Quick Summary:

  • Q: What are some great things to see and do in Tampa?
  • A: There are many great things to see and do in Tampa, including the beautiful Florida Botanical Gardens and attractions within the city's vibrant Ybor City neighborhood.
  • Q: What are the transportation options in Tampa?
  • A: For low-cost transportation, the Hillsborough Area Regional Transit system offers bus routes and the TECO Line Streetcar System.
  • Q: Are there any free attractions in Tampa?
  • A: Some attractions are free only on certain days – please check before you go.


  • Updated with new information since originally published.
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  • Our editors recommend these diverse local experiences.

1. Admire native and exotic plants at Florida Botanical Gardens ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Category: Activities
Admire native and exotic plants at Florida Botanical Gardens | Free and Cheap Things to Do in Tampa, Florida
© Courtesy of vanila91 - Fotolia.com

2. Step back in time at The Henry B. Plant Museum ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Category: Museums & Culture
Step back in time at The Henry B. Plant Museum | Free and Cheap Things to Do in Tampa, Florida
© Courtesy of Felix Mizioznikov - Fotolia.com

3. Stroll along the Tampa Riverwalk

Category: Activities
Stroll along the Tampa Riverwalk | Free and Cheap Things to Do in Tampa, Florida
© Courtesy of LifeGemz - Fotolia.com

4. Learn about the history of firefighting at The Tampa Firefighters Museum

Category: Attractions
Learn about the history of firefighting at The Tampa Firefighters Museum | Free and Cheap Things to Do in Tampa, Florida
© The Tampa Firefighters Museum

5. Take the kids to Heritage Village

Take the kids to Heritage Village | Free and Cheap Things to Do in Tampa, Florida
© Heritage Village

6. Learn about local history at Sulphur Springs Museum and Heritage Center

Category: Activities
Learn about local history at Sulphur Springs Museum and Heritage Center | Free and Cheap Things to Do in Tampa, Florida
© Sulphur Springs Museum and Heritage Center

7. Enjoy the view from Ballast Point Park and Pier

Category: Activities
Enjoy the view from Ballast Point Park and Pier | Free and Cheap Things to Do in Tampa, Florida
© Fotoluminate LLC/stock.adobe.com

8. Don't miss The Manatee Viewing Center

Category: Attractions
Don't miss The Manatee Viewing Center | Free and Cheap Things to Do in Tampa, Florida
© Courtesy of duke2015 - Fotolia.com

9. Check out the Gasparilla Festival of the Arts

Category: Entertainment
Check out the Gasparilla Festival of the Arts | Free and Cheap Things to Do in Tampa, Florida
© Gasparilla Festival of the Arts

10. Visit the Gasparilla Pirate Fest

Visit the Gasparilla Pirate Fest | Free and Cheap Things to Do in Tampa, Florida
© Courtesy of nd3000 - Fotolia.com

11. Walk along the Courtney Campbell Trail

Category: Activities
Walk along the Courtney Campbell Trail | Free and Cheap Things to Do in Tampa, Florida
© Courtesy of herraez - Fotolia.com

12. Relax at the Picnic Island Park

Category: Activities
Relax at the Picnic Island Park | Free and Cheap Things to Do in Tampa, Florida
© siraphol/stock.adobe.com

13. Explore historic Ybor City

Category: Attractions
Explore historic Ybor City | Free and Cheap Things to Do in Tampa, Florida
© Courtesy of CJM Grafx - Fotolia.com

14. Hike The Upper Tampa Bay Trail

Category: Activities
Hike The Upper Tampa Bay Trail | Free and Cheap Things to Do in Tampa, Florida
© Courtesy of LifeGemz - Fotolia.com

15. Sample and buy ales at Yuengling Beer

Sample and buy ales at Yuengling Beer | Free and Cheap Things to Do in Tampa, Florida
© Courtesy of Ozgur Coskun - Fotolia.com

16. Take the family to Ben T. Davis Beach

Category: Kids & Family
Take the family to Ben T. Davis Beach | Free and Cheap Things to Do in Tampa, Florida
© Courtesy of Peter - Fotolia.com

17. Tour The J. C. Newman Cigar Company

Tours
Tour The J. C. Newman Cigar Company | Free and Cheap Things to Do in Tampa, Florida
© The J. C. Newman Cigar Company

18. On a rainy day, visit Tampa-Hillsborough County Public Library

Category: Kids & Family
On a rainy day, visit Tampa-Hillsborough County Public Library | Free and Cheap Things to Do in Tampa, Florida
© Tampa-Hillsborough County Public Library

19. Join Tampa Downtown Partnership Free Guided Walking Tours

Tours
Join Tampa Downtown Partnership Free Guided Walking Tours | Free and Cheap Things to Do in Tampa, Florida
© Courtesy of Sharkshock - Fotolia.com

20. Visit The Tampa Police Museum

Category: Museums & Culture
Visit The Tampa Police Museum | Free and Cheap Things to Do in Tampa, Florida
© Courtesy of christian - Fotolia.com

21. Take the kids to The Glazer Children’s Museum

Category: Kids & Family
Take the kids to The Glazer Children’s Museum | Free and Cheap Things to Do in Tampa, Florida
© The Glazer Children’s Museum

22. Enjoy summer at Waterworks Park

Category: Activities
Enjoy summer at Waterworks Park | Free and Cheap Things to Do in Tampa, Florida
© Olesia Bilkei/stock.adobe.com

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