Welcome to the Tampa Walking Tour
Discover Tampa with this self-guided walking audio tour! Stroll along the scenic Tampa Riverwalk and get to know the scenic side of the city, from the Kiley Gardens to the old railroad bridge and beyond. As you explore, you’ll also dig into Tampa’s rich history. Hear all about the city’s founding, trouble with pirates, battles between settlers and Native tribes, and Tampa’s very own cigar mafia. There’s no shortage of sights to see in Tampa, and no shortage of stories to tell!
About the Tour
Your journey begins in MacDill Park, next to the Hillsborough River. From there, you’ll stroll along the Riverwalk, admiring the iconic Hotel Tampa Riverwalk and uncovering its architectural history. Then you’ll head past Kiley Gardens, a serene urban oasis.
As you walk past the site where many of the city’s festivals are held, you’ll find out why one of these festivals is dedicated to pirates from the Golden Age of Piracy! Then, stop for photos of the Old Steel Railroad Bridge, a living piece of Tampa’s history.
Continuing on alongside the river, you’ll dig into the Native tribes who lived here long before settlers arrived, as well as the wars that broke out as they struggled to maintain a grip on their ancestral homeland. Then, find out what role Tampa played in the Civil War as you head toward the Julian B. Lane Riverfront Park.
After walking through this lush park, you’ll get to know the fearsome Trafficante Family and the former crime boss of Ybor City. Then swing by the Henry B. Plant Museum, maybe the most beautiful building in all of Tampa. Your tour concludes here.
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Map Of Tampa
Where To Start?
We recommend Starting From: MacDill Park on the Riverwalk
How Does It Work?
- Once you book a tour, you’ll get a text/email with instructions.
- Download the app (while in good wifi/signal) and use your unique password to access your tours. If there are multiple versions or entrances for your tour, be sure to download all audio guides.
- To begin touring, go to the starting point and launch the app.
- The audio starts automatically once you reach the starting point. Stick to the tour route and speed limit for the best experience.
- Please note that no one will meet you at the starting point.
Preview The Tour
Tour FAQs
Tampa is known for its beautiful beaches and waterfront, the historic Ybor City district (with its Cuban heritage and nightlife), family-friendly attractions like Busch Gardens Tampa Bay and the Florida Aquarium, a thriving culinary scene, professional sports teams (Buccaneers, Lightning, Rays), and its role as a major business and shipping hub.
Generally, the best time to visit Tampa is during the spring (March-May) or fall (October-November) when the weather is pleasant with lower humidity and temperatures in the comfortable 70s and 80s Fahrenheit. Winter is also popular but can be cooler, especially in the evenings. Summers are hot and humid, which might be less appealing for some visitors.
Our Tampa Self-Guided Walking Tour takes you through the city’s historic and cultural heart, including landmarks like Ybor City and the Riverwalk. You’ll explore Tampa’s roots in cigar-making, immigrant history, and vibrant street life with GPS-triggered storytelling. While the tour focuses on downtown, it’s a perfect complement to other popular spots like Busch Gardens, the Florida Aquarium, and nearby beaches like Clearwater and St. Pete.
Absolutely! Tampa is filled with family-friendly attractions like ZooTampa, MOSI, and the Florida Aquarium. Our Self-Guided Walking Tour offers a great educational option for families, letting you explore the city’s history and culture together at your own pace — with plenty of opportunities to stop, snack, and enjoy along the way.