Welcome to Tampa, FL! Tampa, a pearl in the Sunshine State, complete with awards: in 2008 Forbes magazine crowned it fifth best American city to live in the open area, in 2015 Money Magazine elected it the best large city in the Southeast of the USE. Today we will take you to discover the best things to see in Tampa, FL.
Downtown
Unlike the metropolis of New York City, Downtown is the heart of the city, where you can admire tall skyscrapers with windows that reflect the sky and sunlight. The tallest building is the AmSouth Building, which houses a bank and several offices. Contrary to the Renaissance architecture of the City Hall and the historic Tampa Theater, which has a magnificent Mediterranean courtyard where events and concerts are held.
The Riverwalk promenade
Do you need to run? There is a very long walk along the Hillsborough River running through the town, which you can also walk or cycle along. The area was created to give the river more life and it worked! Walking along the path is a pleasure: along the way you can admire both works of art and monuments, as well as large and green parks.
Tampa Heights
East of the river is Tampa Heights, one of the oldest areas of the city. Here you can see the Romanesque-style Catholic Church of the Sacred Heart and the Mediterranean-style Episcopal Church of St. Andrew.
The Channel District neighborhood
Also on this side of the river we can spend a few hours in this area full of shops, bars, restaurants, open spaces with musical events. After relaxing, you need to visit the S.S. America Victory, a World War II ship that houses a sort of historiographical museum. In addition, tours along the Channel District are organized twice a year with music and shows. There is no shortage of opportunities to have fun.
Nightlife in Ybor City
If we’re still looking for things to see in Tampa, we can take a stroll around Ybor City. The historic center was founded by cigar producers and at the beginning of the 20th century it was mainly inhabited by immigrants of Latin origin who worked in cigar and tobacco factories. With mechanization in the 1970s, many buildings were abandoned, but since the 1990s the neighborhood has been refurbished with a focus on nightlife.
The wonderful beaches in Tampa
After exploring Tampa, it’s time to relax on its beautiful beaches. In fact, a few miles from Downtown is one of the most famous beaches in Florida: Clearwater Beach. There’s nothing to envy of Miami’s most popular beaches here: white sand, crystal clear sea, and the perfect backdrop for scuba divers or snorkelers. In addition, the coast is super organized to meet all needs, there are shops, bars, service agencies and fun activities such as boat trips.
If, on the other hand, we are looking for a slightly more secluded paradise, we can reach the island of Caladesi, which can be reached by ferry and is much less crowded. Let’s say that in the unspoiled nature of the island it is easier to see dolphins than groups of tourists!
