Fort Lauderdale

Fort Lauderdale — once known as the "Venice of America" for its 300 km of waterways and infamous as a Spring Break hotspot — has fundamentally changed in recent decades. Today, it is an elegant, grown-up alternative to Miami: equally beautiful beaches, but less hustle, cheaper hotels, and an excellent restaurant scene.

Beach & Las Olas

The Fort Lauderdale Beach stretches over 11 km and is wider, cleaner, and less crowded than South Beach. The Beachfront Promenade (A1A) is ideal for jogging, cycling, or strolling. Directly behind it runs the Las Olas Boulevard — Fort Lauderdale's most beautiful street with a mix of boutiques, galleries, restaurants, and bars. In the evening, Las Olas transforms into a lively nightlife area.

Waterways & Water Taxis

Fort Lauderdale's unique canal system is best explored by Water Taxi ($26 day pass, unlimited rides). The boats travel on the Intracoastal Waterway and the New River, passing millionaire villas with their yachts. The Riverwalk Fort Lauderdale along the New River connects parks, museums, and restaurants on a car-free promenade.

Culture & Museums

The NSU Art Museum Fort Lauderdale houses one of the most important collections of contemporary art in the southeastern USA. The Bonnet House Museum & Gardens is a hidden gem — an artist's estate from the 1920s amidst tropical gardens, right on the beach. And the Hugh Taylor Birch State Park offers mangrove forests, kayak tours, and a freshwater lake in the middle of the city.