Ybor City for all Types of Visitors

Finding things to do in Ybor City won't be difficult for most travelers. Ybor City is a historic Tampa neighborhood that was once the hub of the city's cigar industry. It still retains rich Cuban, Italian and Spanish cultural influences within its brick-paved streets and historical buildings framed by wrought iron balconies. 

Whether you find yourself in Ybor City to soak in the history, taste the rich culinary traditions in the many restaurants, or experience the ample nightlife, you won't be short of things to do. Ybor City offers something for everyone. 

The Family-Friendly Activities 

Even though Ybor City is well-known for its nightlife and historic sites, there are still definitely some activities that are fun for the whole family. 

• The TECO Line Streetcar System covers roughly two miles between Ybor City, downtown Tampa and the Channelside District. The family fun aspect comes in when you realize this is a totally old-fashioned streetcar experience with a costumed and capped driver. 
• Take in the sights and sounds of the Ybor City Saturday Market. Live music, rows of vendors, prepared food and much more await you and your family at Centennial Park. The market is open all year, but the hours vary by season. 
• Everyone loves games. GameTime is an expansive arcade with video games, pool tables, a family restaurant and a few full bars for adults. 

Food and Drink 

Foodies won't have any difficulty finding things to do in Ybor City. The hardest thing will be narrowing down your restaurant choices from the expansive list. 

• Start at the start with a traditional Cuban sandwich at the historic Columbia Restaurant or Carmine’s Seventh Avenue. Ybor City is rich in Cuban culture and the Cuban sandwich is a popular menu staple in many restaurants. 
• If you can't decide on one restaurant, you'll be relieved to know that Ybor City is full of food festivals and food tours all year round. Just check the calendar to find one for your trip. During the Ybor Aficionado Days in April, you can even take advantage of the Tapas Trail, which is like a pub crawl for tapas and hors d'oeuvres. 
• You won't be disappointed if you're a craft beer fan. The Tampa Bay Brewing Company is located in the Centro Ybor entertainment complex. It features a restaurant and microbrewery. 

Shoppers 

As a very pedestrian-friendly neighborhood, Ybor City is excellent for shoppers and bursting with various shops. 

• Centro Ybor takes center stage with an exciting and eclectic mix of retail shops, restaurants and entertainment. You'll find cigar shops, large department stores and interesting boutiques in this vast complex. 
• Most Ybor City shopping takes place in the 10 blocks of Seventh and Eighth Avenue downtown. You'll find plenty of restaurants and local shops for home decor, clothes, and more. 

The Museum and History Buffs 

Ybor City's status as a historic neighborhood makes it uniquely interesting for those interested in history or museums. 

• If you want to truly understand Ybor City's history, taking the cigar walking tour is a must. This tour doesn't require smoking, but it starts at the Ybor City Museum and takes you to several historical spots for the early days of the cigar industry. 
• Speaking of the Ybor City Museum, this should be your first stop for a solid overview of the city's history. The museum is located inside the historic Ferlita Bakery building and includes access to an adjacent park. 

Eclectic Things To Do 

If you have eclectic taste, you can still probably find something to do in Ybor City. 

• Ybor City might only cover about 300 acres, but it's the home to eight tattoo parlors. If you enjoy picking up permanent souvenirs on your trips, you won't have any problem finding a place to get a tattoo here. 
• Ybor City is known for its abundant nightlife. Whether you're looking for live music, a nightclub, or a flamenco dance show, there are many options in the city. Try the Columbia Restaurant, Ritz Ybor, or Tampa Improv for unique shows and music. 

Join the over a million people who are AAA members and start planning your trip to Tampa and Ybor City today. Dream up the perfect trip with our Trip Canvas research tool, and use your membership to get the best discounts on hotels, rental cars, and entertainment tickets.