decisions to create a unique adventure path. The path you take will depend on the choices you make along the way.

But don’t worry!

With 12 possible paths, you have the ability to create a new tour for every future visit to Tampa!

Choose your path with passion.

Your adventure awaits!

1. Oxford Exchange

We'll start our experience indoors, here: a community space with a coffeehouse, bookstore, shop, and a great local atmosphere. Buddy Brew is our flavor of locally brewed coffee, offering the best Cold Brew Float to exist. If you’re more cozy starting your day with tea, then head to the tea bar TeBella and take your choice from delicious teas off of their assortment wall. However, the most aesthetically pleasing and ‘popping’ bar in OE is The Champagne Bar - a great start to drinking around Tampa if that is your desired tour!

-If you’d like to continue into Downtown Tampa, go to #2.

-If you’re looking for up-scale shopping, head to #5.

2. Downtown Walking Tour

Starting our tour of Downtown Tampa, the first stop you will make is the University of Tampa campus. It’s easy to mistake the Main Hall aka Plant Hall for something other than a school due to its ornate Moorish style architecture. That’s because this campus was once the most lavish Hotel in the country. Once on campus, head to the Henry B. Plant Museum where you can take a quick tour of the interior to see what remains of the hotel. From UT you will head down Kennedy Blvd. over the bridge into downtown Tampa. Once here, iconic landmarks are all within blocks of each other. Located on N Florida Ave., is Sacred Heart, a Romanesque styled Catholic Church, always posing for a beautiful picture. From there, head to Franklin street to see our ‘main street’ during the 1920s to the 1960s. You’ll find the Tampa Theatre with an iconic marquee titled Tampa, which is great for photos, and a few doors down, you will see the Woolworth, J.J. Newbury, and S. H. Kress buildings, all perfect for landscape photography, Once you’ve completed your leisurely stroll through the downtown area, you have a few options of local favorites to suit your travels:

-If you’d like to stay in Downtown Tampa, and visit museums next, head to #3.

-If you’re inclined towards street art, head to #4.

-If you’re looking for up-scale shopping, head to #5.

-If you are intrigued by historical sites, head to #6.

-If you’d like to keep walking and take in the scenery, head to #14.

3. Tampa Museums

The three prominent museums in Tampa are all within 100 yards of each other. Inside the Glazer Children’s Museum there are over 150 interactive activities focused on weather, art communication, and more, for children under 12. If you are more of a photography buff, and want to put your money towards promoting local artists, Florida Museum of Photographic Arts (FMoPA) is an admirable exhibition; they feature Tampa photographers as well as renowned photographers within the United States. The Tampa Museum of Art is the elite museum within the area, focused on growing a collection of visual art to inspire the community. It houses ancient marvels to modern curiosities.

-If you’re inclined towards street art, head to #4.

-If you’d like to keep walking and take in the scenery, head to #14.

4. Tampa Heights Murals

Just on the edge of Downtown Tampa and Tampa Heights, on N. Florida Ave., we have two of the more iconic murals, within the city limits, called the Postcard mural and All For Love mural. These murals highlight Tampa’s history in a playful way through nods to the area’s culture and wildlife. From here, submerge yourself in a colorful stretch of street art. Continue heading north while zigzagging east and west between N. Florida Ave. and Franklin Ave. until you’ve reached 7th Ave. Remember to keep your eyes peeled, looking on all surfaces, high and low, sometimes even down alleyways.

-Head to #7 for a bite to eat in an eclectic atmosphere.

5. Shoppes at Hyde Park

Hyde Park neighborhood was established in the 1880s as a result of the Plant railroad system being built. With historic homes and bungalows, to the world’s longest sidewalk: Bayshore Boulevard, Hyde Park is an idyllic stroll as well as a lovely place to find upscale shopping. The Shoppes at Hyde Park Village is a stylish open-air complex with higher-end retailers, and local restaurants and bars.

-If you haven’t eaten yet, head to #8.

-Otherwise, head towards Ybor City, #11.

6. Historical Landmarks in Ybor City

Before Ybor City, there was Tampa Village, which was, simply put, a cow town. It showed promise in development but no true traction occurred until the construction of the first railroads on the east coast of Florida in the 1880s. As Plant’s railroad brought in tourists, Vincente Martinez Ybor saw the potential for a new location for his cigar business and purchased 40 acres of land just a mile north of Downtown Tampa. In 1886 he built the biggest cigar factory in the world, which in turn helped the economy and culture of Tampa flourish. During this time he brought in immigrants to help with the growth of his factory, which then evolved Ybor into the cultural hub of Tampa. All throughout Historic Ybor, you can experience these cultures sites by walking up and down 7th, 8th, 9th, and Palm Ave. Some of these historical landmarks are just exterior buildings with plaques marking their significance, while others you can still visit today (with some having been converted to something new.) A few of these locations are: Centennial Park, L’Unione Italiana (Italian Club), Bank of Ybor (now Bernini restaurant) Centro Espanol De Tampa (Spanish Center of Tampa), Circulo Cubano (Cuban Club), Ybor Square, El Pasaje- Cherokee Club.

-Head to #10 for a delicious lunch inside an iconic Tampa Restaurant

7. Armature Works

By far, AW is one of the most successful event spaces in the Tampa Bay area. Armature Works originally was a facility warehouse that stored and maintained Tampa Electric’s (TECO) streetcars. But as time passed and the warehouse was abandoned, developers saw the potential in creating a modernized epicenter just north of Downtown Tampa. Now AW is a striking mixed-use event space offering a neighborhood food hub, elevated dining options, and a lofty bar & lounge.

-If you’d like visit museums next, head to #3

-If you’re looking for up-scale shopping, head to #5.

-Otherwise, head towards Ybor City, #11

8.Élevage SoHo Kitchen & Bar inside Epicurean

Located on South Howard Ave., Élevage is an upscale all-day restaurant in the Epicurean Hotel. They are centered around crafting dining experiences, and serving creative renditions of American classics.

-Grab a rideshare or an eScooter and head towards Downtown Tampa, #2.

9. Sparkman Wharf

As a modern waterfront park, Sparkman Wharf is also known as the end of the Riverwalk pedestrian trail. The Wharf features converted shipping container food trucks with an intimate dining garden, biergarten, and lawn for play and relaxation.

-If it’s still daytime and you’re intrigued by historical sites, grab the trolley and head to #6.

-If it’s still daytime and you want to see how cigars are rolled, grab the trolley and head to #11.

-If it’s nighttime and you’d like to grab an ornate cocktail, head to #15.

-If it’s nighttime and you want to experience a speakeasy bar, head to #16.

-If it’s nighttime and you would like to bar hop, head to #17.

10. Columbia Restaurant

As the oldest continuously operated restaurant in Florida, and the oldest Spanish restaurant in the United States, the Columbia Restaurant is a must-visit while on your cultural excursion through Tampa. Founded in 1905 by the Hernandez/Gonzmart family, it is still owned by them today. They serve Spanish and Cuban cuisine, and are known for the creation of the Cuban sandwich and their scrumptious sangria recipe.

-Head to #11 to see how cigars are rolled.

11. Cigar Factory Tour

In 1900, Tampa’s Ybor City became the Cigar Capital of the world, with Vincente Martinez-Ybor leading the industry. Martinez-Ybor had worked within the trade in Cuba for around ten years until he was forced to flee for his life after being (correctly) accused of funding Cuban rebels during the Ten Years’ War. He fled to Key West where he continued to grow his cigar business for another ten years, until he was forced yet again to move. He saw the potential Tampa had and decided to purchase 40 acres of land with the hopes of creating a successful industry and home where he could stay. In 1886 he built the biggest cigar factory in the world, which in turn helped the economy and culture of Tampa flourish. As the cigar business has changed over the years, with less large-scale factories and more boutique manufacturers, Tabanero Cigars is a stylishly old-timey shop selling handmade-on-site cigars with live demonstrations, focused on restoring the wonderful cigar heritage of Ybor City. The Cigar factory tours are conducted at 3pm on Saturdays. Reservations must be made 24 hours in advance. Minimum of 2 people and maximum of 10 people. Cost of $15 per person. If it is an off day while you are visiting, the shop has live-demonstrations of cigar rolling for free throughout the day.

-Head to #12 to shop locally around Ybor.

12. Shops of Ybor

Historic Ybor City, located on 7th Ave. between Nuccio Pkwy and 22nd Ave. has many niche shops to explore. Ranging from consignment to vintage clothing, cigar manufacturers, ice cream, and even a speakeasy style Kava & Kratom bar, locations to visit are: Revolve Clothing Exchange, La France, Tabanero Cigar Shop, La Faraona Cigars, King Corona Cigars, Chill Bros Scoop Shop, and SpookEasy Lounge.

-Head to #13 to learn about Ybor City’s history.

13. Historical Ybor City Education

When traveling to a destination with such a rich culture, it’s essential to take time to learn about its history. Understanding the location’s past allows a deeper knowledge to form, and will help create a better perspective for the remainder of your visit. Two locations within Historic Ybor that give a great insight into the cities influence on the rest of Tampa are the Ybor City State Museum and Jose Marti Park. In the State Museum you will find exhibits on the city's cultural history, including a restored home, & Mediterranean gardens. And the Jose Marti Park is an actual portion of Cuban territory that has existed since 1956. This 0.14-acre urban park pays homage to Cuban national hero Jose Marti.

-Head to #18 for a vibrant night in the diverse City of Ybor.

14. Riverwalk

The Tampa Riverwalk is a 2.6-mile-long open space and pedestrian trail development along the Hillsborough River in Tampa, Florida that connects main points of interest in the Downtown Area, including Armature Works, Museums, and Sparkman Wharf.

-Head to #9 for a variety of local cuisines and bier.

15. Hotel Bar/Gin Joint

Both being specially stylized, local cocktail bars hidden within the city, once found, they prove to be a delightful conclusion to exploring the city. Hotel Bar has an old-timey, cosmopolitan atmosphere that features artful bites, and cocktails saluting international hotels. Gin Joint is another local watering hole that specializes in prohibition-era interior, and gin-based cocktails.

However, if you want a to conclude your evening with an authentic speakeasy, head to #16.

-Head to #16 if you’d like to continue your night out at a speakeasy bar (rideshare/travel responsibly).

-Otherwise, you’ve completed your tour. Happy Travels!

16. Ciro’s

What originated as an elite club within the historic Bayshore Royal Building, Ciro’s is a portal into beverage-centric speakeasy and supper club. When planning your evening here, call in advance for that day’s password. You can also make reservations for a private curtained booth or evening behind the bookcase, but it’s recommended to do so at least a month in advance. Bar seating is first come first serve.

-Head to #17 if you’d like to continue your night out bar hopping (rideshare/travel responsibly).

-You’ve completed your tour. Happy Travels!

17. Soho Nightlife

Short for ‘South Howard’ Ave., Soho is a district within Tampa. Known for its nightlife, it has bars, night-clubs and many late night food options. Popular among college students, up to middle-age, Soho is perfect for anyone looking to enjoy the night with all venues within walking distance. Some noteworthy locations are: Hyde Park Cafe, The Dubliner Irish Pub, MacDinton's Soho, Yard of Ale Soho, The Soho Backyard, 717 South, & Green Lemon.

-You’ve completed your tour. Happy Travels!

18. Ybor Nightlife

During the daytime, Ybor City seems sleepy. With an eclectic flair of buildings with 1920s facades and cast iron balconies, it isn’t until the night-time that the city comes alive. Often compared to New Orleans, Ybor is for all ages, and is home to the area’s most unique venues. Prana is a multilevel venue with different vibes & music (from hip-hop to reggae) on each floor. The Honey Pot is a vibrant LGBT nightclub with a large dance floor and entertainment such as DJs and drag shows. The Ritz Ybor is a concert and special events venue. The Castle is a multilevel dance club with music from new wave to pop, and a crowd dressed from Goth to fetish.These venues are located mostly on 7th Ave. between Nuccio Pkwy and 22nd Ave.

-You’ve completed your tour. Happy Travels!

Your conscious decision to positively impact the local economy and environment allows fellow travelers to have the same experience as you.

Thank you for traveling like a local.