The ultimate guide to Miami's neighborhoods

26.04.2024 - 13:29 / lonelyplanet.com / Art

Miami is a sprawling metropolis containing a multitude of cultures and attractions. While that makes for an incredible trip, it can be tricky for first-timers to figure out the best place to base themselves.

It all depends on what you want to do and who you're traveling with. Are you downing cafecitos and cocktails before salsa dancing into the wee hours or kayaking and stretching out on a beautiful stretch of sand to relax? The best neighborhood for families is unlikely to have a thumping nightlife, but some areas offer a little bit of something for everyone.

Think about your must-do priorities in Magic City (if you're in need of inspiration, check out our favorite things to do there) and let our guide to Miami's neighborhoods help you choose the best possible base for your vacation.

If you want to get a taste of nearly everything the city has to offer, Downtown Miami is ideal. Marvel at some of the city's most historic buildings, dating as far back as the 1890s – among them, the Olympia Theater (originally a silent movie theater) and the Freedom Tower (once a help center for Cuban refugees in the 1960s and 70s). Spend some time exploring and snapping photos, then learn more about the city's past at the HistoryMiami Museum.

But downtown is far from stuck in the past. Aside from the high rises, there are restaurants and retail to enjoy at Bayside Marketplace, plus boat tours on Biscayne Bay and a Ferris wheel that offers dazzling views of the neighborhood.

Fancy some culture? The Pérez Art Museum boasts a robust collection of art from Latin America and beyond, while the adjacent Frost Science Museum is home to a spectacular aquarium, planetarium and rotating exhibits. And if that's not enough, you can always see what's happening at the Kaseya Center, home of the Miami Heat and a major entertainment venue.

Formerly known as Little San Juan, this once-heavily Puerto Rican neighborhood has undergone tremendous change, most notably because of gentrification. Today, it's an international hub of art, fashion and design. Brilliant murals adorn nearly every building facade, many of which were created by top street artists like Shepard Fairey and Atomik. Throw a stone in any direction, and you're sure to hit an art gallery, cocktail bar, vintage shop, uber-hip clothing boutique or even a taco shop that doubles as a speakeasy.

While there's a dearth of hotels in the area, you can book a room at the Moxy, Arlo or an Airbnb. Otherwise, venture into the neighborhood at your leisure and make a day of it by picking up an iced latte at Panther Coffee before wandering between the Wynwood Walls, Museum of Graffiti and The Art of Hip Hop. The vibe changes to adults-only at night – enjoy a delicious meal at Kush or Bakan, then