The city of Tampa in Hillsborough county is the largest city in the Tampa Bay region of Florida.

Attractions

 • University of Tampa. Formerly the Tampa Bay Hotel built at the turn of the 20th century by railroad magnate H.B.Plant, the beautiful old building is now used as the administration building and classrooms for the University of Tampa. It has been lovingly restored to most of its prior glory; the ballroom is a showpiece with its domed ceiling under brilliant silver minarets. There is a small, but very interesting museum in the building that recreates a large portion of Tampa's early history, as well as giving visitors a peek into how the hotel appeared when it first opened.
 • Florida Aquarium  . Channelside district, just east of downtown. Fabulous aquarium following a drop of rain from a swamp through Florida's aquifer, to its rivers and out into the Gulf of Mexico and Atlantic Ocean. Restaurant, gift shop, children's play area, touch tank, interactive dive experiences, and eco-tours of Tampa Bay.
 • Lowry Park Zoo. One of the top-rated zoos in the country, featuring children's areas, restaurants, a manatee hospital, and first-rate encounters with animals from around the world. Make sure to tour the aviary and feed the lorikeets.
 • Busch Gardens. More than just an amusement park -- also a top-notch zoo. Expensive, but a very enjoyable day -- rides, shows, and the Anheuser-Busch Clydesdales! This is a fun place for all ages, kids, teens, and even adults. It has a family friendly atmosphere with lots of things to do and see. The scenery is amazing; it has a feel of different places as you travel throughout the park. Rides vary from a huge merry go round to the famous rollercoaster, Montu. There are many different types of rides to choose from and also many roller coasters to choose from as well. Not a ride fan? You can check out the many shows they perform daily. Ice skating, singing, magic, birds, dolphins and other performances can be found all around the corners of Busch Gardens. Not a show fan either? Then check out the many food establishments spread out through the park. They offer fast food like popcorn and fries to a nice sit down meal. Also check Busch Gardens out during different holidays. They always have special events and offers. For instance, for Halloween they have Howl-O-Scream when the park is open all night long. They also have special events for over night stays, New Years, and special ticket sales for Florida residents. Always watch out for these special events because they happen all the time. If you do one thing while you're in Tampa, go visit Busch Gardens. It is a great place to remind you about how fun Tampa really is. It is one of the biggest attractions in the Tampa Bay area. The rides, food, and shows will make you want to come back!
 • Museum of Science and Industry (MOSI). Hands-on children's science museum, including an IMAX dome and stellar revolving exhibits. Great way to spend a day with the family.
 • University of South Florida. The main campus for this university. Blossoming from five buildings in its opening (1960) to 164 buildings on the Tampa campus alone, this beautiful college is now educating more than 29,000 students. With beautiful greenery, fountains, and named the top architecture school in Florida by the Florida Board of Architecture and Interior Design in 2002 this school is certainly pleasing to the eye and is worth a visit, especially if you are considering or know someone considering a collegiate career. Who wouldn't want to attend this college. The school is also holder of another prestigious honor, in 2001 the $255.9-million raised in gifts and pledges is Tampa Bay's largest campaign in history! If in your visit to the Museum of Science and Industry (MOSI), Busch Gardens, or simply the popular Ybor area you need a place to stay for a couple nights, there is a hotel waiting for you right on campus. The very nice Embassy Suites is about 10 minutes from many of the main attractions of Tampa. A sports fan? The University of South Florida has you covered here as well! Home to the Division-1 football and basketball among others, the USF Bulls are a joy to watch.
 • English Language Institute

Drink

Ybor City is a historic area of Tampa which now hosts the region's best known bar and nightclub district. In the 1980's it was reborn as an arts/bar district, but increased demand for rental space eventually crowded out the artists and independent small-scale bars. Now chains and drunken hooligans predominate in the late hours. If you're really into nightclubs, while in Ybor you need to stop at the "Amphitheater," which is one of the regions worst nightclubs. You will get a good laugh at how cheesy the club is and how far behind the club's decor is in times. Featuring radio stations, DJs, parties, Las Vegas style shows, VIP rooms, and beautiful people as far as the eye can see, if you're up for a party make your way there while in the area because it is the cheesiest club on the planet! Although not spectacular, Ybor City now boasts a very respectable list of very dependable upscale restaurants. Make sure you find time, however, to have at least one meal at The Columbia, a beautiful Spanish restaurant in continuous operation since 1905. Excellent food and attentive service for a very affordable price -- make sure you stay for the Latin dance show staged twice each evening (nominal fee). Ybor's newest addition, Centro Ybor, includes a 20-screen movie theater with stadium seating, restaurants, a comedy club, retail stores, and Steven Spielberg's fun center, GameWorks.

Lodging

There are many lodging options in Tampa to fit any budget. Here are a few good options:
 • Amerisuites Tampa Airport/Westshore Hotel, 4811 W Main St Tampa, FL 33607 Tel: (813) 282-1037. A favorite of both business and leisure travelers, AmeriSuites hotels offer guests an attractively designed suite with 25% more space than a traditional hotel room.
 • Amerisuites Tampa/Busch Gardens Hotel, 11408 North 30th Street Tampa, FL 33612 Tel: (813) 979-1922. Most AmeriSuites provide guests with amenities such as kitchenettes with microwaves and refrigerators, complimentary Bountiful Breakfast Buffet, fitness rooms and pools.
 • Amerisuites Tampa/Sabal Corporate Park Hotel, 10007 Princess Palm Avenue Tampa, FL 33619 Tel: (813) 622-8557. AmeriSuites has received the Three-Diamond designation from AAA in recognition of its good design, exceptionally well-maintained structures, quality of guest service and chain-wide consistency.
 • DoubleTree Guest Suites Tampa Bay Hotel, 3050 North Rocky Point Drive West, (813) 888-8800.
 • Holiday Inn Tampa Busch Gardens Hotel, 2701 E. Fowler Ave, (813) 971-4710.
 • Wyndham Harbour Island Tampa Hotel, 725 South Harbour Island Boulevard, (813) 229-5000.
 • Wyndham Westshore Tampa Hotel, 4860 West Kennedy Boulevard, (813) 286-4400.  • Embassy Suites Hotel Tampa-USF/Near Busch Gardens-, 3705 Spectrum Blvd, (813) 977-7066.  
 • Tampa Marriott Waterside Hotel & Marina- 700 South Florida Ave, (813) 221-4900.  • Vacation Rentals in Tampa