The most important city in South Florida is much more than sand, sun, and sea. In this article, we will tell you all about the best neighborhoods in Miami and the things you can’t miss in each area. We will also answer the most frequently asked questions about the different areas of the Magic City. Stay with us and discover what this paradisiacal destination has to offer.
The 11 neighborhoods in Miami that you can’t miss
The Magic City is huge and full of surprises. In case you’ve been wondering which are the best spots in this city, we’ve created this list of the eleven best areas in Miami. This destination can be confusing due to the division between counties, cities, and other territories in the United States; but don’t worry, we will give you the address of each neighborhood, taking the downtown area as a reference.
1. Downtown Miami
Downtown is the financial and cultural center of Miami and will be your point of reference to move around the city. It is located east of the international airport. This area stands out for its landscape that combines business skyscrapers, shopping malls, wide avenues, and great wonders of unique architecture that showcase science and culture.
Some of the must-see attractions in this neighborhood:
- The Pérez Art Museum
- The Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts
- The FTX Arena
- The Philhip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science
2. South Beach
South Beach is exactly what people imagine Miami to be: Art Déco buildings next to the white sandy beach with the sun shining on the waves. This iconic neighborhood is located in Miami Beach, west of downtown and across Biscayne Bay. You can’t miss its amazing offer of luxurious bars, outstanding restaurants, glamorous boutiques, and, of course, crystal-clear beaches.
3. Little Havana
Crossed by the famous 8th street, this area is a piece of Cuba located west of downtown Miami. Little Havana is a neighborhood that captivates you with the aromas and flavors of Cuban gastronomy, jazz music, and the sound of dominoes that resonates between nostalgic talks about politics and the past.
During your tour, you must visit the Máximo Gómez Park, admire the Calle Ocho Walk of Fame, and enjoy the unique colorful architecture while you sip a strong cup of coffee…
4. Key Biscayne
This beautiful villa filled with luxury hotels and celebrity mansions -on the island of the same name- is home to Miami’s elite. Reach this spot, located southeast of downtown, by driving across the Rickenbacker Bridge. Some of the must-do activities in this area are Taking a peaceful walk through the white sand and palm tree-lined landscape of Crandon Park and admiring the classic lighthouse at Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park.
5. Design District
This neighborhood, located north of the city is the biggest celebration of art and design you can find in Miami. In the Design District, as its name suggests, you will find countless galleries, artists’ studios, designer stores, cafes, and alternative spaces. Don’t miss the opportunity to walk through its streets adorned with unique architecture or to spend an afternoon shopping.
6. Wynwood
This neighborhood, located north of downtown, is like a huge outdoor art gallery. Wynwood, which once was a sector of industrial land and vacant lots, today stands out for its walls painted with spectacular graffiti that you absolutely must see.
7. Coconut Grove
Called The Grove by locals, Coconut Grove is a residential neighborhood south of Miami. This area will surprise you with its relaxed atmosphere surrounded by trees and will remind you of a small village or a peaceful town. The CocoWalk shopping mall is a combination of stores, cafes, and a variety of restaurants that will provide you with an incredible cultural and gastronomic offer.
8. Coral Gables
Looking for a Mediterranean experience in Florida? Coral Gables is located south of Miami and was designed by George Merrick. You will be stunned by the architecture of the buildings, the avenues adorned with fig trees, and the gardens between winding streets. You can’t miss the allure of swimming in the Venetian Pool, biking through the tree canopies of Coral Way, and being amazed by the opulence of the Biltmore Hotel.
9. North Beach
If you’re looking for a quiet atmosphere between white beaches and condo buildings, you’ll love North Beach. This neighborhood is located in the north of Miami Beach, northeast of downtown, and across Biscayne Bay. This is an area where Art Déco gives way to other architectural styles that shape the landscape. Don’t miss its remarkable offer of restaurants and stores along with its beautiful turquoise waters.
10. Bal Harbour
This villa located north of Miami Beach and northwest of Downtown competes for being the most exclusive place in Miami. Bal Harbour prices have nothing on South Beach. You can’t miss the prestigious 5-star hotels, elegant restaurants, and glamorous stores that create an offer for the elite only.
11. Little Haiti
Little Haiti is a neighborhood in northern Miami and deserves its place on this list for giving a Caribbean and diverse touch to the most important city in South Florida. It is worth mentioning that its incredible and exquisite gastronomy contrasts with the low cost of the meals. The Caribbean Marketplace, the galleries, the book, and the Haitian music stores are a must-visit. Keep in mind that the best time to visit this area is while the sun is shining, so you can enjoy it to the fullest.
Frequently asked questions about different areas in Miami
What are the best neighborhoods to stay in Miami?
The neighborhoods with the cheapest accommodations in Miami are:
- South Beach
- Key Biscayne
- Bal Harbour
These areas are the best due to the high-quality hotels, their security statistics, and their proximity to different attractions, as well as their high prices.
What are the cheapest neighborhoods to stay in Miami?
The neighborhoods with the cheapest accommodations in Miami are:
- North Beach
- Wynwood
- Downtown
These neighborhoods have a good quality-price ratio in terms of accommodations, compared to other areas of the city. Keep in mind that in Wynwood and Downtown, there are not many options, so you should book in advance.
What are the safest neighborhoods in Miami?
Miami’s safest neighborhoods are:
- Coral Gables
- Pinecrest
- Brickell
All of this is based on the perception of both locals and tourists, as well as the recorded crime statistics.
Thank you very much for joining us on this journey through the best neighborhoods in Miami. We hope you find this article useful to make the most out of your trip to the Magic City.
