Few experiences can rival waking up to a view of a city that has changed very little since the days when Dante strolled its alleys. Florence has served as inspiration and a playground to many a great Italian artist, while today it inspires travellers coming from far and wide.

The city is so enchanting that besides finding the perfect accommodation, complete with the perfect view, you don’t need to plan much to have a breathtaking trip. Still, just so you don’t miss on anything exciting, such as seeing the Duomo at the best time, check out our list of things you absolutely must do while in Florence.

1 Stroll the historic centre

Sightseeing in Florence is fairly easy and the only mode of transport you will ever need to take you around the heart of the city is your own two feet. You don’t need a car because only local residents and business owners are allowed to drive into the historic city centre while hopping on a bus is something you only do when travelling further afield.

The historic centre is really tiny and packed with the majority of the most popular attractions, all only within a few minutes’ walks from each other. Simply take a stroll and enjoy the thrill of seeing something spectacular every time you turn a corner. While urban noise and prices are drawbacks, staying in the historic centre of Florence has its perks and its charm.

 

2 Visit Duomo at sunset or sunrise. 

The biggest attraction in Florence is the Basilica di Santa Maria del Fiore, or simply Duomo. Visit Duomo early in the morning, around 8am, for a chance to climb the dome and avoid the crowds.

As you clamber up the winding stairs you get glimpses of the bright frescoes that adorn the interior up-close, but the ultimate reward is the view over the roofs of the city from the very top.

To see the exterior at its most splendid, visit the cathedral at sunset when the intricate marble facade turns pink as the sunlight brings out the ornate details.

 

3 Explore the Oltrarno

To experience Florence beyond its historic core, simply cross one of the bridges over to the south bank of the river and you find yourself in the Oltrarno (literally beyond the Arno), an area filled with quaint residential neighbourhoods, lots of artisans’ workshops and plenty of delightful restaurants catering to locals.

This part of Florence has its grand attractions, too, the Pitti Palace and the Boboli gardens, which are part of the impressive heritage of the Medici dynasty.

Daily life takes on a much calmer pace in the Oltrarno, far from the tourist throngs across the river. The nightlife, however, is as vibrant as it gets, with lots of bars and nightclubs where you can hear live music gigs. The calm, the character of the place and the excellent local outlets also make the Oltrarno a much better choice for an extended stay in Florence than the bustling north bank of the river.

 

4 Plan your Mondays

The museums, galleries and some of the historic houses of Florence are not open on Mondays, a practice common throughout Italy. If you plan extensive gallery tours and museum crawls, keep this in mind, especially if you only have a little time to spend in the city. Plan some other activities for your Mondays. There is plenty more to see and do in Florence beside admiring long halls filled with artworks. After all, this cradle of the Renaissance is an outdoor artwork in its own right, so take your time to admire it.

 

5 Take a boat tour on the Arno

Venice has its canals and gondolas but Florence has barchettos and the Arno. Taking a cruise down the river on one of these traditional, historic boats offers a completely different perspective from which to experience the city, see its splendid architecture and glide right under its stunning bridges. It’s also a good way to kick your feet up and rest from all the sightseeing you have done on foot, while escaping the crowds for an hour or two.

 

6 Have an aperitivo 

The culture of having an aperitivo, is something you will encounter all over Italy, and not just in Florence but while you are here give it a try.

The aperitivo is a way of working up an appetite for dinner by having a snack with a glass of good wine or a cocktail. Simply put it is one more way to enjoy sumptuous Tuscan food and drinks, while mixing and mingling with locals in the city’s many bars. Buon appetito!.

 

7 Feed the Porcellino

Fontana Porcellino at Mercato Nuovo is to Florence what the Trevi fountain is to Rome. Less grandiose but far cuter, the porcellino, a water-spouting statue of a wild boar, is worth seeing before leaving Florence. Rub its nose with one hand while putting a coin in its mouth with the other. The water flowing from its mouth will carry the coin down and if it falls through the grate, that is an omen of good luck. What better way to say ciao to the city!

 

Albeit better known for its financial services and international expos, Frankfurt is one of those cities that have a little something for every type of traveller, with any lifestyle or budget. From opera to traditional music, from flea markets to designer boutiques, and from contemporary hotels to characterful holiday homes, there is a variety in entertainment, amusement and accommodation that makes the city attractive to all visitors.

If you wonder what to do during your stay in Frankfurt, it might help you to ask yourself first what types of activities you enjoy the most, or in other words what type of traveller you are?

 

A foodie: try out apple cider and Frankfurt cuisine

Apple wine (or apfelwein in German) is the most popular beverage in Frankfurt and a must try. Tart, slightly sour and with an alcoholic content of 4% to 9% it is a refreshing drink that can be had with any meal but the best thing is to try out some of the hearty local fares.

Frankfurter Würstchen, the popular local sausages, grilled pork with sauerkraut, or Green Sauce, a mix of spiced yoghurt served with eggs and potatoes, are all yummy meals you can wash down with a glass of apple wine.

Plenty of taverns throughout Frankfurt serve traditional local dishes and more often than not their very own house brew. However, the quaint Sachsenhausen neighbourhood, with its numerous traditional taverns, pubs and restaurants serving local fare, is one of the most popular places for wining and dining.

A culture vulture: go on a museum crawl

Frankfurt boasts some of the finest and richest museum collections in Germany and with half of the city museums located along the banks of the river Main on what has come to be known as the Museumsufer (or Museum

embankment), a museum crawl is not only easy but also quite pleasant. In a short stroll, you can see a range of different exhibitions and enjoy the riverside all at the same time.

 

Nearly a dozen museums are dedicated to different art forms – modern and ancient, fine and applied, visual and film, Jewish and German – there is a museum for every form of art in Frankfurt. Art connoisseurs will be delighted

but visitors with other interests will also find plenty to see. The Nature Museum boasts a collection of dinosaur skeletons that is a hit with both young and old, while the Dialogue Museum offers a rare chance to experience life in

the shoes of a blind person. And if you want to see where the nation’s greatest writer was born, raised and created some of his works, check out the Goethe House and Museum.

 

A lazy traveller: admire the Mainhattan skyline

Mainhattan, or the Manhattan of Frankfurt, is the city’s financial district and the banking heart of Germany. This area built up with magnificent glassy office towers is what makes the Frankfurt skyline such a magnificent view to behold at both day- and nighttime. There are many different ways to admire the Mainhattan skyline.

Take a boat tour on the river Main and you will experience the city from an entirely different viewpoint or for a truly magnificent view climb up the Main Tower. This glassy twin structure is one of the tallest skyscrapers in Frankfurt and the only one with not just one but two public observation decks. Both are accessible for a modest fee of a few euros and if you don’t feel like leaving you can linger in the top floor restaurant with a nice meal and a drink.

 

The shopaholic: go on a shopping spree on Zeil street

Zeil street is to Frankfurt what is Oxford street to London – a bustling shopper’s paradise where one can find anything from high-street labels to luxury goodies.

The main draws are the huge department stores and the mammoth shopping centre Zeilgalerie, which has more than 70 shops spread over 10 floors.

The smaller malls, Galeria Kaufhof and Karstadt, are also worth checking out, while the newly opened MyZeil impresses with its futuristic glass architecture. The maze of streets near Zeil street is also filled with exciting boutiques and a range of high-end shopping outlets.

 

An outdoor lover: stroll the green belt

Even in highly modern Frankfurt, not all is skyscrapers and museums. The Green Belt, Frankfurt’s green lung, forms a meandering belt of parks, gardens, meadows and orchards around the city that spans 80 sq km and offers dozens of kilometres of hiking and cycling trails. You can engage in a range of outdoor activities and sports right in the heart of the city without having to go to the countryside.

 

The variety of sights and terrains is truly stunning. Untamed meadows, orchards and vineyards abut exquisitely landscaped gardens, all of which have their own unique character. The Nizza garden has a distinctly Mediterranean feel with its cedars, cypresses, palms and citrus trees, while the Chinese garden, with its traditional architecture and romantic features, transports you to the far east.

if you are planning a family day out, you’d be pleased to find children’s amenities, like playgrounds and waterslides, where your kids can romp safely. So, if you still wonder what would be the best thing to do while visiting Frankfurt, start by asking yourself what type of a traveller you are and you are bound to find the answer and your entertainment.

 

Every now and then you feel the urge to get another perspective on a city and to explore beyond the all-too-familiar places. An extended trip to Hamburg and a stay in a private holiday home will allow you to truly feel like you belong to the city but you will also need a good itinerary.

Most activities and amusements in Hamburg are intrinsically linked to the city waterways, the port, the rivers and lakes. Quite a few places, on and off the river, remain unnoticed by tourists and are well worth a visit when you feel like getting a taste of local life. Whether you are tired of the tourist side of Hamburg and feel like seeing something different or you just like to go off the beaten track, some of these places will satisfy your insatiable wanderlust.

 

1 Treppenviertel and Blankenese

 

Perched on a hill above the Elbe river, the Treppenviertel (or stairs quarter) is one of the most scenic neighbourhoods of Hamburg and part of the highly desirable and expensive Blankenese district.

Nearly 5000 stairs going up and down the hill take you on a meandering tour of a leafy neighbourhood filled with the cutest homes in the city. From traditional thatched cottages to white-washed Mediterranean-style

villas, the architectural styles are extraordinarily varied, while the winding pathways afford picture-postcard views of the neighbourhood and the river.

When you tire of your walk, hop on one of the small buses serving the district, which are somewhat humorously and also quite aptly called Bergziegen, or mountain goats. Don’t leave the neighbourhood without going for a stroll by the river or dipping your toes in the soft sand on the riverside beach. On a sunny summer day, you can get tanned while enjoying the lovely view over the opposite bank of the river.

2 The Old Elbe Tunnel 

Also known as the St. Pauli Elbe Tunnel, this subterranean passageway is actually made of two tunnels, built to connect the St. Pauli, Freihafen (i.e. the free port) and the Steinwerder shipyards. The Old Elbe Tunnel is more than one hundred years old and protected as a historic landmark. It is open to both pedestrians and vehicles all year round. You can gain entrance through the southern or northern end. Take the lift, or the stairs if you dare, and descend 24 meters below ground level to a hushed, tiled subway bathed in yellow lights. It is at its most atmospheric and peaceful at the weekends when it is closed to motor vehicles. Finish your route at the shipyards and you get rewarded with the scenic view over the city and the harbour.

3 Speicherstadt

The Old Elbe Tunnel passes right through the free port (Freihafen) where you come across a truly magnificent part of Hamburg – the Speicherstadt, or the warehouse quarter. Built in the late 19th foundations immersed in the water.

The stern red-brick buildings surrounded by century it is a huge warehouse complex built on timber canals on all sides make the quarter look like a Venice of the north, while at night when all the buildings are brightly illumined, it makes for a truly stunning sight.

Many of the buildings have been functioning as warehouses for more than a century, yet, some are home to local attractions, like the Dungeon Museum, the Maritime Museum and the Miniatur Wunderwand, while others house theatre companies, restaurants and other exciting venues worth checking out. You can explore on foot, by taking a walk around the canal paths or by water, by hopping into a barge for a tour of the canals.

4 Niendorfer Gehege

This park in suburban Hamburg is as far from the beaten track, and civilization, as you can get without having to leave Hamburg. You get a true feel of the countryside as you walk into the park, the only other people are the locals jogging past or walking their dogs. The postcard-perfect alleys with trees forming arched tunnels above them are stunning in any season and within the park itself, you find a deer reserve where the animals graze and roam undisturbed. It’s not all wilderness, though and with a

children’s playground and BBQ areas, Niendorfer Gehege is perfect for a picnic or barbecue.

5 The Botanical Garden

Planten un Blomen is a veritable oasis in the heart of the city, and not only is it a spectacularly beautiful retreat from the urban hustle and bustle but it is also free.

There are nearly 50 hectares to explore with verdant walks, landscaped gardens, exquisite floral displays, greenhouses overflowing with exotic plants from around the world, ponds and fountains filled with water lilies.

Expect to see a huge rose garden, a traditional Japanese garden and an apothecary garden planted with medicinal herbs. From spring until early autumn, concerts are held in the evenings by a fountain which is illumined by spectacular light effects. Come on a warm summer night when the park is filled with locals and enjoy the free entertainment with them.

Munich and Berlin might be in the limelight with their vibrant nightlife and exciting culture, yet Hannover is a much better choice for a family trip with children. This leafy city, with its unhurried pace of life and uncrowded streets, is a safe and peaceful destination complete with child-friendly attractions and festivals. Other draws such as attractively priced modern accommodation, beautiful green spaces and excellent public transport make Hannover a great bet for your family stay. 

The city is extremely easy to explore on your own. Tourists can simply follow the Red Thread, a four-kilometre line painted on the ground that connects all the major attractions throughout Hannover. Before you start touring well over 30 venues, however, you might want to single out a few that would be a suitable choice for a day out with your children. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

Castle Marienburg

Germany is well known for its fairytale castles and Hannover makes no exception. Situated a mere 12 miles outside the city, Marienburg was the last castle built by a Hanoverian king. Your children will be delighted by the castle. At once majestic with its mighty turrets and elegant with its beautifully decorated 140 halls, it offers plenty of space for your boys and girls to make believe they are knights and princesses. 

While they play you can admire the numerous works of art and historical objects, and hear the romantic story of King George who had the castle constructed for and named after his beloved wife Marie. All year round the castle holds indoor and outdoor concerts and theatre shows for adults and children, so plan your visit ahead and you can catch a performance.

Hannover Adventure Zoo

A visit to the Hannover Zoo is a delightful experience for the whole family. A stroll around the zoo takes you through different landscapes and terrains – African groves filled with flamingos, waterfalls cascading down rocks by which big cats bask in the sun, the ruins of an Asian temple roamed by a herd of elephants.

Your family is transported to all exotic corners of the world. There are lots of activities for children but one of the highlights is a boat tour on the Zambezi. As your boat glides on the river past banks overgrown with exotic vegetation and dotted with grazing giraffes, you begin to feel as if you are truly in Africa. 

Herrenhausen Gardens

On a sunny day, nothing feels better than spending time in the outdoors and looking at your kids romp about in the grass. The Herrenhausen gardens are one of Hannover’s most loved green spaces, equally popular among locals and visitors

There is a tremendous range of outdoor activities to enjoy in the gardens. In the Great Garden, laid out in an ornate Baroque style by queen Sophie, you can play hide and seek with your kids among beautiful statues, fountains, tunnels of greenery and fantastically shaped hedgehogs.

Pop into the colourful Mountain Garden, a rich botanical garden where you can admire exotic plants and a world-famous collection of orchids. You can play sports or spread a picnic blanket in the George Garden, which is a more traditional park with ponds, paths and lawns perfect for outdoor games. Don’t miss the great fountain with its water spray that reaches a height of 70 meters, a sight that will impress your entire family.

Later if you want to add an educational edge to the day pop into the rebuilt Herrenhausen palace that currently houses a history museum. Throughout the year the gardens host numerous events and fireworks competitions. The one that is a truly family-friendly event is the Small Festival in the Great Garden in July. It features music, dance, acrobatics and lots of performances by clowns.

Sea Life Aquarium

On the premises of the Herrenhausen gardens, you will find one of the best attractions for a day out with your children – the Sea Life Centre in Hannover. Several thousand marine animals from more than 150 species swim in the water tanks and aquariums – from tiny, elegant seahorses to giant sharks.

At Sea Life, you can admire the underwater animals but also teach your kids about their habitats and conservation. This is a great place to learn many curious facts, such as why sharks are harmless to humans or how octopuses decorate their abodes. 

Rubber Duck Race

Thousands of rubber ducks float down the river Leine every July in what appears to be the quirkiest event in Germany. The river turns yellow with floating rubber ducks, while the men waiting in the water for the first three champions to cross the line make it all look like a rather serious affair, no less important than the Olympics.

If your kids want to take part in the race, you can buy numbered rubber ducks for only a couple of euros each on the very day of the race. Then watch them get thrown into the river from a giant net and wait with bated breath until the finish line is crossed.

 

Dinner in someone’s backyard, a giant flea market spanning the city, a guided climb to a clock tower, and midnight bonfires. Helsinki has a line-up of annual events, ranging from quirky to boisterous to cultured, that manage to bring locals and visitors together in fun, engaging and innovative ways. Before you book your flights, Helsinki accommodation and a boat tour of the fjords, make sure to plan your visit around one of the city’s fantastic annual events.

 

Restaurant Day

Restaurant Day is the brainchild of three friends from who were frustrated with the strict Finnish regulations about opening a restaurant. Shortly after starting to serve tapas from bicycle in the street they went on to encourage their fellow citizens to become restaurateurs for a day. The result is Restaurant Day, an event held on four Saturdays throughout the year, in February, May, August and November, on which anyone can prepare and serve food anywhere in the city.

In the two years since its inception, the event has spread to other countries and cities but it’s still at its strongest in Helsinki. There is hardly any yummier time to visit the city than during one of the four Restaurant days. Locals set up food stalls in the streets, parks and gardens selling snacks and refreshments, while pop-up restaurants appear in shops and private residences, among other locations. You can sample traditional dishes in people’s backyards, try out someone’s secret family recipe for cake or you can even savour food from around the world.

Restaurant day celebrates food and cuisine with a lot of gusto, so mark the dates on your calendar and forget about your diet for one day.

 

Midsummer Festivities

Come June, Finns prepare for a much loved national holiday – the Midsummer celebrations of the Midnight Sun. The summer solstice is marked with huge bonfires, boisterous festivities, music, dance, outdoor games, drink and food. A lot of citizens leave Helsinki to retreat to their countryside homes and villas for the holiday, so the city can look a bit deserted, but according to some it has its own unique, mysterious charm during that period.

 

Those who stay in the city celebrate in their own fashion. In Helsinki, the biggest celebrations are held on the island district of Seurasaari. Locals light bonfires, perform folk dances and engage in a whole lot of other activities suitable for both young and old. In nightclubs and other venues around the city, young people celebrate by dressing up in funky old-fashioned attire and making merry till wee hours. The white nights and balmy weather are quite inviting to celebrating around the clock, so make the most of it.

 

Flow Festival

Later during the summer, in August Helsinki welcomes thousands of visitors eager to hear their favourite bands and singers perform during the Flow Festival. This hugely popular music fest is held over the course of three days – a time when local and international bands entertain the crowds with rock, pop, indie, electronic and club music.

Manic Street Preachers, Outkast, Kanye West and Björk are just some of the big names who have performed at Flow in the past. Besides awesome music, Flow is also a time to enjoy a range of other entertainment, visual arts, film screenings, and to sample the fantastic food served by local restaurants and food vendors.

 

Lux Helsinki

While Midsummer marks the white, warm days, Lux brings brightness to the dark polar nights. During the festival, local and international artists dot the city with their imaginative light art installations. Anyone can see these works that grace public spaces and buildings and are hence free for all to enjoy. From animations projected on brick walls and entire buildings bathed in multicoloured lights, to giant clusters of lamps and sculptures with flickering bulbs. For a couple of months, Helsinki is lit by a mesmerising variety of lights, making the polar night quite the rainbow event of the year.

 

Helsinki Cleaning Day

Siivouspäivä or Cleaning Day (new site coming soon) has little to do with cleaning and a lot more to do with recycling, donating and eco-friendly activities. Held on a Saturday in May and  August, Cleaning Day allows citizens from all ages and backgrounds set up stalls around town and sell their unwanted stuff. You can come across practical finds or quality bargains while browsing the innumerable stalls that dot the city. You might spot a quaint antique or cheap second-hand designer goodie but even if you don’t you get to mix and mingle with locals and see Helsinki through their eyes.

 

Open House Helsinki

The event that originated in London in the 90s has spread to many European capitals, and Helsinki is no exception. Usually held on a weekend in September, the Helsinki edition of Open House allows visitors access to buildings and spaces usually closed to the public. Previous years have opened doors to such iconic locations as the Clock Tower of the Central Railway station and the offices of the prime minister.

 

Other places that can be visited range from traditional wooden houses to modern glassy skyscrapers. The Marble Palace, built by architect Eliel Saarinen, is one of the most luxurious private residences in the city, and a visit can quickly make you wish you could spend the night there. While you cannot do that, Helsinki has plenty of excellent hotels,

 

Some cities have a Chinatown and others have a Little Italy but Chicago has a whole world map of exotic neighbourhoods. Renting accommodation in one of Chicago’s ethnic quarters and visiting one of the many ethnic festivals and restaurants gives you a taste of local life and a chance to experience firsthand the numerous rich cultures and communities that have shaped this vibrant city. Don’t know where to begin? Next time you visit Chicago put one of the below colourful neighbourhoods and cultural attractions on your itinerary.

 

Chinatown festivals

Chicago’s Chinatown is home to the second largest Chinese community in the U.S. that celebrates its rich heritage with a whole array of festivals throughout the year. A Dragon and Lion Dance Procession marches down the streets of Chinatown during the Summer Fair, while the Dragon Boat Race sees a fleet of richly decorated boats race for the final on the Chicago River in June.

Later throughout the year entertainment continues with the Temple Street Market and Autumn Moon festivals, and ends with the Chinese New Year celebrations. All of these events feature colourful floats, folk dance and music, and, of course, endless open-air markets offering a range of traditional foods, herbs, teas and gifts.

Throughout the rest of the year, tempting eateries and funky shops lure you in on every corner of the hood. Take your time to enjoy a picnic in the Ping Tom Memorial Park and marvel the beautiful pagoda and peaceful pond or learn about the history of Chinatown by taking a guided tour around the neighbourhood and visiting the Chinese-American Museum of Chicago.

 

Greektown gastronomy

Greektown in the West Side District of Chicago is a popular hangout spot for locals round the clock and it isn’t hard to see why. An array of Greek cafes, bars and taverns serving traditional food in authentic settings under the motto that no client should leave hungry make visits to Greektown quite memorable.

In the area, you will also find the National Hellenic Museum. Here you can see ancient artefacts celebrating thousands of years of Greek history, as well as more recent exhibits documenting the lives and achievements of Greco Americans. Expect meet-ups with ancient Greek gods, language classes and lots of hearty koftas and warm cheese-filled gyro pitas.

 

Gangsters, athletes and chefs in Little Italy

Today Little Italy is bustling with students attending the University of Illinois, so the area has become much more diverse but beyond this quarter there are a few places that are dedicated to all things Italian. The name of Al Capone inevitably comes to mind when one thinks of Chicago and if you are lucky you might see some exhibits about his life at the city’s history museum.

Beyond the infamous reputation that Capone casts over the community, Italian settlers have shaped Chicago in many positive ways. The pride and joy of the community, the American Italian Sports Hall of Fame celebrates the achievements of great sports stars of Italian-American origin, and the iconic sculpture of Joe DiMaggio in front of the venue is one of the city’s much-loved landmarks.

Another truly Italian destination in Chicago not to bypass is Eataly. This food emporium draws thousands of visitors with its artisanal products sourced from Italy’s finest producers and a range of restaurants and cafes where one can indulge all senses. The focus at Eataly is on good Italian food, whether it is being sold in the form of fresh ingredients or served as skillfully prepared meals, drinks and desserts.

 

A Little Mexican Village

La Violetta (aka Little Village) is home to some of the best Mexican restaurants and food outlets in Chicago. The aroma of warm corn, tortillas and tacos wafting in the streets beckons you to grab a seat inside one of the tempting eateries. Later you can wrap the meal with dessert at Dulcelandia, a Mexican candy shop that is a real treat for little visitors and sweet-toothed adults.

In September, the streets of La Violetta are flooded by a colourful parade procession celebrating Mexico’s independence from Spain with Mexican fare, music, dance and amusements for the whole family. For more cultured entertainment, pop into the National Museum of Mexican Art that boasts the largest collection of Mexican artworks in the entire U.S.

 

Traditional and modern Ukraine

Unlike other ethnic neighbourhoods, the Ukrainian village is a rather tranquil, tree-lined residential hood but this uneventful atmosphere hides some real gems of cafes serving Ukrainian food and a number of amazing cultural venues and events that combine the best of Ukrainian traditions and modern Ukrainian life.

You can see traditional Ukrainian attire, music instruments and folk art objects at the Ukrainian National Museum or experience cutting-edge art, film screenings and literary events at the Ukrainian Institute of Modern Art. In September, the Ukrainian Village Fest brings to the streets folk dancers and performers in traditional Ukrainian costumes and a large market selling ethnic food and products. 

Taking the time to explore all these vibrant neighbourhoods is one certain way to get to know Chicago inside out, so plan your visit and accommodation ahead to make the most of your stay.

 

From trying on designer outfits at Bloomingdale’s to attending a Broadway show at the Arsht Centre or pondering the exhibits at the Wolfsonian, Miami has no lack of fantastic shopping, culture and nightlife. Despite the amazing offers, though, no one goes to Miami for the malls or the art shows and you needn’t look far for a proof.

Open-air nightclubs and beach bars take entertainment under the stars, tourists whizz by on scooters more often than in cars, the beaches are packed with sun worshippers and holiday accommodations boast outdoor pools and lavish gardens.

Making the most of the sunshine, the warm ocean waters and the balmy tropical weather is a no-brainer, yet there is more to beachcombing or lounging by the pool.

Not that these do not have their merits. It’s just that there is so much more to see and do. With inexhaustible choices of outdoor activities, Miami manages to seduce almost anyone, from the youthful sports junkie to the mature traveller looking for relaxation. Adrenaline-pumping sports, encounters with the wild, or leisurely tours?

What would you pick?

1. Petting alligators at Jungle Island

To animal lovers, Jungle Island offers a zoo experience unlike any other. A range of different tours allows you to interact with wild animals just like with pets. You can hold an infant crocodile, pet cuddly monkeys or feed kangaroos. Bringing your little ones guarantees you a day filled with giggles and smiles.

There is an educational side to the visit, as well. Jungle Island is home to many endangered and rare species, so your kids will be learning a lot about protecting and caring for the planet.

 

2. Windsurfing on Hobie Beach

There are many water sports that can be practised in Miami and those with a love for adrenaline-pumping experiences will always find one to suit their lifestyle. Keen windsurfers have their own Miami paradise near Brickell.

Pros usually head to Hobie Beach (aka windsurfer beach), and enthusiastic beginners end up in nearby Biscayne Bay. With its speedy winds and shallow waters, the Bay makes the perfect place to learn the ropes of windsurfing. Hobie beach is also dog-friendly, and you will see a huge range of wonderful dogs on display all over the place.

 

3. Miami from the sky – parasailing and seaplane tours

Ever wanted to see Miami from the sky? Parasailing is one of the most thrilling ways to do that. A number of Miami Beach and South Beach boat companies offer parasailing experiences. Brace yourself for the adrenaline rush and tantalising views of the ocean as you soar as high as 250 meters (or 800 feet) above water level.

If you lack the courage to try parasailing, opt for a seaplane tour of Miami. In a couple of hours, you can see the entire city and even the region from bird’s eye view.

And there is the added fun of taking off and landing amidst splashing water.

Some local operators offer tours of nearby islands and exclusive dining experiences, which can be a great way to spice up a romantic holiday.

 

4. Kayaking in the natural parks

Miami’s numerous wildlife parks, tropical islands and coral reefs are best explored from the water.

Navigating the waterways of the Everglades together with the flamingos and alligators, rowing your way to the Oleta River Park and exploring the tropical reefs of Biscayne Bay National Park will reveal a whole new world of natural splendour that you simply cannot experience from the ground.

 

5. Scuba diving in the reefs

Everyone knows that Miami has gorgeous beaches, but lesser known is the fact that it also boasts one of the most beautiful underwater landscapes. One of the largest barrier reefs in the world lies under the ocean waters right along the Miami coastline.

The best way to explore this stunning marine world is to go scuba diving. You can do that at the John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, or if you are environmentally conscious you can explore one of a dozen artificial reefs throughout the Miami area.

 

6. Glass-bottom boat tours

A far lazier approach to seeing the reefs that do not require any scuba diving ability is to book a glass-bottom boat cruise. Boat tours departing from the visitor centres at Biscayne National Park and the John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park will take you around the reefs and will allow you to admire the splendour of the underwater flora and fauna without even having to dip your toes in the water.

 

7. Fishing in and around Miami

There are many spots in Miami where anglers can enjoy their favourite pastime – from the numerous marinas and piers right in the urban heart of Downtown Miami, to wilder spots in the natural parks and Biscayne Bay. Chartering a deep sea fishing trip is yet another option preferred by keen fishers.

 

8. Swimming with dolphins

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to shake hands with a dolphin or to share a kiss? At one of the most popular, and oldest, marine parks in Miami you can do that and much more.

Enjoy marine encounters with dolphins and seals in the warm pools of the Seaquarium, or go on an underwater trek through the artificial coral reef and see for yourself what it means to walk on the seabed while tropical fish drift past you.

 

9. Watching manatees out in the wild

There are some animal encounters in Miami that can happen anywhere and anytime. Manatees, also known as sea cows, are cute marine animals that inhabit the ocean waters. They can be seen in places around Miami, from harbours and marinas to canals and rivers. Some of the best places for spotting them are the Intracoastal Waterway and Coral Gables.

 

10.Fruit and Spice Park

Extreme sports and animal encounter’s aside, some outdoor activities in Miami are all about nourishing the senses. A stroll through the expansive 37 acre grounds of Fruit and Spice Park takes you around the flora of the earth. Fruit trees and herbaceous plants from Australia, Asia, Africa, the Mediterranean, and naturally, native Florida species, have all found their spot in the park. There are more than one hundred species of mango alone!

Walking the Boardwalk

Not every outdoor activity in Miami requires physical exertion or spending money. A stroll down the four-mile Boardwalk is free and can be a very relaxing way to explore Miami Beach. To the east, the ocean greets you with its blue waters, and to the west lies Ocean Drive, lined with all the iconic Art Deco hotels and buildings, which are part of the historic architectural heritage of Miami.