Ybor City

Ybor City, in Tampa, is known as Florida's Latin Quarter. It was founded by Vicente Martinez-Ybor as a cigar-manufacturing center, and you can still see storefronts where cigars are rolled by hand on La Setima, the main axis of Ybor City's historic district, one of only two National Historic Landmark Districts in Florida. Its characteristic red brick buildings, wrought iron balconies and narrow brick streets offer many opportunities to dine, dance, drink, and shop in a unique environment, very different from the homogeneity of the mall. This neighborhood is one of Tampa's most unique attractions.

As Tampa restaurants go, Ybor City has a wide variety of cuisines to choose from, including Spanish, Italian, French, Cuban, and Greek. Ybor restaurants are famous for their cafe con leche and Spanish sangria.

On Saturdays from 9AM to 3PM during Season, and 9AM to 1PM during the Summer, you can shop at the friendly Ybor City Saturday Market at Centennial Park (corner of 8th Avenue and 19th Street). The market features farm fresh produce, prepared foods, and handmade crafts by local artists. The market has been in continuous operation for 10 years.

Ybor City is a music-lover's haven, with jazz, salsa, reggae, blues and hip-hop offered at the numerous patio bars, clubs, and pubs that line La Setima. And you can bar hop via the TECO Line Streetcar System, which services 10 station stops along its 2.4 mile route, including four stops in Ybor City. The streecars also stop in Tampa's Channel District and in downtown Tampa.

If you want to make a weekend of it, there are hotel accommodations right in Ybor City. Party and dine at night, then shop and stroll during the day!

tags: ybor city, tampa attractions, tampa restaurants