Tampa Shopping: The Best Boutiques, Malls, and Shops

Deputy Executive Editor Sarah Schlichter's idea of a perfect trip includes spotting exotic animals, hiking through pristine landscapes, exploring new neighborhoods on foot, and soaking up as much art as she can. She often attempts to recreate recipes from her international travels after she gets home (which has twice resulted in accidental kitchen fires—no humans or animals were harmed).

Sarah joined the SmarterTravel team in 2017 after more than a decade at the helm of IndependentTraveler.com. Sarah's practical travel advice has been featured in dozens of news outlets including the New York Times, the Chicago Tribune, USA Today, Budget Travel, and Peter Greenberg Worldwide Radio. Follow her on Twitter @TravelEditor.

The Handy Item I Always Pack: "A journal. Even years later, reading my notes from a trip can bring back incredibly vivid memories."

Ultimate Bucket List Experience: "Road tripping and hiking through the rugged mountains of Patagonia."

Travel Motto: "'To awaken quite alone in a strange town is one of the pleasantest sensations in the world.'—Freya Stark"

Aisle, Window, or Middle Seat: "Aisle. I get restless on long flights and like to be able to move around without disturbing anyone else."

Email Sarah at sschlichter@smartertravel.com.

See recent posts by Sarah Schlichter

The Tampa shopping scene offers a little of everything, from mega-malls to antique shops and used bookstores. One popular souvenir is hand-rolled cigars from Ybor City.

The Best Tampa Shopping

Keep in mind that you’ll need a car to reach many of the areas listed below.

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International Plaza and Bay Street

The enormous mall at International Plaza and Bay Street is home to department stores Neiman Marcus and Nordstrom as well as some 200 other shops and boutiques, including Gucci, Athleta, and J.Crew.

Ybor City

Head to historic Ybor City for art galleries, vintage fashions and hand-rolled cigars—and a trip to Centro Ybor, a popular Tampa mall. The weekly Ybor City Saturday Market is a popular place to go hunting for regionally grown produce, freshly baked breads, unique gifts, and local arts and crafts.

Hyde Park Village

Outside downtown Tampa are the upscale boutiques and restaurants of Hyde Park Village, including names like Anthropologie and Pottery Barn. Art festivals, concerts, and other events are regularly held here.

Bookstores

Bibliophiles should make a beeline for the Old Tampa Book Company, offering rare and used books. Or, if you’re in nearby St. Petersburg, try Haslam’s, which has been in business since 1933.

Big Top Flea Market

For fun, cheap finds, check out Tampa’s Big Top Flea Market, open every Saturday and Sunday. More than 1,000 booths offer everything from handbags to house plants.

St. Petersburg Antique District

Antique buffs should head to St. Petersburg and wander the aisles of the numerous antique shops along a five-block stretch of Central Avenue.

Tampa Premium Outlets

Looking for Tampa outlets? Start at Tampa Premium Outlets for discounts at Banana Republic, Coach, Columbia, and many more.

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