Historic Ybor City Self Guided Audio Tour
Drives & Detours
Discover the vibrant history of Tampa’s Ybor City, known as Cigar City, through a self-guided audio tour. This immersive experience takes you through a neighborhood rich in immigrant stories and cultural diversity, showcasing its evolution from a cigar-manufacturing hub to a thriving community. Explore the significance of mutual aid societies, savor the aroma of fresh Cuban bread, and uncover the stories behind historic landmarks. This tour highlights Ybor's unique blend of cultures and its ongoing commitment to preserving its heritage while embracing the future. — Self-guided audio tour allows you to explore at your own pace — Learn about the diverse immigrant communities that shaped Ybor City — Experience the culinary delights, including the famous Cuban sandwich — Engage with the rich history and vibrant culture of this historic district
Departure Point
- The meeting point is in front of the Tribute to Immigrants Memorial Statue on 9th Avenue. This is between Angel Oliva Senior Street and North 19th Street.
- Columbia Restaurant is found on East 7th Avenue, between North 21st Street and North 22nd Street. It is across the road from the Columbia Centennial Museum.
- Audio guide - English
- Printed guide - English
Points of Interest
Stop At: The Cuban Club2010 N Avenida Republica de Cuba, Tampa, FloridaWalk Ybor’s lively main street, where historic buildings, shops, and cafés capture the neighborhood’s unique energy. Brick sidewalks and wrought-iron balconies make every block a glimpse into the past.Duration: 5 minutesStop At: Ybor City Museum State Park1818 E 9th Ave, , Tampa, FloridaThis stately clubhouse once offered healthcare, education, and social life to Tampa’s Asturian immigrants. The ornate design of the building reflects the pride and perseverance of the community.Duration: Not AvailableStop At: Jose Marti Park1303 E 8th Ave, Tampa, FloridaToday’s Centro Ybor blends modern entertainment with history, built on the site of one of Ybor’s earliest Spanish social clubs. It’s a reminder of how old and new meet in the district.Duration: 5 minutesStop At: Centro Asturiano De Tampa1913 N Nebraska Ave, Tampa, FloridaA gathering place for Tampa’s Cuban community, the Cuban Club hosted dances, plays, and political meetings. Some say its echoing halls are still alive with the spirits of the past.Duration: Not AvailableStop At: King Corona Cigars Cafe and Bar1523 E 7th Ave, , Tampa, FloridaSet in a former bakery, this museum tells the story of immigrant life and cigar-making in Ybor. The surrounding garden offers a peaceful pause amid the neighborhood’s bustle.Duration: Not AvailableStop At: Columbia Restaurant2117 East 7th Avenue, Tampa, FL 33605Founded in 1894, the grand hall of the Italian Club anchored Tampa’s Italian community with healthcare, celebrations, and solidarity. Its elegant design reflects the pride of its founders.Duration: Not AvailableStop At: L'Unione Italiana CemeteryNorth 26th Street, Tampa, FL 33605A small but meaningful green space, this park is dedicated to Cuban independence hero José Martí. The park dedicated to him honors the ties between Ybor City and Cuba’s struggle for freedom.Duration: 5 minutesStop At: Centro Ybor1600 East 8th Avenue, Tampa, FL 33605This church has long served Ybor’s diverse immigrant communities, offering both worship and community connection. Its graceful façade speaks to the enduring role of faith in the neighborhood.Duration: 5 minutesStop At: East 7th AvenueEast 7th Avenue, Tampa, FL At the heart of Ybor, Centennial Park hosts markets, festivals, and community gatherings. This is a great place to pause and soak in the district’s local rhythm.Duration: 5 minutesStop At: Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church1711 East 11th Avenue, Tampa, FL 33605Florida’s oldest restaurant, the Columbia, has been serving Cuban and Spanish dishes since 1905. The tilework and décor of the courtyard are as much a draw as its rich history and excellent food.Duration: Not AvailableStop At: Italian Club of Tampa1731 East 7th Avenue, Tampa, FL 33605Famous for its Cuban bread, La Segunda has been baking since 1915. Stop in to experience one of Tampa’s tastiest traditions.Duration: 5 minutesStop At: Centennial Park1800 East 8th Avenue, Tampa, FL 33605Part cigar lounge, part café, King Corona Cigars captures the spirit of Ybor’s cigar culture. Sip a coffee or smoke a hand-rolled cigar in a setting filled with local character.Duration: 5 minutesStop At: La Segunda Bakery and Cafe2512 North 15th Street, Tampa, FL 33605A gothic nightclub housed in a historic building, The Castle has been a Ybor institution for decades. Its dramatic décor and whispered ghost tales give it an otherworldly charm.Duration: Not AvailableStop At: The Castle2004 North 16th Street, Tampa, FL 33605The historic L'Unione Italiana Cemetery tells the stories of Tampa’s Italian community through names, symbols, and monuments. Some visitors say its stillness carries an uncanny presence.Duration: 5 minutesAdditional Information
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Works entirely offline once downloaded—no cell service required
- GPS-triggered audio plays automatically based on your location
- Flexible - Buy once, use any day/time—access never expires
- Get the Drives & Detours app download the tour ahead of time
- Flexible Usage (unlimited access)
- Audio Guide
- App and Tour Download
- Smartphone (bring your own)
Discover the vibrant history of Tampa’s Ybor City, known as Cigar City, through a self-guided audio tour. This immersive experience takes you through a neighborhood rich in immigrant stories and cultural diversity, showcasing its evolution from a cigar-manufacturing hub to a thriving community. Explore the significance of mutual aid societies, savor the aroma of fresh Cuban bread, and uncover the stories behind historic landmarks. This tour highlights Ybor's unique blend of cultures and its ongoing commitment to preserving its heritage while embracing the future. — Self-guided audio tour allows you to explore at your own pace — Learn about the diverse immigrant communities that shaped Ybor City — Experience the culinary delights, including the famous Cuban sandwich — Engage with the rich history and vibrant culture of this historic district
Departure Point
- The meeting point is in front of the Tribute to Immigrants Memorial Statue on 9th Avenue. This is between Angel Oliva Senior Street and North 19th Street.
- Columbia Restaurant is found on East 7th Avenue, between North 21st Street and North 22nd Street. It is across the road from the Columbia Centennial Museum.
- Audio guide - English
- Printed guide - English
Points of Interest
Stop At: The Cuban Club2010 N Avenida Republica de Cuba, Tampa, FloridaWalk Ybor’s lively main street, where historic buildings, shops, and cafés capture the neighborhood’s unique energy. Brick sidewalks and wrought-iron balconies make every block a glimpse into the past.Duration: 5 minutesStop At: Ybor City Museum State Park1818 E 9th Ave, , Tampa, FloridaThis stately clubhouse once offered healthcare, education, and social life to Tampa’s Asturian immigrants. The ornate design of the building reflects the pride and perseverance of the community.Duration: Not AvailableStop At: Jose Marti Park1303 E 8th Ave, Tampa, FloridaToday’s Centro Ybor blends modern entertainment with history, built on the site of one of Ybor’s earliest Spanish social clubs. It’s a reminder of how old and new meet in the district.Duration: 5 minutesStop At: Centro Asturiano De Tampa1913 N Nebraska Ave, Tampa, FloridaA gathering place for Tampa’s Cuban community, the Cuban Club hosted dances, plays, and political meetings. Some say its echoing halls are still alive with the spirits of the past.Duration: Not AvailableStop At: King Corona Cigars Cafe and Bar1523 E 7th Ave, , Tampa, FloridaSet in a former bakery, this museum tells the story of immigrant life and cigar-making in Ybor. The surrounding garden offers a peaceful pause amid the neighborhood’s bustle.Duration: Not AvailableStop At: Columbia Restaurant2117 East 7th Avenue, Tampa, FL 33605Founded in 1894, the grand hall of the Italian Club anchored Tampa’s Italian community with healthcare, celebrations, and solidarity. Its elegant design reflects the pride of its founders.Duration: Not AvailableStop At: L'Unione Italiana CemeteryNorth 26th Street, Tampa, FL 33605A small but meaningful green space, this park is dedicated to Cuban independence hero José Martí. The park dedicated to him honors the ties between Ybor City and Cuba’s struggle for freedom.Duration: 5 minutesStop At: Centro Ybor1600 East 8th Avenue, Tampa, FL 33605This church has long served Ybor’s diverse immigrant communities, offering both worship and community connection. Its graceful façade speaks to the enduring role of faith in the neighborhood.Duration: 5 minutesStop At: East 7th AvenueEast 7th Avenue, Tampa, FL At the heart of Ybor, Centennial Park hosts markets, festivals, and community gatherings. This is a great place to pause and soak in the district’s local rhythm.Duration: 5 minutesStop At: Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church1711 East 11th Avenue, Tampa, FL 33605Florida’s oldest restaurant, the Columbia, has been serving Cuban and Spanish dishes since 1905. The tilework and décor of the courtyard are as much a draw as its rich history and excellent food.Duration: Not AvailableStop At: Italian Club of Tampa1731 East 7th Avenue, Tampa, FL 33605Famous for its Cuban bread, La Segunda has been baking since 1915. Stop in to experience one of Tampa’s tastiest traditions.Duration: 5 minutesStop At: Centennial Park1800 East 8th Avenue, Tampa, FL 33605Part cigar lounge, part café, King Corona Cigars captures the spirit of Ybor’s cigar culture. Sip a coffee or smoke a hand-rolled cigar in a setting filled with local character.Duration: 5 minutesStop At: La Segunda Bakery and Cafe2512 North 15th Street, Tampa, FL 33605A gothic nightclub housed in a historic building, The Castle has been a Ybor institution for decades. Its dramatic décor and whispered ghost tales give it an otherworldly charm.Duration: Not AvailableStop At: The Castle2004 North 16th Street, Tampa, FL 33605The historic L'Unione Italiana Cemetery tells the stories of Tampa’s Italian community through names, symbols, and monuments. Some visitors say its stillness carries an uncanny presence.Duration: 5 minutesAdditional Information
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Works entirely offline once downloaded—no cell service required
- GPS-triggered audio plays automatically based on your location
- Flexible - Buy once, use any day/time—access never expires
- Get the Drives & Detours app download the tour ahead of time
- Flexible Usage (unlimited access)
- Audio Guide
- App and Tour Download
- Smartphone (bring your own)
Need To Know Info
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.
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