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Tampa is a city on the up! Many people will be coming to visit the incredible Busch Gardens theme park, but you definitely shouldn’t miss out one of the coolest cities in Florida. The historic Ybor District is where it’s at – this colonial-style neighbourhood is one of the hottest spots for nightlife in the entire state. It also boasts some awesome places to eat out! Downtown’s River Walk along the Hillsborough has plenty of spaces where you can relax and chill out in this cool city.
But where to stay in Tampa? Well, how about swapping hotels and hostels for something with a little more personality and charm? It’s a good idea to check out AirBnBs in Tampa. Whether you want to be in a tiny house, a treehouse nook in the historic district or a luxury apartment by the water, there are rentals in Tampa suited to every taste. Including yours!
Rather than letting you spend hours trawling through the website, we’ve decided to help you out. That’s right, we’ve put together this list of the 15 best AirBnBs in Tampa, taking into account budget, travel style, and personality. We’re pretty confident that we’ve only picked the best places for our extensive list. So, let’s dive right in and check them out!
The Broke Backpacker is supported by you. Clicking through our links may earn us a small affiliate commission, and that's what allows us to keep producing free content 🙂 Learn more.
Quick Answer: These are the Top 5 Airbnbs in Tampa
Enjoy Tampa’s hippest neighbourhood
- > $$
- > 2 Guests
- > En suite kitchenette
- > Courtesy bikes to explore
Get away to Tampa Bay Bungalow
- > $
- > 2 Guests
- > Fully equipped kitchen
- > Air conditioning
Riverfront Oasis Waterfront Home
- > $$$$$$$
- > 7 Guests
- > Outdoor Chill spot!
- > Minutes from Busch Gardens
Treehouse Nook in Ybor City
- > $
- > 1 Guest
- > Awesome location
- > Discounts on longer stays
The Urban Crash Basecamp Zen Room
- > $
- > 2 Guests
- > Outdoor Living Space
- > Bikes for guest use
The Top 15 Airbnbs in Tampa
Enjoy Tampa’s hippest neighbourhood | Overall Best Value Airbnb in Tampa
Let’s kick off with the best value Airbnb in Tampa. Seminole Heights is one of the coolest neighbourhoods in town, and this positions you perfectly to explore it! And you don’t just have to do it on foot – there are courtesy bikes provided so that you can explore as much of Tampa as you wish!
After a busy day sightseeing and working those leg muscles, you’ll come back to a comfy king bed. From there, you can choose whether to prepare dinner in the handy kitchenette, or to pop out to one of the many excellent restaurants nearby!
Get away to Tampa Bay Bungalow | Best Budget Airbnb in Tampa
Looking for the perfect Airbnb in Tampa but you don’t want to shell out a lot? That’s no problem – and this city centre option is easily affordable. Even more so if you can find someone to split it with! Although it’s one of the cheapest apartments in Tampa, you’re certainly not compromising on location. Your friendly hosts are happy for you to use their communal living area, kitchen, laundry, front porch, and backyard. So, there are plenty of places to chill out and save money rather than hitting the town!
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Want more deetz on why these packs are so damn perfect? Then read our comprehensive review for the inside scoop!
View on OspreyRiverfront Oasis Waterfront Home | Over the Top Luxury Airbnb in Tampa
If money’s no object when you travel to Florida, check out this incredible Tampa AirBnB! The Riverfront Oasis is perfect for a large group travelling together – there’ll be space for everyone in that awesome outdoor chill spot. There’s a hammock, swing chair, and even a little pier down to the lake! It’s not all about that though – the location is pretty sweet too. It’s just a hop, skip, and a jump away from one of the top attractions in town – Busch Gardens!
Treehouse Nook in Ybor City | Perfect Tampa Airbnb for Solo Travellers
Wow. This is the kind of place that Airbnb was made for! The treehouse unique may only have space for one guest, but if you’re travelling solo that’s exactly what you need! This private room in a 1925 bungalow is a hop, skip, and a jump from the coolest bars, restaurants, and nightlife in town. So, you don’t need to go far if you want to make new friends. This place has other rooms on offer, so it’s likely you’ll bump into guests. Perhaps you’ll go out with them?
One thing’s for sure – there are very few Tampa Airbnbs that are this cool and unique!
The Urban Crash Basecamp Zen Room | Perfect Short Term Airbnb in Tampa for Digital Nomads
Now for somewhere a bit different, and dare we say it – inspirational! The Urban Crash Basecamp looks a little bit like a hostel, but in fact, it’s a unique creative shared living space. And it just happens to have one of the best AirBnBs in Tampa inside it! This cool room comes with a king bed, although you might be more likely to spend your time outside. That’s because there’s an awesome fire pit where you can get to know new people after a day of working.
It goes without saying that there’s a laptop-friendly workspace and high-speed Wi-Fi for that!
Stash your cash safely with this money belt. It will keep your valuables safely concealed, no matter where you go.
It looks exactly like a normal belt except for a SECRET interior pocket perfectly designed to hide a wad of cash, a passport photocopy or anything else you may wish to hide. Never get caught with your pants down again! (Unless you want to…)
Hide Yo’ Money!More Epic Airbnbs in Tampa
Here are a few more of my favorite Airbnbs in Tampa!
Historic and charming Ybor Bungalow | Best Airbnb in Tampa for Nightlife
Ybor has some of the best nightlife in town, so it would be foolish not to stay at least near there! This entire bungalow is just a hop, skip, and a jump away. Its calm and light interior is the perfect place to recover from a hangover if you have one too many cocktails the night before! Not only that, there’s a full kitchen so you can whip up a delicious breakfast, lunch, or dinner to enjoy with your travel companions. This is a really homely little spot, and we’re sure that you’ll love it!
Tiny House in Historic Ybor City | Best Short Term Rental for Couples
Travelling with your other half? In that case, you’ll want to stay somewhere that you’ll really be able to make memories. How about this tiny house, another unique Tampa AirBnB! This casita has a fully equipped kitchenette if you want to prepare a meal together. However, if you don’t fancy that there are several great restaurants nearby! The friendly hosts have kindly put together a cheat sheet of the best places in Ybor, so you can pick a place off there.
If you’d prefer to stay in, there’s a collection of books that you can enjoy during your stay too!
Private Room in Tampa Heights | Best Homestay in Tampa
Want to have an authentic experience and save cash at the same time? Perhaps a Tampa homestay will be right up your street. This one is a real home away from home – where you can enjoy a queen bed, Netflix and Amazon Video, and a mini-fridge and coffee pot! You’ll be sharing your bathroom with your host, but your room is solely yours. You’re welcome to chill on the porch too, which a friendly neighbourhood cat sometimes comes to visit!
Eclectic Bedroom in Ybor City! | Runner Up Homestay in Tampa
Another place that really showcases the creativity and imagination of AirBnB hosts. One of the most intriguing short-term vacation rentals in Tampa is this eclectic bedroom, complete with taxidermy and a welcome skeleton! Crazy, huh?! This cosy room has a double and single bed – so it’s perfect either for a couple or two friends. Or a couple and two friends! It’s also an awesome spot if you’re a dog lover. The property has two dogs who’ll greet you but they won’t go into your room.
Travelling long term? You can use the washer and dryer here.
Seminole Heights Bungalow | Amazing Luxury Airbnb in Tampa
This quaint and quiet bungalow in Seminole Heights will give you the relaxing and luxurious break you want and deserve. Each room has a Roku TV, however, you’ll probably not end up using that if the weather’s good. The front and back porches are the ideal places to relax and enjoy a coffee or a drink or two. When it comes to the nighttime, you’ll have no trouble getting to sleep. Even if you’re on the sofa bed, it’s full size and memory foam!
Relaxing house with pool by centre | Best Airbnb in Tampa for Families
Set up for all ages, this awesome house near the centre is a great Tampa Airbnb for those travelling with the family. For teens and parents, there’s a pool while if you’re travelling with little ones, children’s books and games are on hand too! The open plan kitchen and living area offers plenty of space to make everyone’s favourite delicious meal and share it together. If mum and dad want to relax after a long day, they can take a dip in the tub in their own private bathroom!
Ybor’s iconic Social Roost Inn | Best Airbnb in Tampa for a Group of Friends
If you can stay in somewhere that was once the home of the Ybor Chicken Funeral Parade, you’re not going to turn that down. Not only is there unusual local traditions on offer here, but this is also a comfy and well-equipped place that you and 4 of your best mates can really enjoy. If you’ve got your own transport, you’ll be happy to know that there are two complimentary parking spots on offer here.
Once you get inside, you’ve got the option of a king bed and a queen bed, all a stone’s throw from the best nightlife and eating out in town!
Private Studio Cabin with bath | Best Airbnb in Brandon
Let’s head a little bit out of Tampa to find some of the coolest Airbnbs. The nearby Brandon District is a great place to stay if you want to enjoy the charms of the suburbs, while still being in easy reach of the city by public transport. And this private studio cabin is the best Airbnb in Brandon! It’s quirky, cool, and an ideal place for a couple or small group of friends!
Exquisite English Tudor House | Another Great Apartment in Brandon
If you’re part of a larger group looking for the best Airbnb in Brandon, check out this incredible English Tudor House. The ideal place for a family get-together, it’s perfect for all weathers. When it’s cold and rainy, enjoy your favourite film or series on the 55 inch TV. But, if it’s sunny, sit out in the half-acre backyard where there’s a gazebo and a grill which you’re welcome to make the most of!
Downtown Oasis by the River | Top Value Airbnb in Downtown Tampa
Last but not least, check out this awesome Tampa Airbnb – right in the heart of downtown. This riverside oasis is close to the best restaurants, bars, and nightlife in town. It also offers community amenities including a pool, cabanas, fitness studio, and a social lounge where you can meet other guests. If you’ve rented a car, you’ll be pleased to know that there’s a covered parking space available too!
Airbnb Experiences
Do you fancy a day trip to go with that nice little apartment?!
Airbnb Experiences is a feature offered by Airbnb that allows hosts to offer unique, curated activities to guests – or to anyone who’s interested in, even if they’re not staying at an Airbnb property. These experiences can range from cooking classes and guided tours to art workshops, outdoor adventures, and more.
Airbnb Experiences was created to offer travellers a deeper connection with a destination by offering truly unique experiences, all led by locals who are both knowledgeable and passionate about their city.
Some personal highlights of my Airbnb Experiences include a tapas bar-crawl in Granada, a Samurai workshop in Kyoto, and a graffiti spotting bike ride around Bogota.
FAQ about Airbnbs in Tampa
Here’s what people usually ask us when they look for vacation homes in Tampa.
What To Pack For Tampa
Pants, socks, underwear, soap?! Take it from me, packing for an Airbnb stay is not always quite as straightforward as it seems. Working out what to bring and what to leave at home is an art I have perfected over many years.
Ear Plugs
Snoring dorm-mates can ruin your nights rest and seriously damage the hostel experience. This is why I always travel with a pack of decent ear plugs.
Hanging Laundry Bag
Trust us, this is an absolute game changer. Super compact, a hanging mesh laundry bag stops your dirty clothes from stinking, you don’t know how much you need one of these… so just get it, thank us later.
Sea To Summit Micro Towel
Hostel towels are scummy and take forever to dry. Microfibre towels dry quickly, are compact, lightweight, and can be used as a blanket or yoga mat if need be.
Monopoly Deal
Forget about Poker! Monopoly Deal is the single best travel card game that we have ever played. Works with 2-5 players and guarantees happy days.
Grayl Geopress Water Bottle
Always travel with a water bottle! They save you money and reduce your plastic footprint on our planet. The Grayl Geopress acts as a purifier AND temperature regulator. Boom!
Don’t Forget Your Tampa Travel Insurance
ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing.
They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.
SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!
Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.
Final Thoughts on Tampa Airbnb
So, that’s all from our list of the best AirBnBs in Tampa. We hope you’ll agree that we’ve included lots of different properties, suitable for a range of budgets, personalities, and tastes.
The scope of Tampa AirBnBs really is quite something. We’ve seen exquisite mock Tudor houses, city centre houses with a pool hidden outback, and some quirky and awesome private rooms that will help you keep your costs down. At the same time, you’ll stay in somewhere to remember and possibly even make friends for life!
If we’ve overwhelmed you with several great choices, then take it easy. Pick our favourite Tampa AirBnB – Enjoy Tampa’s Hippest Neighbourhood. It’s the perfect combination of style, value, and a great location. We just hope it’s big enough for your group!
Our work here is done, so all that’s left is for us to wish you an incredible Florida vacation. Bon voyage!
- Check out our Backpacking USA guide for in-depth info for your trip.
- Use our Where to Stay in Tampa guide to plan your adventure.
- Backpackers and frugal travellers can use our budget travel guide.
- Make sure you visit the other best places in Tampa too.
- That will of course include many of the stunning National Parks of Florida.
- A great way to see the country is by taking an epic road trip around Florida.
Buy Us a Coffee!
A couple of you lovely readers suggested we set up a tip jar for direct support as an alternative to booking through our links. So we created one!
You can now buy The Broke Backpacker a coffee. If you like and use our content to plan your trips, it’s a much appreciated way to show appreciation 🙂
