Fashion & Shopping
When you're not at the beach or hanging out with loved ones, Tampa is an excellent place to shop, with brand bargains to be found all over the place. Discover your Tampa shopping adventure. From national names and elite designers to local boutiques and bargain outlets, Tampa Bay’s diverse shopping scene is the perfect fit for any style or price range. With both large malls and eclectic shopping districts, the shopping deals in Tampa Bay are endless.
Many of Tampa's shopping malls and centers are open-air to take advantage of all the beautiful sunny days. If you're looking to experience some of Tampa's rich ethnic history while exploring unique and eclectic boutiques and gift stores, then Ybor City is where you should go. After enjoying a day of shopping and exploring, you can sample the neighborhood's popular restaurants, bars and nightclubs.
If you're looking for an open-air option that is a little more manicured and orderly there are a couple of planned shopping villages as well. The most popular is Hyde Park Village. Located in one of Tampa's most exclusive neighborhoods, this shopping district features a mix of trendy shops and boutiques with some high-end dining options located close by.
For convenience, accessibility, selection and most-importantly, air conditioning, there are several well-designed and well-maintained modern options to choose from. For the best of both worlds, check out the upscale and conveniently located International Plaza. This large indoor mall features a great mix of luxury retailers and department stores with an outdoor area called Bay Street that hosts a few really good restaurants and bars as well.
University Mall
University Mall is conveniently located neighborhood shopping center near Busch Gardens, Adventure Island, USF and the Museum of Science and Industry (MOSI). Fondly referred to as "U-Mall," the complex underwent an $11 million renovation in 2008 and popular amenities were added such as a play area and Wi-Fi lounge. The Mall offers Sears, Macy's, Dillard's and Burlington Coat Factory as its anchor stores along with 140 more shops featuring men's and women's apparel, jewelry, sports equipment, and much more. If you get hungry there is a variety of dining choice in their large food court. (813-971-3465)
Channelside Bay Plaza
This waterside collection of retailers, nightlife, and restaurants is centered on an attractive, European-style brick plaza that features palm trees, fountains and umbrella-shaded tables. An urban oasis of sorts, Channelside offers the downtown crowd a pleasant escape from their steel and glass offices. The popular shops here carry wares ranging from premium cigars, coffee and wine to oil paintings and tropical apparel. In addition, the center features a handful of restaurants including the popular Thai Thani and Hooter's. If you like bowling, check out Splitsville that combines a modern, well-maintained bowling alley with an upscale restaurant and lounge.
Westfield Citrus Park
The goal in the design of Citrus Park was to lend an outdoor feel to an indoor mall, with wide boulevards, lots of windows, and burbling fountains. Amidst this delightful "Main Street" decor, a variety of 150-plus stores, including Dillard's, Gap, Macy's, Abercrombie & Fitch and the area's largest Pottery Barn, enable visitors to shop 'til they drop into a plush movie theater seat to catch a flick. If you need a break, the food court is one of the best in town and there are also 5 sit-down restaurants including BJ's Brewery and Red Robin Gourmet Burgers.
Ybor City
This historic district, named after a 19th-century cigar maker, lies northeast of downtown and is pronounced "Ee-bore" City. Latin culture and historic architecture endow it with grace; the eclectic boutiques, nightclubs and restaurants lining the streets give it energy and character. Perhaps the most lively part of the city, Ybor is pedestrian-friendly, especially along Seventh Avenue hosting shoppers, explorers, strollers and club-goers. The district is a great place to buy cigars, listen to jazz, and get a feel for the heartbeat of Tampa. Centro Ybor, a one-stop shopping and entertainment venue at the junction of Seventh Avenue and Nineteenth Street, attracts crowds with upscale restaurants, clubs and shopping.
International Plaza & Bay Street
When International Plaza was built, it changed the shopping landscape in Tampa. Located right next to the airport, it's our "fancy" mall, with shops that had not previously been in the Tampa market like Nordstrom's and Gucci. The mall features three upscale department department stores and over 200 high-end specialty shops. In addition to great shopping, International Plaza is an entertainment center featuring over 30 eateries and bars either within the mall or on Bay Street, the adjacent open-air village of fine restaurants and small boutiques. If you need a quick Burberry, Tiffany, or Louis Vuitton fix while in town, head to International Plaza.
