Stepping Back in Time Visting Ybor City

Tampa’s Historic Ybor City, a designated National Historic Landmark District, stands as one of the city’s most beloved and sought-after tourist destinations. This captivating district is celebrated for its awe-inspiring historical architecture, lively nightlife, and the profound influence of Cuban culture. Steeped in the legacy of the cigar industry and once frequented by the Tampa mob, Ybor City remains a treasure trove of well-preserved historic buildings, including iconic cigar factories, charming restaurants, and vibrant nightlife establishments. It presents visitors with a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in the vibrant tapestry of Cuban heritage and indulge in an unforgettable cultural experience.

Ybor City’s History 

In 1886, Vicente Martínez Ybor founded Ybor City, a cigar manufacturing center in Tampa Bay, Florida. Ybor was a Cuban cigar manufacturer who wanted to create a new cigar manufacturing center in the United States that would be free from the high taxes and regulations of Cuba. After settling briefly in Key West, he chose Tampa because of its warm climate, which was ideal for the tobacco, and its proximity to the port of Tampa, which made it easy to ship cigars to other parts of the country.

Ybor City quickly became a major cigar manufacturing center, and by the early 1900s, it had become home to over 20,000 residents. The cigar factories in the district employed a significant number of Cuban immigrants, establishing Ybor City as a thriving center of Cuban culture in the United States.

In addition to cigar manufacturing, Ybor City housed various other industries, including brewing, phosphate mining, and tourism. The area’s cigar factories led to the district becoming a focal point of labor activism. In 1910, Ybor City witnessed a significant strike led by cigar workers who demanded improved wages and working conditions. Lasting several months, the strike concluded with a victory for the workers, representing a pivotal moment in the history of the labor movement in the United States.

However, the decline of the cigar industry in the mid-20th century led Ybor City into disrepair. Until the district experienced a renaissance in the 1980s, undergoing revitalization efforts that have transformed it into the thriving tourist destination it is today.

Visiting Tampa Bay’s Ybor City 

To make the most of your visit to Historic Ybor City take some time to roam the streets, watch the cigar rollers, eat in the restaurants, and take in a few of the small museums. 

Ybor City Museums 

The Ybor City Museum State Park vividly recounts the district’s history, from its founding in the 1880s by cigar manufacturers to its current status as a vibrant cultural center. Visitors can also learn about the district’s history through exhibits and artifacts.

The Tampa Baseball Museum is a great place to learn about the history of baseball in Tampa Bay. The museum is located in the childhood home of Al Lopez, who was a Hall of Fame manager for the Chicago White Sox and the Tampa Bay Devil Rays. The museum features exhibits on Lopez’s career, as well as on the history of baseball in Tampa Bay. Visitors can learn about the early days of baseball in Tampa Bay when teams like the Tampa Smokers and the Tampa Tarpons played in the city. The Tampa Baseball Museum is a great place for baseball fans of all ages to learn about the history of the game in Tampa Bay through exhibits and interactive displays.

J.C. Newman Cigar Factory Tour offers a deep dive into the rich history of cigar-making in the United States and a tour through the working factory. Within the walls of the factory, you will observe machine-made cigars, as well as, hand-rolled cigars. You can even sign up for a hand-rolling cigar class. 

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Explore the district further by taking a guided walking tour by knowledgeable experts.

While not a museum, you can’t miss the opportunity to visit Cuba while in Ybor City. That’s right, you won’t need a passport for this trip to Cuba. Parque Amigos de Jose Marti (Friends of Jose Marti Park) was donated to the Republic of Cuba in 1956, three years before the Cuban Revolution. The Batista administration officially accepted the property, and the park is still owned by the Cuban government.

The small park is located on the site of Paulina Pedroso’s old boarding house and is now home to some of Ybor City’s roaming chickens. Pedroso was a friend of Jose Julian Marti Perez, a Cuban national hero. Marti stayed at the boarding house during many visits and recovered from an assassination attempt there in 1892. It is now under the management of the Cuban Historical and Cultural Center. The park contains soil from each of Cuba’s provinces and a memorial statue of Jose Marti Perez.

The park was once home to clashes between pro-Castro and anti-Castro Cubans, but today it is a peaceful place to reflect on Cuban history and culture. The park is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 am to 1:30 pm, but the park can always be viewed through the fencing.

Where to Grab a Bite in Ybor City 

Take a Ybor City food tour to grab bites from several of the local restaurants, but leave time for two special visits.  

The Columbia Restaurant is Florida’s oldest restaurant. For more than 100 years (since 1905), this family-owned restaurant is still hosting memories while serving up Spanish-Cuban cuisine.  Designated “one of America’s most historic restaurants” by USA Today, the space expands over a city block. Once inside you will be tucked into smaller rooms for a cozy feel while you sip their sangria and dine. (You will find a few locations across the city and even in the airport, but this is the original.) 

El Segunda Bakery was established just a few years after The Columbia in 1915. Born from Juan Moré’s love of authentic Cuban bread, the bakery is still following his guidelines four generations later. The building in Ybor City is one of the landmark buildings. Inside you will find amazing Cuban sandwiches, pastries, and, of course, authentic Cuban bread. Unfortunately, there is no seating so this is a to-go option only. 

Ybor City’s Nightlife 

The once bustling factories have given way to tourism and a robust nightlife. With its wide array of bars, clubs, and late-night restaurants. Club Prana stands out with its multilevel layout and eclectic mix of music genres. While The Castle is renowned for its Gothic ambiance and attracts those interested in an immersive dance club experience.  Beer lovers will be in paradise at The Brass Tap with their impressive selection of more than 100 brews on tap. Meanwhile, live music enthusiasts’ go-to is The Bricks Ybor where they find up-and-coming bands. 

Embrace the vibrant allure of Ybor City’s nightlife and experience the excitement for yourself!

Festivals in Ybor City 

Finally, immerse yourself in the festive spirit by attending the various festivals and events held in the district throughout the year. Ybor City hosts a variety of festivals throughout the year, each offering its own unique experience. The Gasparilla Pirate Festival takes place in January, followed by the Ybor City Cinco de Mayo Festival in May. In October, the district celebrates Ybor City Oktoberfest, and the year concludes with the Ybor City Christmas Festival in December.

Whether you’re captivated by history, culture, or culinary experiences, Historic Ybor City is an excellent choice for exploration. Blending Cuban and American influences, the district presents a dynamic and exciting atmosphere.