District · Tampa

Downtown Tampa

Hillsborough River core of Tampa with the Riverwalk, museums, Channelside and Water Street

Downtown Tampa is the city's central business district, set on the east bank of the Hillsborough River where the waterfront bends into the Garrison Channel.

Most visitors explore along the Riverwalk, which links Armature Works and Water Works Park with Curtis Hixon, Sparkman Wharf and the Florida Aquarium.

TampaUpdated October 2026

Known for

  • Tampa Riverwalk
  • Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park
  • Water Street Tampa
  • Channelside waterfront
  • Performing arts venues
  • TECO Line Streetcar

Good for

  • Walkable waterfront
  • Museums and shows
  • Event nights
  • Urban living

Landmarks

  • Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park
  • Tampa Theatre
  • David A. Straz Jr. Center for the Performing Arts
  • Tampa Museum of Art
  • Benchmark International Arena
  • Florida Aquarium

Getting there

Downtown is bounded by the river on the west and I-275 on the north, and the TECO Line Streetcar and HART buses (hub at the Marion Transit Center) serve the core. The Riverwalk and its bridges connect most sights on foot or by bike.

Where to eat, drink and play in Downtown Tampa

30 places in Downtown Tampa made our Tampa Bay guides, including Watervüe Grille, Beacon, Oxford Exchange. Each one links to the guide that picked it.

Pins match the numbers below. Showing 30 spots in Downtown Tampa.

Eat
Drink
Get Outside
Things to Do
Stay & Relax

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Upcoming events in Downtown Tampa

Zumba in the Park
Free
Zumba in the Park
Tue, Nov 3
Mayor's Food Truck Party
Free
Mayor's Food Truck Party
Wed, Nov 4
Free Pilates Mat Class at Sparkman Wharf
Free
Free Pilates Mat Class at Sparkman Wharf
Wed, Nov 4
Art on the House at Tampa Museum of Art
Free
Art on the House at Tampa Museum of Art
Thu, Nov 5
Rock the Park
Free
Rock the Park
Thu, Nov 5
Misery (Jobsite Theater)
Paid
Misery (Jobsite Theater)
Now through Nov 8