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Tampa – a brief overview
It might not have the cachet of Miami or the world-famous theme parks of Orlando, but lively Tampa still stands as a firm part of Florida’s overall appeal. They call it The Big Guava, a tongue-in-cheek equivalent of New York’s Big Apple and a reference to the failed search for guava trees that, ironically, led to the city’s founding on the state’s southwest shore.
These days, Tampa is known for its major port, its fine museums and its historical attractions, as well as the hip, Latin-flavoured neighbourhood of Ybor City. In short, there’s plenty to keep you occupied.
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24 hours in Saint Petersburg/Clearwater
The following tips and addresses can be downloaded as an iCalendar file (.ics) and imported into any of the usual calendar programs – experience Tampa for yourself!
08:00 a.m.: The perfect start to the day …
Saint Petersburg
FL 33701
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… consists of a tasty breakfast at Locale Market in downtown Saint Petersburg. This gourmet market specializes in regional produce, but also sells Italian sausage and cheese varieties and other specialties. FarmTable Kitchen, the market’s own restaurant, serves a vast selection of meals prepared from fresh organic ingredients.
10:00 a.m.: Salvador Dalí in Florida
Saint Petersburg
FL 33701
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The Dalí Museum is housed in a breathtaking, modern building designed by Yann Weymouth and located in the center of St. Petersburg. Salvador Dalí was one of the leading protagonists of Surrealism. Here, visitors can now view the largest collection of his paintings outside of Europe – eight of his 18 “masterpieces.” More than 2000 other artworks are also exhibited here – oil paintings, watercolors, drawings and sculptures.
01:00 p.m.: Wild waters
Tierra Verde
FL 33715
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Off to Fort De Soto Park, for a kayak tour amid intact nature! The 460-hectare park extends across five islands at the entrance to Tampa Bay, in the Gulf of Mexico. For paddlers, there’s a three-kilometer water trail, where you can spend two hours gliding past mangroves and seagrass areas. If you’re in luck, you might even catch a glimpse of the manatees that live in the depths of the ocean. If that tour sounds too short for you, you can always take the 16-kilometer trip to the main island, Mullet Key, or explore the less-frequented waters and islands.
02:30 p.m.: Tasty and fresh from the ocean
Saint Petersburg
FL 33707
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Enjoy the area’s best fish – at Ted Peters Smoked Fish in Saint Petersburg! People have been coming here to sample its wide selection of excellent smoked fish for the past 65 years. After lunch, you could stop by the beach on your way to your next port of call and enjoy a postprandial stroll or a dip in the waves.
04:00 p.m.: More from the ocean
Clearwater
FL 33767
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It’s time to visit Winter, the popular dolphin who starred in the movie Dolphin Tale, at Clearwater Marine Aquarium. It’s a marine animal rescue center in the middle of Clearwater, which takes in, cares for and rehabilitates animals. As well as Winter and other rescued dolphins, visitors can also observe sea turtles and otters here. Feeding times, informative events and the fascinating 90-minute Sea Life Safari Boat Trip make a day out at the aquarium an unforgettable experience. And there’s also the Winter’s Dolphin Tale Adventure exhibition, which gives guests a behind-the-scenes look at the making of the movie.
07:00 p.m.: Sunset on the Gulf of Mexico
Clearwater
FL 33767
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An event for the whole family – absolutely free and out of doors: sunsets at Pier 60 on Clearwater Beach, which TripAdvisor named the “best beach in the USA” in 2016. The event takes place every day in good weather and attracts tourists and locals alike. As the sun sinks below the horizon, a whole horde of musicians and street artists entertain the onlookers.
08:30 p.m.: Open-air dinner
Clearwater
FL 33767
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A culinary highlight – and right on the beach, too – that’s Frenchy’s Rockaway Grill. The huge selection of delicious food on the menu here spans fresh seafood, sandwiches and the restaurant’s popular She Crab Soup. Live music performed by local artists makes a fitting soundtrack to your meal.
11:00 p.m.: Nightcap high
340 Beach Dr NE
Saint Petersburg
FL 33701
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Back in Saint Petersburg, our eventful day ends in a cozy atmosphere above the rooftops – at The Canopy Rooftop Lounge. Superb cocktails and a fantastic view over the nighttime city make for a fine end to a fine day.
These tips and addresses can be downloaded as an iCalendar file (.ics) and imported into any of the usual calendar programs – experience Tampa for yourself!
Flight and accommodation
Top 10 sights in Tampa

Tampa Museum of Art
FL 33602 Tampa
USA
Tel: +1 813 274 8130
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Opening times:
Mon-Thu 1100-1900
Fri 1100-2000
Sat-Sun 1100-1700
A high-quality art museum with an increasingly strong permanent collection as well as some excellent temporary exhibitions. Both contemporary and classical artworks are well represented.
Busch Gardens
FL 33612 Tampa
USA
Tel: +1 888 800 5447
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Opening times:
Daily 1000-1800
Part amusement park, part safari park, featuring more than 2,700 animals – among them cheetahs, meerkats, lemurs, lions and elephants – alongside a wealth of roller coasters and other adrenaline thrills.
Tampa Bay History Center
FL 33602 Tampa
USA
Tel: +1 813 228 0097
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Opening times:
Daily 1000-1700
An enjoyable platform for exploring the region’s long past, this interactive centre features everything from a 1920s cigar store to a cattle drive. A great bet for anyone interested in early American history.
Canoe Escape
FL 33592 Thonotosassa
USA
Tel: +1 813 986 2067
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Opening times:
Various
Looking for outdoor adventure? This is the place. Offering self-guided canoe adventures, hourly rentals and guided paddling trips, Canoe Escape gives easy access to the wild beauty of the Hillsborough River, around 25km from Tampa.
Florida Aquarium
FL 33602 Tampa
USA
Tel: +1 813 273 4000
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Opening times:
Daily 0930-1700
One of the city’s prime downtown attractions, this large aquarium showcases more than 20,000 plants and marine creatures from the waters off Florida and much further afield. Expect to encounter everything from sharks to penguins.
The Ringling
FL 34243 Sarasota
USA
Tel: +1 941 359 5700
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Opening times:
Fri-Wed 1000-1700
Thu 1000-2000
Comprising a 31-gallery Museum of Art, a Circus Museum, a 56-room “palace”, gardens and a historic theatre, The Ringling provides a strong option for an out-of-town day visit.
BOING! Jump Center
FL 33619 Tampa
USA
Tel: +1 813 341 4897
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Opening times:
Mon 1500-2200
Tue-Thu 1600-2200
Fri 1500-2200
Sat 1000-2200
Sun 1000-1800
This is Florida’s largest “jump center”, with around 1,115 square metres of trampolines – as well as the chance to play dodgeball. A good rainy day option for active families.
Giraffe Ranch
FL 33523 Dade City
USA
Tel: +1 813 482 3400
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Opening times:
Tours at 1100 and 1400
Offering two daily tours around a working ranch that specialises in exotic species, particularly giraffes, this attraction offers something different to the usual wildlife encounter. It’s 75km north of Tampa.
Raymond James Stadium
FL 33607 Tampa
USA
Tel: +1 813 350 6500
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Opening times:
Various
The home stadium of the NFL’s Tampa Bay Buccaneers, this 65,000-seater arena – often known as “The Ray Jay” – is a winner for sports fans. If you can’t get a ticket for an American Football match, it also hosts occasional monster truck races.
Bok Tower Gardens
FL 33853 Lake Wales
USA
Tel: +1 863 676 1408
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Opening times:
Daily 0800-1800
Welcoming more than 23 million visitors since its opening in 1929, these landscaped botanic gardens are known for their Mediterranean-style mansion and a “Singing Tower” carillon. They’re located inland from Tampa.
Flight and accommodation
Country Information
Country overview
From its vast plains, snow-covered mountains, deep forests and strange rock formations, to soaring skyscrapers and a thunderous cultural scene, the USA is a collage of extremes. Nothing can prepare you for your first glimpse of Manhattan’s unforgettable skyline, your first ride in a yellow cab, the ubiquitous hamburger joints, yawning expanses of prairie, the sweet strains of New Orleans jazz, or the neon-lit excesses of Las Vegas.
Marvel at the thunderous spectacle of Niagara Falls in northern New York, or seek an antidote to urban chaos amidst the flat farmland of the Midwest. Then there are the black hills of South Dakota, the dramatic mountain and ocean landscape of California’s Pacific Coast Highway and the world-famous Grand Canyon.
Geography
Covering a large part of the North American continent, the USA shares borders with Canada to the north and Mexico to the south. The country has coasts on the Atlantic, Pacific and Arctic oceans, the Caribbean Sea and the Gulf of Mexico. The State of Alaska, in the northwest corner of the US, is not part of the continental US; it is separated from the rest of the USA by Canada. Similarly, Hawaii is not part of the “lower 48” states; it lies in the central Pacific Ocean.
The country’s dependent territories are offshore and have distinct geographies of their own; the majority are islands.
The third-largest country in the world (after the Russian Federation and Canada), the USA has an enormous diversity of geographical features, including mountains, plains, and coastal zones. Though there are many cities that are densely populated with more manmade features than natural ones, there are also vast rural areas that are far more sparsely populated. The climate ranges from subtropical to arctic, with a corresponding breadth of flora and fauna.
General knowledge
Key facts
Population: 319 millions (estimate 2018)
Capital: Washington, DC.
Language
English, with significant Spanish-speaking minorities.
Currency
US Dollar (USD; symbol $) = 100 cents. Notes are in denominations of $100, 50, 20, 10, 5, 2 and 1, though the $2 bill is rare and is not in high circulation. Coins are in denominations of $1, and 50, 25, 10, 5 and 1 cents.
Electricity
120 volts AC, 60Hz. Plugs have two flat pins with or without a third round grounding pin.
Public holidays
Listed below are the public holidays for the period January 2020 to December 2021.
Note
States can recognize other days as state holidays that are not federal holidays.
2020
New Year’s Day: 1 January 2020
Martin Luther King Day: 20 January 2020
President’s Day: 17 February 2020
Memorial Day: 25 May 2020
Independence Day: 3 and 4 July 2020
Labor Day: 7 September 2020
Columbus Day: 12 October 2020
Veterans Day: 11 November 2020
Thanksgiving Day: 26 November 2020
Christmas: 25 December 2020
2021
New Year’s Day: 1 January 2021
Martin Luther King Day: 18 January 2021
President’s Day: 15 February 2021
Memorial Day: 31 May 2021
Independence Day: 4 and 5 July 2021
Labor Day: 6 September 2021
Columbus Day: 11 October 2021
Veterans Day: 11 November 2021
Thanksgiving Day: 25 November 2021
Christmas: 25 December 2021
All information subject to change.
Flight and accommodation
Nightlife in Tampa
It’s in Florida, it’s on the coast – it follows that Tampa also has a great nightlife offering.
From sleek cocktail bars to pulsing dancefloors, the city has something to suit all tastes.
Blue Martini Lounge
FL 33607 Tampa
USA
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Offering 42 different takes on Martini, this Latin-flavoured nightspot often features live music.
Jackson’s
FL 33602 Tampa
USA
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Notable for its waterfront terrace and outdoor cabanas, this is a stylish option for a drink. There’s also a bistro.
Splitsville
FL 33602 Tampa
USA
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An enjoyable vintage-style bowling alley, with food and drink also on offer.
Castle Ybor
FL 33605 Tampa
USA
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Drawing an alternative crowd, this will give you a good introduction to Ybor City’s offbeat charm.
Four Green Fields
FL 33606 Tampa
USA
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An Irish bar with a thatched roof and live entertainment.
Flight and accommodation
Restaurants in Tampa
Offering waterfront bars and bistros by the dozen, Tampa’s restaurant scene also serves up great seafood and Spanish dishes – as well as a good range of all-American classics.
Bern’s Steakhouse
FL 33606 Tampa
USA
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Price: Expensive
A local institution serving up old-style steaks and boasting a separate dessert room.
Vino e Pasta
FL 33611 Tampa
USA
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Price: Moderate
A good Italian restaurant with an extensive wine list and a long choice of pasta sauces.
Roy’s
FL 33607 Tampa
USA
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Price: Moderate
There’s decent Hawaiian fusion cuisine on offer at this chain restaurant.
Fly Bar & Restaurant
FL 33602 Tampa
USA
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Price: Moderate
A funky urban eatery where art, music and food combine to winning effect.
Kojak’s House of Ribs
FL 33611 Tampa
USA
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Price: Cheap
A family-owned rib joint drawing in locals and visitors for more than 35 years.
Flight and accommodation
Calendar of events
Beer, Bourbon & BBQ Festival
Sure to get you licking your lips, this foodie-boozie fest arrives in Tampa in mid-February. Visitors can chow on barbecued chicken and ribs or pulled pork from whole roasted hogs, then slurp as much bourbon and beer as they can handle. Live rock, blues and bluegrass bands entertain the crowds.
Cuban Sandwich Festival
Piled high with ham, pork, salami, Swiss cheese and pickles, Cuban sandwiches have been a hugely popular lunchtime treat since early Cuban immigrants first arrived in Tampa Bay over a century ago. Chefs now battle it out annually for the title of best Cuban sandwich in the USA.
Festa Italiana
Showcasing the best of Italian culture, this three-day festival is packed with tasty treats and entertainment. From wine tasting and grape stomping to cooking competitions and a singing contest, there’s plenty to enjoy. The highlight is the Sunday procession and festival, where you can tuck into every Italian dish imaginable.
Sunset Music Festival
Two days of pumping beats bring hordes of electronic music fans to this Memorial Day weekend festival. The likes of Benny Benassi and David Guetta have spun the decks here, and the party atmosphere is usually as electric as the tunes.
St Pete Pride Festival and Parade
Florida’s LGBT community converges on St Petersburg (across the bay) for the state’s biggest pride event. The three-day festival kicks off with a rocking concert on the Friday, followed by a vibrant parade on the Saturday and a festival crammed with exhibits, music stages and food stalls on the Sunday.
Tampa International Gay & Lesbian Film Festival
This specialist film festival is a juried competition screening with a terrific selection of movies for or about the LGBT community. Glitzy parties, lively panel discussions and retrospectives are all part of the nine-day event, which has been on the go for a quarter of a century.
All information subject to change. Please check the dates on the relevant event organizer’s website.
Flight and accommodation
Hotels in Tampa
Tampa’s status as a business hub for the region means there’s no shortage of sizeable corporate hotels, some of which hold real holiday appeal.
A lot of the main American chains have presence here.
Grand Hyatt Tampa Bay
FL 33607 Tampa
USA
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Category: Expensive
This first-rate hotel is situated in Old Tampa Bay, close to the airport. It offers a choice of over 400 bright, spacious rooms, suites and casitas (small Spanish-style villas) as well as modern business facilities.
Intercontinental Tampa
FL 33609 Tampa
USA
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Category: Expensive
A reliably smart option for business and leisure guests.
Holiday Inn Tampa Westshore
FL 33609 Tampa
USA
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Category: Moderate
Close to the airport, with the usual mid-range amenities – and unlimited M&Ms.
Quality Inn & Suites Ybor City
FL 33605 Tampa
USA
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Category: Moderate
Open since 2009, this hotel is an ideal address for tourists and business travelers alike, located as it is within easy reach of both Tampa Convention Center and the many attractions of the lively Ybor City neighborhood. Its spacious rooms are practically and comfortably appointed. An outside swimming pool and conference facilities are also available to guests.
Floridan Palace
FL 33602 Tampa
USA
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Category: Moderate
This 213-room hotel in downtown Tampa first opened its doors in 1926, making it one of the oldest hostelries in town. The lobby and restaurant both boast an opulent decor, while ornamental touches and gold details adorn the rooms. For all its old-world charm, the hotel has an extensive range of modern technical facilities lined up for its guests.
Flight and accommodation
Best of Tampa
Tampa is built on the water: One part of the city occupies a peninsula; another part extends along the mouth of the Hillsborough River. To really explore Tampa, visitors should be prepared for a lot of splishing and splashing – five places to enjoy the watery element.
Weedon Island Preserve
St. Petersburg
FL 33702
Vereinigte Staaten
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Wherever you look, whichever corner you turn in and around Tampa, you will always find yourself back by the water. On it and beside it, people pursue sports, now demonstrating their prowess on boards, now explaining the art of casting a line. Best ask a local if you want to find the top kayak spots in the area because the Weedon Island Preserve in the northwest of Tampa Bay is not so easy to find. Once you’ve made it there, you will be rewarded with a meandering, seven-kilometer paddling trail that takes you through seagrass flats and mangrove labyrinth with cranes and ibises for company. Sweetwater Kayaks delivers your boat – or if you prefer, a stand-up paddleboard – straight to the launch site.
Single kayaks cost 17 dollars for one hour, 34 for two hours, and 40 for four hours. Double kayaks cost 25 dollars for one hour, 50 dollars for two hours and 56 dollars for four hours.
Frenchy’s Rockaway Grill
FL 33767
USA
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Floridians love their seafood. If such a thing as an official Gulf Coast sandwich existed, the filling would doubtless be half a grouper. Universally venerated for its firm, white flesh, here the grouper can be pulled out of the water right on the doorstep. Ask anyone in Tampa and you will be told that Frenchy’s Rockaway Grill in Clearwater Beach serves the best grouper sandwiches hereabouts. But there’s not consensus of whether the deep-fried or grilled version is best.
Manatee Viewing Center
Apollo Beach
FL 33572
USA
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Openening times:
November through April
In wintertime, the water temperature falls below 20 degrees in Tampa Bay. That’s when the manatees, or sea cows, begin to look for somewhere to keep warm. One of the most reliable places to spot one is the electricity company’s Manatee Viewing Center just half an hour south of downtown Tampa. Where the power station discharges its cooling water back into the bay, a kind of warm bath for sea cows has been created here. There’s an observation tower and a short trail, and both are open to the public. Admission is free.
Caladesi Island State Park
Dunedin
FL 34698
USA
Phone + 727-4 69 59 18
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Caladesi Island, one of the few untouched islands on the Gulf Coast, lies north of Clearwater Beach. There are no hotels or shopping malls here, but your chances of being accompanied by dolphins on the 20-minute ferry crossing are good. The beach, six kilometers of pristine white sandy, is the perfect place to hunt for shells in calm, clear waters. A five-kilometer hiking trail will bring you to the center of the island, where lush vegetation grows rampantly in all directions. If you prefer traveling by water, you can also rent a kayak and paddle through the mangroves.
At Romantic Honeymoon Island, you can rent a single kayak for 15 dollars an hour or 50 dollars for the whole day. Double kayaks cost double.
Clearwater Beach
Clearwater, Florida 33767
USA
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Sometimes, when the sun creeps below the horizon, it seems as though the last rays glow green in a final surge of light before disappearing altogether. On clear evenings, people sit watching for it on the sand in the small town of Clearwater Beach, just half an hour from the airport. The magazine USA Today named it the “best beach town in Florida.” During the evening sundown festivities, street artists strut their stuff on Pier 60. Some juggle, others play guitar, still others cause some alarm and lots of laughter as they stumble along the boardwalk dressed as pirates.
Flight and accommodation
Best time to visit
Today: Friday, 15.01.2021 07:00 UTC

cloudy
temperature
13°C
wind direction
southwind speed
4.375 mphhumidity
87%7 days forecast
Saturday
16.01.2021
16°C / 12°C
Sunday
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15°C / 8°C
Monday
18.01.2021
16°C / 9°C
Tuesday
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18°C / 8°C
Wednesday
20.01.2021
21°C / 13°C
Thursday
21.01.2021
21°C / 17°C
Friday
22.01.2021
20°C / 16°C
Climate & best time to visit USA
The United States has varied weather conditions, and the best time to visit depends both upon the location and the season. Spring (March, April, May) and autumn (September and October) are generally cooler, more comfortable times to visit. Summer months – June, July, and August – are generally hot regardless of the region, but winter temperatures (November-February) can vary substantially depending upon the part of the US you are visiting. The southern part of the country tends to be warmer in the winter than the north. The general climate of the continental US is temperate, but keep in mind that Hawaii is tropical and Alaska is arctic. Many of the country’s dependent territories, such as Guam, Puerto Rico, and the US Virgin Islands, are also tropical.
Summer is considered the peak tourist season throughout the country; other popular travel times are major American holidays, especially Thanksgiving and Christmas, as well as Easter Week and the school holiday known as Spring Break. Certain destinations, such as New York, are perennial favourites and are busy year-round; even when the weather may not be pleasant, these destinations have particular attractions or experiences that always draw travellers. In some parts of the country, travel services may be limited during the low or off-season, largely due to weather conditions.
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absolute max | absolute min | Ø absolute max | Ø absolute min | relative humidity | Ø precipitation | days with deposit > 1mm | sunshine duration | |
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Jan | 30 °C | -6 °C | 21 °C | 10 °C | 75 % | 51 mm | 5 | 6.4 h |
Feb | 31 °C | -4 °C | 21 °C | 10 °C | 73 % | 78 mm | 6 | 7.2 h |
Mar | 32 °C | -1 °C | 24 °C | 13 °C | 72 % | 77 mm | 5 | 8.6 h |
Apr | 33 °C | 4 °C | 27 °C | 16 °C | 69 % | 29 mm | 3 | 10.0 h |
May | 36 °C | 9 °C | 30 °C | 19 °C | 70 % | 79 mm | 5 | 10.1 h |
Jun | 37 °C | 11 °C | 31 °C | 22 °C | 74 % | 139 mm | 10 | 9.3 h |
Jul | 36 °C | 17 °C | 32 °C | 23 °C | 77 % | 167 mm | 13 | 8.6 h |
Aug | 36 °C | 19 °C | 32 °C | 23 °C | 78 % | 193 mm | 14 | 8.0 h |
Sep | 35 °C | 13 °C | 31 °C | 22 °C | 78 % | 152 mm | 10 | 7.4 h |
Oct | 34 °C | 4 °C | 29 °C | 18 °C | 74 % | 51 mm | 5 | 7.5 h |
Nov | 32 °C | -5 °C | 25 °C | 14 °C | 75 % | 45 mm | 4 | 6.7 h |
Dec | 30 °C | -7 °C | 22 °C | 11 °C | 75 % | 55 mm | 5 | 6.2 h |
year | 37 °C | -7 °C | 27 °C | 17 °C | 74 % | 1116 mm | 85 | 8.0 h |
Flight and accommodation
Phone calls & Internet
Telephone/Mobile Telephone
Dialing Code: +1
Telephone
Public telephones have become a rarity, but can still be found here and there. They take coins, telephone cards and credit cards. If you are planning to make regular use of public phones, it’s best to purchase a prepaid calling card from one of the many U.S. providers.
Mobile Telephone
Not all European cell phones work on the American network, since it requires a tri-band or quad-band device. Full network coverage is not always assured outside densely populated areas. Roaming charges are high here, so it is often cheaper to buy a SIM card from a U.S. provider. Low-cost prepaid SIM cards for making calls inside the country can be ordered online before you travel.
Internet
Free Internet access via Wi-Fi is possible in many busy tourist spots. When using unencrypted public Wi-Fi networks, it is not advisable to enter passwords, credit card details or banking credentials. We recommend using VPN app or security software to check Wi-Fi hotspots.
Flight and accommodation
Shopping in Tampa
Key Areas
The historic district of Ybor City has a rainbow spread of different boutiques and retail outlets, making it a good choice for one-off art or fashion purchases. Elsewhere, Hyde Park Village covers seven blocks and plays home to a mix of local, national and international stores, as well as numerous restaurants.
Markets
There are some great fresh produce markets to be aware of. The North Tampa Market (4537 Lowell Road) takes place on the second Saturday of each month and combines crafts, food and music. The Ybor City Saturday Market has been running since 2000 and sells all sorts of local products.
Shopping Centres
Westshore Plaza Shopping Mall (250 Westshore Plaza) is a large enclosed complex with retailers including Old Navy, Sears and Macy’s, while International Plaza and Bay Street (2223 North Westshore Boulevard) is another major mall, offering around 200 stores such as Apple, Gucci and Louis Vuitton.
Flight and accommodation
Traveller etiquette
Social Conventions
Americans are renowned for their openness and friendliness to visitors. The wide variety of national origins and the USA’s relatively short history has resulted in numerous cultural and traditional customs living alongside each other. In large cities, people of the same ethnic background often live within defined communities.
Shaking hands is the usual form of greeting in formal situations and in business meetings. As long as the fundamental rules of courtesy are observed, there need be no fear of offending anyone of any background.
Gifts are appreciated if one is invited to a private home.
As a rule, dress is casual. High-end restaurants, hotels and clubs may require more formal attire.
Smoking is increasingly unpopular in the US; it is essential to ask permission before lighting up. Smoking is not allowed on city transport and restricted or forbidden in public buildings in most states. There will be a posted notice where no smoking is requested. An increasing number of states (including California and New York) have banned smoking altogether in bars, restaurants and many public places.
Flight and accommodation
Health
Main emergency number: 911
Food & Drink
Food in the US is safe to eat, and the conditions under which food is prepared and served are regulated by city, state, and federal health and hygiene agencies. In many jurisdictions, it is mandatory for restaurants to have a certificate of health or hygiene, as well as the current grade they have been assigned, posted visibly.
Although America is famous for its fast food and obesity rates, the local and fresh food movement is very popular in many areas, especially cities, making it easy to eat healthy. A variety of options also makes it easy for people with special dietary needs to find food that suits them, whether their needs are due to health reasons or to religious requirements.
Tap water is considered safe to drink in the US and is often offered in restaurants before bottled water. Bottled water is available throughout the country, however, both in restaurants and shops, for those who prefer not to drink tap water.
Other Risks
The US is generally considered a safe destination for world visitors. Occasional outbreaks of disease, such as West Nile Virus (a mosquito-borne illness) and H1N1 have occurred in recent years, however. Frequent hand-washing and general practices of good hygiene are encouraged to protect oneself against all types of illness.
Another concern with regard to safety is the possibility of terrorist attacks such as the one that occurred on September 11, 2001. City, state, and federal agencies have stringent anti-terrorism practices in place, however, and direct threats are infrequent.
Flight and accommodation
Visa & Immigration
IATA Travel Centre
The IATA Travel Centre delivers accurate passport, visa and health requirement information at a glance. It is a trusted, centralized source for the latest international travel requirements. The IATA Travel Centre is the most accurate source available because it is based on a comprehensive database used by virtually every airline, and information is gathered from official sources worldwide, such as immigration and police authorities.