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Florida Vacation in the cultural city of Tampa
Tampa Vacation
Everyone knows Florida as the "Sunshine State," but have you ever heard of the "Sunshine City"? That's Tampa, located on the picturesque coast of the Gulf of Mexico, within the stunning Tampa Bay region. If you love the kind of Florida vacation that mixes sea, sun, action, culture, and fantastic food, Tampa is the spot. Still got questions? Discover Tampa with Discover Airlines!
Cheapest flight
starts at NaN
Round trip
Flight time (ca.)
10:30 hrs.
from Frankfurt
Airport
TPA
Tampa
Current time
UTC: - 5 hrs.
Why Tampa
Sunny side of life: Tampa, located in Florida's Sunshine State, enjoys high temperatures and plenty of sunny days all year round. It's almost impossible for bad weather to spoil your vacation!
Action and adventure: Boredom? Not in Tampa. With countless amusement parks, restaurants, and cultural events, there's something for everyone.
Taste of Tampa: Tampa is a melting pot of cultures, and you can taste it in the food. From Cuban sandwiches to French crêpes, you can find it all here. Delicious!
Clearwater beach: best beach in the USAJust 35 km from Tampa, Clearwater Beach has been voted the best beach in the USA by USA Today. With its emerald-green water and bright white sand, it's like a postcard has come to life. When you see it you’ll believe it!
Madeira beach: a tranquil oasisJust outside Tampa, Madeira Beach is known for its clean, quiet charm. Its white sandy beach rivals Clearwater but has fewer crowds. It's a hidden gem on the Gulf of Mexico!
Cozy beach near Tampa: Ben T. DavisSurrounded by lush trees, Ben T. Davis Beach is a small sandy spot perfect for a relaxing beach day. Pro tip: Stay for the sunset!1/3
Florida Aquarium: dive into an underwater worldFrom turtles to reef fish and alligators, you can see these and more at the Florida Aquarium in downtown Tampa. It's a must-visit to learn about marine life and conservation!
Busch Gardens: thrills on steel tracksLooking for an adrenaline rush? Head to Busch Gardens, an African-themed amusement park. It features Iron Gwazi, one of North America's tallest steel-hybrid coasters.
Adventure Island: slide into funFor a more laid-back but equally fun experience, visit Adventure Island, a water park across from Busch Gardens. With water slides, climbing structures, and wave pools, it promises to be a blast for all ages.1/3
Compact history: Florida’s fascinating pastFlorida's history is rich and eventful, from the indigenous people to Spanish explorers and modern settlers. The Tampa Bay History Center showcases 12,000 years of history across three floors.
Tampa’s Cuban heart: coffee, art, and cultureYbor City is Tampa's most famous and vibrant neighborhood. The air is filled with the scent of Cuban coffee, Latin music plays from bars, and Cuban art decorates the walls. It's the Little Havana of the USA. Feel the vibe!
Local markets with art and delicaciesTampa has a variety of markets where you can buy unique items and delicious food. The Seminole Heights Sunday Morning Market and Ybor City Saturday Market are the most popular. Visiting these markets is a great way to soak up the atmosphere and meet locals.1/3
Flights to Tampa
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Bucket List for your Tampa vacation
"I'm a huge fan of Florida! I took a road trip through Florida a few years ago and Tampa is particularly memorable. I love the mix of the laid-back Florida vibe and the rich, multicultural history. And let's not forget all the amazing restaurants."
Laura, Cabin Manager
1. Sightseeing with hop-on-hop-off water taxis
The water taxis in Tampa work like hop-on-hop-off buses. They cruise along Tampa Bay, stopping at various points where you can hop off and catch another boat later. It's the best way to explore the city!
2. Lovable giants: manatees in Tampa
Manatees are attracted to warm water, and you can observe them up close at the warm water outflows of the power plant in Apollo Beach, Tampa. The Manatee Observation Center is the perfect spot for this unique experience. Ready to meet a manatee?
3. Multicultural national dish: Cuban sandwich
Tampa's national dish, often called Cuban, is actually a mix of Cuban, Italian, and Spanish influences. The famous Cuban Sandwich features roast pork, ham, Swiss cheese, pickles, mustard, and Cuban bread. A must-try!
4. Explore Florida
Tampa is the perfect starting point to explore more of the Sunshine State. Venture into nature with a visit to Everglades National Park or Lake Okeechobee. Or perhaps you're up for the excitement of Universal Studios or Walt Disney World.
5. Glitz and glamour in the shopping mall
Want to stroll through a typical American luxury mall? Visit the International Plaza and Bay Street, featuring high-end brands like Chanel and Gucci as well as more affordable options. The mall's sleek design is eye-catching, and the food court is fantastic.
Weather & best travel time
Tampa is warm year-round, with the sun shining almost every day. The weather is milder and less hot from October to March, making it a bit less touristy. Spring and summer are lively in Tampa, while fall can bring storms or hurricanes, though they are usually predictable.
Best time to travel
January - February & September - November
Most pleasant temperatures
October - March
Most sunshine hours
May - September
High season
May - August
Getting around
Tampa is quite sprawling, so walking everywhere can be exhausting. Luckily, there's a well-developed public transportation system with buses and trains. You can also get around with e-scooters, water bikes, boats, taxis, and car-sharing services. Renting a car is a great option to explore Florida, with rental stations available at the airport and in the city.
Tampa's airport is very central, and you can easily go downtown by bus or taxi. Pro tip: Combine a Tampa vacation with a Florida trip. Start in Orlando and fly home from Tampa. There are nonstop flights to Frankfurt from both cities.
Tampa's airport is very central, and you can easily go downtown by bus or taxi. Pro tip: Combine a Tampa vacation with a Florida trip. Start in Orlando and fly home from Tampa. There are nonstop flights to Frankfurt from both cities.
Do's and Dont's in Tampa
Be careful on the roads:
Some drivers speed on the highways, while others crawl along. Sudden U-turns are also common. Drive with extra caution and stay alert!
Forget insect repellent:
In Tampa and its surroundings, especially when it's hot and humid, bugs can be a real nuisance. Don't forget your mosquito spray!
Enjoy the nightlife:
Beach parties, live music, Hard Rock Café, or rooftop bars – Tampa, especially Ybor City, offers vibrant nightlife. Dance the night away!
Jump into water without checking:
Especially in the lakes and waters around Tampa, always check what's in there. Alligators are common!
Skip sunscreen:
Even if you're not spending much time at the beach, the many sunny hours on your Florida trip mean you need sunscreen 24/7 to avoid nasty sunburn.
Combine Orlando with Tampa Bay:
These two unique cities are just two hours apart. Why settle for one Florida experience? Start your vacation in Orlando, then soak up the vibrant atmosphere of Tampa. Book your Florida vacation now!
Questions & answers about your Tampa vacation
Did you know?
In the early 20th century, the cigarette manufacturer Ybor set up shop in Tampa, boosting the city's economy. This earned Tampa the nickname "Cigar City." In 1929 alone, 500 million cigarettes were rolled here.