The Ultimate Miami Itinerary
Exactly how you see it in the movies, Miami is a bustling metropolis of fast cars, free poured cocktails and lash extensions. To experience the full effects of Miami means to empty your pockets and forget about having a bedtime hour. This ultimate Miami itinerary will take you through roof top bars, Cuban walking tours, delicious cigars, non-stop eating and a relaxing boat trip to top it all off.
We spent 5 days in Miami with a group of friends and it was by far the most exciting, alcohol driven and sleep deprived holiday I’ve had in years.
Accommodation in Miami
Unfortunately we had a rather rotten accommodation in Miami through AirBnb, and I soon learnt that short term stays like AirBnbs were illegal in Miami so that probably explained a lot.
If you’re looking for somewhere nice to stay but aren’t wanting a hotel, check out Royal Stay for some of the best places, especially for groups. Some of the rentals include pools and spacious dining areas, great for relaxing after a big night out.
Miami Itinerary Day 1
Day one in Miami should be a rather relaxing experience, get over that jet lag and explore the city at a slow pace. Indulge in the cultural heritage of Little Havana and dine at the impeccable Call Me Gaby.
Little Havana Tour
Deep dive into Miami’s Hispanic culture by exploring Little Havana on a guided tour. Little Havana is a thriving town of Cuban delights; from croquetas and a cup of coladas to cigars and strong coffee. Learn about the terrible history of exiled Cubans during the 1960’s – 1970’s, before enjoying the town they built to call home and the very neighbourhood we enjoy today; full of culturally rich architecture, art and culinary delights.
Admire the art of cigar rolling and step foot in one of the oldest farmers markets in this Miami suburb, end your day at the Ball and Chain where you can enjoy a pint of refreshing beer while listening to live music and watching fast paced Latin dancing.
Call me Gaby
Dinner in Miami beach is the best way to finish your first day exploring Miami. Call Me Gaby is a beautiful Italian restaurant born from the vision of a French Woman, Cathy, to bring a feminine touch to the row of restaurants in Miami beach.
From pizzas, to pastas the Italian chefs running the menu create incredible flavours that mold beautifully into one another. The outdoor garden seating brings a chaotic calmness among the floral decorations and busy Miami streets, while the indoor seating exudes sophistication.
Miami Itinerary Day 2
You’ve had an introduction into Miami, now is time to ramp things up. Start your day with an artistic stroll through Wynwood Walls, settle down for dinner after a spot of window shopping at Brickell City Centre and finally end your night, or morning, at a roof top bar sitting 22 floors high in the sky.
Wynwood Walls
This is where street art meets creative design, Wynwood Walls encompasses an array of graffiti art covering large scale walls on 6 buildings, sculptures and framed artwork. Get a taste of Miami’s creative minds and wonder through the outdoor art gallery of Wynwood Walls.
The walls and several rooms of Wynwood Walls feature local and international artists, mediums can include anything from spray paint, acrylic to sheet metal.
Adults are $12pp and children enter for free
Brickell City Centre
Whether it’s for shopping or for dining, Brickell City Centre has it all. From high end clothing to luxury skin care and every day apparel, Brickell City Centre is where you can spend your day if the weather packs in, or if you are in dire need of a new outfit or two.
End your day by dining at Marabu, a Cuban restaurant that pays homage to its heritage through coal fired cuisine. Pick from the menu your choice of traditional, seafood, burgers or salads and sides. Marabu has a menu fit for everyone, even severing several vegetarian options.
The outdoor seating is encompassed amongst a decorated trellis of potted plants and foliage, allowing for an intimate dining experience hidden away from the bustling shoppers.
Rosa Sky Rooftop Bar
Part of the ultimate Miami itinerary means you can’t miss out on a rooftop bar experience. Rosa Sky is a short walk from Brickell City Centre, sitting on the 22nd floor of the AC & Element Hotel. With hand crafted cocktails and a tapas menu to keep you satisfied, you will stay mesmerized by the panoramic views across Miami.
The drinks are practically free poured so don’t overdo yourself too early, and the bathroom has its own attendant who will look after you if you’re forgotten your deodorant or you’re feeling a little less than fresh.
If you’re wanting to go all out on your second night in Miami then look at booking a booth at Rosa Sky, the booths sit in the open air next to the balustrade so you have first class views across the illuminated city.
Miami Itinerary Day 3
Catamaran Boat Party
I meant when I said this is the ultimate Miami itinerary, you can’t experience Miami without seeing it from the water and what better way to enjoy your last day than by soaking up the sun on the bow of a boat. A Catamaran party boat can sit up to 49 people, comes with a 3 crew members who know how to show you a good time, and the boata is stocked with water toys. Bring your own food, alcohol, sunblock and make sure you’ve packed enough energy to enjoy the day.
Our boat trip took us to Luijo’s Island which sits in the Miami south channel near Virginia Key. This is a popular location for party boats, Luijo’s island is where you can find jet skis for hire and best of all food barges with hotdogs and burgers. I never thought I’d see the day where a boat full of hot grills and grease pulls up next to me handing over a menu with an outstretched pole.
End your day by either grabbing some well deserved takeaways or see it out with a bang by exploring more of the nightlife. Most of the busiest night clubs you will find in Miami beach along the waterfront. From small, dark cocktail bars to pumping nightclubs with all the latest songs.