An Insider’s Pocket Guide to the Magic City
Exploring the Interconnected Arteries of the Heart
If Miami took the shape of a word, it would be that of “transformation.” There are rare places in the world where you can see the imprints of history blend in the current landscape of its culture and environment in such a charming, eclectic, and effortlessly elegant way.
Powered by a visionary and creative community that is bursting at the seams — in the best way — Miami is a city in constant rebirth. Regardless of which cultural artery floats your boat as you venture off to explore the dynamic layers of this city, it’s impossible not to fall under its spell once you truly feel its pulse.
To follow is a few of the enclaves we love full of places to delve into, people to meet, and enough bonhomie to make you want to return again and again.
Neighborhoods
Key Biscayne: Island Paradise
Tropical oasis with stellar outdoor activity options. You will feel like you are on your own private island during the week. Beaches are a thing, but there are also plenty of boating opportunities, state parks with serene nature/biking trails, and local eateries famous for their food as well as their idyllic location.
Downtown: Old Meets New
Miami’s bustling epicenter, packed with gleaming skyscrapers, sweeping bay views, and hidden places to explore. It’s a neighborhood of layers—decades of history overlapping and colliding with modern architectonic presence. The Arts & Entertainment district hosts world-class cultural attractions, museums, stellar dining options, and epic music venues.
Brickell: Stately Elegance
Sometimes referred to as the “Manhattan of the South,” Brickell is a fresh take on the progressive city. Defined by its multicultural ambience, global dining and bar scene, towering skyscrapers, and chic hotels set across a breezy bay. Follow the bay path across Brickell Key all the way to Downtown for a unique experience.
Wynwood/Midtown: Art & Soul
Former industrial wasteland turned outdoor museum, where colorful, provocative murals of street & graffiti art hug the blocks of a creative culture in constant motion. Get lost in its funky layers of art, food, music, bars, indie shops, artisan vendors, and community projects. Pass by Overtown to experience the spirit of Miami’s African-American historic roots in one of its oldest neighborhoods.
Miami Beach: Hot Spot Day or Night
Miami Beach is a playground when it comes to beaches, dining, nightlife, spas, and restaurants. Many of the hottest spots on the beach are found inside hotels. Whether it’s a laid-back local crowd, a glitzy see-and-be-seen scene, or late night revelry, make your way to explore it from South to Mid to North. Art Deco district on the south.
Design District: Cultured & Curated
Mecca for high-end fashion, funky art, haute design, architecture, inventive dining & bars, creative entertainment, and specialty shops ranging from überchic and retro to progressive and indie. Its historic neighbor next door, Upper Buena Vista, has corners full of quaint charm under Banyan trees and architectural styles from the 1920s land boom.
Overtown: Overlooked Charm
Once known as the “Broadway of the South,” this historic neighborhood was a mecca for popular nightclubs and legendary performers such as Billie Holiday, Ella Fitzgerald, Count Basie, and Josephine Baker. Specialty stores, boutiques, and soul food restaurants reflect the area’s rich culture with Southern and island influences.
Little Havana: Cuban Roots y Sazón
In Little Havana, salsa and merengue beats ring loudly from old record stores while old men in guayaberas smoke cigars over their daily game of dominoes. Cuban coffee shops, eclectic art and furniture stores, little souvenir shops, authentic Cuban restaurants, and juice spots line Calle Ocho, the region’s main thoroughfare.
Little Haiti: Alive, Colorful & Spicy
A vibrant community rooted in deep history echoing its Caribbean homeland through distinctive shops, authentic eateries, spices, bookstores, vintage music shops, and community art projects. Home to Little River and a new innovation district focused on technology, sustainability, wellness, art, and entertainment.
Coconut Grove: Bohemia on the Bay
A little Bohemian, a little Bahamian, “The Grove” is a bayfront village with a lush collection of tree-lined streets and cozy bungalows to savor a waterfront ambience filled with some of the best restaurants in the city, boutique shops, and awe-inspiring historic architectural points of interest like Vizcaya Gardens.
MIMO: Miami Modern Meets Retro
Features MiMo hotels from the 1950s and 1960s that have been preserved, renovated, and turned into local culture pockets. A charming mix of enchanting residential clusters, delicious local eateries, art galleries, and pockets of underground culture just waiting to be tapped. Low-key, retro vibe.
Coral Gables: Mediterranean Revival
Mediterranean revival architecture set on banyan canopy covers. Walk along Miracle Mile to have lunch at one of the many great restaurants, stop for a drink at one of the bars, or shop around cute little boutiques. Check out Merrick Park for an upscale shopping and dining experience. Home to Fairchild Tropical Gardens.
Dining
Caracas Bakery | MiMo
Venezuelan-French bakery and coffeehouse offering croissants, breakfast fare, and specialty breads.
Sunny’s Steakhouse | Little River
Rooted as a steakhouse and executed through a contemporary lens reflective of its Miami locale. Raw bar selections, wood-fired proteins, steakhouse classics from an in-house dry-aging program, hand-made pastas, and more.
Maty’s | Midtown
Casual yet upscale restaurant serving refined versions of traditional Peruvian fare.
Casa Neos | Overtown
Modern Mediterranean dining in an upscale setting with rooftop seating and live music.
Hillstone | Bal Harbour
Chic American eatery on the 2nd floor of Bal Harbour Shops with an alfresco patio bar.
Mandolin | Design District
A 1930s-era house with patio seating sets the stage for refined versions of Greek & Turkish cuisine. Simply yummy.
Contessa | Design District
Glamorous venue offering classic Northern Italian dishes.
Macchialina | Miami Beach
Vibrant trattoria presenting rustic Italian recipes in a stylish, brick-walled setting.
Mamo | Brickell
Established in 2015 in SoHo; Italian restaurant named after Mikaël “Mamo” Mammoliti.
Madruga | Coconut Grove
Baked goods, including baguettes, croissants, and cakes, plus sandwiches and salads.
Mila | Miami Beach
High-end Mediterranean and Japanese cuisine in a flamboyant venue with a stylish cocktail bar.
Pastis | Wynwood
Classic French fare such as steak frites and escargot served in a chic dining room and bar.
Makoto | Bal Harbour
Sleek, elegant restaurant featuring modern, upscale Japanese entrees, sushi, and robata dishes.
Old Havanas | Little Havana
Energetic Cuban eatery offering traditional dishes, cocktails, and live music amid retro-themed decor.
El Turco | Buena Vista
Michelin Bib Gourmand (2022–2024). Rich menu of healthy breakfast and all-day dining plates.
Mignonette | Downtown
Former historic space turned oyster bar/seafood haven with luxurious and down-home options.
Flora Plant Kitchen | Morningside
Plant-powered food with a Latin twist.
Stubborn Seed | Miami Beach
Chef Jeremy Ford brings seasonal American eats plus craft cocktails in a handsome space.
Brunch / AM
- All Day
- Tigertail+Mary
- Zak the Baker
- Morgans
- Pura Vida
- Lulu’s
- GreenStreet
- Peacock Garden
- Tina in the Gable
- The Daily
- Michael’s
- Ariete
- OTL
- MIAM
- Libertino
A Seaside Affair
- Joia Beach
- Seaspice
- Kiki on the River
- Rusty Pelican
- Deck Island Garden
- Joia Beach Club
- Lido @ The Standard
- Wave @ 1 Hotel
Lounge & Dine
- Juvia
- Quinto La Huella
- Komodo
- Beaker & Gray
- PM Fish & Steakhouse
- Sushi by Bou
- Katsuya
- Byblos
- Amara at Paraiso
- Hachidori Ramen Bar
- Mayami Mexicantina & Bar
Melting Pot
- Ayesha Saffron
- Balloo
- Jaguar Sun
- Meraki Greek Bistro
- Bombay Darbar
- Uno French de Coconut
- Old Havana – Calle 8
- Havana 1957
- Bakan
- Cheen Huaye
- Dale
- Mondongo
- The Daily Bread
- Phuc Yea
- Tran An
Cozy & Casual
- Sherwoods
- Casa Tua
- 33 Kitchen
- The Local House
- Lemoni
- A La Folie
- Glass & Vine
- Soya e Pomodora
- Portobello
- Sapore di Mare
- La Barceloneta
- Noa Cafe
- Villagio – Merrick
- Prima Pasta
- Blue Collar
- Pisco y Nazca
- Ceviche 105
- Pinch Kitchen
- Books & Books
Quick Bites
- Mister 01 – Pizza
- Leggenda – Pizza
- Andiamo – Pizza
- Lokal – Burger
- Crave – Burger
- Burgerfi – Burger
- Doggi’s Arepa Bar
- Hometown BBQ
- Clove – Mediterranean
- Coyo – Tacos
Lofty
- Estiatorio Milos
- Le Sirenuse
- Zucca
- La Mar
- Zuma
- La Piaggia
- II Gabbiano
- Swan
Sushi
- Kraken Crudo
- Kraken Omakase
- Hiden
- Ichimi
- Wabi Sabi
- Obba Sushi
- 26 Sushi & Tapas
- Sushi Erica
- Katanas
- Omakai
- Sushi Garage
- Sushi By Bou
- Hiyakawa Miami
After Party
- La Latina
- Moshi Moshi
- La Sandwicherie
Party & Dine
- Cantina la 20
- Marion
- Baoli
- Bagatelle
- Dolores Lolita
- Pepito’s Plaza
- Over Under
Vegan+
- Dirt
- Shido
- Love Life Cafe
- Pura Vida
- Plant
- Plant Theory
- Dellas Bowls
- Apple a Day
- La Plantisserie
- Soul Tavern
- Planta SoBe
- Full Bloom
- Carrot Express
- Dr. Smood
- Under the Mango Tree
- Guarapo
- Charlie Vegan Tacos
- The Vegan Choice
- Thatch Miami
- Holi Vegan Kitchen
- Plnthouse @ 1 Hotel
Bars
Lagniappe | Midtown
Cozy New Orleans–style wine & beer bar beloved by Miami’s jazz lovers. Live music (9pm–12am), bohemian charm, barbecue, and DIY cheese plates. Voted a top wine bar in America.
Sugar | Brickell
Asian garden in the sky atop the EAST hotel. Craft cocktails, savory fusion cuisine, tropical rooftop deck, and divine chill-house beats. Explore speakeasy Tea Room next door.
Broken Shaker | Miami Beach
Vintage, tropical, and intimate watering hole offering inventive craft drinks infused with garden herbs & spices. Connected to 27 Restaurant & Bar. A must-go.
Living Room | Faena Hotel Miami Beach
Exotic cocktail bar at an upscale hotel with animal print furnishings, live music, and nibbles.
Minibar @ Urbanica | Miami Beach
Fresh, mid-century lounge with a sexy, contemporary twist in the quaint South of Fifth area.
Lobby Bar @ The Betsy | Miami Beach
Art Deco culture hub featuring some of the best live jazz nightly (7–11 pm). Latin Jazz Tuesday, Thursday, and Sunday.
Socialista Miami | Downtown
Caribbean-inspired nightclub featuring tropical decor and a garden-style terrace.
Better Days | Brickell
Laid-back cocktail bar inside a thrift shop featuring craft cocktails, beer & wine, plus games.
Barsecco | Brickell
Hookahs & craft cocktails offered in a clubby setting with an outdoor terrace.
Casa Florida | Little Havana
Weekend pop-up bar featuring tropical craft cocktails & bites in an outdoor venue amid cool vintage decor.
Kaido | Design District
Japanese-inspired cocktail lounge featuring a unique drinking den and small plates.
The Wharf | Little Havana
Open-air waterfront gathering spot with drinks, bites, and a lively scene.
The Sylvester | Midtown
Cutting-edge cocktails, culturally influenced bites, and nostalgic ambiance to pay homage to old and new Miami.
Lost Boy | Downtown
Former retail shop–turned–swanky bar. Fun and games at night; cabin-inspired feel by day and happy hour.
Cozy
- Lagniappe – Live Jazz
- Broken Shaker
- Boho
- Minibar at Urbanica
- The New Yorker
- The Sylvester
- The Anderson
- Jaguar Sun
- Casa Florida
- Le Chat Noir
Dive Bars
- Lost Weekend
- The Corner
- Better Days
- Baby Jane
- Ricky’s
- Deuce in the Hole
Karaoke
- Kill Your Idol (casual)
- Bay Club (chic)
Casual
- Aficionados
- Lost Boy
- Veza Sur
- The Wharf
- Focal Beer Cafe
- Wood Tavern
- Barter Wynwood
- Wynwood Brewing
- Concrete Beach
- J Wakefield
- American Social
- Gramps
- Segafredo L’originale
- Neme Gastrobar
- Blackbird
Lofty
- The Regent @ Gale Hotel
- Rose Bar @ Delano Hotel
- MO Lounge @ Mandarin Oriental
- The Living Room – Faena
- Tree of Life – Faena
- Saxony Bar – Faena
Rooftop
- Sugar @ East Hotel
- Watr @ 1 Hotel
- Altitude @ SLS
- Astra
- Bloom Skybar
- N.3 Social
- Area 31
- Bar Bevy
Hidden
- Tea Room
- Swizzle Rum Bar
- Bodega
- Coyo Taco (Backroom Wynwood)
Lounge
- Sunset Lounge @ The Mondrian
- Lido Bar & Lounge @ The Standard
- Cantina la 20
- Margot Natural Wine Bar
- Kaido
- Barsecco
- Baoli
- Komodo
- Pool Bar – The Vagabond Motel
- Socialista
- Chica
Dance
Floyd | Downtown
Speakeasy with DJs serving Prohibition-era cocktails in a cozy, classy lounge. Great deep-house music with intimate DJ & live performer experiences.
Club Space | Downtown
Holy Grail of Miami house/techno, especially after-hours. Top DJs in a multi-room converted warehouse with a rooftop terrace.
Don’t Sit on the Furniture | Miami Beach
Snug, dimly lit nightclub specializing in house music featuring guest DJs from around the world.
ATV | Downtown
Intimate nightclub featuring innovative underground local house DJs. Pair with sister spot, Melinda’s.
Soundtuary (monthly parties)
Monthly electronic music parties inspired by Tulum, Mykonos, and Ibiza. World-class DJs and theatrical performances in unique outdoor settings.
E11EVEN | Downtown
Energetic, neon-lit night spot with trapeze dancers, burlesque shows, DJs, and live music.
Basement | Miami Beach
Unique club in the Edition Hotel boasting an ice-skating rink & bowling alley. Hip hop and mixed electronic & funk.
Story | Miami Beach
Sprawling neon-lit nightclub offering 5 bars, bottle service, and electronic music.
MYNT | Miami Beach
Sleek, elegant nightlife drawing top DJs, celebrities, and high-rollers.
LIV | Miami Beach
Glam club at the Fontainebleau where DJs spin at parties that attract celebs & VIPs.
Wall | Miami Beach
Exclusive nightspot in the W Hotel boasting big-name DJs and a chic crowd.
La Otra | Brickell
Glitzy, tropical lounge & cabaret featuring an outdoor patio and great Latin music. Best on Fridays, open until 5 am.
La Victoria | Design District
Latin-themed nightspot & dance club offering a full bar and bottle service, plus a small plates menu.
Dirty Rabbit | Wynwood
Festive bar & dance club with an outdoor area featuring Latin DJs & creative cocktails.
El Patio | Wynwood
Outdoor spot with a shabby-chic feel & Latin music serving up craft cocktails, hookahs & more.
El Tucan | Brickell
Asian-inspired dinners plus cocktails in a sophisticated jungle-themed setting with Latin dance parties.
Candela Bar | Brickell
Classic spot in Mary Brickell Village to enjoy an authentic, steamy night immersed in local Latin vibes.
Hoy Como Ayer | Little Havana
Happening bar/lounge celebrating Cuban culture & music with Latin musical legends. Bands start after midnight.
Ball & Chain | Little Havana
Iconic nightclub reborn as a live-music venue with Cuban-style food & drink. Free salsa classes Thursday nights; live salsa bands Friday & Saturday.
Faena Theater | Miami Beach
Performance art meets dance party at NOCTURNE, blurring lines between nightclub and cabaret with local artists, acrobats, musicians & more.
Nature Immersions
Historic Virginia Key Beach | Key Biscayne
Secluded, whimsical beach experience. Picnic, explore nature trails, bike, or paddle board until sunset. Rentals for bikes, paddle boards, and kayaks available. Rent pastel-colored huts on the beach.
Crandon Beach | Key Biscayne
One of Miami’s treasures. Beach volleyball, picnic areas with grills, and kite surfers on windy days. Explore ecosystems north to Bear Cut Preserve. Join a beach clean-up vibe by collecting plastic along the way.
Bear Cut Preserve | Key Biscayne
At the northern end of Crandon Park, find waterfront footpaths (Fossil Reef Trail) intertwined with paved biking trails ending at an overlook of Fossil Reef with downtown and Virginia Key views.
Sunset Harbor on a SUP | Miami Beach
Rent a SUP to explore the bay amid designer and celebrity homes. Guided sunset tours available. Experienced paddlers can venture to Monument Island.
Cape Florida State Park | Key Biscayne
Lovely beach park with bike & nature trails leading to the 1825 Cape Florida Lighthouse. Tours Monday, Thursday, Friday at 10 am and 1 pm. Rent bikes, access multiple beach points, and catch sunset at Boater’s Grill in No Name Harbor.
Oleta River State Park | North Miami
Protected river estuary on Biscayne Bay. Guided eco-excursions by kayak or SUP along shaded mangrove tunnels. Mountain biking on 15 miles of trails for all levels.
Fairchild Tropical Garden | Coral Gables
One of the world’s best botanical gardens. In December, don’t miss the NightGarden immersive, interactive experience.
Cultural Immersions
PAMM Museum | Downtown
Sleek waterfront contemporary art museum with playful outdoor lounging, vertical gardens, and a restaurant. Stroll the baywalk to a peaceful waterfront park and amphitheater.
Frost Science Museum | Downtown
Fun and educational exhibits ranging from the human body to DaVinci’s inventions. For curious souls of any age.
Basecamp | Little Haiti
Gathering space for the curious culture seeker. Experience art, food, music, and Caribbean-inspired culture in an experiential park.
Vizcaya Gardens | Coconut Grove
Time travel into Miami’s past at a circa-1914 Mediterranean Renaissance mansion-turned-museum with ten acres of formal gardens, grottos, sculptures, mangroves, and rockland hammock. National Historic Landmark.
South Pointe Park & Pier | Miami Beach
Green spaces, waterfront views, bike paths, and a pier into the Atlantic. Perfect for relaxing, rock jumping, picnics, promenades, and watching cruise ships depart.
Historic Cinemas
O-Cinema | Tower Theater | Olympia Theater
ARTECHOUSE | Miami Beach
Digital gallery for immersive, technology-driven art pieces by progressive artists. Welcomes audiences of all ages.
Miami Beach Boardwalk | Miami Beach
Scenic pathway from South Pointe Park northward for approximately 40 blocks. Capture local beach culture and Art Deco lifeguard towers by stroll, Segway, or bike.
The Wolfsonian–FIU | Miami Beach
Museum, library, and research center focusing on the persuasive power of art and design in the heart of the Deco District.
CBD Specialty Shop
Herbin Living | Brickell Smoke Shop
Full Moon Drum Circle Party
Every full moon, gather by the beach for drums and dancing. 8101 Collins Ave, Miami Beach, FL 33141.
SoundScape Park | Miami Beach
Modern park offering outdoor film screenings and live classical music concerts projected on the 7,000-square-foot wall of the New World Center. Free to the public, October–May.
Upper Buena Vista | Buena Vista
Community-driven lifestyle destination built around towering Banyan trees and a giant palapa where specialty retail, hospitality, and wellness coalesce.
Vinyl Record Shops
Sweet Records | Technique Records
Wellness
Volleyball on the Beach | Miami Beach
Join community games at Lummus Park on Ocean Dr. at 8th & 6th Streets.
Acro Yoga & Slackline | Miami Beach
Wednesdays & Sundays around 5:30 pm/sunset by the black-and-white lighthouse sculpture in South Pointe Park.
Crandon Golf | Key Biscayne
Championship 18-hole course surrounded by water, mangroves, and lush foliage. Secluded and inviting.
Free Yoga on the Beach or Park
Miami Beach
- Ocean Dr & 3rd Street by the lifeguard tower: Rise & Shine 7 am; Sunset 5 pm (fall/winter), 6 pm (spring/summer)
- South Pointe Park: Tues & Thurs 6 pm
Downtown
- Bayfront Park (Tina Hills Pavilion): Mon–Thu 6 pm; Sat 9 am
- Maurice A. Ferré Park: Tues 6 pm; Wed 6:30 pm; Fri 6:20 am & 6 pm; Sat 9 am; Sun 9:30 am
Coconut Grove
- Peacock Park: Tues & Thurs 6 pm
- Rooftop of Mayfair Hotel & Spa: Sat 8 am
Daycations
Standard Spa (day pass): Boho-chic gem on Belle Isle overlooking the bay with indoor/outdoor hydrotherapy, paddle-board rentals, yoga, Lido Bayside Grill, and more. Call for weekly & weekend rates. For non-hotel guests; day pass grants amenities + DIY spa treatments (additional cost). Lounge and Bayside Grill accessible without a day pass.
Carillon Wellness Resort: Enjoy full access to world-class spa amenities for the day. Consult their site for packages.
Yoga Studios We Love
- SOL Yoga
- Skanda Yoga
- Wynwood Yoga
- Om Beats Studio
- Miami Life Center
- Synergy
- Dharma Studio
- Tropical Vinyasa
- ARA Yoga Shala
- Santuario Miami
Cool Fitness Classes
- Budokon Academy
- Orange Theory
- Mood Life Club
- SobeKick
- FlyWheel
- Solidcore
- BodyTek
- Barry’s
Fun Rentals & Tours
Scooters
i95 Exotic / MB Scooter Rentals / Beach Scooter Rentals
E‑Scooters (select locations)
Uber, Lyft, Bolt, Lime, Bird, Jump, Spin
Bikes
- Key Cycle (Key Biscayne)
- Lighthouse Cafe (Key Biscayne)
- Bike & Roll Miami (Miami Beach)
- Oleta River State Park (North Miami)
- Citibikes (select locations)
Segways
Bike & Roll offers guided tours.
Paddle Boards (SUP) / Kayak
- Virginia Key Outdoor Center
- Miami Beach Paddle Board
- Oleta River State Park
- iPaddle Miami
- Sunny Isles Beach Watersports
Boats
Bruschi Boat Rental | WhitSki Yacht Rentals | Boat Rental Miami
Jet-Ski
Miami Beach Jet Ski Rentals | Miami Flyboarding & Jet Ski | i95 Exotic Rentals
Wakeboard
Gator Bait Wakeboard & Wakesurf (Key Biscayne)
Miami Sailing Charter
Private 3-hour sailing tours to the lighthouse and Stiltsville in Key Biscayne.
SUP Sunset Tours
Intimate paddle board tours offered by several local operators.
Wynwood Cycle Party Bar Crawl
Ride through the art district to three of its best bars on a party bike with a small group.
Miami Culinary Tours
Authentic taste of Miami’s culture through food in select neighborhoods. Top choice: Little Havana Food & Cultural Tour.
Thriller Miami Adventures
Speedboat sightseeing launching from Bayside Marketplace.
The Everglades
Private jeep and airboat rides with local operators. Also a 15-mile bike ride to an observation deck at Shark Valley.
Paddle! The Florida Keys
Awesome eco-tours by local experts in Key Largo and Islamorada.
Cruisin’ Tiki’s Key West
Cruise over sunset in a personal floating tiki boat.
Schnebly Redland’s Winery & Brewery
Experience unique beers & wines made from rare tropical fruit native to the area.