Located on the west coast of Florida, on the Gulf of Mexico, Tampa has a humid subtropical climate with pleasant temperatures year round. Its summers are hot and humid, and its winters are typically dry and mild with high temperatures around 21°C and lows around 11°C. The city was founded by Spanish explorers in the 16th century, and by the 19th century, it was flourishing with immigrants from Italy, Cuba, Spain and beyond, who had come to work in the city's thriving cigar industry. In 2008, Forbes magazine ranked Tampa as the fifth-best city for the outdoors in the United States.
Flights from London or Manchester to Tampa arrive at Tampa International Airport (TPA) and are usually just over eight hours. UK citizens from the United Kingdom will likely not need a visa for a flight to Tampa, as the United Kingdom is part of the Visa Waiver Program. By car, downtown Tampa is only a 15-minute drive from the airport, and like everywhere in the United States, the only accepted currency in Tampa is the US dollar, and the official language is English. Also, while planning your weekend in Tampa, keep in mind that it is five hours behind the United Kingdom.
Since the weather in Tampa is mild all year, it's really hard to pinpoint the best time of year for city breaks in Tampa. However, on average, the driest months of the year are April, May, October and November. In the summer, afternoon thunderstorms are always a possibility, though they don't generally last very long. Many visitors opt for package holidays in Tampa for a weekend, as they can plan their entire trip easily.
For travellers seeking a vibrant nightlife, Tampa won't disappoint! The historic Ybor City neighbourhood, close to downtown, should be first on your list after finding a flight to and hotel in Tampa. Within just a few blocks, there are more bars and clubs than a visitor could want, such as dance and jazz clubs, Cuban bars and Irish pubs.
Beach lovers should head down to St Pete Beach. Soak in the laid-back vibes at a tiki bar while you sip a piña colada and watch the waves roll in.
If a family getaway is your thing, head 20 minutes north of downtown to Busch Gardens, an African-themed animal park. Travellers spending their city breaks in Tampa can ride roller coasters and view wild animals such as giraffes, rhinoceroses and ostriches.
When arranging your flight and hotel for your trip to Tampa, package holidays are a popular option, as you'll have the opportunity to consolidate your trip's itinerary and see points of interest such as the Tampa Bay Aquarium, the Tampa Bay Zoo and Seaworld.
If you also have time to explore the surrounding area, you can also rent a car in Tampa.
You can't pay a visit Tampa without experiencing its fresh and delicious seafood. Here are some of the local favourites.
You can't go for a flight to and hotel in Tampa without bringing back shells from the beach. Stroll along any one Tampa's beaches, and you'll surely find some beautiful shells to bring to your loved ones back home. Another souvenir you could pick up from Florida is an airbrushed T-shirt. Visit Pete Marin's Sure Shot Airbrush in St Petersburg for a one-of-a-kind souvenir!
Planning on flying to United States? If a city break in Tampa doesn't quite convince you, why not explore other exciting cities in United States ? Check out our amazing flight and hotel packages for your next holiday adventure!