Hotels in Ybor City

Ybor City: Where History Dances with Flavor and Culture

Discover Ybor City, a vibrant historic district nestled just northeast of Tampa, Florida. Once the heart of the cigar industry, this eclectic neighborhood brims with rich culture, delicious cuisine, and colorful nightlife. Stroll down 7th Avenue to explore charming boutiques, art galleries, and restaurants serving authentic Cuban dishes. Don’t miss the iconic Ybor City Museum State Park, which tells the story of its immigrant roots. With its lively atmosphere, diverse festivals, and historic architecture, Ybor City offers a unique blend of cultural experiences that make it an unforgettable destination just minutes from downtown Tampa. For the best hotel rates in Ybor City, be sure to check out Hotels.com's Last-Minute DealsOpens in a new window on travel.

Top locations to stay in Ybor City

Ybor City, Tampa, offers exciting attractions like Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, known for thrill rides and animal encounters; the scenic Tampa Riverwalk, perfect for leisurely strolls by the water; and Adventure Island, a water park ideal for family fun. Hotel accommodations in these areas range from boutique hotels to family-friendly suites, often featuring modern amenities and convenient access to attractions. For first-time visitors, Busch Gardens is the best choice, combining entertainment and a unique experience. Here are some of the best hotels in Ybor City that our travelers love:

1. Near Busch Gardens Tampa BayOpens in a new window: This area is perfect for families and pet owners, offering a fun-filled vacation experience with easy access to one of Tampa's premier attractions, Busch Gardens. The hotels here cater to both leisure and business travelers, ensuring a comfortable stay. Notable options include Hampton Inn & Suites Tampa Busch Gardens AreaOpens in a new window, a cozy 2.5-star hotel known for its child-friendly amenities like cribs and pool gates, and pet-friendly policies. La Quinta Inn by Wyndham Tampa Near Busch GardensOpens in a new window also stands out with its business facilities and family accommodations, featuring an arcade game room for kids. Another great choice is Holiday Inn Express & Suites Tampa USF Busch Gardens, an IHG HotelOpens in a new window, which provides business services along with family-friendly amenities in a central location.
2. Near Tampa RiverwalkOpens in a new window: If you're looking for a scenic place to stay, the Tampa Riverwalk offers beautiful views and a romantic atmosphere, ideal for outdoor enthusiasts. Although a bit further from the Riverwalk, Hampton Inn Ellenton/BradentonOpens in a new window presents a blend of beach access and business amenities, perfect for families. Best Western Plus Bradenton Hotel & SuitesOpens in a new window and Quality Inn Bradenton North I-75Opens in a new window cater specifically to business travelers, providing essential facilities like 24-hour business centers and meeting rooms, ensuring you stay productive while enjoying the local attractions.
3. Near Adventure IslandOpens in a new window: This area is designed for thrill-seekers and families, making it the perfect base for adventure enthusiasts. With several hotels nearby, such as La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Lakeland WestOpens in a new window, which offers pet-friendly options and business services, travelers can enjoy both comfort and convenience. Quality Inn Lakeland NorthOpens in a new window focuses on business needs with ample meeting spaces, while Howard Johnson by Wyndham LakelandOpens in a new window provides family amenities along with pet accommodations, making it an excellent choice for those traveling with furry friends.

Things to do in Ybor City for first time

Three days in Ybor City is ideal for immersing yourself in its vibrant arts scene, enjoying live music, and exploring its rich history. Stroll through historic streets, partake in local festivals, and savor unique cuisine, all while taking in the charm of this lively neighborhood near the Tampa Riverwalk. Here's a quick itinerary to make the most of your trip to Ybor City:

• Day 1: Start your adventure in Ybor City by exploring the Tampa Riverwalk, a scenic pathway that takes you along the waterfront, offering stunning views and a vibrant atmosphere. After a leisurely stroll, head over to the Skatepark of Tampa, where you can watch skilled skateboarders perform tricks or even join in on the fun if you're feeling adventurous. As the day winds down, make your way to Sparkman Wharf, a lively destination with waterfront dining, shopping, and entertainment—perfect for enjoying a meal while soaking in the sunset.
• Day 2: Begin your day at the Florida State Fairgrounds, where you can explore various events and exhibits, or simply enjoy the lively atmosphere. Next, visit the Wat Mongkolratanaram Temple, a beautiful Thai Buddhist temple that offers a serene environment and cultural insight. Take a short trip to Eureka Springs Regional Park, a hidden gem filled with nature trails and picturesque views, making it an ideal spot for a peaceful afternoon hike.
• Day 3: Kick things off at Tampa Bay, a stunning waterfront area perfect for a morning walk or enjoying the fresh sea breeze. Next, head to Ben T. Davis Beach, where you can relax on the sandy shore or take a dip in the water. Wrap up your visit at the University of South Florida Botanical Gardens, where you can wander through beautiful landscapes filled with diverse plant species, making it a perfect spot for quiet reflection before concluding your trip.

5 tips to find a great Ybor City hotel deal

1. Book for the cheapest times: The most budget-friendly time to visit Ybor City is between September and November, when hotel rates are more affordable. If you're traveling internationally, it's best to book your flight at least six months in advance to secure lower fares. To fully enjoy the key attractions, plan for a stay of at least 2-3 days. Highlights in Ybor City include its charming neighborhoods, vibrant bay, and exciting theme parks, all offering great value for money during your visit.
2. Look for last-minute deals on Hotels.com: If you're looking for great last-minute deals to Ybor City, consider checking out the DealsOpens in a new window or Last-Minute DealsOpens in a new window section on Hotels.com. Here, you may discover fantastic discounts on Tampa hotels as your travel date approaches. To stay informed about the latest prices and special offers, you could enable email alerts or push notifications from Hotels.com. This way, you're more likely to catch flash sales and exclusive promotions, maximizing your chances to secure a great value on your next stay.
3. Be flexible with dates: Hotel prices can fluctuate depending on factors like the hotel's location, star rating, and the season. So, if you're flexible with your travel dates, you may save on hotel expenses in Ybor City.
4. Consider your location: When booking on Hotels.com for your holiday, take your location into account. Staying near major attractions or city centers can offer convenience, but it usually tends to be more expensive. For more affordable options, consider hotels in less central areas or neighborhoods, weighing the cost against the ease of getting to the places you plan to visit.
5. Upgrade with One Key: Make your next reservation in Ybor City and be a part of Hotels.com's free One Key program, which enables members to take advantage of reward points for hotel bookings. Progress through the tiers of Blue, Silver, Gold and Platinum to unlock advantages like room upgrades when available, discounted rates, and exclusive offers for members. Start earning reward points now.

What to eat in Ybor City

Here are a few popular dishes in Ybor City, Tampa, Florida, United States of America:

• Cuban Sandwich: A quintessential Ybor City dish, the Cuban sandwich is a pressed sandwich made with Cuban bread, layers of roasted pork, ham, Swiss cheese, pickles, and mustard. This delicious creation reflects the rich Cuban heritage of the area and is often enjoyed at local eateries, where the bread is perfectly crispy on the outside and soft inside.
• Stone Crabs: Known for their sweet, tender meat, stone crabs are a seasonal delicacy in Florida. Served chilled with a side of tangy mustard sauce, they are often enjoyed during social gatherings and seafood feasts, showcasing the region’s bountiful waters and vibrant culinary scene.
• Grouper Sandwich: A local favorite, the grouper sandwich features fresh, flaky grouper fillets, often fried or grilled, served on a bun with lettuce, tomato, and tartar sauce. This dish highlights the coastal flavors of Tampa and is perfect for a casual meal while exploring the vibrant streets of Ybor City.

Best time to go to Ybor City

Ybor City experiences its lowest average temperature in January, at 60.8°F (16.0°C), while August is the hottest month, with an average temperature of 83.5°F (28.6°C). July is usually the wettest month. February, March, and July are the peak travel months in Ybor City, attracting a higher number of tourists. During this peak period, the weather is mostly sunny, with light to moderate rainfall. On the other hand, May, August, and October tend to be quieter times to visit, marked by light to moderate rainfall and mostly sunny conditions.