The Top-Rated Areas of Miami to Stay In
Miami

Miami is a dream. It’s not just a saying (the Miami dream). Until you experience it, you can’t truly grasp what it means. Miami is one of those places that, once you’re there, you feel like you’re in a bubble. The fashion, the beaches, the celebrities, the super yachts. It’s a world away from what most of us consider ‘normal life’.

And they are worlds away from the typical South Beach locations. Although we absolutely recommend experiencing South Beach, we’ll give you some better options below.

Downtown Miami

Downtown Miami has a vibe. We’d say it’s the perfect mix of culture and history with endless entertainment options. Yes, it’s full of the typical city skylines, but the individual streets seem like the true Miami.

In the day, you’ve got the open-air shopping malls that define ‘shop until you drop’ and beautiful cafes and restaurants for lunch (Bistro Cafe or Crazy About You are highly recommended).

On the night, there’s the American Airlines Arena for Miami Heat basketball games, concerts almost every weekend, and a nightlife that’s arguably one of the best in America.

Downtown Miami is everything and anything you want it to be.

Wynwood

Wynwood is one of the most famous areas in Miami. It’s one of the most vibrant, lively, and walkable locations in Miami. Similar to downtown, it’s an absolute vibe.

You don’t even need to plan your time here; just arrive and walk around. You’ll see boutique shops, art galleries, museums, and, in our opinion, the best restaurants in Miami. Some of the top-rated things to do include:

  • Miami Urban Contemporary Experience (MUCE)
  • Vizcaya Museum and Gardens 
  • Wynwood Walls 
  • The Bakehouse Art Complex

It’s also not too far from the airport. We will say that hotels and apartments can be expensive here, so it might be better to find the best hotel in Miami, closer to the airport. They’re always slightly cheaper, but you’re well-positioned to get to Wynwood.

Key Biscayne

Now, to what Miami is, to some people, is known best for: the beaches.

Key Biscayne is stunning. You won’t find white sandy beaches like it elsewhere in Miami, which isn’t full of beach gyms and bodybuilders. We will say it’s more of a wealthy area, so hotels and apartments are more expensive. But if you have the money, it’s absolutely worth it.

If you come to Key Biscayne, you come to relax and eat good food. There’s not the same lively atmosphere as in other areas, but that’s the point. The most you might want to do is take a boat trip or walk around one of the nature reserves. Biscayne National Park is the best.

When you’re done for the day, these are some of the top-rated restaurants:

Ultimately, the area you stay in depends on your budget and the vibe you’re looking for. Most of Miami is vibrant and buzzing, but there are areas where you can go to escape it all.