Miami, Florida, one of the most Southernly cities in the whole of the United States, is a destination blessed with golden beaches, year-round good weather, and the blissfully warm waters of the Biscayne Bay.
Known as the gateway to Latin America, Miami is a melting pot of cultures and communities found in its unique neighborhoods, each bringing colorful traditions and cuisines to the vibrant tapestry that makes up this diverse city. With over 25 neighborhoods spanning the 56 square mile area, there’s loads to see and do on a Miami vacation – but where to begin? This article breaks down our favorite experiences in our top ten favorite Miami neighborhoods, so you can dive right in and witness for yourself what makes Miami such a fantastic place to visit. From historic soul food in Overtown to salsa dancing in Little Havana, you’re never short of exciting things to do in every Miami neighborhood!
| Upper East Side
Just like the UES in New York City, in Miami’s Upper East Side you’ll find luxury properties, designer stores, and upscale eateries along the stylish boulevards.
To truly appreciate the beauty of this neighborhood, head to Morningside Park for a picturesque kayak tour on the Biscayne Bay, choosing from the monthly Full Moon Tour or the weekly Sunset Tour. From the water you can admire the UES skyline, plus the lush Morningside Picnic Islands Park, and if you choose the Full Moon Kayak Tour, you finish with a bonfire and BBQ! A fun and scenic experience in one of Miami’s most sophisticated neighborhoods.
| Historic Overtown
If it’s history and culture you’re after, Overtown is the neighborhood for you. Often touted as one of Miami’s most important neighborhoods, Overtown holds a strong cultural significance for Black history and the Black community, descendants of the railroad construction workers who formed the neighborhood in the 19th century.
Amongst its many street murals, historic buildings, and green spaces sits Jackson Soul Food, an unassuming restaurant serving mouth-watering home-style cooking. Opened in 1946, the restaurant has made a name for itself as being authentically family-run and one of the best soul food establishments in Miami, impressing customers from around the country with classic dishes like shrimp and grits, fried catfish, collard greens and biscuits. You can’t visit Historic Overtown without stopping in!
| Wynwood
Wynwood could be described as Miami’s most colorful neighborhood, in a quite literal sense. The street murals, art galleries, and outdoor museums are a dream for art lovers, and attract hundreds of thousands of visitors every year.
The Wynwood Walls is a permanent graffiti and street art exhibition that showcases work from artists across the globe, but the whole 80,000 square feet of it can be quite overwhelming to explore! Join a guided tour and discover Wynwood with the aid of a local expert, choosing from a variety of tour options that cover the Best Of Wynwood, the Wynwood Walls, or the Graffiti Golf Cart Tour. If you’re feeling creative, you can also have a go at your own graffiti!
| Coconut Grove
Founded in 1873, Coconut Grove is the oldest inhabited neighborhood in Miami, full of beautiful architecture, fascinating history, and magnificent bayside views. Stroll along the waterfront, visit the Fresh Market, browse the boutique stores at CocoWalk Shopping Mall, and sip cocktails at one of the many upscale bars – Coconut Grove is a destination for those who like to chill out.
For the ultimate pampering experience, stop by the Ritz-Carlton Hotel for a luxury spa treatment and treat yourself to some well-deserved TLC. A magical experience to share with friends or a unique gift idea for a loved one!
| Little Haiti & Little River
Originally a small community called Motto, then renamed Lemon City, and now known as Little Haiti and Little River, this 130 year old duo of neighborhoods is a diverse medley of Caribbean communities.
Amongst the colorful street murals, marketplaces, record stores and bars is The Citadel, a block-long monument to food, music and retail. With a focus on the home-grown and sustainable, guests can spend hours browsing the 40+ clothing and homeware brands, before stopping for a bite to eat in the food hall or enjoying live music up on the 5,000 square foot rooftop bar. The Citadel is a modern testament to Miami’s Caribbean culture!
| Brickell
Every major US city has to have a Financial District full of glassy skyscrapers and luxury condominiums, and Brickell is the Miami neighborhood where you’ll find just that. As well as being a hub of investment and banking, in Brickell you’ll also find trendy restaurants, boutique shops, and most of Florida’s foreign consulates!
Located inside Brickell City Centre, a sprawling $1billion shopping mall, is Luna Park, an authentic and hugely popular Italian restaurant that offers cooking classes, chef demonstrations, mixology workshops and private events. A cooking class is a fun way to discover a new Miami neighborhood, and makes a unique experience gift for a native Brickellite!
| South Beach
Probably the neighborhood that most people picture when thinking of Miami; South Beach is known for its glamor, nightlife, and impossibly perfect beaches. Food tours are possibly the best way to explore any US city, and the Miami South Beach food tour is no exception.
Admire art deco buildings, pause at the Versace Mansion, visit movie locations, and eat at five South Beach establishments from the five-star to the hidden gem. The uniquely ‘Floribbean’ cuisine of Miami’s South Beach neighborhood simply can’t be beaten, and a foodie sightseeing experience means you get to taste a broad range whilst learning about the city around you. Win-win!
| Allapattah
Meaning ‘alligator’ in Seminole Indian, Allapattah is a culturally diverse Miami neighborhood known for its textiles manufacturing and tropical fruit bodegas. Nestled among these fresh food markets is the Rubell Museum, a private collection of contemporary art curated by influential power-couple Mera and Don Rubell.
Starting with one painting in 1964, the collection now boasts over 7,200 pieces and is housed in a 100,000 square foot property in Allapattah, showcasing pieces from the best up and coming artists around the world. If you’re planning a trip to Miami and want to check out the less touristy art scene, a visit to Allapattah’s Rubell Museum should be top of the list!
| Downtown
The Downtown neighborhood of Miami is a hub of activity, from shopping malls to open air markets and the best nightlife in the city. Here you’ll find concerts at the Bayfront Park Amphitheatre, mouth-watering Peruvian food at CVI.CHE 105, sporting events at the AmericanAirlines Arena, live performances at the Freedom Tower, and loads more entertainment options.
Take in the Downtown skyline at night with a signature cocktail at Bloom Skybar, one of Miami’s most exclusive clubs sitting on top of the Eurostars Langford Hotel. Check out their events calendar and catch some comedy, bachata dancing, Cuban music and themed parties – the ultimate Miami night out!
| Little Havana
Declared a National Treasure by the Trust for Historic Preservation, Little Havana is a jewel of a neighborhood west of Downtown Miami. As the name might suggest, Little Havana is a melting pot of Latin American culture, with many Cuban immigrants settling in the area in the 1960s.
Get a taste of the colorful Cuban lifestyle with a free salsa dance lesson at the Ball & Chain bar and lounge, hosted every Thursday night by local legends Rene Rodriguez and Lidia Llanes. Not only is the dance class amazingly good fun, the Ball & Chain itself is a historic establishment that’s well worth a visit on a trip to Little Havana!
Best Things to Do in Miami - New for 2022!
If you're looking for adventure in Miami, then you've come to the right place! The Flyboarding Experience in Miami is a super unique activity guaranteed to add some thrills to your trip in the city.
For the foodies and lovers of culture and arts, the South Beach Miami Food and Art Deco Tour makes for a great trip out whilst visiting the city. You'll get to explore the wonderful culinary melting pot as well as check out some fantastic art deco buildings along the way.
For a luxuriously relaxing activity during your stay in Miami, treat yourself and some loved ones to the Key West Sunset Sail on Schooner Yacht. Complimentary beverage in hand, feel the gentle ocean breeze in your hair as you cruise past Sand Key Lighthouse, Sunset Pier and Mallory Square.
If something for the kids is what you're after, then the Miami Pirate Boat Tour makes an ideal day out for all the family. With pirate dress up and a licensed bar onboard, this tour of Miami's highlights from the sea cannot go amiss on the family holiday!
| Thanks for Reading!
We’ve concluded our favorite experiences in our top ten favorite Miami neighborhoods, but there’s loads more to see and do if you’re planning a vacation, road trip, or weekend getaway. Whether you’re organizing the trip of a lifetime with friends or are looking for a unique experience gift idea for a Florida local, you’re guaranteed to find something utterly unforgettable in Miami!
