Bayside Marketplace: a central point for tourists in Miami

Bayside Marketplace in Miami, Florida is said to be a part of the 'quintessential Miami experience'; a 16-acre open-air market with over 150 terrific shops and restaurants, it offers tourists and locals alike an opportunity to partake in shopping, dining and fantastic fun right in the harbour.

Located adjacent to the port of Miami on the fabulous Biscayne Boulevard, Bayside Marketplace is an ideal stop for those who wish to spend a day in colourful and lively surroundings. As the marketplace is located on the harbour, visitors can take a stroll over to the nearby pier;: guests may also be interested to know that Bayside Marketplace features a pedestrian bridge link to the American Airlines Arena, which is home to the Miami Heat basketball team.

Bayside Marketplace offers phenomenal shopping opportunities with large chain stores, small, local boutiques and artists' carts alike. The impressive variety of stores is sure to cater to any shopper, but rest assured that you do not have to love shopping in order to have a great experience at Bayside Marketplace. The venue is host to a number of great bars and cafes, and many people often take delight in simply grabbing a daiquiri and strolling about.

Visitors will discover a wealth of options when it comes to entertainment and dining as well. With over 40 restaurants and open-air cafes featuring exotic and exciting foods like Argentinian barbeque and Cuban cuisine, every visitor is sure to find something to tantalize their taste buds. Bayside Marketplace also offers thrilling - and free - live entertainment; you'll hear anything from salsa to Cuban beats filling the central forums, and visitors are even known to stop mid-stroll and partake in a bit of dancing!

Various boat companies offer bay tours departing from Bayside Marketplace; these are particularly pleasing during sunset hours, and a lucky few may even spot dolphins nearby. Fishing charter boats have also recently started to take guests out for a few hours of fun.

If you'll be visiting Miami from out of town, you'll undoubtedly need to book accommodation; there are plenty of centrally located hotels to consider, many of which are particularly close to Bayside Marketplace. Staying near the marketplace allows you to extend your visit over a few days - meaning that you can shop and visit attractions at your leisure and without any sense of urgency.