Travel Tips for a fabulous holiday in Miami

Miami offers Art, Design, Fashion, Beautiful Skyline, Rooftops, Luxury Hotels, relaxing strolls, and so much more!

A trip to Miami is not only a quick shopping stop on your way to Orlando’s theme parks or a cruise in the Caribbean. Miami offers a lot more than shopping and sunny skies.

Moving around in Miami

I used to rent a car in Miami but I don’t anymore. You can easily move around in the Miami Trolley for free or take the Metrorail; an elevated rail system that is fast and inexpensive. Taxi apps are always a good option as well.

What to visit in Miami

Walks that reduce stress level and increase the good mood

• Directions for beautiful views of Biscayne Bay
  • Start at the Brickell Avenue Bridge, the one that connects Downtown Miami and Brickell district;
  • Once you cross the bridge make a left on the W Miami hotel and walk towards the water;
  • Take the path along the water and blend in with joggers, people walking their dogs, or enjoying lunch under the sun; the views are fantastic, especially on a sunny day. The light early in the morning is spectacular, with the sun making an entrance behind the buildings.
  • Continue along the water, you will see Biscayne bay and the Rickenbacker Causeway; bridge that connects Miami with Key Biscayne.
  • Cross the street on SE 8th St., the bridge that connects Brickell and Brickell Key, and continue along the water.
  • You’ll see the marina, and beautiful scenery along the way. You can take a break and sit on a bench to admire the view, get some vitamin D and breathe fresh air.
  • The path will curve and end up on Brickell Ave. and 15th St.

• Directions to explore Brickell Key
  • Go through the bridge on SE 8th St. to Brickell Key;
  • The Mandarin Oriental hotel will be on your right hand side, continue straight ahead and turn left and go all the way to the end;
  • You will pass by a couple of restaurants and offices. When you reach the end, take the stairs down, turn right and walk along the water until you arrive to the Mandarin Oriental hotel.

The Financial District

Brickell Ave. is home to many banks and financial institutions. If you want to have a taste of a financial area in this tropical part of the world, take a stroll on Brickell Ave. between 5th and 15th St., sit down and people-watch in any of the many cafes, restaurants and bars along the way. I found my favourite dark chocolate bread in La Provence, a yummy bread that is hard to find even in Paris.

Art & Design

You cannot miss a visit to Wynwood Walls with the world’s greatest artists working in the graffiti and street art genre in Miami. In the area, you’ll find art galleries and boutiques with creative items, walking tours on offer and great places to eat.

Museum Park

If you like culture, you’ll love Museum Park.

• The Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science is the perfect place to play and learn with their hands-on demos in chemistry, physics and the natural world. The aquarium and the planetarium are amazing experiences.
• Pérez Art Museum Miami (PAMM) showcases modern and contemporary international art in a beautiful setting.

Fashion

• The Miami Design District is an area dedicated to innovative fashion, design, architecture and dining. You will find luxury brand boutiques in a clean and contemporary architecture, outdoors within palm trees, sculptures, hammocks and water fountains.

• Brickell City Centre (BCC) is a VIP shopping and entertainment centre with mostly luxury brands, restaurants and cinemas. It also has residences and the East, Miami hotel with an array of fine dining restaurants and bars with beautiful views. Take some time to appreciate the ‘climate ribbon;’ an architectural, artistic and technological design which allows the whole project to be environmentally sustainable. It creates a natural air conditioning effect in the retail area and uses rain water for irrigation and air conditioning. To get here, take the Metromover and get off on 8th Street station.

Where to eat and drink

Kyu – located in the heart of Wynwood is a great address for modern Asian inspired cuisine. The dishes are meant to be shared and the house specialty is the roasted cauliflower with goat cheese.

Coyo Taco – Mexican street food with farm fresh ingredients, everything made from scratch, and a cool vibe. Definitely the real thing!

Mandolin Aegean Bistro – a Mediterranean jewel in the Design District. The food is delicious, fresh and healthy. The atmosphere, decoration and vibe will transport anyone to the Greek Islands or the Turkish coast. I loved the Turkish sampler and the grilled octopus.

La Mar by Gaston Acurio – is located in the Mandarin Oriental hotel in Brickell Key. It is a Peruvian restaurant with an innovative, fresh and flavourful cuisine. The views from the terrace are breathtaking. Ceviche is a must!

East, Miami hotel has more than one fine dining option, nice bars and beautiful views of the city. If you want to get a taste of the local after-work culture, go for a drink early in the evening.

Quinto la Huella – located on the fifth floor of the EAST, Miami Hotel at Brickell City Centre, has different atmospheres, fire cooking methods in the kitchen and a sushi counter. I recommend to walk around, get lost on your way to the bathroom, and explore.

Sugar – located on the 40th floor rooftop of the EAST, Miami Hotel at Brickell City Centre, offers panoramic views of the Miami skyline, Asian flavours and signature cocktails. The setting is cosy with a beautiful garden creating a laid-back atmosphere. Thursday is a good day to observe the after-work drinks culture of Miami’s financial district.

Epic Hotel has one of my favourite Asian restaurants – Zuma, as well as a great rooftop with magnificent views.

Zuma Miami – is a waterfront restaurant with modern Japanese cuisine and a vibrant and chic atmosphere.

Area 31 – located on the 16th floor of the Epic hotel, has spectacular views of downtown Miami, Biscayne Bay and Brickell Key. The cuisine offered here is international with good seafood options.

Insider’s Tips

• If you want to enjoy a day of ‘far niente’ by the pool of a luxury hotel where you are not staying, it is possible! Resortpass is the answer. You may book a day pass, spa pass or a cabana. I highly recommend the Four Seasons Hotel Miami, it’s a beautiful oasis where you can forget about the world and just live the moment.
• If you happen to be in the Brickell district on a Wednesday evening, go to Cantina La Veinte, they have free margaritas for ladies and a bustling party atmosphere, especially downstairs.

I hope you have a wonderful trip to Miami, explore and enjoy it in your own way. There is something special for everybody, for all tastes and styles. Just be happy that you are there and smell the roses!

You might be interested to read about Miami Beach and Strolls in Miami Beach

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