THE BEST OF MIAMI
Miami is a vibrant city with its many clubs, beaches and music festivals. You’ll find a variety of different areas ranging from funky arts districts to sun-kissed beaches with turquoise waters to Cuban and culture-filled. From world-class restaurants to exhilarating nightlife, Miami offers something for everyone, but makes for an especially great place to visit if you’re looking to party or relax on the beach – or both!
Best Time to Visit miami
With its excellent weather and beautiful beaches, Miami is a pretty popular destination year-round. Shoulder months in Miami are late April, May and October. During these times you’ll tend to find lower rates and (slightly) fewer people.
The winter months bring lots of vacationers and snow birds, making it the peak season with the most visitors and highest prices.
Miami is making efforts to prevent it from being the Spring Break city it was once known as, but you can still expect to see a lot of spring breakers in March and early April.
Summer in Miami is hot and humid. You might notice more families on summer vacation. Passing rain is common in the afternoons, but only lasts a few minutes.
How Much Time Do You Need in miami
Miami is the perfect place to spend a long weekend. If you have more time, you can add in some additional relaxing beach days or check out some nearby areas.
EAT
Taquiza
Taquiza has some of the best tacos and margaritas in Miami. While you’re there you must try their totopos (a puffy blue corn chip) with guacamole. The al pastor, mahi, and barbacoa tacos are all so yummy – you really can’t go wrong here.
Breakfast Buffet at The Setai
Who doesn’t love a good breakfast buffet? The Setai is a beautiful hotel decorated in a Balinese-style. And breakfast at The Setai is fantastic. For $50/person it is a splurge, but you can enjoy endless rows of delicious food. Jazz brunch is on Sundays. And keep your eyes peeled, you may see celebrities or famous athletes staying at this hotel.
Mandolin
Mandolin is the spot for Mediterranean food in Miami. Warm, fresh pitas, wine, and all the mezzes you can imagine. Try and go with a group so you can share a bunch of things – I’ve never had a bad dish here.
Beaker and Grey
My favorites at Beaker and Grey are the appetizers and the desserts. Cheeseburger croquettes, lamb meatballs – and who doesn’t love shishito peppers!? For dessert, the guava cookies are fantastic and the milk and cookies are tasty and fun! You’ll get chocolate chip cookie doughnuts with a shot glass full of vanilla milkshake.
QP Tapas
If you want quality Spanish-style tapas, QP Tapas is just what you’re looking for. The roasted sunchokes, smoked chicken, and pan con tomate are all excellent choices. If they have paella, you NEED to get it. Don’t forget the basque cheesecake with a mango caramel sauce. It’s soo good!
Komodo
Komodo is a definite splurge, but if you’re going to splurge on a meal, Komodo is the place to do it. It’s a total scene, so get dressed up and prepare for a loud, lively night. It’s a great place to go with a group, so you can try more of the menu. Here’s what you should get:
Peking Duck
Short Rib
Miso Chilean Sea Bass
Spicy Bluefin Tuna Maki
Lobster Shumai
Salmon Tacos
Lobster Dynamite
Kush or LoKal
Kush and LoKal, both owned by Kush Hospitality Group, are great for burgers and beer. I think they’re pretty similar, so whichever one fits more conveniently into your day will be great.
Niu Kitchen
Niu Kitchen is a popular tapas restaurant located in Miami, Florida. It’s known for its unique take on Spanish cuisine, offering a delicious blend of authentic and innovative small plates alongside a Spanish wine list. Niu Kitchen is known for its excellent seafood options, but also add in an order of the Ous (poached egg) – it’s a unique dish featuring a poached egg with potato foam, crispy jamón ibérico (Spanish cured ham), and black truffle.
La Mar
La Mar is part of the Mandarin Oriental hotel in Brickell and has some of the best Peruvian food and views in Florida. You’ll be dining at the waterfront, so bring a light sweater in case there’s a breeze.
must-DO miami
Vizcaya
Vizcaya Museum and Gardens is a sprawling Miami estate. Explore the lavish mansion filled with art and antiques, then wander the formal gardens to see the sculptures, and grottoes.
Rubell Museum
The Rubell Museum is a fun modern art museum. You may see exhibits from Yayoi Kusama, Keith Haring, or up and coming modern artists.
Flamingo Gardens
Take a day trip to Flamingo Gardens – a large tropical botanical garden and wildlife sanctuary. You’ll see flamingos and peacocks roaming around, as well as gators and panthers. All of the animals have been permanently injured and the staff here cares for them since they can’t be re-released back into the wild. Stop at JW Pastry for croissants, pastries, and breakfast sandwiches on the way. Both stops are about 45 minutes from Miami.
Walk around Wynwood
Wynwood is great for two things – art and partying. During the day, walk through the streets and check out all of the cool artwork. At night, have an awesome meal out or hit up the bars and clubs.
Graffiti Walls and Art Boutiques
There’s a group of about 15-20 “more famous graffiti walls” housed at Wynwood Walls. It used to be free, but now it’s $12/person to see them. Here you’ll find the Shepard Fairey and Cryptik walls, amongst others. I think it’s worth going to once, but you can also just walk around and find other cool graffiti walls if you don’t feel like paying. Walt Grace Vintage is a cool shop that has vintage cars, guitars, and a coffee shop – a little bit of everything!
Food and Coffee
If you need some coffee, head to Panther Coffee – they have a nice outdoor seating area.
They have some higher-end small chain restaurants that are really good like Kyu (Asian-inspired), Uchi (Japanese), and Pastis (French) and that you’d also find in other cities like New York or Denver.
Coyo Taco is great if you’re looking for a more affordable quick eat.
If you want some cake, try Fireman Derek’s.
Little Havana
In Little Havana, you can get the best Cuban coffee, see people playing dominos in Domino Park, or dance the night away at Ball + Chain or Cubaocho – both of which have live music and salsa dancing. Try La Colada Gourmet or Las Olas Cafe for coffee.
Hot take: skip Versailles Restaurant and opt for a smaller restaurant instead. Versailles is impressive due to its sheer size – it’s loud and vibrant, but I thought the food was just okay. Try La Casita for a medium priced-tier restaurant or Caja Caliente for a lower price point.
Check out some interactive art
Superblue is an immersive art experience by the same people behind TeamLabs in Tokyo. Tickets are around $30/person. Artechouse Miami offers similar immersive art exhibits. They close between exhibits, so make sure they’re open before visiting. I think Superblue is slightly cooler, but maybe it’s because the Tokyo location gets so much attention.
Walk down Ocean Ave and Collins Drive
Walk down Ocean Ave and Collins Drive and check out the shops and boutiques.
Go to the beach and go paraglide, parasail or jetski
Bask in the sun at the beaches in Miami. You can rent jet skis, go paragliding, or just relax. Beach access is free, but some hotels will rent chairs and umbrellas for a fee.
Rent a Boat
Rent a boat and cruise around the Miami waters.
Clubs
There are a couple different kinds of clubs in Miami ranging from huge clubs with famous DJs to off-the-beaten path clubs. Personally, I think South Beach is overrated (and overpriced) and Brickell is having its moment right now. Wynwood is also a fun area to check out for bars and nightlife, as well as during the day.
LIV
Located in the Fontainebleau Hotel, LIV is known for attracting high-end crowds – think bottle service and famous DJs.
E11EVEN Miami
This club goes beyond just dancing – it’s open 24/7 and has burlesque dancers, a strip club, and a restaurant.
Basement Miami
You’ll find Basement in the basement of the Miami Edition. Here you can skate, bowl, or dance.
Club Space
Club Space is known for techno//electronic music. There are multiple dance floors, big name DJs, and it’s a party that lasts all night long.
1-800-LUCKY
Awesome, trendy Asian food hall with a nightclub atmosphere and karaoke. If you’re hungry, Jeepney or B-Side never fail me.
Bodega Taqueria y Tequila
Hidden behind a porta potty door, you’ll find a secret speakeasy. If you go earlier in the night it’s a bar. Later it turns into more of a club. I haven’t eaten at the restaurant, but I’ve heard good things!
Do Not Sit On The Furniture
Do Not Sit On The Furniture promotes a more “intimate, sophisticated, underground music experience”. I personally haven’t been, but it’s on my list for next time!
Bars
BRICKELL
Blackbird Ordinary
Sweet Caroline Karaoke Bar
El Patio
DOWNTOWN MIAMI
Mama Tried
WYNWOOD
Wynwood Marketplace
Dante’s Hifi – Vinyl Listening Bar
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