Should I spend 3, 4, or 5 days in Tampa?
Should you spend 3, 4, or 5 days in Tampa?
Many travelers spend two to three days in Tampa during their visit. After all, the laid-back city has plenty to explore such as the beaches, the big city activities, and the restaurant scene.
Tampa is located on Florida's Gulf Coast and it's the home of Busch Gardens and several wildlife parks. Many visitors are passing through as they catch a cruise, but for those that linger, they'll find a good food scene and some interesting museums.
Do you have 3, 4, or 5 days to visit Tampa? Here's our comprehensive breakdown of how much time you might need for your trip along with some suggestions for things to do.
Is 3 days enough time in Tampa?
Many visitors choose to spend around three days in Tampa. This would give you the chance to experience the city's most popular activities and relax at the beach, enjoy the city's energy, and dine out at amazing restaurants. Since many visitors prefer to spend around two to three days here, we have a few suggestions of things to do in the laid-back city.
How to spend 3 days in Tampa
The beautiful beaches await you in Tampa, so spend the day (or several, if you can) relaxing on the sand or swimming in the water. Popular beaches near Tampa include Ben T. Davis Beach, Fred Howard Park, and Indian Rocks Beach.
A few tour suggestions include:
- 2 Person Mini Power Boat Rental at Tampa Riverwalk ($104)
- Tiki Boat - Downtown Tampa - The Only Authentic Floating Tiki Bar ($60)
- Tampa History Cruise ($31)
You can't miss out on tasting the fantastic cuisine at one of the best restaurants in town, so make sure you find somewhere special for lunch or dinner. There are a surprising number of great local restaurants around town as well as a good food truck scene. Some favorite dishes include fresh caught seafood, Grouper sandwiches, and Cuban sandwiches.
A few tour suggestions include:
- Cooking Class near Disney in Tampa Florida ($88)
Perhaps the most famous place in Tampa is Busch Gardens, so don't miss it. It might not be at the top of your list, but it's worth experiencing during your trip.
Tampa is large enough to spend at least a full day exploring the local neighborhoods, attractions, and activities found around town. It's not a particularly large city but it does have some interesting neighborhoods.
A few tour suggestions include:
- 2 Person Mini Power Boat Rental at Tampa Riverwalk ($104)
- Tiki Boat - Downtown Tampa - The Only Authentic Floating Tiki Bar ($60)
- Tampa History Cruise ($31)
Is 4 days enough time in Tampa?
Four days is more than enough time to see everything that Tampa has to offer. Many visitors prefer to spend two to three days here, so you'll be able to take in all of the beaches, the big city activities, and the restaurant scene at your own pace. We have a few suggestions of things to do while you're visiting, and then you can take a day trip if you're looking to explore further around the area.
Tampa, Florida
How to spend 4 days in Tampa
With 4 days in Tampa, you'll have a bit more time to enjoy everything that the city has to offer.
After you've explored most of Tampa, take a day trip to one of the many beautiful destinations nearby.
Is 5 days enough time in Tampa?
Five days is more than enough time to see pretty much everything in Tampa. You can move at your own pace and relax in your hotel. You could also use Tampa as a base for exploring the nearby destinations. You'll find some great day trips in the region.
How to spend 5 days in Tampa
If you have more than 5 days in Tampa, you'll appreciate the added time for everything the city has to offer.
Tampa is such a huge city that you can easily spend another day in one of the neighborhoods that you haven't visited. Look for those hidden gems and local spots where most tourists don't go. Or, pick another neighborhood with local charm that you haven't fully explored yet.
More Info
If you're looking for more information about Tampa, we have even more advice to help you plan your journey.
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.
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