Bayside Market Place, Miami

While you are visiting the Bayside Marketplace, check out the memorabilia at the Hard Rock Cafe, Miami. Tons of stuff to look at - the bar is a replica of Eddie Van Halen's red-and-white flying V guitar - the Guardian Dogs from Jimi Hendrix's home - Original Bag 1 artwork from John Lennon - Michael Jackson's "Moonwalk" jacket; Elvis Presley's motorcycle - a hat worn by Janis Joplin on Thanksgiving - Stevie Nicks concert outfit - plus other cool stuff from rock-n-roll icons and legends.

The Stained Glass shown is in the large dining room, and each of the panels has a Miami reference; Panel #1 - The Allman Brothers Band recorded "Eat a Peach" in Miami, which was the last recording to include Duane Allman, who had died from a motorcycle accident while the album was being recorded; Panel #2 - Eric Clapton recorded "461 Ocean Blvd" in Miami in 1974; Panel #3 - The Doors Miami concert in 1969 lead to Jim Morrison's arrest for public obscenity (he reportedly "flashed" the audience), but died before the legal matter was settled. The

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Perhaps one of the most noticeable characteristics of Miami is its pan-American population and the various connections between the city and all of the countries of Latin America. Nevertheless, it can sometimes feel as though there is a disconnect between these links and the general perception of Latin American politics or history in the US. This has been heightened by the dispute between Venezuela and the United States over, it seems, just about everything, but the people of Miami still seek to bridge these divides and celebrate their common history. Just near the Bayside Market, there is a large monument commemorating Simon Bolivar and his liberation of the Andean countries. Miami, of course, was not involved in the general liberation struggle, but the effects have had considerable impact on the city of the history and its current demographic make-up. This monument, which is complete with the flags of the nations liberated by Bolivar, is a tribute to those links that exist and the enduring importance of Bolivar for the history of the entire continent. It's interesting to note that Panamá's flag is among those represented, despite the fact that Panamá was part of Gran Colombia at the time of liberation, but became independent thanks to US intervention at the beginning of the 20th century.

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Miami just wouldn't be part of Florida if it didn't have a place filled with all the kitschy crap that fills the basements of families with small children. Bayside Market is exactly that place - a touristy water-side market where hucksters sell all sorts of toys and useless items to tourists from Mid-West America. Normally, I would say that this type of place is nothing but a tourist trap that should be avoided, but somehow it feels appropriate for any visitor to the Sunshine State to come here and experience what is probably one of the commonest memories of all middle class children from Canada to Brazil. A fifteen minute tour is all that you need - most of the stuff here can be purchase for half the price at a suburban mall, and I can't imagine the appeal of having a drink amongst the blaring music and shrieking hawkers. That is, of course, unless you yearn for a corny-movie spring break type experience.

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Bayside Market Place is more or less a mall with food courts... I say more or less because it's also a place to stroll about and the departure point of several boat tours that take you out to see how the rich and famous live.

Basically, it does not look like a mall. It is an ourdoor Mall with restaurants and free daily live entertainment... so that you don't feel the pressure to just buy. You can even go there and enjoy the warm sun.

Shops open 7 days a week at 10 am and close between 9 pm and 11 pm, depending on the day of the week.

I watched the Latino performers at the bayside. There were a lot of visitors like me just listening to Latin music. It was nice to have free shows for visitors.

After so many songs, we went to the market. The culture in Miami is totally different so even in the style of clothes and shoes are also different compared to other parts of the United States.

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The Bayside Marketplace is a big shopping- and entertainment centre in Miami. There are more than 115 shops and restaurants at the Bayside, and I visited the centre a couple of times for dinner and to hear some music. Every day there was live entertainment on the central stage – for free – and it was actually really great bands.

I know it is a tourists place and the restaurants are not very exotic (for example Hooters and Hard Rock), but still I liked this place more than the fancy bars and restaurants at South Beach. At least they were much cheaper and the atmosphere was much more relaxed…

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This one of the main touristic attraction points in Miami is located at Bay Biscayne, just next to American Airlines Arena where Miami Heat play.
Lots of shops, restaurants and live music from local bands in the evenings. Take the bay sightseeing cruise especially during sunset. Dont forget to bring your camera. Hard Rock Cafe of Miami is also located here. Nice souvenirs, maybe a bit expensive.

This is a touristy area, similar to developments in all major US cities. However, it is one of the best in terms of the restaurants, shops and souvenirs offered. From here you can go on a mini cruise of the bay around the millionaires' isles where you will see houses owned by Hilfiger, Thalia, Estefans, etc.