Tampa is a surprising city. It has a thriving restaurant scene, world-class museums, diverse culture, and well-preserved history. Without a doubt, Tampa is one of the most underrated destinations in Florida.
The only downside to Tampa is just how expensive it can be. That’s why we put together this guide for where to stay in Tampa.
This guide was written for travellers by travellers. It highlights the five best areas to stay in Tampa and breaks them down based on your travel interests.
So whether you want to party all night long, delve into history, or simply lap up those Florida rays, we’ve got exactly what you’re looking for.
So, without further ado, here are our recommendations for where to stay in Tampa, Florida, USA.
Looking for a specific place to stay? These are our highest recommendations for places to stay in Tampa.
Convenient apartment for city explorers | Best Airbnb in Tampa
Just a short walk from central Downtown, this property got everything you need to make your life easy as pie during your stay in Tampa. Great amenities for cooking and laundry, walking distance to all the major tourist attractions, and good public transport links will take you mind of the logistics and out it firmly on exploring. It’s considered one of the best Airbnbs in Tampa, so you’ll be in for a treat!
Gram’s Place BnB/Hostel | Best Hostel in Tampa
Gram’s Place is ideally located in Tampa Heights. It is a music-themed hostel that offers good people, good vibes, good fun – and of course, good music. Rooms come complete with air conditioning, cable and a flat screen TV. All of this combined makes this our pick for the best hostel in Tampa.
Hampton Inn & Suites Tampa Ybor City Downtown | Best Hotel in Tampa
The Hampton Inn & Suites Tampa is our choice for the best hotel in Tampa. Set in Ybor City, it is conveniently located for shopping and dining and offers easy access to the city’s best bars and clubs. Each room is well-equipped to ensure a comfortable stay.
Downtown Tampa
Downtown Tampa is the neighbourhood at the heart of the city. It is the central business district and is home to skyscrapers, cultural institutions, restaurants, museums, and the incredible Florida Aquarium.
Tampa Heights
Tampa Heights is one of the oldest neighbourhoods in the city. It sits nestled between downtown and North Tampa and is close to the bars, clubs and restaurants of Ybor City.
Ybor City
Ybor City is a historic neighbourhood located adjacent to downtown Tampa. It was founded in the 1880s and was for many years home to thousands of immigrants and renowned cigar factories.
Hyde Park
Hyde Park is an upscale and trendy neighbourhood located southwest of the city centre. It is a hub for Tampa’s young, hip and fabulous populations and is our pick for the coolest neighbourhood in the city.
North Tampa
North Tampa is a massive neighbourhood known for it’s fun and exciting attractions. Home to theme parks, museums, and an excellent zoo, North Tampa is a neighbourhood brimming with things to do and see.
Tampa is a large city located in West Central Florida. It sits on the north shores of Tampa Bay and is a sparkling, diverse and sprawling coastal city that captivates travellers with its history, culture, food and nightlife.
It is one of the more underestimated cities in Florida and is often overlooked in favour of lively and vibrant Miami or fun and exciting Orlando. But, Tampa is a city with plenty to see and do, and so much to offer visitors.
The city is divided into five main districts which fan out from downtown. Within these districts, you’ll find six official historical areas and at least 86 diverse neighborhoods.
To help you make the most of your time in Tampa, this guide will look at the can’t miss activities and Tampa attractions in the five best neighborhoods.
Starting in the north you have the massive North Tampa neighborhood. Home to popular attractions like Busch Gardens and the ZooTampa at Lowry Park, this area is a haven for families and travellers looking for fun, games, entertainment and animals.
Travel south and you’ll pass through Tampa Heights. This charming neighborhood boasts a good variety of delicious restaurants and charming breweries, and it is where you’ll find the only hostel in Tampa.
Ybor City is a historic neighborhood set southeast of Tampa Heights. It is characterized by its heritage landmarks and is famous for it’s vivacious and energetic entertainment and nightlife.
Head southwest to downtown. The heart, soul and centre of Tampa, downtown is packed with hip restaurants, charming bars, and great tourist attractions. It is also well-connected throughout the city, making it an ideal base no matter your interests.
And finally, Hyde Park is located west of the city centre. It is one of the coolest neighborhoods in the city and is known for its upscale bars and upmarket restaurants. It has great food and a fantastic atmosphere, and plenty of fun – day or night.
There are also some awesome Florida Airbnbs in Tampa where you can really live it up.
Still not sure where to stay in Tampa? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered!
Tampa’s 5 Best Neighborhoods to Stay in
In this next section, we’ll take an in-depth look at the five best neighborhoods to stay in Tampa. Each is a little different from the last so be sure to read each section carefully and pick the neighborhood that’s right for you!
1. Downtown Tampa – Where to stay in Tampa first time
Downtown Tampa is the neighborhood at the heart of the city. It is the central business district and is home to skyscrapers, cultural institutions, restaurants, museums, and the incredible Florida Aquarium. Because there is so much to see and do in downtown Tampa, this neighborhood is our pick for where to stay if you’re visiting for the first time.
In addition to being the business and cultural hub of the city, downtown Tampa is one of the city’s most well-connected neighborhoods. So whether you’re looking to delve into history, indulge in the delicious food scene or enjoy the fun and games of Busch Gardens, from your base in downtown you’ll be able to explore Tampa with relative ease.
Convenient apartment for city explorers | Best Airbnb in Downtown Tampa
Just a short walk from central Downtown, this property got everything you need to make your life easy as pie during your stay in Tampa. Great amenities for cooking and laundry, walking distance to all the major tourist attractions, and good public transport links will take you mind of the logistics and out it firmly on exploring.
The Barrymore Hotel Tampa Riverwalk | Best Hotel in Downtown Tampa
This three-star hotel is in a fantastic spot for exploring Tampa. There are plenty of tourist attractions and landmarks nearby, and it is within walking distance of bars, restaurants, shops and clubs. This hotel has modern rooms, a swimming pool, a gym and a restaurant.
Sheraton Tampa Riverwalk Hotel | Best Hotel in Downtown Tampa
The Sheraton Tampa Riverwalk is ideally situated in downtown. It is close to popular tourist attractions and landmarks and is within walking distance of bars, restaurants and shops. This four-star hotel has 277 air-conditioned rooms. There’s also a gym, an outdoor swimming pool and free wifi.
Clean and Modern Home | Best Guesthouse in Downtown Tampa
This stunning guesthouse made it to the top of our list for the best accommodations in Downtwon with absolute ease. The stylish home offers a great place to relax after an exhausting day of exploring the city, great amenities, such as a fully equipped kitchen, and a space to feel like you’re truly at home. With the modern interior design, you’ll feel super welcome and comfy, while the location guarantees a walking distance to Downtown Tampa and lots of cool attractions. The house sleeps up to 5 people, so you can even bring some friends along!
Things to See and Do in Downtown Tampa
- Catch a performance at the historic Tampa Theatre.
- Dive deep into history at the Tampa Bay Historical Centre.
- Eat a tasty breakfast at Yolk, White & Associates.
- Enjoy great American fare at WaterWorks Bar And Grill.
- Feel like a kid again at Glazer Children’s Museum.
- Get close to fierce felines at Big Cat Rescue.
- Grab a pint at The Anchor Bar.
- Look at great works of art and antiquities at the Tampa Museum of Art.
- See more than 20,000 aquatic plants and animals at the Florida Aquarium.
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View on Osprey View on REI2. Tampa Heights – Where to stay in Tampa on a budget
Tampa Heights is one of the oldest neighborhoods in the city. It sits nestled between downtown and North Tampa and is close to the bars, clubs and restaurants of Ybor City.
Not only is Tampa Heights noted for its great location, but it also holds the distinction of being home to Gram’s Place, the only hostel in Tampa.
Additionally, this neighborhood is where you’ll find a good selection of good-value hotels, charming vacation rentals, and modern apartments to help you offset some of the higher costs of Tampa’s famous attractions.
So, if you’re a backpacker on a budget or a cost-conscious traveller, you’re going to want to make your base in Tampa Heights.
Cheap room for the eco-conscious | Best Airbnb in Tampa Heights
Make the most of Tampa while keeping costs own ( and your conscious clear) with this private room in a homestay. Everythings running of solar here, and check-ins a breeze with the unique digital check-in system. Can’t go wrong for the price.
Immaculate and Affordable Guesthouse | Best Guesthouse in Tampa Heights
Super cute and affordable, this little guesthouse is the ideal getaway for backpackers on a budget. You’ll pay a similar price as you would in a hostel, however you’ll get a lot more bang for your buck at this stunning home. The guesthouse offers room for 5 guests at a time, a fully equipped kitchen, a cute little outdoor area and one of the best locations you could ask for. Public transport options are nearby, making it very easy to get into other parts of Tampa within minutes. If you’re travelling with a group, this guesthouse is the perfect spot for you!
Gram’s Place BnB/Hostel | Best Hostel in Tampa Heights
Gram’s Place is ideally located in Tampa Heights. It is a music-themed hostel that offers good people, good vibes, good fun – and of course, good music. Rooms come complete with air conditioning, cable and a flat screen TV. All of this combined makes this our pick for where to stay in Tampa Heights.
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 neighborhood cat sometimes comes to visit!
Things to See and Do in Tampa Heights
- Eat mouthwatering burgers at Gold Ring Café.
- Feast on tasty Asian fare at Ming Gardens Restaurant.
- Grab a quick and delicious bite to eat at Café Hey.
- Pop into Lee’s Grocery and enjoy delicious stone-baked pizza and craft beer.
- Sample a variety of craft beers at Hidden Springs Ale Works.
- Sink your teeth into homemade burgers at the Three Burger Spot.
- Sip cappuccinos at The Blind Tiger Café.
3. Ybor City – Best area to stay in Tampa for nightlife
Ybor City is a historic neighborhood located adjacent to downtown Tampa. It was founded in the 1880s and was for many years home to thousands of immigrants and renowned cigar factories. This area is less about the places to visit in Tampa and more about the nightlife.
Following a revamp in the early-2000s, Ybor City’s 7th Avenue was developed into Tampa’s nightlife and entertainment district. Today, it is a thriving and vibrant neighborhood where locals and tourists flock to enjoy a night filled with drinks, dancing and unforgettable fun.
In addition to being our pick for where to stay in Tampa for nightlife, Ybor City is also a great hub for culture vultures. Dotted throughout the neighborhood are a myriad of museums and art galleries that highlight the history and stories of this great city and its people.
Holiday Inn Express & Suites – Tampa East – Ybor City Tampa | Best Hotel in Ybor City
This charming hotel has a lot to offer travellers. It boasts a swimming pool, free internet, and comfortable rooms for travellers. Thanks to its Ybor City location, this hotel is within walking distance of bars, restaurants and clubs, as well as a variety of great museums.
Hampton Inn & Suites Tampa Ybor City Downtown | Best Hotel in Ybor City
The Hampton Inn & Suites Tampa is our top recommendation for where to stay in Ybor City. It is conveniently located for shopping and dining and offers easy access to the city’s best bars and clubs. Each room is well-equipped to ensure a comfortable stay.
Hilton Garden Inn Tampa Ybor Historic District | Best Hotel in Ybor City
A great location in Ybor City makes this one of our favourite hotels in Tampa. It is set at the heart of the nightlife district and is a short walk to bars, clubs and restaurants. This property has an outdoor pool and a delicious on-site restaurant.
Massive apartment at a knock-down price | Best Airbnb in Ybor City
Located just a stone’s throw from the highlights of Ybor City, this 400 sqft apartment is great choice for a city getaway. It’s kitted out with everything you’ll need to make this your home away from home for your stay.
Things to See and Do in Ybor City
- Dine on local dishes at Gaspar’s Grotto.
- Dive deep into history at the Ybor City State Museum and Ybor City Cigar Museum.
- Don’t miss Club Prana with four floors of music and dancing to choose from.
- Drink cheap beer at Coyote Ugly Saloon.
- Eat at Columbia Restaurant, the oldest continuously operating restaurant in Ybor City.
- Listen to local music at Crowbar.
- Satisfy your sweet tooth at La Creperia Café.
- Sip a glass of wine at Ybor City Wine Bar.
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Grab an eSIM!4. Hyde Park – Coolest place to stay in Tampa
Hyde Park is an upscale and trendy neighborhood located southwest of the city centre. It is a hub for Tampa’s young, hip and fabulous populations and is our pick for the coolest neighborhood in the city.
One of Tampa’s six historic districts, Hyde Park is home to a vast array of historic homes and heritage buildings. It’s a fantastic neighborhood to explore if you’re an architecture aficionado or a fan of design.
This neighborhood is also a haven and a must-visit for fearless foodies who love to sip and sample the latest cocktails and creations. Trust us when we say, in Hyde Park, you can eat very, very well!
Quality Inn Airport – Cruise Port | Best Hotel in Hyde Park
This delightful two-star hotel is your best bet for budget accommodations in Hyde Park. It is conveniently situated in Tampa and offers easy access to restaurants and cafes. This hotel has 80 recently refurbished rooms, a heated pool, a fitness centre and free wifi.
Best Western Tampa | Best Hotel in Hyde Park
The Best Western Tampa wins our vote for where to stay in Hyde Park because of its location. The area surrounding the hotel is home to a range of eateries and bars, and this hotel is a quick hop to downtown and Ybor City. It has comfortable and well-equipped rooms and has a fitness centre for guests.
City apartment comes fully stocked! | Best Airbnb in Hyde Park
Make the most of Hyde Parks cultural highlights with this awesome little pad. Forget something? Don’t worry, the gracious host will make the sure pantrys are fully stocked before you arrive, just because they’re nice! That means coffee to boot, lovely!
University Inn Downtown Tampa | Best Motel in Hyde Park
Thanks to its Hyde Park location, this is one of the best hotels for exploring the city. You’ll find a good variety of dining, nightlife and shopping options nearby, and the top attractions of downtown are just a short drive away. This motel boasts 18 comfortable rooms each outfitted with essential amenities to ensure a great stay.
Things to See and Do in Hyde Park
- Dine on upscale southern fare at Elevage.
- Don’t miss the lively Hyde Park Café.
- Eat mouthwatering local dishes at Datz.
- Enjoy amazing drinks and appetizers at Four Green Fields.
- Excite your sense at Green Lemon.
- Explore Hyde Park Village.
- Feast on pizza, sushi and other quick bites at Cheap.
- Indulge at Bern’s Steak House.
- Kickstart your day at Daily Eats.
- Sample local beers at Yard of Ale.
- Savour flavour experiments at Edison.
- Sip cocktails at Ciro’s Speakeasy and Supper Club.
5. North Tampa – Best neighborhood in Tampa for families
North Tampa is a massive neighborhood known for it’s fun and exciting attractions. Home to theme parks, museums, and an excellent zoo, North Tampa is a neighborhood brimming with things to do and see. That’s why North Tampa is our pick for where to stay in Tampa for families.
Busch Gardens is the area’s most famous attractions. Covering more than 335-acres, Busch Gardens is an African-themed animal theme park where you and your children can get close to your favourite animals from around the world. On the grounds, you’ll also find roller coasters and water rides, guaranteeing a day the whole family won’t soon forget.
Cottage home that’s full of suprises | Best Airbnb in North Tampa
Looking for an awesome nature retreat with amazing city access look no further! If it’s the river in your back yard, own the easy access to kid-friendly highlights like Lowery Park Zoo, Adventure Island, Glazer Museum, Hard Rock Casino, Riverwalk, you’ll never have a dull moment.
La Quinta Inn & Suites Tampa USF | Best Hotel in North Tampa
Located near the University of South Florida, this hotel makes for an excellent base for families visiting Tampa. It is a short drive to the city’s top attractions and landmarks and is close to restaurants, shops and cafes. Rooms are spacious and well-equipped with modern amenities and features.
Wingate By Wyndham-Tampa USF/Busch Gardens | Best Hotel in North Tampa
The Wingate by Wyndham is our recommendation for where to stay in North Tampa. It boasts large and spacious rooms that are ideal for families of all sizes. Guests can enjoy a range of wellness facilities, including a swimming pool and a Jacuzzi.
Quality Inn & Conference Center Tampa | Best Hostel in North Tampa
This three-star hotel is ideally located in Tampa. It is close to Busch Gardens and offers easy access to shopping, dining and sightseeing. This hotel features comfortable rooms that are perfect for families. There’s also a gym, a swimming pool, a kids pool and waterslides.
Things to See and Do in North Tampa
- Delve deep into the worlds of science, technology and industry at the Museum of Science & Industry (MOSI).
- Enjoy American diner-style dishes at Mama’s Kitchen.
- Get back to nature by exploring the Hillsborough River on foot or by boat.
- Indulge in mouthwatering seafood at Skipper’s Smokehouse.
- See more than 1,300 animals from around the world at the ZooTampa at Lowry Park.
- Spend a fun and exciting day a Busch Gardens.
- Stop and smell the roses at the University of South Florida Botanical Gardens.
- Swim, splash, and float at Adventure Island.
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Hide Yo’ Money!FAQ about Finding a Place to Stay in Tampa
Here’s what people usually ask us about the areas of Tampa and where to stay.
What To Pack For Tampa
Pants, socks, underwear, soap?! Take it from me, packing for a hostel 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.
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Check out my definitive Hotel Packing list for even more top packing tips!
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Final Thoughts on Where to Stay in Tampa
Tampa is an incredibly diverse city with so much to see and do. It has a rich history, varied culture, an exciting food scene, and is home to some of the most fun theme parks and attractions in the region. Tampa is a city with something to offer visitors no matter their ages, interests or budgets.
In this guide, we’ve looked at the best places to stay in Tampa. Although there aren’t many hostels in the city, we’ve done our best to include good-value hotels and vacation rentals to ensure Tampa is accessible to all travellers. If you’re still not sure which neighborhood is right for you, here is a quick recap.
Gram’s Place BnB/Hostel is a music-themed hostel and our favourite option for budget accommodations. It has a great location, air conditioning, and flat-screen TVs.
Our choice hotel is the Hampton Inn & Suites Tampa Ybor City Downtown because of its close proximity to great bars, delicious restaurants and lively clubs.
- Check out our ultimate guide backpacking around USA.
- Figured out where you wanna stay? Now it’s time to pick the perfect hostel in USA.
- Or… maybe you want to check out some Airbnbs in Tampa instead.
- Next up you’re gonna need to know all the best places to visit in Tampa to plan your trip.
- Save yourself hassle and money and get an international sim card for USA.
- Swing by our super epic backpacking packing list to prep for your trip.
And for transparency’s sake, please know that some of the links in our content are affiliate links. That means that if you book your accommodation, buy your gear, or sort your insurance through our link, we earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). That said, we only link to the gear we trust and never recommend services we don’t believe are up to scratch. Again, thank you!
