Miami after dark: ritzy theaters, iconic nightclubs and everything in between

19.06.2024 - 13:39 / lonelyplanet.com / Spring Break

Jun 18, 2024 • 5 min read

Miami has long maintained a reputation for being a 24/7 party spot. It’s why so many flock to the 305 for Spring Break, Memorial Day Weekend, bachelor and bachelorette parties, long weekends – you name it. But there’s so much more to the city’s nightlife than oversized nightclubs (although those are fun sometimes, too). And if you’re wondering what part of Miami has the best nightlife, I can tell you this much: you can always find a good time anywhere in the Magic City if you know where to look.

I came of age in Miami and spent a lot of time seeking out every kind of bar, club, music venue and literally wherever else might stay open late. And with every visit back home, I’m always pleased to find another new favorite spot or two to end the night at because Miami’s nightlife scene is nothing if not resilient. For each place that’s shut down, 10 more have popped up in its stead. 

So, where should you be spending your evenings while in Miami? Here are some of my top picks, whether you’re a barfly, a jazz lover, a dancing queen, or an early-to-bed type.

Best for dinner and a show
Midbeach

For those seeking dramatic flair, this intimate theater and dining experience will make you feel as though you’ve stepped into the Moulin Rouge (seriously, Baz Luhrmann himself helped design the space). The decadent Faena Theater at Faena Miami Beach will have you absolutely gobsmacked from the moment you step in, but it’s not just the space that attracts. From their Ascension Cabaret to their monthly late-night extravaganza EVERAFTER, you won’t want to miss the chance at Vegas-level entertainment like this right in Miami Beach. This won't be a cheap night out, but who can put a price on glamour like this?

Best cocktail bar with heavy Miami vibes
Downtown

While it hasn’t been around as long as some of the city’s other major cocktail bars, Tipsy Flamingo is doing lots of things right. The drink menu doesn’t go overboard, instead zeroing in on a few finely tuned cocktails: the Henny Pa Mi Gente for the true local boys, the rum-coffee-caramel Tipsy Colada to keep you going late into the night and, of course, the tongue-in-cheek Pablo Escobar shot served with a baggie of salt because Miami. But it's the kitschy 305 aesthetic that draws folks in the door. So much pink, so many palms, all the neon, and who can resist the allure of the flamingo? Add to that a daily 5-9pm happy hour for the office crowd, rotating events and good beats, and you’re good to go.

Best for an inexpensive dive experience with plenty of characters
South Beach

On the flip side, if you’ve ever said to yourself, “Where can I party on a budget in Miami?” Well, you’ve found it. Mac’s is one of the few true longstanding dives left in