The city of Tampa's culture is very ethnically diverse with a strong Latino flavor.  One of Tampa's earliest neighborhoods, Ybor City,  was founded by immigrant cigar manufacturers from Cuba.  The cigar trade that flourished there attracted workers from many other parts of Latin America as well as from Spain, Italy, and Germany.  Today Ybor City is still known for its Latin culture and nightlife.  This part of the city is home to many Cuban restaurants, nightclubs, artist lofts, and historic architecture.  Visitors can learn more about this part of the city at the Ybor City State Museum.

Many of Tampa's other cultural developments have been fairly recent.  The new Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center located downtown attracts many touring musicals, Broadway-style theatre, and comedy shows.  The Tampa Museum of Art has recently undergone a complete renovation, and is scheduled to reopen sometime in 2006.  The Museum is known for its collections of late American paintings and photography.

The city of Tampa is very supportive of the development of arts and culture in the city.  Their Arts & Cultural Affairs website is a great resource for visitors who want to learn more about the arts and culture scene.