The city of Tampa sits on Tampa Bay on the Gulf Coast of Florida. It’s a decent-sized city with around 400,000 inhabitants. It’s a relaxed city that displays the best of the Floridian lifestyle along with a strong work ethic.

The city is divided into five main districts that all have a distinct look and feel. It’s a real mix of vibes that offers a different experience depending on where you are.

History of Tampa

The region that is now Tampa was originally home to the Weeden Island culture who live there before the arrival of European settlers. The Safety Harbor culture arrived after and were still present when the first explorers landed.

The area was first explored by the Spanish in the 16^th century who explored up and down the Florida coast. The Spanish dealt with the Safety Harbor people but early attempts to settle were repulsed by the natives.

After the local population was almost wiped out by diseases brought by Europeans, the area was largely uninhabited until the 18^th century. Then, a few settlers and the Seminole people lived here.

The modern city grew primarily from cigar manufacture until the World Wars when the government brought the military to Florida. From then, the economy diversified into tourism, education, shipping, research and services.

Transport in Tampa

Getting around Tampa is refreshingly simple.

Arrive by air and you’ll likely use Tampa International Airport (TPA). It’s close to Tampa Bay and linked via road and bus links.

Saint Petersburg-Clearwater International Airport (PIE) is an alternative airport serving local routes.

Amtrak’s Silver Service runs into Tampa and stops Downtown. It runs daily from New York City or Miami to Tampa.

Locals might use the TECO Line Streetcar or In-Town Trolley to get around.

Buses use the Downtown bus station, carriers including Greyhound, MegaBus, Red Coach and Sarasota-Tampa Express all run services around the city.

Commuter buses are run by HART and offers services throughout Tampa.

Arrive by road and you’ll likely arrive by I-75, I-4, I-275 and numerous local routes.

The Port of Tampa is cargo only so you won’t be able to arrive by sea.

Major employers in Tampa

Tampa has a modern economy with a diverse range of employers, including BayCare Health System, Publix Super Markets, Hillsborough County School District, HCA West Florida Division, University of South Florida, Tech Data, Jabil, WellCare Health Plans, SYKES, Raymond James, The Mosaic Company, HSN, KnowBe4, Progressive Insurance, Capital One Financial Corporation, University of Tampa, Port Tampa Bay and MacDill Air Force Base.

Neighborhoods of Tampa

Tampa is made up of an eclectic mix of neighborhoods including Downtown Tampa, New Tampa, West Tampa, East Tampa, North Tampa, South Tampa, Ybor City, Forest Hills, Ballast Point, Sulphur Springs, Seminole Heights, Tampa Heights, Palma Ceia, Hyde Park, Davis Islands, Harbour Island, Tampa Palms, College Hill, Westshore Business District, Florence Villa, Forest Hills, Gandy-Sun Bay South, Golf View and West Meadows.

Popular attractions in Tampa

Tampa is a lively area with lots to see and do including Busch Gardens Tampa, Tampa Museum of Art, Florida Museum of Photographic Arts, Contemporary Art Museum, Museum of Science & Industry, Tampa Bay History Center, Ybor City Museum State Park, Tampa Riverwalk, Big Cat Rescue, Glazer Children’s Museum, Tampa Electric Manatee Viewing Center, Tampa’s Lowry Park Zoo, Magic Carpet Glide, The Straz Center for the Performing Arts, The Florida Aquarium, Not a Clue Adventures, Henry B. Plant Museum and Lettuce Lake Regional Park.