A bird’s eye view of Bayfront Park and right in the middle of it all

An exciting mix of nature, culture and shopping awaits you in the vibrant heart of downtown Miami: Bayfront Park and the adjacent Bayside Marketplace. Located directly on Biscayne Bay, they offer the perfect combination of a relaxing break in the countryside and lively entertainment on the waterfront and an entertaining alternative to Miami Beach.

If you want to get an overview of downtown Miami before going for a walk, it is best to take the Miami Sky Lift first. This unusual viewing platform requires a little courage, however, as it is a balloon. Up to 30 people can enjoy the view here for 15 minutes at a height of 150 meters. If visibility is good, you can see for around 40 kilometers.

If you can, you should stroll around Bayfront Park, which is located on the shore of Biscayne Bay, at lunchtime. Many of the people who work in downtown Miami take their lunch break on the lovely beach under the palm trees and you can feel a bit like you belong there. Chairs are available for free, so why not take a nap by the turquoise water yourself. Watch out for dolphins swimming by: This can also happen.

There are two open-air theaters in the park: the Bayfront Park Amphitheater and the South End Amphitheater. From yoga classes and concerts to 4th of July events and New Year’s Eve celebrations, there’s plenty on offer here.

The Challenger Memorial commemorates the astronauts who died when the space shuttle exploded in 1986. In the north of the park is the JFK Torch of Friendship. The fountain was dedicated to the merits of Claude Pepper, who represented the state of Florida in the US Senate from 1936 to 1951 and in the US House of Representatives from 1963 to 1989.

Bayside Marketplace for shopping & gastronomy

In the Bayside Market Place visitors can expect a colorful mix of activities from over 100 stores, bars and restaurants – right on the waterfront promenade. From well-known brands to local souvenir stalls, the open-air shopping center offers something for every taste.

The live concerts on the water stage pavilion, which take place almost daily with free admission, are particularly popular. If you get hungry, you will find everything from fresh seafood to Cuban classics and international chains. The highlight for many: a boat tour from the jetty, for example to Millionaire’s Row nearby or around the bay. Shopping, sightseeing and Caribbean lifestyle – all in one place.

If you walk through the market square in the opposite direction to the park, you will come across the American Airlines Arena. The multi-purpose arena hosts the Miami Heat’s home basketball games as well as concerts and other events. The arena has a capacity of 20,000.

The airline has the naming rights to the arena for a period of 20 years, which is worth 42 million US dollars. Not visible from below is a large airplane painted on the roof of the building. It can be seen when taking off from and landing at Miami Airport.