Recently, my husband John and I spent what I would arguably describe as the perfect Saturday in Ybor City and downtown Tampa.

We own a rental property just south of Tampa, in Apollo Beach, FL, and visit the area several times a year. While this was certainly not our first day trip to Ybor or Tampa, it might be my favorite so far.

If you’re looking for unique and laid-back things to do in the Tampa area on the weekend, keep reading and I’ll tell you all about our day.

Top Breakfast Spots in Ybor City

To be honest, we did not eat breakfast in Ybor City on the perfect Saturday I’m sharing with you. But that would have made the day even more perfect, so hear me out. These are the two places we would have considered, based on a recommendation from John’s family and very positive online and social media reviews.

Flan Factory, Ybor City

On a previous trip to Florida, John’s sister and brother-in-law visited the Flan Factory and brought a variety of flan flavors back to our house in Apollo Beach. Unfortunately, I have a dairy intolerance, but everyone else raved about the flan.

Not a fan of flan for breakfast? Not to worry. The menu offers plenty of other bakery sweets and savory options to choose from. Be sure to check the website for hours of operation, as they do vary by day. Currently, it is open on Saturdays from 9am to 8pm and Sundays 9am to 6pm.

La Segunda Bakery

This 100+ year old authentic Cuban bread bakery has been on our list for a while. While the Cuban bread alone is a major selling point, the menu is packed with pastries and other goodies for breakfast and lunch—including sandwiches, salads, and a kids menu.

Open from 6:30am to 3pm daily, there is something for everyone every day of the week.

Vintage Roost Saturday Market

John first heard about Vintage Roost on Facebook a few months ago, and we immediately added it to our ever-growing list of things to on our next trip to Florida.

This indoor vintage market is open from 9am to 5pm on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday—but only on the second and fourth weekends every month. Parking is free, either in the small lot on the premises or on the surrounding streets.

As a self-proclaimed vintage and antique shopping connoisseur, I can vouch that the Vintage Roost is worth a visit. The vendor stalls are well curated with lots of variety, and prices seem fair—range from very affordable to higher-end, depending on the quality or value of the piece.

I happily came home with a new necklace and a belt, and plan to go back for the clothing, home decor, and unique odds-and-ends.

Ybor City Saturday Market

After browsing the Vintage Roost, we walked several blocks to the outdoor Saturday market, a year-round, weekly farmers market that also features a number of local craft vendors. I’ve purchased quality jewelry and a few delicious loaves of locally-made (dairy-free) banana bread from this market.

Hours vary by season, so check the website before you go.

TECO Streetcar from Ybor City to Tampa

It’s impossible to visit Ybor without spotting the historic-looking streetcars, transporting passengers from one side of town to the other. But we’ve always been content to walk—until this particular Saturday. On this day, we decided to take the streetcar all the way to Tampa. While this route is a doable three-mile walk one way, the thought of walking that distance on a sunny, 80+ degree day was not appealing. Plus, we were curious about the streetcar AND it’s free to ride.

We hopped on at the very first stop near the Ybor City Saturday Market and rode to the Amalie Arena stop #8, also near Sparkman’s Wharf—a touristy hot spot with restaurants and bars near the water and cruise ship docks.

There are a total of 11 streetcar stops; you can view the full schedule and map here.

Quick Lunch Spots in Downtown Tampa

Recently, I saw a friend post about Naked Farmer on Instagram. One location just happens to be a block from the streetcar stop, so we gave it a try.

The menu features seasonal, locally-sourced ingredients, and you can choose from “chef-curated pairings” or create your own plate or bowl. I personally appreciate that food allergens are plainly listed for each menu item.

Both John and I devoured our food. It was fast, fresh, full of flavor, and we would both eat there again!

Tampa Riverwalk

After lunch, we wandered the nearby Riverwalk for a few miles. The path takes you along the river, through the heart of Tampa, with easy access to water activities on one side, and restaurants, hotels, and city life on the other. Along the way, we noticed places to rent bikes, kayaks, and more. Water taxis, boat cruises, and various boat rentals are also available at various points.

The Riverwalk is family- and dog-friendly and wide enough for walkers, cyclists, and rollerbladers. We stuck to strolling and enjoyed the views across the river, including the beautiful University of Tampa campus. From the Riverwalk, we hopped on the streetcar at HSBC Station #9 for a mid-afternoon ride back to Ybor City.

Click here for more information the Tampa Riverwalk, including a map, directions, parking, and even more things to do.

And that’s a wrap on our casual Saturday, exploring top local spots in Ybor City and downtown Tampa. Feel free to add your own favorite things to do in the comments!