Crew Tip: Discover Miami in all its colors

For six months now, Yanic Kittel has been working as a Cabin Crew Member for SWISS - and few places fascinate him as much as Miami. The native of Bern regularly flies here and uses every spare minute to explore the city on the Atlantic with all its facets. Just in time for Pride Month, he takes us along in our “Crew Tip” series to his “Miami” and reveals where he loves to meet new people, celebrate in style, or simply enjoy the sunshine. What is it about this vibrant metropolis that keeps pulling him back in?

Sunshine, palm trees, Art Deco architecture, and one of the liveliest LGBTQ+ scenes in the USA: Miami is much more than just a classic beach destination. Since the 1930s, a colorful, confident community has established itself here and continues to shape the city’s character to this day. Cabin Crew Member Yanic feels the same way. He shares the enthusiasm of the roughly one million queer visitors who come to South Florida each year – searching for exactly the mix that makes Miami so unique: openness, joie de vivre, and a touch of eccentricity. Here are his tips:

Yanic Kittel smiles brightly at the camera, fondly remembering the flight from New York to Zurich that first inspired his career. Since then, Miami has become a regular stop that always feels like a new experience.
Yanic Kittel smiles brightly at the camera, fondly remembering the flight from New York to Zurich that first inspired his career. Since then, Miami has become a regular stop that always feels like a new experience.

Meet & mingle at 12th Street Beach
12th Street Beach is one of the most famous LGBTQ+ beaches in the USA. This beach section is centrally located at South Beach, right across from 12th Street and Ocean Drive. You can recognize this hotspot from afar by the rainbow flags fluttering in the breeze. The vibe here is relaxed and open – perfect for meeting new people or simply soaking up the sun.

Ocean Drive stretches in the background, guiding the way to the sandy 12th Street Beach.
Ocean Drive stretches in the background, guiding the way to the sandy 12th Street Beach.
Beneath the bright blue sky and swaying palm trees, the relaxed vibe of South Beach is clearly felt.
Beneath the bright blue sky and swaying palm trees, the relaxed vibe of South Beach is clearly felt.
Enjoying a refreshing drink on the beach, Yanic soaks up the vibrant atmosphere of Miami’s South Beach
Enjoying a refreshing drink on the beach, Yanic soaks up the vibrant atmosphere of Miami’s South Beach

Party fun at the Rosa Sky Bar
Miami – the big party city in the USA – has plenty to offer when it comes to celebrations and fun. In Brickell, the heart of Miami Downtown, you'll find the Rosa Sky Bar. It invites you to dance above the rooftops of Miami while enjoying a delicious drink. The bar is open to everyone aged 21 and older and offers a stunning city view. Great music is guaranteed: live DJs spin a variety of genres, creating a fantastic atmosphere. An absolute highlight to round off the evening after a day at the beach.

From the Rosa Sky Bar, Yanic enjoys the stunning city view, a sight he never tires of.
From the Rosa Sky Bar, Yanic enjoys the stunning city view, a sight he never tires of.
The Rosa Sky Bar offers a lively party atmosphere high above Miami Downtown, with the city skyline lighting up the night.
The Rosa Sky Bar offers a lively party atmosphere high above Miami Downtown, with the city skyline lighting up the night.

Twist – Miami’s queer nightlife scene
The Twist club in South Beach is a true classic of Miami’s LGBTQ+ scene. With seven bars, diverse music styles, and free entry, there’s something for everyone – no dress codes or clichés here. The atmosphere is open, drinks are good, and spontaneous drag shows provide top-notch entertainment. Perfect for an unforgettable night out in Miami.

LGBTQ+ flags line the rooftop of the Twist building, making it feel like Pride Month all year round, with great music, multiple bars, and lively drag shows.
LGBTQ+ flags line the rooftop of the Twist building, making it feel like Pride Month all year round, with great music, multiple bars, and lively drag shows.

“Pride is not a destination, but Miami sure feels close.”

Yanic Kittel
SWISS Cabin Crew Member

Caribbean vibes in the heart of Miami
For those who prefer to take it easy, Crandon Park Beach is a cozy retreat. The white sand resembles the Caribbean, and the palm trees look like something straight out of a movie scene. It’s the ideal place to escape the hustle and bustle and relax. But be careful – the Florida sun is very strong, and you might spot some larger lizards hiding in the bushes.

Here at Crandon Park Beach, Yanic feels like he’s stepped into a movie scene, surrounded by the warm glow of the sunset.
Here at Crandon Park Beach, Yanic feels like he’s stepped into a movie scene, surrounded by the warm glow of the sunset.
The soft white sand and gently swaying palm trees make this beach a perfect place to unwind and escape the city’s noise.
The soft white sand and gently swaying palm trees make this beach a perfect place to unwind and escape the city’s noise.
Taking a leisurely walk, Yanic enjoys the sunshine and the calm, laid-back vibe of the beach.
Taking a leisurely walk, Yanic enjoys the sunshine and the calm, laid-back vibe of the beach.
Keep an eye out for lizards. Even though they often blend into their surroundings, Yanic thinks they are fascinating to watch up close.
Keep an eye out for lizards. Even though they often blend into their surroundings, Yanic thinks they are fascinating to watch up close.

The world-famous Ocean Drive
No Miami trip is complete without visiting Ocean Drive. This iconic street on South Beach boasts numerous bars and dining options. By day, it connects the city to the beach and ocean. Fun fact: Gianni Versace, co-founder of the famous fashion house, once lived in a magnificent villa on Ocean Drive.

The palm-lined street of Ocean Drive stretches ahead, showcasing the iconic Art Deco architecture that defines Miami Beach’s South Beach district.
The palm-lined street of Ocean Drive stretches ahead, showcasing the iconic Art Deco architecture that defines Miami Beach’s South Beach district.
Yanic enjoys strolling along Ocean Drive, making his way toward the nearby beach and taking in the vibrant atmosphere.
Yanic enjoys strolling along Ocean Drive, making his way toward the nearby beach and taking in the vibrant atmosphere.
The Ocean Drive offers plenty of bars and restaurants to discover, providing the perfect opportunity to experience Miami’s lively food and nightlife scene.
The Ocean Drive offers plenty of bars and restaurants to discover, providing the perfect opportunity to experience Miami’s lively food and nightlife scene.

Shopping at Brickell City Centre
Brickell City Centre is probably one of the city’s best-known shopping malls, offering a huge selection of international brands and shops. There’s also a lovely outdoor terrace to enjoy the sun, as well as a bridge between two buildings with a great photo spot.

Yanic proudly poses at his favorite photo spot on the bridge between two buildings, surrounded by towering skyscrapers.
Yanic proudly poses at his favorite photo spot on the bridge between two buildings, surrounded by towering skyscrapers.
The Brickell City Centre also features a beautiful platform, perfect for enjoying the sunshine and taking a break from shopping.
The Brickell City Centre also features a beautiful platform, perfect for enjoying the sunshine and taking a break from shopping.
Book flight

SWISS operates daily flights to Miami during the summer schedule (flight time: approx. 10h 25m outbound, 9h 10m return). Starting with the winter schedule 2025/2026 on October 26, 2025, two daily connections will be available. For current transit and entry regulations, please visit swiss.travel-regulations.com.