Downtown Tampa Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Downtown Tampa
Downtown Tampa
Downtown Tampa
Downtown Tampa
Downtown Tampa

Find much that’s new and exciting here, with investment and energy revitalising the waterfront into somewhere to see, be seen and experience.

Downtown Tampa has not always been a tourist destination, with stunning nature and beaches such close alternatives, but revitalization in the last 10 years has changed the area. Spend a week shuffling between museums, theatres and outdoor spaces that have turned Downtown into an exciting place. Stroll along the Riverwalk to investigate Tampa’s Downtown attractions.

Appreciate culture and air conditioning in Tampa’s thriving museum scene. Explore historical and contemporary art at the Tampa Museum of Art or look at focused exhibits at the Florida Museum of the Photographic Arts. Learn about the history of the area, one of the oldest European-settled cities in North America, at the Tampa Bay History Centre. See a real decommissioned Navy ship at the American Victory, which fought in World War II, Korea and Vietnam. Let the kids loose to have fun in the Glazer Children’s Museum.

Visit some of Florida’s underwater residents at the Florida Aquarium. See an opera or a Broadway show at the David A. Straz Jr. Centre for the Performing Arts. End a weekend with a sports game or a huge rock show at the Amalie Arena.

Downtown Tampa is extremely accessible from the greater region and within Tampa itself. Drive to Downtown Tampa in 15 minutes from Tampa International Airport, with connections around the world. Tampa is also home to Tampa Union Station, a historic train station in the heart of Downtown Tampa, with regional connections to other Florida cities. A bus and streetcar system operates in the Downtown area, perfect for a hot day when walking seems too strenuous. Water taxis also provide connections on the waterfront and to other parts of the city.

Leaving the excitement on land may be difficult, but head to the Port of Tampa one evening, get on a boat and watch the sun set while Downtown Tampa’s skyline glitters in the dusk.


Popular places to visit

Activities


Our pick of the best Downtown Tampa Hotel Deals

Hampton Inn Tampa Downtown Channel District

Hampton Inn Tampa Downtown Channel District

3 out of 5
1155 East Kennedy Boulevard, Tampa, FL
The price is AU$208 per night from 17 Nov to 18 Nov
AU$208
17 Nov - 18 Nov
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Tampa. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and a rooftop terrace. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,925 reviews)
"Front desk staff were so professional and helpful!"

Reviewed on 13 Oct 2025

Hampton Inn Tampa Downtown Channel District
Hilton Tampa Downtown

Hilton Tampa Downtown

3.5 out of 5
211 N Tampa Street, Tampa, FL
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is AU$312 per night from 30 Oct to 31 Oct
AU$312
30 Oct - 31 Oct
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3.5-star business-friendly hotel in Tampa. Enjoy breakfast (surcharge), room service, and a 24-hour fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful ...
7.8/10 Good! (1,008 reviews)
"Staff was incredible"

Reviewed on 12 Oct 2025

Hilton Tampa Downtown
Embassy Suites by Hilton Tampa Downtown Convention Center

Embassy Suites by Hilton Tampa Downtown Convention Center

3.5 out of 5
513 S Florida Ave, Tampa, FL
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is AU$325 per night from 30 Oct to 31 Oct
AU$325
30 Oct - 31 Oct
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3.5-star business-friendly hotel in Tampa. Enjoy free breakfast, room service, and a 24-hour fitness center. Our guests praise the breakfast and ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,408 reviews)
"Clean room, friendly and on knowledgeable staff. Beautiful reception and all-you-need amenities for all hours of the day(Self serve market). Though not a huge drawback since most guest spend time out and about rather than in their rooms but tv options limited. Would rather have been able to at least ..."

Reviewed on 12 Oct 2025

Embassy Suites by Hilton Tampa Downtown Convention Center
Hotel Tampa Riverwalk

Hotel Tampa Riverwalk

4 out of 5
200 N Ashley Dr, Tampa, FL
The price is AU$255 per night from 20 Oct to 21 Oct
AU$255
20 Oct - 21 Oct
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Tampa. Enjoy 2 bars/lounges, breakfast (surcharge), and a fitness center. Our guests praise the pool and the bar ...
6.8/10 (1,690 reviews)
"There was a lot of construction in the area, and though it was not the hotel’s fault, it was annoying"

Reviewed on 9 Oct 2025

Hotel Tampa Riverwalk
The Barrymore Hotel Tampa Riverwalk

The Barrymore Hotel Tampa Riverwalk

3 out of 5
111 W Fortune St, Tampa, FL
The price is AU$237 per night from 19 Oct to 20 Oct
AU$237
19 Oct - 20 Oct
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Tampa. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a free area shuttle. Our guests praise the restaurant and the ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (2,494 reviews)
"Great place to stay!"

Reviewed on 16 Oct 2025

The Barrymore Hotel Tampa Riverwalk
Tampa Marriott Water Street

Tampa Marriott Water Street

4 out of 5
505 Water Street, Tampa, FL
The price is AU$427 per night from 16 Nov to 17 Nov
AU$427
16 Nov - 17 Nov
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Tampa. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 restaurants, and a marina. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,017 reviews)
"Clean, great staff, nice pool!"

Reviewed on 14 Oct 2025

Tampa Marriott Water Street
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Other neighbourhoods around Downtown Tampa

Florida Aquarium featuring interior views and marine life

Channel District

While visiting Channel District, you might make a stop by sights like Port of Tampa and Tampa Riverwalk.

Channel District
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Harbour Island

When in Harbour Island, you can plan a visit to Port of Tampa and Tampa Riverwalk, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

Harbour Island
Ybor City featuring heritage elements and signage

Historic Ybor

If you're spending some time in Historic Ybor, Ritz Ybor and The Orpheum are top sights worth seeing.

Historic Ybor
Ybor City

Ybor City

Ybor City is known for its ample dining options, and you can make a stop by Ritz Ybor and The Orpheum while in the area.

Ybor City
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Tampa Heights

While Tampa Heights may not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Port of Tampa and Tampa Riverwalk.

Tampa Heights
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Hyde Park

You'll enjoy the restaurants and shopping in Hyde Park. You might want to make time for a stop at Tampa Riverwalk or Hyde Park Village.

Hyde Park


Downtown Tampa Travel Guide

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