I’ll be honest with y’all: Miami has always been a city low on my bucket list. Like yes, I plan to travel there someday, but I’ve got other places I want to go first. However, when my friend told me she was going to visit during Miami Swim Week and strongly encouraged me to come, I thought, why not? She had always talked nothing but good things about Miami, so I figured it was time I see for myself. I was worried that I wouldn’t be able to afford having fun in the city or that there wouldn’t be much else to do other than go to the beach, but I was quickly proven wrong. Below is a quick guide to a few of my favorite places I ate, drank, and explored during my 4 day stay. Want to see my entire trip in action instead? Simply head to my Instagram page, find the “Miami” highlight video in my bio up top, & watch for yourself!
Side note: I listed the area of Miami each of these places can be found–you’ll quickly be able to tell where I spent the most amount of my time, ha!
The Best Affordable Places to Eat in Miami:
- Taquiza for quick (but delicious), order-at-the-counter tacos (South Beach)
- 1-800-Lucky for a variety of pan-Asian options–including Japanese ice cream! –with indoor/outdoor seating, a bar, plus live music at night (Wynwood)
- The Taco Stand for an indoor venue with a/c and yummy tacos right around the corner from Wynwood Walls (Wynwood)
- Old Havana Bar & Cocina for Cuban food, mojitos, & live music (Little Havana)
- Caja Caliente for a Miami food truck with chill vibes & plenty of seating (Wynwood)
Where to Grab A Drink in Miami:
- Panther Coffee for a well crafted pick-me-up where you choose the beans to grind (there are locations all over Miami; I went to the Wynwood location)
- Nikki Beach for Rosé Saturday or Sunday Funday; it’s a lot of fun but pretty pricey and located right off the beach! (South Beach)
- Freehand Miami for an outdoor cocktail bar with chill vibes and colorful decor (in the back of a hostel in South Beach)
- The Dirty Rabbit – fun bar that also has hookah and live music, gets very crowded on weekends (Wynwood)
- Wynwood Yard is a huge open outdoor space with a bar in the center surounded food trucks all around; cool place to watch live music and hang out. (Wynwood)
- No. 3 Social – chill but classy rooftop bar with unique cocktails (Wynwood)
- Veza Sur Brewing Co for an indoor & outdoor brewery with a food truck outside and fun games (Wynwood)
- Wynwood Brewing Co for a small indoor-only brewery with a bar & games (Wynwood)
Things To Do in Miami:
- Mango’s Tropical Cafe: kind of a tourist trap but good for CONSTANT entertainment and either watching dancers or dancing yourself; $20 cover & expensive drinks (South Beach)
- Vizcaya Museum & Gardens: a historic landmark near the water with gorgeous garden views; you could spend 1 to 2 hours here since this place is so huge. $20 for adults but $10 with a student ID (Coconut Grove)
- Calle Ocho: literally means “8th Street” where you’ll find Cuban food, cigar shops and venues for plenty of dancing/music (Little Havana)
- Wynwood walls: a collection of murals and space to view art; free to enter! (Wynwood)
- Bayside Marketplace: a touristy area on the water for shopping/bars/restaurants; can hop on a boat tour here and even ride one to South Beach (Downtown)
- And obviously… go to the beach !! It’s free ;o)
