Miami has always been on the cutting edge of modernism, artistic innovation, and cultural diversity; but now it is at the center of a new, transformative narrative. The Coronavirus pandemic forced some of Miami’s famed hotels to close, temporarily setting the stage for a renaissance. Stroll down the iconic Collins Avenue, and you’ll find yourself amid the rebirth as brands like Aman, Rosewood, and Bulgari are rebuilding or restoring once-historic properties.
Miami is beginning a new chapter. As ever, the city’s soul lies not just in the shimmering façade of its luxury developments but in the stories told by its streets, the murals that adorn its walls, and the rhythmic pulse that defines its cultural heartbeat. Here’s how you can dig into all of it.
Where to Stay in Miami
Eden Roc
Designed by the renowned architect Morris Lapidus, the Eden Roc Hotel in Miami is a testament to the city’s golden era of glamour and luxury. Opening its doors in 1956, the hotel became an instant icon with its distinctive mid-century modern architecture characterized by sweeping curves, opulent details, and a sense of grandeur. Lapidus, famous for his innovative and theatrical designs, created a space that exuded sophistication and elegance.
During its early years, the Eden Roc attracted a glamorous clientele, including Hollywood celebrities, prominent political figures, and international jetsetters. The hotel quickly became a hotspot for the elite, drawn to its lavish amenities and prime beachfront location. Every room has an ocean view, and guests can choose between two experiences. There’s traditional Miami-Beach style in the Eden Roc property, where the rooms have a breezy beach vibe with minimal color, allowing the ocean, sky, and sandy beach to provide the pop. The Japanese beach house style at the Nobu property, nestled within Eden Roc, offers quiet, modern luxury. No matter which guest experience you choose, you’ll inevitably want to grab a drink at the 16-seat bar in the landmark hotel lobby.
Nobu Restaurant
While there, you can grab elevated bar bites from Nobu or reserve a table at the restaurant, its own singular experience. The restaurant features undulating washi paper that floats above the dining tables, as if you’re immersed in the ocean under ribbons of seaweed. On the menu, Chef Matsuhisa’s iconic fusion of traditional Japanese dishes with Latin American flair, like the Nobu Tacos, each delicately prepared with fish. Can a taco be chic? At Nobu, the answer is yes.
Miami Art Immersion
Miami hosts Art Basel every December, but you don’t need to plan a special trip to immerse yourself in the city’s dynamic art scene. From contemporary galleries to avant-garde museums, the Magic City has a range of experiences to offer.
Pérez Art Museum
Located in Museum Park overlooking Biscayne Bay, PAMM is a cultural landmark designed by Herzog & de Meuron. Opened in 2013, the museum has become synonymous with Miami’s commitment to contemporary art. PAMM features a diverse collection of international contemporary art, including works by established and emerging artists. The museum showcases paintings, sculptures, and installations that push the boundaries of artistic expression. Permanent exhibitions include “Transfer Download: Sea Change,” an immersive exhibit that reflects on the interconnectedness of technology and the natural world. The museum also features an outdoor sculpture garden and Verde, an on-site restaurant that boasts sweeping views of Biscayne Bay.
Wynwood
Always a good idea and always changing, Wynwood is an outdoor street art museum in the Wynwood Arts District. Established in 2009, this project transformed the neighborhood into a global destination for street art. Murals and graffiti by renowned artists like Shepard Fairey and Retna adorn the walls, creating an ever-evolving outdoor gallery that blurs the lines between street and fine art. One of the best ways to view it is to book a curator to guide you through the different works. You can also add your own graffiti experience to the schedule: a 30-minute hands-on spray-painting demo to immerse yourself fully in the Miami street art scene. While you’re there, stop by the Margulies Collection at the Warehouse. Founded by Martin Z. Margulies, this private-collection-turned-public-institution has been a cornerstone of Miami’s art scene since 1999. The collection spans various mediums, featuring sculptures, installations, and multimedia art. Artists like Willem de Kooning, Anselm Kiefer, and Olafur Eliasson contribute to the museum’s diverse and impactful collection.
ICA Miami, the Institute of Contemporary Art
A cutting-edge institution in the Design District, ICA Miami opened its doors in 2017 and has been a focal point in Miami’s evolving art landscape ever since. The institute hosts rotating exhibitions that push boundaries and promote continuous experimentation. Their commitment to advancing the work of local, emerging, and under-recognized artists is apparent: Admission is free all year round, providing open access to the public. ICA also hosts public events designed to promote the exchange of ideas and stimulate creative thinking.
Neighborhood Culture
Miami Design District
The Design District is renowned for its luxury boutiques featuring international and local designers, offering a shopping haven where fashion enthusiasts can explore the latest trends and exclusive collections. Cutting-edge galleries and public art installations dot the artfully designed streets, transforming the district into an open-air gallery that transcends traditional boundaries. And there’s always something happening—a maker’s market, a design fair, a celebration, or other events that give you a reason to drop in and stay awhile. You’ll also find Michelin-starred restaurants—Le Jardinier, recently awarded one star, and L’Atelier de Joël Robuchon, boasting two Michelin stars. And don’t miss Mia Market, a chef-driven food hall that might be the best way to taste all the flavors Miami offers.
Allapattah
Named after the Seminole Indian word for “alligator,” Allapattah is a barrio just west of Wynwood and an emerging cultural hot spot. It’s grounded by the Rubell Museum, renowned for showcasing thought-provoking contemporary art from the extensive Rubell family collection, featuring works by some of the most-influential artists of our time, including Jeff Koons, Keith Haring, and Jean-Michel Basquiat. Allapattah is a cultural melting pot, with residents from Central America, Cuba, and the Caribbean making up much of the local population. You’ll find many hidden gems to experience, from sophisticated Basque cuisine at Leku in the Rubell Museum to a Dominican chimichurri sandwich from the Chimichurri Donde El Primo truck on 36th Street.
Española Way
It is not a neighborhood per se, but a vibrant street tucked inside of South Beach. Built as an artists’ colony in the 1920s and designed to evoke the quaint villages of France and Spain, this pedestrian-only corridor features more than a dozen restaurants and cafés, three boutique hotels, and a smattering of specialty shops.
Prefer to stroll through Espanola Way and dine nearby? Gianni’s at the Former Versace mansion is a few blocks away. Located inside the former home of Gianni Versace, which has been both a membership club and boutique hotel since he died in 1997, it features an upscale Italian menu, and the setting is undeniably one of the most beautiful in the state. Casa Tua, also located a few blocks away on 17th Street, could be described as a hidden gem, as it still manages to fly under the radar. Dining at Casa Tua is like attending a dinner party at a well-heeled but low-key friend’s house, complete with a library, lantern-lit trees in the garden, and a 20-seat chef’s table with a view of the kitchen.
