Plant Hall
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University of Tampa campus & minarets

4.4
·214 reviews·Tampa, United States

Explore the stunning, historic University of Tampa campus, famous for its iconic minarets and the grand Plant Hall.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, perfect light

CrowdLow
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Plant Hall

University of Tampa campus & minarets

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, perfect light

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Explore the stunning, historic University of Tampa campus, famous for its iconic minarets and the grand Plant Hall.

4.4
(214 reviews)

"Once the rain goes away, PERFECTION #utampa #universityoftampa #florida #tampa #college"

Vertical photo
TIP

📸 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.

Third hero image

Quick Facts

Hours

Rating

4.4 · 229 reviews

Type

University

♿ Wheelchair accessible🅿️ Accessible parking

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Iconic Minarets

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)

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

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!

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Planning Your Visit

Embrace the Architecture

The University of Tampa's iconic minarets and historic Plant Hall are a must-see. Plan to explore the grounds, especially the stunning architecture that transports you to another era. It's a popular spot for photos, so consider visiting during off-peak hours to avoid crowds.

Beyond the Campus Beauty

While the campus is visually striking, remember it's an active university. Be mindful of students and classes. If you're visiting for the architecture, check the hours for the Henry B. Plant Museum within Plant Hall for a deeper dive into its history.

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, perfect light
Crowd
Low
When
Late afternoons
Why
Golden hour glow
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

once the rain goes away, PERFECTION #utampa #universityoftampa #florida #tampa #college
@avmangotchaboi
291K likes • 1.1M views

📸 Snap-Worthy Architecture

The minarets and Plant Hall are incredibly photogenic. Capture the beauty from various angles! TikTokInstagram

🚶‍♀️ Explore the Grounds

Wander through the beautiful campus, admire the landscaping and historic buildings. Instagram

University of Tampa | One of Florida’s most stunning campuses Originally the “Tampa Bay Hotel” in 1891 the first collegiate class was in 1933. The campus spans across 110 acres of Downtown Tampa’s waterfront. The college now is home to a bit over 11,000 students and over 200 academic programs. This includes 19 masters programs. Pools, beach volleyball, sports fields, gym, basketball courts, ...
tampabay.luxury
1K likes • 31.9K views
☀️🌴Well I fell in love with University of Tampa #utampa #universityoftampa #collegetours #spartans 🤍Great Entrepreneurial Program! 🤍Dorms are an 11 out of 10 🤍Beautiful, updated campus 🤍Small classes, low student:teacher ratio 🤍Sunshine, beaches and palm trees 🛑 No football/school spirit 🛑No Greek Row 🛑Housing is not guaranteed
jen.bernabeo
32 likes • 753 views

🏛️ Visit the Museum

Don't miss the Henry B. Plant Museum for a dose of history and opulence. Instagram

⏰ Check Museum Hours

Ensure the Henry B. Plant Museum is open before your visit to avoid disappointment. Instagram

@numi_tampa directly across the street from the University of Tampa campus - #uoftampa #theuniversityoftampa #universityoftampa #utampa #utampahousing #campusliving #downtowntampa #summerintampa #uoftampa #tampabay #downtownhousing #universityoftampa #housing
parisa.jasmine
154 likes • 16K views

Tips

from all over the internet

📸 Snap-Worthy Architecture

The minarets and Plant Hall are incredibly photogenic. Capture the beauty from various angles! TikTokInstagram

🚶‍♀️ Explore the Grounds

Wander through the beautiful campus, admire the landscaping and historic buildings. Instagram

🏛️ Visit the Museum

Don't miss the Henry B. Plant Museum for a dose of history and opulence. Instagram

⏰ Check Museum Hours

Ensure the Henry B. Plant Museum is open before your visit to avoid disappointment. Instagram

💧 Stay Hydrated

Tampa can get hot! Carry water, especially if you're exploring during warmer months. Instagram

What Travellers Say

4.4
(214 reviews)

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

Beautiful historic campus
Great academic programs
Personalized attention

What People Dislike

Student safety concerns
Administrative issues
Lack of school spirit

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. Instagram

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. Instagram

Absolutely! The campus is beautiful and very walkable. Many visitors enjoy strolling around to admire the architecture and grounds. Instagram

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. Instagram

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. Instagram

🎫 🎫 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. Instagram

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. Instagram

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. Instagram

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. Instagram

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. Instagram

🎫 🏛️ 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. TikTokInstagram

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. Instagram+1

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. Instagram

The campus is incredibly picturesque, especially Plant Hall and its minarets. Sunrise and sunset often provide beautiful lighting for photography. TikTokInstagram

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. Instagram

📸 📸 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. TikTok

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. TikTokInstagram

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. Instagram

Generally, personal photography for non-commercial use is allowed. However, be respectful of students, faculty, and any ongoing university events. Avoid intrusive photography. Instagram

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. Instagram

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