Downtown Tampa

 

 

 

Downtown Tampa is the heart of one of the nations most amazing cities and is home to the Central Business District, many high-rises, cultural attractions, and the city’s most exciting events and entertainment. Tampa is ranked among America’s Top Five Most Popular Big Cities, as well as one of the nation’s Best Outdoor Cities, Most Romantic Cities, Best Beer Cities, Best Cities for Active Lifestyles, and Top Cities for Economic Growth in the US.

 

Downtown is a major hub of commerce and culture, with many museums, arts venues, shopping areas, nightlife spots, and waterfront outdoor recreation areas.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Districts within and adjacent to booming Downtown Tampa offer an exciting urban lifestyle and a diverse choice of housing options. Tampa Heights is a National Historic District a mile north of Downtown with a mix of contemporary and historic bungalows, townhouses, and single-family homes. Tampa Heights is the oldest suburb of Downtown and has many well-preserved homes dating as far back as the 1880s.

 

To the south, Harbor Island is an upscale community directly linked to Downtown by two bridges. Housing options here include luxurious waterfront custom-builds, spacious single-family homes, rowhouses, and stylish high-rise condominiums. Also to Downtown’s south, Davis Island features stunning neighborhoods comprised of a mix of elegant Mediterranean-style estates and single-family homes built in the 1920s and 1930s, along with modern waterfront homes and condominiums.

 

Ybor City is Tampa’s historic Latin Quarter and has an urban and eclectic culture. Real estate here includes a Historic District of 956 gorgeous Spanish and Cuban-influenced properties along with modern apartments and condominiums. Seminole Heights features historic craftsman bungalows from the early 20th century and has recently seen an uptick of independent shops and gourmet restaurants. Seminole Heights is one of the most diverse communities in Tampa and has a dense suburban feel.

 

 

 

Tampa Riverwalk is a new development along the Hillsborough River, which features many modern restaurants, bars, shopping centers, and world-class cultural attractions. Highlights include Armature Works, which houses a variety of stylish modern shops, restaurants, and event spaces in a former streetcar warehouse. Heights Public Market is the Armature Works’ central attraction, offering gourmet food and drinks from around the world. M.Bird serves tropical cocktails and shareable small plates on an amazing deco-inspired rooftop lounge that offers spectacular views of downtown Tampa.

 

Following the Riverwalk south from Armature Works, Ulele is an upscale Zagat-rated restaurant and brewery with a menu of meat and seafood dishes inspired by the cuisine of Florida’s indigenous people. Malio’s Prime Steakhouse has been serving the finest hand-cut steaks, fresh seafood, and over 200 wines for 35 years. Remedy is another standout on the riverwalk, serving craft cocktails and elevated gastropub eats with a patio providing breathtaking waterfront views.

 

Jackson’s Bistro, Bar & Sushi on Harbor Island’s waterfront has amazing views from its outdoor terrace. The menu at this Zagat-rated hotspot includes globally influenced meat and seafood dishes, along with a decadent buffet and DJ-driven late-night dancing on the weekends. The Sail is located directly across the water from Jackson’s at the southern end of the Riverwalk. Patrons here enjoy light bites and cocktails with 360-degree views at the meeting point of the Hillsborough River and Garrison Channel. American Social is a beautiful waterfront hot spot that serves traditional comfort food, craft beer, and their happy hour and brunch menus are not to be missed.

 

On the east side of Downtown, Channelside’s Sparkman Wharf waterfront plaza has an alfresco dining area with numerous high-quality restaurants, plus an open-air biergarten with more than 30 craft beers on tap. Centro Ybor in the Ybor City district to Downtown’s north is a two-story mall with international restaurants, breweries, wine bars, clothing stores, and an improv comedy theater. The historic Columbia Restaurant has been in operation for over 110 years, serving fresh fish, empanadas, and paella along with an extensive wine list.

 

 

 

In addition to being lined with dining and drinking hotspots, Tampa Riverwalk is a popular outdoor recreation area lined with historic busts and statues, five museums, and seven parks. Highlights include the Florida Aquarium, Tampa Museum of Art, and Glazer Children’s Museum, which are fun educational outings for the whole family.

 

Amalie Arena is home to the NHL’s Tampa Bay Lightning. Many other events are held at the arena, ranging from performances from major touring bands to live events from Cirque du Soleil and the UFC. For a different kind of show, check out the Tampa Theatre. Watch independent and foreign cinema in a beautiful Mediterranean Revival building that was named to the National Register of Historic Places in 1978.

 

Many festivals and events frequently take place at the eight-acre Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park, an impressive waterfront event space with state-of-the-art LED lighting and interactive fountains. The Gasparilla Pirate Festival is one of the largest events in Downtown Tampa. Commemorating the legendary pirate Jose Gaspar, the Gasparilla festival includes the third-largest parade in the United States. Gasparilla festivals take place from January to March and include a celebratory boat invasion parade, a family-friendly children’s parade, an illuminated night parade in Ybor City, music and film festivals, and countless parties and galas across the city.

 

Water Street along Downtown’s southern waterfront is a new 50-acre $3 billion development of retail, offices, homes, hotels, culture, and education. Water Street is designed for people to walk, meet, explore, and enjoy year-round; a place with culture, character, and community on every corner.

 

 

 

Schools within Downtown Tampa are operated by the Hillsborough School District. Highlights include: