Enjoy Tampa’s Cuban Flavors

You don't need a passport to enjoy the charm of Tampa's Ybor City historic district.

Ybor City (pronounced E-bore) was once home to thousands of Cuban cigar makers and dozens of factories. Now the buildings along La Setima (East Seventh Avenue) are abuzz with shops, restaurants, and dance clubs. By day the streets are filled with tourists. By night they're nearly as raucous as Bourbon Street.

Start the day with breakfast at La Tropicana Café, a favorite morning gathering place for locals. Order the traditional Ybor breakfast―Cuban toast, café con leche, and an egg Cuban; (813) 247-4040.

Empty cigar boxes make great souvenirs. Most of the shops sell them for $2 to $10 each. You can find stacks at King Corona Cigars; (813) 241-9109.