Bayside Market Place is the ideal venue for visitors to Miami who want to enjoy and experience the unique tropical vegetation of South Florida and, at the same time, have a great day out shopping, eating, sipping daiquiris and listening to life music.
It's located at Biscayne Boulevard and NE4th Street in Downtown Miami. Ample parking is available so there is rarely a shortage of where to leave the car. Opening hours are Monday through Thursday from 10am to 10pm, Friday and Saturday until 11pm and on Sundays from 11am to 9pm.
Entering the Marketplace from Biscayne Boulevard, visitors are greeted by a huge mangrove tree on the right, an impressive reminder of what South Florida was like before the modern developments took over. Thankfully that great tree and many smaller ones have been carefully preserved and fully integrated in the structure and design of the place. Walking past the tree, more than 100 shops spread out in two half circles to the left and right.
Several of the shops are no more than glorified stalls, but there are also designer shoes and shades, a Victoria's Secret and a Gap outlet to be found. One shop, by the name of Art By God, sells stunning jewelery, artifacts and sculptures made from marble and many semi precious stones as well as a huge selection of framed butterflies in incredible colors. Another stall offers pretty sea shell souvenirs and, if a flight of fancy ocurrs, one can even buy a Turkish belly dancing outfit.
Of course, this is Miami, home of the rich, beautiful and famous and the tourist can take a trip on one of the boats docked there to go on a tour of Millionaire Row, passing Palm Island, Fisher Island etc. If people are not interested in seeing where Julio Iglesias and Jenifer Lopez have their Miami home, they can simply turn around and admire the stunning Miami skyline from the waters of Biscayne Bay.
If after all that sightseeing, hunger demands to be assuaged, the visitor is spoilt for choice. A Foodcourt is on the first floor of the structure which offers eateries from self service to table service. Located on the ground floor is a Bubba Gump (including souvenir shop) for splendid sea food, or the Tradewind Bar and Grill and The Knife for excellent meat and an ample salad bar.
A true attraction is the life music and entertainment. Salsa is the favorite sound and the bands change on a regular basis. From time fire eaters and knife throwers perform their awesome art. Tequilas and Daiquiris can be enjoyed at many bars or at the Hard Rock Cafe.
If after all that excitement the visitor feels like a nap, he can walk further down through Bayside Park in the direction of the Miami River where he can find several free chairs on a small strip of beach, overhung by coconut palms . Although they are not overly comfortable, they invite to a short shut eye in the shade,. The face is fanned by the soft breeze which comes in from Biscayne Bay and tired feet find a rest until it is time to enjoy more life music at the outdoor stage or at the Hard Rock Cafe.
Inka Piegsa-Quischotte - Since two years I am a full time travel and lifestyle writer and blogger. I published several articles and blogs on ...
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