Tampa named one of the greatest places in the world by TIME

Time to celebrate, Tampa. TIME just released their list of the greatest places in the world, and Tampa made the cut among some of the most elite and beautiful cities in the world. Our Riverwalk, excelsior hockey team, the free Tampa Streetcar, our award-winning international airport, access to the best beaches in America, and bevy of theme parks and top tier hotels brought our city this significant global recognition.

Here’s what TIME reporter Terry Ward wrote about Tampa: “Tampa finally takes full advantage of what’s been here all along–water, water, everywhere, between the Hillsborough River and Tampa Bay. The city has become an entrepreneur- and millennial-magnet, with bleisure a way of life at spots like Sparkman Wharf, where top chefs proffer light bites and cocktails from within shipping containers astride a busy shipping canal, and Armature Works, a chic food hall inside a restored trolley warehouse along the 2.6-mile Tampa Riverwalk.”

Tampa is one of the top emerging cities in the world

Ward continues, “Florida’s city du jour is eager to earn permanent status on travelers’ lists of sunny, accessible escapes worthy of a weekend stay, as a cutting-edge, multi-billion-dollar landmark development project redefines its downtown. Water Street Tampa wrapped phase one late last year with the unveiling of the city’s first true five-star hotel, The Tampa EDITION (there are currently only five in the US, including one in Miami), with Michelin-starred chef John Fraser at the helm.”

You can see the full list of World’s Greatest Cities online. To compile this list of the World’s Greatest Places, the top spots to visit this year, TIME solicited nominations of places from their international network of correspondents and contributors, with an eye toward those offering new and exciting experiences.

“With Tampa’s first nonstop flight from Heathrow via Virgin Atlantic debuting late last year; easy access to the art-loving, dog-friendly city of St. Pete; and plenty of sun, sand, and sea in nearby Pass-a-Grille Beach and Clearwater; there’s never been a more appealing time to touch down,” writes Ward.

Accolades Tampa has received in the past few years:

• 15th Best City to Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day
• Tampa Riverwalk Named 2nd Best in America
• Tampa Named Best Place to Live in Florida by Forbes
• TPA Wins Best Bathroom in America
• Money Says Tampa is One of the Best Places to Live in America
• Tampa Named a Top Foodie City in America
• Iron Gwazi Wins Best New Roller Coaster Award
• Tampa Bay Lightning Named Team of the Year
• Tampa Named Best Sports City
• TPA Named Best Large Airport in America

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