10 Most Popular Neighbourhoods in Tampa

Downtown Tampa offers plenty of cultural attractions, both modern and historic. Art lovers can check out world-class exhibitions at notable venues, such as the Tampa Museum of Art and the Florida Museum of Photographic Arts. Families can take part in fun and interactive activities at the Glazer Children’s Museum.

Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park hosts outdoor activities and festivals throughout the year. Visit the David A. Straz, Jr. Center for the Performing Arts to catch a ballet or opera performance, music concert or touring Broadway play. After a day of exploring Downtown Tampa, wander along the Tampa Riverwalk to take in views of the Hillsborough River and discover the interesting mix of restaurants and bars lining the pathway.

Tampa Heights is the oldest suburb of Tampa, established in the 1880s just north of Downtown. This largely residential community has lovely parks to explore as well as a range of chic cafes and breweries. It’s home to the acclaimed Ulele restaurant, which serves native Floridian cuisine and craft brews in a century-old waterworks building on the riverside.

Foodies also flock to Tampa Heights to sample the offerings of notable chefs in the trendy and industrial Heights Public Market. Those who might need to work off all those tasty meals can hire a bike and cycle around Water Works Park and Tampa Riverwalk.

Ybor City is where Tampa’s Latin roots shine, with this former cigar-manufacturing hub hosting many Cuban and Latin American restaurants and bars. Find out about this neighbourhood’s past at the Ybor City State Museum and José Martí Park – the latter was created to honour the memory of the poet and journalist who spearheaded the revolt against Spanish rule in the 1880s and 1890s.

Though the hundreds of cigar factories that once lined Ybor City's 7th Avenue are long gone, visitors who wander the street can still find a few shops specialising in hand-rolled cigars. The avenue is also lined with a colourful mix of boutique and vintage shops. The Centro Ybor mall offers more shops to explore, while those looking for an exciting night out can check out LGBTQ-friendly bars and nightclubs along the GaYbor District strip.

Seminole Heights’ streets are lined with charming Victorian homes, many of which have been converted into cafes, vintage shops, bars and restaurants. The popular Front Porch Bar & Grill is found in one of the area's best-known heritage homes. Along Central Avenue, you can discover bungalows in various styles, including Craftsman, Arts & Crafts, Florida Cracker and Florida Vernacular.

For families, the Seminole Heights Sunday Morning Market offers lots of food and entertainment, as well as space for kids to explore. Visit Ella’s Americana Folk Art Cafe to discover the local arts scene and enjoy live music nights.

Hyde Park is a posh Tampa neighbourhood, with much of its dining and nightlife action found along South Howard Avenue, better known as SoHo. The Hyde Park Village shopping centre offers more dining choices, along with a mix of local boutique shops and brand-name retailers.

Hyde Park is one of Tampa’s more walkable areas – the scenic 4-mile-long Bayshore Boulevard is an especially good stretch of road for a long stroll or bike ride. The Henry B. Plant Museum is a Hyde Park landmark, occupying a Moorish-Revival building. It served as the Tampa Bay Hotel in 1891.

Channel District, also called Channelside District, offers a range of family-friendly attractions and excellent restaurants. To learn more about Tampa's fascinating past, make a stop at the Tampa Bay History Center and the American Victory Ship Mariners Museum.

Channelside is also home to the city's main sports and events venue, Amalie Arena. Here, you can catch a Tampa Bay Lightning NHL hockey game or join the crowds at a rock concert or live comedy show. Nearby, Sparkman Wharf is a fun spot to enjoy riverside dining at one of many restaurants and bars that occupy shipping containers.

East Hillsborough has plenty of places for nature lovers to explore without having to leave the city limits of Tampa. The Hillsborough River State Park is a 4,000-acre protected area with miles of hiking and cycling trails, as well as kayak rentals. For some indoor adventure, you can go for a spin at the Tampa Bay Grand Prix go-cart track. 

East Hillsborough is also home to the Florida State Fairgrounds, which hosts the 12-day-long Florida State Fair in February. The fairgrounds are open year-round – you can visit the Cracker Country living history museum or enjoy a concert at the MidFlorida Credit Union Amphitheater.

North Tampa is one of the best neighbourhoods for fun-seeking families. Busch Gardens Tampa Bay features several rollercoasters and hair-raising rides, while the next-door Adventure Island has plenty of waterslides, a lazy river, and many water-based attractions. The Museum of Science and Industry has a planetarium and over 100 science activities to try, including robotics and optical illusions. 

After a day of theme park excitement in North Tampa, it’s worth stopping by the long-running Skipper’s Smokehouse to try some uniquely Florida fare – alligator ribs and fried gator tail – and enjoy a night of live music.

Westshore is a lively commercial district that hosts the Tampa International Airport and the Raymond James Stadium. Also known by locals as “Ray Jay”, Raymond James Stadium sees a lot of American football action as it’s home to both the Tampa Bay Buccaneers of the National Football League (NFL) and the NCAA’s South Florida Bulls.

Westshore’s main shopping centres are International Plaza and WestShore Plaza, both offering hundreds of shops, dining spots, and pubs. Wine and beer aficionados can explore Westshore’s craft breweries like Cigar City Brewing Co or enjoy a meal and wine tasting at Cooper’s Hawk Winery & Restaurant.

Davis Islands is a small community set on 2 manmade islands that were dredged up a century ago. It’s founded by Dave Davis, who’s famously known as the "Florida version of the Great Gatsby". This neighbourhood is home to some of Tampa's priciest real estates, with many homes and buildings featuring attractive pastel-toned, 1920s Mediterranean-Revival style.

You can explore the neighbourhood’s paved paths on foot or bicycle, or relax and take in fab views of Downtown Tampa at Davis Islands Park or Dog Beach. On the east side of Davis Islands, Marjorie Park Yacht Basin offers scenic views and plenty of space to relax or have a picnic. In the evening, you can check out restaurants and pubs in Davis Islands' compact downtown.