Tampa spreads along the north shore of Tampa Bay and the east shore of Old Tampa Bay, with Downtown sitting at the mouth of the Hillsborough River. The city's historic neighbourhoods grew up around that river mouth and the old cigar factories, while much of its visitor accommodation clusters along the bayfront and near the airport.
For a visitor, the practical question is which part of this spread-out city to base yourself in. The main choices are Downtown, Ybor City, the Westshore and airport corridor, the Busch Gardens and USF area, and the outlying resort areas. This guide covers those areas, what each is like to stay in, and how the budget, mid-range and splurge options differ.
Best areas to stay in Tampa
1. Downtown Tampa
Downtown sits at the mouth of the Hillsborough River, the site of the original Fort Brooke, and is the city's civic and cultural core. It is home to the Tampa Museum of Art and the Straz Center for the Performing Arts, and it puts you within easy reach of the bayfront and the historic districts.
This suits first-time visitors who want to be central and within walking distance of museums, theatres and waterfront. You find a mix of mid-range and upscale hotels here, including large full-service properties and extended-stay options with kitchens. Downtown is also the most convenient base if you plan to spend time in Ybor City, which lies just to the northeast.
2. Ybor City
Ybor City is the historic district that reflects Tampa's Cuban and Spanish heritage, founded around the cigar factories in the late 1800s. It has its own distinct character and is one of the city's main draws for visitors interested in its history and its evening scene.
It suits travellers who want to be close to the historic district and its nightlife, and who prefer a neighbourhood base to a downtown one. Accommodation here includes mid-range hotels and suites. The district connects easily to Downtown, so you can base yourself in Ybor City and still reach the central sights.
3. Westshore and the airport area
The Westshore corridor and the area around Tampa International Airport lie west of Downtown, along the bay. This is the city's main hotel cluster, with a wide range of properties from budget extended-stay to upscale.
It suits travellers who want easy access to the airport, and those who prefer to be near the bay and the Westshore business district. You find everything from budget extended-stay hotels to mid-range and upscale full-service properties. The trade-off is that this area is separate from the historic and cultural districts, so you will rely on a car or taxi to reach Downtown and Ybor City.
4. Busch Gardens and USF area
The area around the University of South Florida and Busch Gardens lies to the northeast of Downtown. It is anchored by the university and the theme park, and it has its own cluster of hotels.
This suits families and visitors whose main reason for coming is Busch Gardens, as well as those visiting the university. Accommodation here is largely mid-range, including all-suite hotels. It is some distance from the bayfront and the historic districts, so it works best if the theme park is your priority.
5. Brandon and the fairgrounds area
Brandon lies to the east of Downtown, near the fairgrounds and casino, just off Interstate 75. It is a suburban area rather than a sightseeing base.
It suits travellers with a car who want straightforward mid-range accommodation and easy highway access, including those visiting the fairgrounds or the casino. You find mid-range hotels and suites here. The practical point is that this area is well connected by road but removed from the city's central attractions.
6. Outlying resort areas
Beyond the city itself, Tampa has resort-style properties in outlying locations, including along the upper shores of the bay and in areas such as Safety Harbor and Saddlebrook. These are resort and country club settings rather than urban neighbourhoods.
They suit travellers who want a resort stay with golf, spa or country club facilities, and who do not mind being away from the city centre. Accommodation at this level is upscale and resort-oriented. You will need a car, as these areas are separate from the city's sights.
Where to stay on a budget, mid-range or splurge
- Budget: Hostels with dorm beds and private rooms, budget extended-stay hotels, and simple airport-area properties. These are the most affordable options and are found mainly around the airport corridor and in the city's less central areas.
- Mid-range: Full-service chain hotels and all-suite properties, including options in Downtown, Ybor City, the Westshore and airport area, Brandon and near Busch Gardens. Expect standard amenities such as pools, fitness centres and breakfast.
- Splurge: Large waterfront and resort hotels, including bayfront properties, a golf resort and country club, a casino hotel, and a resort and spa. These are concentrated in the outlying resort areas, along the bay, and in Downtown.
Best area for a first visit
Downtown Tampa is the best base for a first visit. It puts you at the centre of the city, close to the Tampa Museum of Art, the Straz Center and the bayfront, and within easy reach of the historic Ybor City district. From here you can get a sense of the city's layout before deciding where to spend your time.
Frequently asked questions
Which area is best if I want to be near the airport?
The Westshore and airport area is the main hotel cluster near Tampa International Airport, with options across the budget, mid-range and upscale levels.
Where should I stay if I want to be near the historic district?
Ybor City is the historic district itself, and it has its own accommodation, including mid-range hotels and suites. Downtown is also close by and gives you a central base with easy access to Ybor City.
Which area suits families visiting Busch Gardens?
The area around Busch Gardens and the University of South Florida, northeast of Downtown, has mid-range hotels including all-suite properties, and it is the most convenient base for the theme park.
Do I need a car to get around Tampa?
It depends on where you base yourself. Downtown and Ybor City are close to each other and to the central sights, while the Westshore and airport area, Brandon and the outlying resort areas are separate from the centre and are best reached by car or taxi.
Compare live prices for the areas that suit your trip using the booking tools on this page.