Queer Travel Guide to Tampa’s Ybor City
Nestled in the heart of Tampa Bay lies the historic neighborhood of Ybor City. Sometimes called GaYbor City due to its proximity to the area’s gay bars on 7th Avenue, this Floridian locale offers much more than just nightlife to queer travelers.
Ybor City is rooted in a rich culture and is known as being where Tampa Bay’s historical roots lie. Founded in 1886 by Vicente Martinez Ybor, the city quickly became known as the “cigar capital of the world” due to the immense number of cigar factories that were in operation. Now, even though most of the factories are gone, the community still honors its history and is filled with shops, restaurants and art galleries that honor the Cuban, Italian and Spanish heritage that helped shape it.
The following is our queer guide to Ybor City.
Stay
Hotel Haya
Named after Ignacio Haya, who is said to have rolled the first cigar in Tampa, Hotel Haya is located directly on 7th Avenue and is the perfect spot to become fully immersed in Ybor culture. The hotel is deeply rooted in the community’s Cuban heritage, with period fabrics and colors such as blue, red, brown and gold. The hotel is just steps away from the many shops and restaurants of Ybor, or guests can choose to stay in and relax by the secluded pool area.
Explore
J.C. Newman Cigar Co.
Housed in a 111-year-old cigar factory, J.C. Newman Cigar Co. has been handcrafting cigars for four generations. Visitors to the cigar company can tour the factory, browse the curated selection of cigars in the store and even take a hand-rolling class.
Ybor City Historic Walking Tours
Experience Ybor City on foot with Ybor City Historic Walking Tours. Visitors can explore the neighborhood’s fascinating history with a knowledgeable guide and learn first-hand how Cigar City came to be.
TECO Streetcar
Looking to take a load off but not done exploring? The TECO Streetcar has multiple stops in Ybor City and surrounding areas to see all the city has to offer while saving some steps.
Eat & Drink
Flor Fina
Enjoy a culinary experience with flavor and flair at Flor Fina. The Latin American and Mediterranean inspired restaurant offers an evolving rotation of ceviche and an expansive array of cocktails to enjoy while mingling in one of the many lounging areas.
Columbia Restaurant
The Columbia is Florida’s oldest restaurant and fills an entire block of Ybor City. The restaurant is known for its delicious menu of Spanish dishes and their Flamenco performances that run five days a week.
Coppertail Brewing Co.
Enjoy one of the 20 unique rotating beers at Coppertail Brewing Co while learning about the 100-year-old building and the history of the brewery. Those wanting to take a deeper dive into the brewing world can attend a tour of the brewery while sampling a few beers.
Nightlife
Tampa has a pretty diverse selection of clubs and bars to choose from, all just steps from Hotel Haya. If you are looking to cut loose without worrying about the need to drive or find transportation, then the itinerary listed below will be a dream come true and legitimately represents some of the best nightlife that Ybor City/ Tampa has to offer!
Reservoir Bar
To start your night try Reservoir Bar, a friendly local LGBT haunt where you can shoot pool, watch tv and just hang out in a low pressure, no-frills type of environment.
Bradley’s on 7th
Right next door to Reservoir Bar you’ll find Bradley’s on 7th. Their tagline is “Drink. Divas. Dance.”; which pretty much sums up the experience. Go for the drag queens, stay for the beats. There’s never a cover charge here but be sure to tip the queens!
Southern Nights Tampa
If you’re looking for entertainment and dancing, then you’ll love Southern Nights Tampa which is literally across the street from the hotel. Featuring renowned DJs, drag shows, gogo boys and fabulous cocktail specials all night long, you’ll dance the night away literally steps from your bed.
For more information check out Visit Tampa Bay and Ybor City Online.
