Tampa / USA

Tampa, a port city on the west coast of Florida in the USA, is located by the Tampa Bay, just a short distance from the North Atlantic Ocean. It is a popular starting point for cruises to the Caribbean and the Gulf of Mexico and also a great destination for a combination of relaxation and exploration. The city, with more than 380,000 inhabitants, is known for its sports clubs, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in American football and the Tampa Bay Lightning, an elite ice hockey team. These clubs contribute to the lively and energetic atmosphere that is typical of Tampa.

The area of present-day Tampa was inhabited by indigenous people thousands of years before the arrival of Europeans, as evidenced by rich archaeological finds. In the 16th century, Spanish explorers first landed here, but permanent settlement occurred later. In 1821, Florida was annexed to the United States, and just a few years later, the military fort Brooke was established here. The city's development was significantly accelerated by the arrival of the tobacco industry at the end of the 19th century. It was then that the famous district of Ybor City was founded by immigrants from Cuba, Spain, and Italy. Along with cigar production, they brought culture, traditions, and a vibrant social life to Tampa. Today, this part of the city is a protected historic area and a popular tourist destination. Tampa's past is still present in the architecture, museums, and everyday life of the city.

Tampa offers a wide range of activities for all ages and interests. Nature lovers should not miss the Zoo Tampa at Lowry Park, where visitors can see hundreds of animal species from different continents, including an African safari and Asian gardens. Another major attraction is the Florida Aquarium, one of the largest aquariums in Florida, showcasing the fascinating world beneath the surface. Families with children will also appreciate the interactive Glazer Children's Museum or the Busch Gardens park, where adrenaline meets fun in an African style. The city center is intersected by the pedestrian promenade Riverwalk, ideal for walks along the Hillsborough River, with access to museums, galleries, and restaurants. Within reach from the center are also the beautiful beaches of the Gulf of Mexico – such as Clearwater Beach or St. Pete Beach, popular for their fine white sand, turquoise sea, and relaxed atmosphere. At night, the city transforms into an entertainment hub with music, bars, and dance clubs. From Tampa, you will take away not only great experiences but also the feeling that you have discovered one of the most vibrant and friendliest cities in the United States. Whether you are setting off on a cruise or staying longer, Tampa will not disappoint you.

Local specialties:

Tampa boasts a diverse and delicious cuisine shaped by Cuban, Spanish, Caribbean, and Italian influences. Thanks to its seaside location, fresh fish, seafood, and traditional immigrant recipes play an important role here, especially in the Ybor City district.

Cuban sandwich – a toasted baguette filled with pork, ham, Swiss cheese, pickles, and mustard. A popular Florida street food.
Deviled crab croquettes – fried balls of minced crab meat, spices, and breadcrumbs, often served with a spicy sauce.
Empanadas – stuffed pastries, usually with cheese, meat, or vegetables, inspired by Spanish and Latin American cuisine.
Grouper sandwich – a sandwich made from fresh grouper fish, often fried or grilled, served with lemon and dressing.
Key lime pie – a refreshing pie made from lime juice, condensed milk, and a flaky crust, a typical dessert of the Florida coast.

General information:

Official language: English
Currency: US Dollar (USD)
Opening hours: Most shops are open daily, usually from 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM, smaller shops may close earlier. Restaurants are often open until late at night, some until midnight. Museums and landmarks are usually open from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM, except on Mondays when they may be closed. Sunday operations are somewhat limited. On holidays, we recommend checking opening hours in advance.
Public transport: The city has a network of HART bus lines covering most city areas, including the center and the airport. An interesting feature is the historic TECO Line Streetcar, which connects the Ybor City district with the city center and Channelside – ideal for tourists as it is free in some sections. Bike rentals, water taxis, and regular taxi services, including Uber and Lyft apps, are also available.
Weather: Tampa has a humid subtropical climate, with warm winters and hot summers. The average summer temperature ranges around 30–33 °C, dropping to a pleasant 18–22 °C in winter. The main tourist season is from November to April, when the weather is sunniest and humidity is lower. Summer is warm, with occasional storms and higher humidity. Thanks to mild winters, Tampa is an ideal year-round destination, especially for lovers of warmth and sunshine.

Places worth seeing:

Ybor City
Tampa Riverwalk Promenade
Aquarium (Tampa Aquarium)
Zoo Tampa at Lowry Park
Busch Gardens Tampa Bay amusement park
Glazer Children's Museum
Museum of Science & Industry (MOSI)
American Victory Ship
Tampa Museum of Art
Bayshore Boulevard

Useful information

Port map:

Places worth seeing:

Getting to the port:

Port Tampa Bay offers three modern terminals for cruise ships in the Channelside area, which is located in close proximity to downtown Tampa. All terminals are situated along the main street Channelside Drive and are located close to each other, making it easy to navigate and move between them. Terminal 2 is mainly used by Carnival Cruise Line. Terminal 3 serves companies like Royal Caribbean and Norwegian Cruise Line. Terminal 6 is usually for Holland America ships, but in the season it is also used by other companies. Thanks to its location near the city center, restaurants, landmarks, and other attractions are accessible on foot.