Miami: Your guide on where to eat, stay and play

Cue “Miami” by Will Smith! This colourful Florida city buzzes with its own uniquely vibrant energy and moves to the beat of its own intoxicating rhythm.

The perfect, sunny weather and playful Art Deco architecture set the scene. The diverse melting pot of cultures (and food), the energetic nightlife and the music bring that infectious Miami energy.

Whether you’re exploring the historic streets of Little Havana, indulging in haute cuisine in South Beach, or dancing the night away in Wynwood’s art district, Miami offers endless opportunities for adventure and discovery.

Where to stay in Miami

There are so many wonderful hotels in Miami that it’s hard to narrow it down. Look into Esmé for a charming, boutique experience in South Beach and The Setai for a luxury, five-star stay.

Stay in five-star luxury. (Image: The Setai Miami Beach)

The Four Seasons Miami brings an ultra-luxe experience to Downtown Miami.

Settle into Esmé for a charming boutique stay. (Image: Esmé Miami Beach Hotel)

It’s the Four Seasons; you already know it’s going to be great, but this location really does shine.

The Four Seasons’ location really shines. (Image: Karolina Valeikaite)

Loews Miami Beach Hotel

Say hello to sparkling oceanfront views and the family-friendly amenities that you would expect from the venerable Loews brand. The stellar location of Loews Miami Beach Hotel directly places you in the walkable South Beach neighbourhood and steps away from the beach.

The Loews Miami Beach Hotel is in an ideal spot.

Expect to spend plenty of time soaking up the sun here, because in addition to the prime beach access, the pool is a standout feature. It’s kid-friendly – a welcome departure from the many DJ-heavy pool vibes in the area. The SOAK pool cabanas are next level, tricked out with a plush indoor seating area, full bathroom and shower, and personalized butler service.

The SOAK pool cabanas are next level.

Mayfair House Hotel & Garden

Stepping into Mayfair House Hotel & Garden feels like stumbling into a secret, enchanted garden. Everywhere you look, there are charming, thoughtful details: from the unique, organic architecture of the old building to the intricate wood carvings on the suite doors.

Mayfair House Hotel & Garden feels like stumbling into a secret, enchanted garden. (Image: Will Pryce)

No two rooms are the same, but they are all decked in jewel-toned hues and incredibly spacious (I’m talking room-for-two-king-beds spacious).

No two rooms are the same. (Image: Will Pryce)

This boutique hotel has been around since 1985, but it was reimagined and reopened in September 2022. Lush, garden-like greenery flows throughout the hotel, an ode to Miami’s iconic flora. The location perfectly places guests to walk out the door and explore sophisticated, peaceful Coconut Grove – my personal favourite neighbourhood in Miami.

Dine al fresco on the lush garden-like setting. (Image: Will Pryce)

Where to eat in Miami

Area 31

In a city known for its rooftop bars and pools, Area 31 is a sky-high restaurant you don’t want to miss. Located on the 16th floor of Miami’s Kimpton EPIC Hotel, it’s the perfect spot for a ‘first night in Miami’ dinner, where you can toast to the adventures ahead while enjoying panoramic views of the Biscayne Bay and Miami River.

Dine overlooking the city skyline at Area 31.

Seafood is the name of the game here. Don’t miss the tender scallops sitting atop a creamy sweet corn puree.

Area 31 is the perfect spot for dinner.

Versailles

This Cuban restaurant is something of a Miami mainstay. It’s well-trodden (there will be tourists), but well-loved. And as some say – if you don’t eat at Versailles, did you even go to Miami?

Cuban culture is a significant influence in modern Miami life, so this is a great place to get a taste. Their extensive offerings range from stuffed green plantains to their famous Cuban sandwich to the braised oxtail. While you’re in Little Havana, hop on this tour to dive deeper into Cuban culture with an intro to salsa dancing, cigar rolling, and the largest collection of Cuban art in the US.

Don’t pass up the chance to try Miami’s famous Cuban sandwich at Versailles.

El Bagel

El Bagel is a locally owned, independent bagel shop with great hand-rolled, slow-fermented bagels made with only five simple ingredients. Located in Coconut Grove and Little River.

Joe’s Stone Crab

With over a century of history, Joe’s was around before Miami Beach even was a city. From humble crab shack beginnings in 1913 to the upscale seafood restaurant it is today, Joe’s history provides a rare sense of family and old-school class. The stone crabs and key lime pie are two of their can’t-miss menu items.

Joe’s has come a long way from its humble crab shack beginnings.

What to do in Miami

Vizcaya Museum and Gardens

This sea salt-worn, crumbling mansion and its French-inspired gardens immediately captured my imagination. The estate was built in 1916 as a vacation home for Chicago-based businessman James Deering.

Step into the French-inspired gardens. (Image: Robin Hill)

From the display of yacht chinaware to the waterside tearoom to the elaborate guest rooms, every turn had me imagining the fabulous recreational activities of this affluent mogul and his visitors.

The Vizcaya Museum and Gardens used to be a private vacation home. (Image: Robin Hill)

Today, the mansion has transformed into an impressive art museum and botanical garden of sorts, paying homage to Miami’s fledgling days.

Visit Vizcaya Museum And Gardens in Miami. (Image: Robin Hill)

Groove to Miami’s Music

Miami is a city that grooves to its own beat, from the inescapable rooftop, poolside DJ to tiny record shops. Enjoy excellent cocktails, expertly curated vinyl records and chill vibes at Dante’s HiFi in Wynwood.

Miami Sound Bar is another notable vinyl bar in Downtown. Strawberry Moon at the top of the Goodtime Hotel is a great place to find the quintessential Miami pool party.

To kick back with Miami locals until the wee hours of the night, check out divey Better Days.

Beaches

You can’t miss the beach if you’re visiting sunny Miami. South Beach is dotted with colourful, Art Deco lifeguard huts, DJ sets and hotties on vacation.

You’ll find Art Deco lifeguard huts on South Beach. (Image: Clark Van Der Beken)

There’s a great beach path that makes exploring easy – ideally with roller skates or a rented Citibike to cover more ground.

Ride your bike along the path. (Image: Juan Rojas)

Head north to Hollywood Beach for a more laid-back vibe and a family-friendly boardwalk.

Miami is famous for its towering palm trees. (Image: Lance Asper)

Art Deco architecture

Miami is a wonderland of Art Deco architecture. As you walk around town, you can’t miss the playful building designs, but taking a walking tour will allow you to dive deeper into the city’s history and hidden architectural gems.

Miami is a wonderland of Art Deco architecture. (Image: Clark Van Der Beken)

Miami Design Preservation League leads a great tour, as well as Art Deco Tours (they have one that involves signature cocktails!)

Go on an Art Deco tour. (Image: Jason Briscoe)

Add on time in Palm Beach or Disney World

The Brightline train makes it easy to add local adventures to your Miami itinerary. This high-speed line provides a pretty luxe experience with their sleek, modern lounges, and clean, punctual trains.

It’s about a two-hour ride to Palm Beach and a three-and-a-half-hour ride to Orlando at the end of the line, the home of Walt Disney World.

Live out your fairytale fantasies at Walt Disney World in Orlando. (Image: Matt Stroshane)