When I first came to Tampa, I thought it would be quiet at night since it's a Florida city.

It's not as flashy as Miami, nor as crowded with tourists as Orlando. But to my surprise, after going out one weekend evening, I found that Tampa is a city that knows how to have fun. Of course, you shouldn't expect the same vibe as Miami's South Beach, but each neighborhood has its own character, making it enjoyable to explore.

The first place you should check out is definitely Ybor City. You can't talk about Tampa nightlife without mentioning Ybor City. Along the main street, 7th Avenue, there are bars, clubs, live music venues, and restaurants lined up. If you go on a Friday or Saturday night, the street looks completely different from what you saw during the day.

What makes Ybor City interesting is its slightly laid-back atmosphere. While there are many young people, it's not just a place for those in their 20s; tourists and locals mix together. The neighborhood has a history with old brick buildings and the cigar industry, so you can explore historic Tampa during the day and enjoy a drink in the evening, which is quite unique.

If you're looking for a cleaner and more sophisticated vibe, SoHo, or South Howard Avenue, is a good choice. It's close to Hyde Park, making it easy to have dinner at a restaurant and then hop to nearby bars. While Ybor City has a lively and distinctive atmosphere, SoHo feels a bit more upscale.

Recently, areas like downtown, Water Street, and Channelside have seen a lot of improvement in Tampa.

On days when there are hockey games or concerts at Amalie Arena, people flock to the surrounding restaurants and bars.

It's also nice to grab a quick bite and drink at Sparkman Wharf before heading downtown.

Those who remember the old Tampa downtown will feel that it has changed a lot.

If you love beer, you'll find Tampa even more enjoyable. Tampa Bay has a well-developed craft beer culture. Among them, Cigar City Brewing is known as a representative name of Tampa. Trying local beers like the famous Jai Alai IPA is one of the joys of living in Tampa.

If you're in your 40s or 50s and find big clubs overwhelming, you might prefer breweries or quieter cocktail bars instead.

I also recommend enjoying the Tampa skyline from a rooftop. There are nice hotel bars and rooftop spaces around downtown and the river, making it a great spot to have a drink while taking in the skyline and waterfront. While it's not the kind of place where you party until dawn like Miami, Tampa is more comfortable for having a drink or two after dinner.

However, if you've been drinking, it's best to leave the car behind. Tampa is a city where you usually need a car, but in areas like Ybor City or downtown where bars are concentrated, using Uber or Lyft is much more convenient.

Living here, I've found that Tampa's nightlife is not so much about being flashy but about the fun of choosing where to go. If you want to party, head to Ybor City; if you want a more refined evening, go to SoHo; and if you want to enjoy the skyline and atmosphere, check out downtown and Water Street.

If you thought Tampa was a boring city at night, try going out one weekend evening. Your perspective might change a bit.