Miami
Miami is a vibrant and diverse city known for its beautiful beaches, lively nightlife, and multicultural atmosphere. Living here means enjoying year-round warm weather and a wide range of outdoor activities, from beach outings to water sports. The city's neighborhoods each have their own unique character, from the trendy South Beach to the artsy Wynwood district.
Where to Stay
Choosing where to stay in Miami depends on your preferences and what you want to experience. South Beach is well known for the nightlife, the beaches, and dining. In Brickell is where you would go for luxury travel, business trips, and shopping. Coconut Grove offers a relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere. Bal Harbour is great for luxury shopping and high-end relaxation.
Hotels
Esme - Miami Beach
Mayfair House - Coconut Grove
Mr C - Coconut Grove
Life House - South of Fifth + Little Havana
1 Hotel - South Beach
The Setai - Miami Beach
Soho Beach House - Miami Beach
Kimpton Hotel - South Beach
Miami Districts
The neighborhoods in Miami are very different one from the other. Each one has its own character in vibe. I would recommend visitng as many as you can! I have stated below some pros and cons of each area and you can choose your own adventure as you go.
South Beach:
Best for: Nightlife, beaches, and dining.
Highlights: Iconic Ocean Drive, Art Deco architecture, vibrant nightlife, and plenty of beachfront hotels and restaurants.
Mid-Beach:
Best for: A quieter beach experience with luxury accommodations.
Highlights: Upscale hotels, quieter beaches compared to South Beach, and a more relaxed atmosphere.
Bal Harbour:
Best for: Luxury shopping and high-end relaxation.
Highlights: Bal Harbour Shops, luxury beachfront resorts, and a more exclusive, upscale environment
Miami Beach
Miami Beach
Wynwood:
Best for: Art enthusiasts and trendy experiences.
Highlights: Wynwood Walls street art, hip bars and eateries, and unique boutiques.
Downtown Miami:
Best for: Business travelers, shopping, and cultural attractions.
Highlights: Bayside Marketplace, American Airlines Arena, Pérez Art Museum, and proximity to the Brickell financial district.
Brickell:
Best for: Luxury travelers, dining, and business.
Highlights: High-end hotels and restaurants, Brickell City Centre shopping, and a sophisticated urban vibe.
Little Havana:
Best for: Cultural immersion and authentic Cuban experiences.
Highlights: Calle Ocho, Cuban coffee shops, cigar shops, and vibrant street life.
Coconut Grove:
Best for: A relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere.
Highlights: Lush parks, historic sites like the Vizcaya Museum and Gardens, and a bohemian vibe with plenty of cafes and boutiques.
Key Biscayne:
Best for: Outdoor activities and a tranquil retreat.
Highlights: Beautiful beaches, Crandon Park, Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park, and excellent opportunities for kayaking and biking.
Design Disctrict
Coconut Grove
Wynwood
Coconut Grove
South Beach
South Beach
Key Biscayne
Food in Miami
The food scene is heavily influenced by Latin American and Caribbean cultures, offering everything from Cuban coffee to delicious seafood. Miami's residents are a mix of cultures, contributing to a rich community spirit. The city is also a hub for arts and sports, with events like Art Basel and teams like the Miami Heat and Miami Dolphins. Below I listed some of my favorite resaturants for all types of food at every meal by area.
South/Mid Beach radius:
Boia De
Katana
Los Fuegos
Joe’s Stone Crab
Stubborn Seed
Queen Miami
Design Disctrict/ Downtown radius:
Phuc Yeah
Maty’s
Cote Miami
Contessa
Ogawa
Edan
Klaw
Casadonna
Motek Cafe
Zak de Baker
Pastis
L’Atelier
Michael’s Genuine
Tam Tam
Doya
Niu Kitchen
Sanguich
Brickell Radius:
Osaka
Casa Tua
Tokyo Tuna
Cipriani
La Mar
Cafe La Trova
Coconut Grove area:
La Cabrera
Narbona
Mayfair Grill
Varsol
Koko
Green Street Cafe
Bal Harbour area:
Makoto
Carpaccio
Queen
Tam Tam
Makoto
Osaka
Cipriani
Los Fuegos
Zak de Baker
Koko
Mayfair Grill
Rooftop Bars
Sugar (Brickell) – A lush rooftop garden with breathtaking city views and Asian-inspired cocktails.
Terras (Little Havana) – A tropical rooftop with Latin-inspired drinks and bites.
Watr at the 1 Hotel – Oceanfront rooftop with a fusion of Peruvian and Japanese flavors.
Chill Bars
The Broken Shaker – A casual, garden-style cocktail bar with innovative drinks.
Lagniappe – A wine bar with live music, cozy outdoor seating, and picnic vibes.
The Corner (Downtown) – A hip, low-key spot for late-night cocktails.
Latin Music & Dance
Ball & Chain (Little Havana) – A historic venue with live salsa music and a vibrant outdoor space.
Hoy Como Ayer – A classic Cuban venue offering live music and a soulful ambiance.
La Victoria - Typical Latin dance club.
Upscale Dinner + Drinks
Komodo – Combine Asian fusion dining with an upstairs lounge for late-night drinks.
Sexy Fish Miami – A luxurious restaurant with theatrical drinks and an extravagant atmosphere.
Queen - A unique setting restaurant with front area for drinks and good vibe.
Bagatelle – French-inspired dining that transforms into a vibrant party scene with champagne and lively music.
Baoli – A glamorous Mediterranean-Asian fusion spot with high-energy vibes and a chic outdoor lounge.
Swan – A trendy restaurant in the Design District with a stylish garden lounge for drinks and socializing, plus late-night dancing at Bar Bevy, the upstairs club.
Socialista – An exclusive Cuban-inspired cocktail lounge with old Havana charm and sophisticated drinks.
Intimate & Artsy Bars
Dante’s HiFi (Wynwood) – A vinyl listening bar with expertly curated music and cocktails.
Medium Cool (Arlo Wynwood) – A chic cocktail bar with a playful yet sophisticated vibe.
Jolene Bar – A retro-themed bar offering craft cocktails and funky vibes, perfect for a casual yet stylish night out.
Night Life
From chic rooftop bars and hidden speakeasies to Latin beats and iconic clubs, Miami’s nightlife offers something for every vibe. Sip, dance, and explore the city’s unique after-hours energy.
Ball & Chain
Watr
Terras
Dante’s HiFi
Baoli
Hoy Como Ayer
Medium Cool
Komodo
Jolene