Visiting Tampa is one thing. Living like a true Tampa local—even for just a few days—is something else entirely. And if you’re staying at AER Tampa, you’re already ahead of the game. With high-rise views, a walkable neighborhood, and incredible access to everything from rooftop spots to hidden coffee haunts, this place sets the stage for authentic local vibes.

Here’s how to travel like you live in Tampa—no awkward fanny packs required.

Skip the Tourist Traps

First, ditch the rigid itinerary. Locals don’t pack every hour with back-to-back activities. They know how to wander, explore, and stumble into the city’s best moments. Start your day with a slow walk to Buddy Brew Coffee on Kennedy. Order your go-to like you’ve done it a hundred times. Sit by the window. Watch the city wake up.

Then skip the lines at the overhyped attractions and head to places like Hyde Park Village. It’s where locals actually shop, hang, and grab lunch on a sunny patio. You’ll blend right in.

Choose Your Transportation Like a Native

Tampa’s not just car country. Rent a bike or hop on a scooter. Cruise the Riverwalk or take Bayshore Boulevard from end to end. The views are unbeatable, and the breeze keeps things moving. You’ll pass joggers, dog walkers, and plenty of people who call this place home. That’s the goal.

Feeling adventurous? Ride the Pirate Water Taxi to explore the city from the water. It’s a fun way to see downtown, but it’s also something locals actually use—especially when traffic picks up.

Eat Like You Know the Menu

Locals don’t Google “best Cuban sandwich.” They just go where they’ve always gone. You should too. Columbia Restaurant in Ybor City has been serving up flavor for over a century. Order the Cuban, grab a 1905 Salad, and enjoy the rich energy of a place that’s lived through Tampa’s history.

Later, skip the chains and make your way to Armature Works. You’ll find creative bites, craft cocktails, and a crowd that feels like it’s always belonged there. Don’t overthink it—grab whatever smells good and sit outside to catch the sunset over the Hillsborough River.

Visit Neighborhoods, Not Just Landmarks

Locals don’t see the city as a checklist—they live it by neighborhood. Stroll around Seminole Heights for eclectic bars and vintage shops. Explore the artsy scene in Hyde Park. Cruise through Channelside or catch a quiet moment at Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park.

It’s less about what you see and more about how it feels. Slow down. Take a different street. Linger longer than expected.

Stay Where You Feel Part of It All

That’s the beauty of AER Tampa. This is more than a place to sleep—it’s a front-row seat to Tampa life. With views of the skyline, rooftop lounges, and an unbeatable location, it feels like you’ve already moved in. And honestly, after living like a local, you just might want to.