Next to the sun, the beach and the sea, shopping is one of the main attractions of Miami, a city that has at least 15 of the most modern shopping centers in South Florida and that bases much of its economy on the dollars left by tourists when they visit them.
And although the dollar remains expensive relative to the Colombian peso and airlines announce restrictive measures for luggage to travelers in the holiday season, the truth is that few can resist the temptation to go shopping.
So that time and money pay off, it is worth finding out which sites you should visit and what kind of shops you will find in each, depending on your needs. We classify them by categories, like this:.
The most complete.
Dadeland
It should be visited if there is only time to go to a shopping mall. Twenty minutes from downtown, it has 185 stores and its main attraction is to group several of the most important department stores in Florida, such as Burdines and Burdines Home Gallery (with immense facilities), JC Penney, Lord & Taylor and the very exclusive, Saks Fifth Avenue, with options of clothing, accessories and shoes for all tastes and budgets. It also boasts the largest The Limited and Express store in the United States, as well as the traditional Victoria’s Secret, Banana Republic, Guess, Kenneth Cole and the Disney Store, among many others.
Address: 7535 N. Kendall Drive.
Adventure
It is north of Miami Beach and is the commercial center of tourists par excellence, especially Venezuelans, Argentines, Brazilians and, of course, Colombians. It harmoniously combines the most important stores -such as Bloomingdales, Burdines and Macys with the most popular stores -such as Gap, Banana Republic and Express, plus exclusive brands -such as Zara, bebe, Ann Taylor and Hugo Boss-, and small local boutiques, for a total of 204 stores and several new ones to open. As a complement, it has stores such as Disney Store, FAO Schwarz and K.B. Toys.
Address: 19501 Biscayne Blvd.
Bayside
More than a shopping mall, Bayside Marketplace – or simply Bayside – is an area to walk, eat and experience the multicultural spirit of Miami up close. It has 150 shops, mostly small kiosks selling ornaments, typical clothes from various countries and gifts to give away. Its main attraction is the bay, from which boats depart that travel the area and are the best complement to end a day of shopping. Among its stores are Gap, Disney Store, Wet Seal, Express and Victoria’s Secret. It is ideal for shopping with children.
Address: 401 Biscayne Blvd.
Coco Walk
The magic of Coco Walk is in the area in which it is located and that complements this small open building of 38 commercial premises. The streets surrounding the beautiful sector of Coconut Creek have been integrated into the commercial part and today there are several designer boutiques that have installed their shops and workshops there, highlighting those of the Colombian Silvia Tcherassi and Angela Zapata. The variety of restaurants is one of its main attractions, from Latin food, through the typical hamburgers and even a French coffee with delicious crepes.
Address: 3015 Grand Avenue.
Lincoln Road.
In addition to dozens of restaurants, bars and nightclubs, this busy area has a complete trade made up of 320 shops that are located along four blocks. The strength of the area are the small shops with unknown names, but they are interesting for those looking for things different from those offered by most shopping areas. Sale of alternative clothes, used clothes, galleries, music, books and places to get tattoos and piercing, make up this boulevard that is special for adults and not the most recommended if you go with children.
Address: Lincoln Road (Miami Beach).
Villages of Merrick Park
Opened at the end of September 2002, it is the newest shopping center in Miami and, without a doubt, the most beautiful. It is in the Coral Gables area and its builders preserved the architecture of the area by building the complex that has 115 commercial premises, 120 residential units, an elegant office building and 3,800 parking spaces. If you go shopping there you will find an exclusive selection of interior designers and Latin American fashions, including Artefacto (one of the most famous design stores in Brazil), Cheeky (Argentine brand famous for its children’s clothing), Kala Lilly (Argentine antiques house), Rosario Salazar (Colombian specializing in interior design) and Silvia Tcherassi (who opened her second store here in Miami). And if you are just going for a walk, it also works, because the shops are grouped around a garden surrounded by Pal-mas Reales and where there are fountains and works of art. Ideal for an afternoon of resting and one or another purchase.
Address: 358 Avenue San Lorenzo.
Sunset Place.
The main attraction of this area -which has more than 100 premises- is in its spaces dedicated to fun and entertainment. Along with men’s, women’s and children’s clothing stores (such as Gap, Banana Republic and Armani), Sunset Place offers 24 giant theaters (with stadium-style silletería), a Virgin superstore (famous for its records), a giant Barnes & Noble venue, Nike Town, Gameworks (with electronic games for children and teenagers) and an Imax theater. It is the favorite place of teenagers.
Address: 5701 Sunset Drive.
Bal Harbour Shops
The most exclusive
If you are looking for exclusive clothes for special occasions or if you are willing to spend a few good dollars on your work clothes, this elegant shopping center located in the Bal Harbour area, one of the most exclusive in Miami, is your best option. It has a total of 100 stores including Neiman Marcus, Saks Fifth Avenue, Hermes Paris, Bulgari, Louis Vuitton, Chanel, Prada, Lacoste, Cartier and Christian Dior, all in an atmosphere of elegance that makes shopping a pleasant and expensive experience. Ready your wallet from the entrance to the parking lot.
Address: 9700 Collins Avenue.
Outlets and discounts
Dolphin
It is one of the largest discount shopping centers in Florida and has as an attraction its proximity to the Miami International Airport and its modern design in the form of a racetrack, which facilitates the movement of visitors through the three areas in which it is divided: Beach, with the style of Miami Beach and where clothing stores and home accessories are grouped; Fashion, with the discount stores of some of the best-known clothing brands, and Ramblas, where restaurants and entertainment venues congregate. It has 200 stores and among them some brands known by Colombians such as Bosi and Totto.
Address: 11401 N.W. 12 Street.
Sawgrass Mill
It is the largest and most traditional discount mall in South Florida. It is an hour from downtown Miami, in Sunrise (Broward County), but if your idea is to shop during your vacation it would be unforgivable not to visit its more than 400 stores -all with discount prices- and among which are Calvin Klein, Polo, Ralph Lauren, Banana Republic, Gap, Neiman Marcus, Marshalls, Disney, baby, Max Mara, Vertigo, Benetton, Levis, Dockers, Ann Taylor, Pay Less Shoes, Nine West, Tommy Hilfiger, Off Saks Fifth Avenue. The best advice to visit Sawgrass is to leave with comfortable shoes, with time available and take a map to locate at the entrance and a cart to fiddle your packages along the mall.
Address: 12801 West Sunrise Boulevard.
