It’s known for its beach, high-living resorts and being a second home for celebrities, but there’s so much more to Miami than the bling. The population of this sprawling, multi-cultural city is around 43 per cent Latinx; here, you can get the best Cuban food outside of the island while listening to live salsa and trova music. There’s a world-beating arts district and several well-heeled, leafy shopping neighbourhoods to explore. Year-round sun is a bonus, but don’t let it keep you from ducking indoors for fabulous galleries and museums, live music and authentic food.
The best way to do it is to stay along Miami Beach, a separate island in its own right – “Mid-Beach” is where the most serene, holiday-feel hotels are, while the more famous South Beach stretch becomes more sociable and neon-lit the further you go. From here, dip into the mainland to see the distinctive personality of each different district – all blessed with their own arts venues, head-turning architecture and al fresco restaurant patios for those balmy nights.
Things to do in Miami
Appreciate the architecture
Art Deco buildings in Miami
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Miami’s South Beach – which starts around Ocean Drive – is most famous for its immaculate Art Deco hotels, towering palm trees and Beachwalk pedestrianised path, where you’ll see locals roller-blading, jogging and cycling at all hours. The best way to see it is with a guide who knows its history inside out – our tip is James Cubby at Secret Tours, who brings to life his Art Deco Walk with a deep-rooted knowledge of the city and its many eras and scandals. James came here as a nightlife writer in the city’s 1980s and 90s celeb heyday, and is infectiously passionate about the preserved Art Deco quarter around Ocean Drive and Collins Avenue – take a morning’s stroll with him to get a lighthearted but comprehensive history of the neighbourhood.
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Salsa and sandwiches in Little Havana
This character-packed neighbourhood is a must-see while in town: stop by for the afternoon to stroll its central boulevard, Calle Ocho, hear live Latin bands play in bars, see Mexican-style papel picado flutter in the breeze, and smell the distinct, wet-earth smell of cigars being rolled. Grab an expertly mixed mojito at any one of the lively bars along the street, or choose between Cuban…
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