Tampa Travel Guide, Florida

Tampa city is one of those that should not be missed. Located on Florida shore the city is fast-paced, modern, a thriving metropolis that has a lot to offer the visitors both in the city and around. Whatever your preference and age, Tampa recreation will fill your vacation with fun!

As most of the cities Tampa has developed from a small settlement to what you see today. There were a few steps worth mentioning. The first in its development was the foundation of the Ybor City's cigar industry, the next was the building of a railroad that brought lots of visitors to town thus helping the touristy industry develop, the third step followed in the 1920s with a land boom that lead to building new homes most of them Victorian-style and the last step in the city’s development was between of the 1980s and 1990s when it underwent a revitalization and modernization with new buildings and entertainment centers, apartment complexes, skyscrapers and more. Of course things have not stopped happening and changes continue to be made especially in the seaport area east of downtown where centers like the Garrison Seaport Center, Channelside and the Florida Aquarium are the highlights.

You can find out about the major attractions in the city at Tampa Bay Visitor Information Center that can guide you according to your preferences and you can even book hotel rooms, rent a car or buy tickets to some of the attractions with discount.

Among other highlights of the city are the Busch Gardens, a big park with lots to see and do, very popular among tourists of all ages. You can choose to join one of the guided tours or just wander around on your own, but the tours are much more entertaining and you have the chance to see the animals like hippos, and elephants close by. Either way, the park is quite vast and you have to reserve a whole day for it, and if you want to make your visit enjoyable don’t forget to bring comfortable shoes. First thing you have to do when you get to the park is drop your stuff at one of the lockers and pick up a map and schedule for the day and decide the order in which you’ll visit the venues and if you want to take some of the rides or not, that’s depending if you want to get a bit wet or not. The most popular tours are the VIP Elite Adventure Tour and the Serengeti Safari Special Tour. You won’t need a reservation for either of them but you will have to sign in as soon as you arrive if you want to get a spot. The tours are not only entertaining, but also very educational being led by expert zoologists.

There are some animals you can see outside the park that is near the Tampa Electric Company where manatees feel home in the warm waters surrounding the plant.

When night arrives there are plenty of venues and activities to choose from and the hottest nighttime venue is the historic Ybor City. The easiest way to find out abut what’s going on and where is to pick up a free publication that has everything you need to know about entertainment.

The choices of bars and clubs are various and most of them boast good music. You can choose the club that suits you as there’s something for everybody. The more wild and adventurous should head towards the 7th Avenue East and downtown where the hottest bars are. The more reserved ones and families should choose Centro Ybor entertainment complex for an evening out.

For those seeking a more thoughtful nightlife, check out the cultural options offered by the huge Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center a four-theater complex. It boasts live theater, the symphony, opera and dance.

Tampa is a metropolis that welcomes every tourist it has a wide range of attractions, museums, gardens, a nice aquarium, beach and a lively nightlife. It really does have something for everyone!