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For the past decade, Miami has been undergoing a cultural renaissance.
Blog featuring travel tips, packing guides, videos and photography from around the world.
There’s sun, beach, and a lively cultural scene to be found here.
When people think of Miami, they generally think of South Beach, known for its blue Atlantic beachfront, lovely Art Deco architecture, Latin swagger, and throbbing nightlife. While this portrayal is correct, Miami has been in a cultural rebirth for a decade. Wynwood, the Design District, Downtown, Little Haiti, and Little Havana are just a few of the neighbourhoods that have infused the city with renewed vibrancy, buzzy native eateries, and hipster bars.
Miami now has a year-round international arts culture, thanks in part to Art Basel Miami Beach, North America’s most significant contemporary art market, held in December. Perez Art Museum Miami and the Institute of Contemporary Art, Miami are two new landmark museums. Even still, nothing beats the simple pleasures of a day at one of the city’s lovely beaches.
The Institute of Contemporary Art, Miami (61 NE 41 St; 00 1 305 901 5272) is a must-see for anybody interested in the newest Miami culture, with free entry and an attractive location in the trendy Design District and cutting-edge contemporary art.
Take in the sights and sounds of South Beach to start your morning. Ocean Drive’s core runs parallel to Lummus Park and the ocean, from 5th to 15th streets. Neon lights, throbbing music, Art Deco buildings, and sidewalk cafés create a cacophony. Instead of booking a table, go for a walk to get a feel for this well-known strip.
Head to South Beach Kayak and try stand-up paddleboarding if you’re seeking an active way to enjoy Miami’s beautiful weather. This family-owned firm will get you acquainted so you can embark on a self-guided tour of Biscayne Bay’s peaceful waters. While paddling, keep a lookout for dolphins, manatees, and egrets. For a swim, head past Belle Isle (under the Venetian Causeway, towards the desolate Flagler Memorial Island).
In Little Havana, at the legendary Versailles Cuban restaurant (3555 SW 8th St.; 00 1 305 444 0240), you can either order from the ventanita (hole in the wall) and sample sweet, solid Cuban coffee with pastelitos like guava and cream cheese pastries, croquetas, and empanadas, or grab a table inside for a proper breakfast.
You may also take a Little Havana Tour to see Domino Park, Cuban bakeries, rum shops, cigar shops, art galleries, and fruit markets, all within a few blocks of the famous Calle Ocho.
On Museum Park overlooking Biscayne Bay, see the Perez Art Museum Miami (1103 Biscayne Blvd.; 00 1 305 375 3000), housed in an architecturally notable structure by Herzog & de Meuron. The contemporary collection focuses on 20th and 21st-century world art from the perspective of the Americas.
Crawl north to the Wynwood Arts District’s epicentre. Wynwood Walls is a street art museum that is open to the public. Explore the walls for pieces by Shepard Fairey, Retna, Kenny Scharf, and the London Police, among others. A garden, an interior gallery, and the workshop of local artist Peter Tunney are all part of the enormous complex.
When to go…
From November to April, when many travellers from colder regions of the US and Canada flock to Miami for some subtropical warmth and sunlight, the city is busiest. In the winter, daytime temperatures are often in the mid-20s. It’s hotter (about 30 degrees Celsius throughout the day) and more humid in the summer. Because it is Miami’s low season, hotel rates can drop by as much as 50% (August and September are often the best months for absolute deals), and the city is less congested.
Throughout the winter, there are several significant events. Art Basel Miami Beach (1901 Convention Center Dr) — North America’s largest and most buzzed-about contemporary art market – is at the top of the list in December. In November, there’s the Miami Book Fair International (600 Biscayne Blvd; 00 1 305 237 3258); in February, there’s the South Beach Wine & Food Festival and the Miami International Boat Show; and in March, there’s the Ultra Music Festival.
Local etiquette and laws:
• Sales tax is imposed after purchase in the United States and is not included in listed pricing. The sales tax in Florida is 6%, and it applies to transactions made in stores, bars, and restaurants. In Miami, there is a 13 per cent hotel tax. Prices for activities, restaurants, pubs, and hotels in this guide have been estimated to include sales tax.
• Spanish is spoken by over 70% of Miami’s population. However, because most people are multilingual, you’ll be comfortable communicating in English.
• Although it is theoretically forbidden to drink alcohol on the beach, it is routinely practised. You’ll be OK if you’re discrete.
• Micro bikini sunbathing is fashionable in multicultural and exhibitionist South Beach.
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