University of Tampa campus & minarets
Explore the stunning, historic University of Tampa campus, famous for its iconic minarets and the grand Plant Hall.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, perfect light
University of Tampa campus & minarets
Best Time
Fewer crowds, perfect light
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore the stunning, historic University of Tampa campus, famous for its iconic minarets and the grand Plant Hall.
"Once the rain goes away, PERFECTION #utampa #universityoftampa #florida #tampa #college"
📸 Snap-Worthy Architecture
The minarets and Plant Hall are incredibly photogenic. Capture the beauty from various angles!
🚶♀️ Explore the Grounds
Wander through the beautiful campus, admire the landscaping and historic buildings.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Iconic Minarets
Plant Hall
Majestic, Moorish-inspired minarets that define the University of Tampa's skyline. A photographer's dream!
Plant Hall (Former Tampa Bay Hotel)
Main University Building
A historic Gilded Age marvel, this grand hotel-turned-university building is breathtaking inside and out.
Henry B. Plant Museum
Inside Plant Hall
Step back in time and explore the opulent history of the original Tampa Bay Hotel. A true gem!
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Architecture
Beyond the Campus Beauty
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
📸 Snap-Worthy Architecture
The minarets and Plant Hall are incredibly photogenic. Capture the beauty from various angles!
🚶♀️ Explore the Grounds
Wander through the beautiful campus, admire the landscaping and historic buildings.
🏛️ Visit the Museum
Don't miss the Henry B. Plant Museum for a dose of history and opulence.
⏰ Check Museum Hours
Ensure the Henry B. Plant Museum is open before your visit to avoid disappointment.
Tips
from all over the internet
📸 Snap-Worthy Architecture
The minarets and Plant Hall are incredibly photogenic. Capture the beauty from various angles!
🚶♀️ Explore the Grounds
Wander through the beautiful campus, admire the landscaping and historic buildings.
🏛️ Visit the Museum
Don't miss the Henry B. Plant Museum for a dose of history and opulence.
⏰ Check Museum Hours
Ensure the Henry B. Plant Museum is open before your visit to avoid disappointment.
💧 Stay Hydrated
Tampa can get hot! Carry water, especially if you're exploring during warmer months.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
The University of Tampa boasts a stunning, historic campus with beautiful architecture, particularly the iconic minarets and Plant Hall. Many praise the academic programs and personalized attention from professors. However, some reviews highlight concerns regarding student safety, administrative issues, and a perceived lack of traditional school spirit.
"Excellent University. Our son is about to graduate and had one of the best life experiences attending there. Campus is beautiful, well maintained and always expanding. As a private university, we found that the overall costs to attend was less than our own so called state schools up north. Always warm and sunny in Tampa!"
Doug N.
"If you take student safety as a priority it’s a NO
Nice looking school with affordable tuition but what you save in money is not worth the trouble.
My daughter’s safety was in jeopardy by an unruly roommate that had no respect for herself let alone the other roommates. My daughter told her RA and the Residence Office that guys were coming into the room at all hours of the night “expecting to get some”. In addition, this roommate would lash out both verbally and physically (on video no less and yes the school is aware) and the school did NOTHING about it.
When my daughter asked to switch rooms, they made her go through hell and back and guilted her for not problem solving herself. They upset her so badly that she was visibly upset and her other roommate had to come to the office to get her to calm her down. She finished out the semester and transferred out.
Not only did I file a Title IX sexual harassment report that they buried but they also put a sanction on her so that she couldn’t transfer easily to another dorming college. This school is not free. I paid tuition for my daughter to be harassed by her roommate and then her school. Shame on you UTampa. No wonder the retention rate is so awful. For those parents that worry about their children away at school, this is not the school for your kid."
Kat W
"My daughter just graduated from University of Tampa. She is happy with her experience. She was mostly happy with her professors and her classes. Classes were smaller size, so that professors knew their students names and communicated well. She was able to find a small job off campus for three years to make herself spending money. Hurricanes were disruptive, but she enjoyed the surprise breaks from school. She studied and did her work timely and received excellent grades. I feel she is well prepared for her future."
dorene petronaci
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The University of Tampa is located in downtown Tampa, Florida. It's easily accessible by car, with several parking options available for visitors. Public transportation, including buses, also serves the area. Many visitors find it convenient to use ride-sharing services to reach the campus.
Yes, visitor parking is available on campus, though it can be limited during peak academic times. It's advisable to check the university's parking services website for the most current information on visitor lots and rates.
Absolutely! The campus is beautiful and very walkable. Many visitors enjoy strolling around to admire the architecture and grounds.
Yes, the campus is served by local public transportation routes, making it accessible for those not driving. Check with the Hillsborough Area Regional Transit Authority (HART) for specific bus routes and schedules.
The campus is quite walkable, and most attractions are within easy reach on foot. For longer distances or if you have mobility issues, consider the campus shuttle services if available, or simply enjoy a leisurely walk.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, general access to the University of Tampa campus grounds is free and open to the public. However, if you plan to visit the Henry B. Plant Museum, there may be an admission fee.
The campus grounds are generally accessible during daylight hours. Specific building hours, like the Henry B. Plant Museum, may vary, so it's best to check their official website for current operating times.
There is no entrance fee to simply walk around and admire the University of Tampa campus. Admission fees typically apply only to specific museums or ticketed events held on campus.
While official campus tours are usually for prospective students, visitors are welcome to explore the grounds independently. The Henry B. Plant Museum offers a historical perspective on the main building.
Visitors are expected to be respectful of the campus environment, students, and faculty. Avoid disrupting classes or university activities. Adhere to any posted signage regarding restricted areas.
🎫 🏛️ Onsite Experience
The iconic minarets and the historic Plant Hall are absolute must-sees. The grounds themselves are beautifully maintained and offer great photo opportunities.
The main building, Plant Hall, was originally the luxurious Tampa Bay Hotel, built in 1891 by railroad magnate Henry B. Plant. Its Moorish Revival architecture, including the distinctive minarets, is a significant historical landmark. 
Yes, the Henry B. Plant Museum offers a fascinating glimpse into the Gilded Age and the history of the Tampa Bay Hotel. It's highly recommended for history buffs and those interested in the campus's origins.
The campus is incredibly picturesque, especially Plant Hall and its minarets. Sunrise and sunset often provide beautiful lighting for photography.
While it's an active university, visitors can find restrooms in public areas or the museum. Dining options might be limited to students, but nearby downtown Tampa offers many choices.
📸 📸 Photography
Early mornings or late afternoons offer the best light for photography, minimizing harsh shadows and crowds. Golden hour can create a magical glow on the historic buildings.
The minarets of Plant Hall are undeniably the most iconic. The grand facade of Plant Hall itself, the surrounding courtyards, and the waterfront views are also excellent subjects.
Drone usage is typically restricted on university campuses due to safety and privacy concerns. It's best to check the university's official policy on drone operation before attempting to fly one.
Generally, personal photography for non-commercial use is allowed. However, be respectful of students, faculty, and any ongoing university events. Avoid intrusive photography.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the grandeur of Plant Hall and the minarets. A telephoto lens can be useful for details or isolating architectural elements. A tripod can help with low-light shots.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
+1Visiting the Henry B. Plant Museum within Plant Hall can provide a captivating glimpse into the past, with exhibits that might appeal to older children interested in history. Encourage them to spot the different architectural details and imagine life in the grand hotel era. Remember to bring water and snacks, as exploring the grounds can be tiring, especially in the Florida heat.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Experiment with different angles and perspectives. The waterfront provides a beautiful backdrop, and the surrounding campus grounds offer charming scenes. Be mindful of university activities and students to ensure respectful photography. A wide-angle lens is highly recommended to capture the full grandeur of Plant Hall.
🏛️ History Buffs
+1Learn about the vision of Henry B. Plant and the hotel's role as a premier destination for the wealthy and influential in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The museum's exhibits offer a rich narrative of Tampa's development and the grandeur of a bygone era.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Architectural Marvel: Plant Hall
+1After the hotel's decline, the building was purchased by the city and later became the University of Tampa in 1933. Today, Plant Hall serves as the university's main administrative building and houses classrooms and the Henry B. Plant Museum. Exploring its grand lobbies, ornate ballrooms, and period furnishings offers a unique journey back in time, showcasing the architectural ambition and historical significance of this iconic structure.
+1Visitors are often struck by the sheer scale and detail of Plant Hall. The minarets, in particular, are a defining feature of the Tampa skyline and a major draw for photographers and tourists alike. The building's vibrant colors and intricate details make it a standout landmark, offering a stark contrast to the modern university buildings that surround it.
Beyond the Aesthetics: Student Life & Campus Experience
However, some reviews point to potential drawbacks. Concerns have been raised about student safety, with one parent detailing a difficult experience with roommate issues and the university's response. Issues like cancelled classes and delayed grading have also been mentioned, impacting the academic experience for some students. It's also noted that housing is not guaranteed, and there's a perceived lack of traditional 'school spirit' often associated with larger universities, with no football team or prominent Greek row.
Despite these criticisms, many graduates express satisfaction with their overall experience, feeling well-prepared for their future careers. The warm Florida climate and proximity to beaches are also cited as significant perks. Ultimately, prospective students should weigh the stunning campus and academic opportunities against potential challenges in student support and administrative efficiency.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit