by Drew Newman | Jul 16, 2025 | About the Company

Discover the Heart of Historic Ybor City
Nestled just northeast of downtown Tampa, Ybor City is one of Florida’s most unique and culturally rich destinations. Known as the cigar capital of the world and affectionately referred to as cigar city, this historic district blends old-world charm with vibrant modern energy. With its red-brick streets, wrought iron balconies, and stories from a bygone era, historic Ybor feels like stepping into another time—while still offering all the fun, food, and flair today’s travelers crave.
Founded in the 1880s by Vicente Martinez-Ybor, the town was built on the success of the cigar making industry. Immigrants from Cuba, Spain, and Italy helped turn this part of Tampa into a booming hub of production and culture. Today, their legacy lives on through the district’s cigar shops, cigar rollers, historic landmarks, and museums. Whether you’re drawn by the scent of Cuban coffee, the rhythm of live music, or the thrill of discovering unforgettable experiences, Ybor City delivers.

From self-guided exhibits and audio information at heritage sites to special events, open-air markets, and buzzing restaurants, there’s something here for every type of traveler. Whether you’re a local looking to rediscover a Tampa classic or an out of town visitor planning your next trip, this guide will help you experience the best that Ybor has to offer.
Let’s dive in—starting with a behind-the-scenes look at one of Ybor’s crown jewels: the iconic El Reloj cigar factory.
1. Take a Tour of J.C. Newman’s Cigar Factory, El Reloj
If you’re looking for an authentic, unforgettable experience in Ybor City, your first stop should be the J.C. Newman Cigar Factory, known locally as El Reloj. This impressive brick building, located in the heart of historic Ybor City, is the last operating cigar factory in the United States. Housed in a century-old structure that dates back to 1910, it’s a living testament to Tampa’s identity as the cigar capital of the world.

Visitors can take a self-guided tour through the on-site cigar museum, where you’ll find written and audio information about the area’s rich cultural history, the cigar industry, and the legacy of the Newman family. Inside, antique hand-operated machines still clatter away, rolling cigars just as they did in the early 20th century. You’ll watch skilled cigar rollers at work and even peek inside restored offices and the building’s basement, complete with historical photos and documents that tell the story of cigar-making in the Tampa Bay area.
For those looking for a deeper dive, El Reloj also offers guided tours led by knowledgeable staff. These guided experiences provide added insight into the cigar-making process, the building’s architectural details, and the role this factory continues to play in the local community and the global cigar industry.
Guests can also sign up for a cigar rolling class and learn the intricate art of rolling their own cigar under the guidance of a master roller. The factory also offers a tobacco tasting seminar, where you’ll explore the different types of tobaccos used in premium cigars and how they influence flavor, aroma, and burn.

There’s a cozy lounge where you can relax, as well as a factory store with exclusive blends. Whether you’re a cigar aficionado or a curious first-timer, visiting El Reloj provides a deep and immersive introduction to the roots of cigar city and the legacy of historic Ybor.

factory store
2. Have Lunch at Columbia Restaurant

No visit to Ybor City is complete without a meal at the Columbia Restaurant. Established in 1905, it’s not only the oldest restaurant in Florida but also one of the most iconic dining destinations in the Tampa Bay area. Located on 7th Avenue in the heart of Ybor, this family-owned restaurant has been serving authentic Spanish-Cuban cuisine for over a century.
When you step inside, you’re instantly immersed in a space that feels like a living museum. The colorful tiles, stained-glass windows, and ornate dining rooms are steeped in tradition. The experience goes beyond just food—there’s a palpable sense of history in every corner, making it a true Tampa classic.
The menu is a celebration of flavor and heritage. Their famous 1905 Salad, prepared tableside with Swiss cheese, ham, and a tangy garlic dressing, is a must-try. Pair it with a warm bowl of Spanish bean soup or their legendary Cuban sandwich, made with freshly baked Cuban bread and perfectly seasoned roast pork. If you’re in the mood for something heartier, the paella or ropa vieja will transport you straight to Havana.
In the evenings, Columbia often hosts flamenco dance performances, adding even more depth to the dining experience.
3. Stroll Down 7th Avenue (La Séptima)
Ybor City’s main artery, 7th Avenue—known to locals as La Séptima—is a destination in itself. This vibrant street, which has been designated one of the Great Streets in America, is lined with historic buildings, neon signs, local businesses, and the unmistakable rhythm of a neighborhood alive with personality.
Whether you’re starting your day with a cup of Cuban coffee from a sidewalk café or catching the scent of hand-rolled cigars drifting out of open doors, the experience here is immersive. You’ll pass cigar shops staffed by master cigar rollers, vintage boutiques, quirky art galleries, and live music venues that come alive as the sun sets.

From Centro Ybor, the neighborhood’s central shopping and entertainment hub, to rooftop bars with sweeping views of the city, 7th Avenue captures the eclectic soul of this historic district.
4. Grab a Café con Leche at La Segunda Bakery

La Segunda Central Bakery has been baking its signature Cuban bread since 1915 and is a cornerstone of Tampa’s Cuban-American heritage. Located just outside the main drag of 7th Avenue, this bakery is a local favorite and a must-visit for anyone looking to taste true Cuban flavor.
Order a café con leche and a guava and cheese pastry for a quick but flavorful start to your day. Their Cuban sandwiches are legendary, and the fresh loaves of bread are an essential part of Tampa’s culinary scene. It’s casual, quick, and full of character.
5. Spot the Roaming Chickens
One of the most charming and quirky features of Ybor is its free-roaming chickens. These birds, protected by city ordinance, roam the streets of historic Ybor with confidence and flair.
You’ll spot them near Centennial Park, around Centro Ybor, and strutting along sidewalks with colorful feathers and zero hesitation. These chickens are living remnants of the town’s early immigrant days and have become beloved mascots of the Ybor community.
6. Take a Wine or Spirits Tour at Florida Cane Distillery
For a modern taste of Tampa’s craft scene, head to Florida Cane Distillery. This small-batch distillery offers tours and tastings of its locally made vodka, moonshine, rum, and gin. You’ll learn about their distillation process, sample infused spirits, and even grab a cocktail crafted with seasonal flavors.
It’s located just off 7th Avenue and is a fun way to explore the creative spirit of the Tampa Bay area—perfect for couples, friends, and anyone interested in handcrafted drinks.
7. Catch a Show at the Historic Tampa Improv
Located in Centro Ybor, the Tampa Improv (now known as Funny Bone Comedy Club) combines history and humor in one unforgettable venue. Set in a former cigar factory, this comedy club hosts nationally known acts and up-and-coming comedians in an intimate, brick-walled space.
With a full food and drink menu, it’s an ideal spot for date night, group outings, or solo visitors looking for a laugh. Surrounding bars and restaurants make it easy to enjoy a full night out in the heart of historic Ybor.
8. Visit the Ybor City Museum State Park

Housed in the historic Ferlita Bakery, the Ybor City Museum State Park tells the story of how this town was built by Cuban, Spanish, and Italian immigrants. Inside you’ll find self-guided exhibits, video presentations, and tobacco artifacts that bring Ybor’s past to life.
Outside, the urban park features a lush Mediterranean-style garden and restored cigar worker homes called casitas. It’s a peaceful, educational stop just steps from the buzz of the main street.
9. Attend a Festival or Market at Centennial Park
Centennial Park is Ybor’s community gathering space and the site of its famous Saturday market. On weekends, the park fills with vendors selling handmade goods, cigars, art, local food, and more. It’s a laid-back way to enjoy local culture and pick up a few souvenirs.
The park also hosts seasonal events, food truck festivals, and live music performances throughout the year, making it one of the most active urban parks in Tampa.
10. Take a Ybor City Ghost Tour

After dark, uncover the mysterious side of Ybor with a guided ghost tour. These nighttime walking tours wind through the historic district’s most haunted spots, revealing tales of restless spirits, former cigar workers, and eerie old hotels.
Even if you’re skeptical of the supernatural, the storytelling and history alone make it a fun, memorable way to experience the city at night.
11. Dance the Night Away at One of Ybor’s Legendary Clubs
Ybor’s energy doesn’t stop at sunset. With dance clubs like Club Prana—featuring five themed floors and a rooftop bar—and venues like The Ritz Ybor hosting concerts and DJ sets, nightlife is a big part of what makes this neighborhood so fun.
Whether you’re sipping drinks on a patio or hitting the dance floor, Ybor offers a vibrant mix of music, art, and celebration that makes it a go-to for weekend nights in the Tampa Bay area.
Tips for Visiting Ybor City
Ybor is best explored on foot, so wear comfortable shoes and plan for sunny weather. The TECO Line streetcar makes it easy to connect from downtown Tampa without worrying about parking. If you do drive, there are garages and lots near Centro Ybor and along 7th Avenue.
Morning and afternoon are great for families, history lovers, and foodies. Evenings are ideal for dinner, drinks, live music, and club-hopping. Stay alert at night as you would in any busy city district and be sure to check for special events before your visit—there’s almost always something happening in Ybor.
Conclusion: Make Your Trip to Ybor City Unforgettable
Ybor City isn’t just a neighborhood—it’s a storybook of Florida’s past, told through its food, architecture, music, and most of all, its people. From the scent of hand-rolled cigars to the flavor of a fresh Cuban sandwich, every corner of this town invites you to slow down, take it in, and savor the experience.
Whether you’re exploring the museums, sipping rum at a local distillery, or dancing the night away, Ybor City delivers an experience like no other. We hope this guide helps you plan the perfect visit to one of Tampa’s most beloved destinations.
So bring your appetite, your curiosity, and your sense of adventure—Ybor is ready to welcome you.