How to Tour Miami in Seven Days
Embark on a 360° seven-day journey through Miami's diverse and dynamic city with this carefully curated guide. I unfold a week-long adventure that seamlessly blends authentic experiences, delectable dining, and must-visit hotspots. From hidden gems in Coconut Grove to the lively scenes of Wynwood and the cultural immersion in Little Havana, each day offers a unique slice of Miami's rich tapestry. Delve into the details, discover local favorites, and savor the essence of this sun-soaked city. Whether you're a traveler seeking the insider scoop or a local looking for new gems, this guide is your passport to an unforgettable Miami experience.
Where to stay for an authentic, local, relaxing experience: Coconut Grove, Airbnb Studio, Balcony, Sea View, King & Daybed.
Friday Night - Bar Hopping
Intimate Dinner at North Miami’s Mazzi Cucina: while this is wildly off the beaten path, I had to meet my parents here for my mom’s birthday (halfway point), and honestly, I am a regular and think it’s well worth the drive. It’s the best-kept secret, a family-owned Italian restaurant with delicious pastas and bottles of wine.
The Anderson: A neighborhood bar for locals with stiff cocktails, delicious nibbles, and live music! You can make a reservation in their outdoor area or the inside lounge: Make a reservation
Bodega Taqueria and Tequila: This could be an alternative to The Anderson, closer to the Airbnb or for afterwards. Wait, a Taco place for late night Saturday? Yup. Aside from it’s Airstream selling tacos, it has a mezcaleria pouring all kinds of high-end, agave-based spirits open Wednesday through Saturday starting at 6pm. It also has a speakeasy-style lounge open until 3AM Thursdays to Saturdays.
Saturday - Key Biscayne, Coconut Grove, & HaSalon
Go Biking to Key Biscayne: Rent some bikes, head to La Boulangerie in The Roads for a quick morning coffee or tea, and find free parking around the neighborhood. Route your phone to bike to the Key Biscayne Bridge and Cape Florida Lighthouse. Before heading back to The Roads, go to Gran Inca for a mid-morning Ceviche and a Cusqueña beer if you’re up for it. But don’t forget, you have to bike back!
Walk Around Coconut Grove: Head back to the Airbnb for a quick shower and then venture out the front door to tour Coconut Grove - the cutest residential Miami neighborhood. Some personal favorites in the neighborhood are Panther Coffee, Books & Books, oysters at Ariete, and wine & cheese at Glass & Vine! But there’s so much more around CocoWalk and David T. Kennedy Park (great for running and taking your furballs to the dog park).
Pre-Game at Monty's Raw Bar: Before heading out of Coconut Grove for the night, stop for a true local dive bar drink at Monty’s Raw Bar.
Dinner Party at HaSalon in South Beach: Make a reservation beforehand and enjoy good cocktails, Mediterranean food, and a DJ party at your table in the early morning! The hitmakers behind Carbone and ZZ’s Club have joined forces with renowned Israeli chef Eyal Shani to bring his signature concept, HaSalon, to the heart of Miami Beach. HaSalon may have been born in Tel Aviv, but it was made for the Magic City. Note the dress code: Guests are encouraged to dress for the occasion. Any guest who does not appear sufficiently well-presented may be refused entry. Tailored shorts are permitted indoors and outdoors. Athletic wear and baseball caps are kindly prohibited.
Sunday - Vizcaya, Lincoln Rd, & Game Night
Meander Vizcaya Museum & Gardens, and their Farmer’s Market: A National Historic Landmark, Vizcaya Museum and Gardens is a 1916 waterfront estate home with 32 decorated rooms and 10 acres of formal gardens. It’s about an hour’s walk from the Airbnb, so hug the ocean and peruse some beautiful Miami homes on your way to the museum. Snag your entrance tickets ahead of time (they’re open on Sundays from 9:30am-4pm) and save $2 per ticket online (Adult costs $25 and Children $10). The Farmer’s Market is every Sunday from 9am-2pm and is a local Miami staple. Consider saving time with an Uber back (especially if you got a little purchase happy at the market).
Shop Lincoln Road: Venture out to Miami Beach to walk Lincoln Road. Often, they will have various events over the weekend; for example, the week I planned, they had their Lincoln Road Antiques & Collectibles Market. You can see what events are upcoming on their IG. Here’s a good overview of the lay of the land by Miamiandbeaches.com.
Grab a bite at Gianni's at the Former Versace Mansion: Tourist Alert! While this would not be my personal choice, my partner requested we dine here, and I understand for those outside of Florida, this is an experience to be had. ALTERNATIVE: My more local recommendation would be to plan ahead and get a reso at Macchialina in South Beach.
Sunday Funday Game Night: To close out the weekend with some fun, here are three game activities to consider:
Mac’s Deuce Club (Cash Only!): DIVE. BAR. And the self-proclaimed “oldest bar in Miami” (Est. 1926 / Owned and run by Mac since 1964). But they have some pool tables, and it’s also a local staple and all-around good time. Happy hour daily from 8AM-5PM.
Edition Hotel’s Basement Bowling Alley: More upscale, discover a cutting-edge four-lane bowling alley next to the nightclub. They have oversized LED screens, interactive lighting synced with bowlers’ moves, and a state-of-the-art sound system. They also offer bites and drinks.
Tech-Infused Mini Golf at PuttShack (whatever that means): Enjoy DJs, food, and drinks while putt-putting in Brickell City Centre.
Monday - Live Like a Local
I chose to have the mornings blocked off all week for light work, running in the David T. Kennedy Park, or working out in the building’s gym. I also like to save money from Miami’s expensive scene by grocery shopping and making breakfast daily in the Airbnb. Also, assuming you work for a living, I left Monday as a full rest day to wander around Coconut Grove and enjoy living like a local.
I even penciled in a game and movie night at the Airbnb to recharge.
Tuesday - Wynwood
Around 3PM, head to the bohemian, Graffiti-filled district of Miami, Wynwood! Starting at Dr. Smood, start walking up and down the street.
Between 5-6:30PM, pop into Uchi Sushi for their Happy Hour. Uchi, "house" in Japanese, is founded by James Beard Award‑winning Chef Tyson Cole. A delicate balance of elevated food and impeccable service, Uchi offers non‑traditional Japanese cuisine with signature tastings, sushi, and a seasonal omakase.
From 6:30-9PM, continue walking around, a must-hit is the Wynwood Walls! Since opening in 2009, Wynwood Walls has evolved into a globally renowned street art museum whose impact will be felt for generations. These remarkable Walls have transformed the definition of modern art and become a career-defining moment for contributing artists, all while helping to make Wynwood one of the world’s most celebrated urban revitalization projects and an oasis for cutting-edge creativity. You can take a tour or free range GA tickets are $12/adult.
Snag a dinner reservation at Dante’s HiFi for some vinyl-record-playing DJs in their listening bar.
Wednesday - Design District
Take. It. Easy. Up to this point, it’s been go go go. Consider slowing your roll today. That’s why I left it for the Design District, a creative neighborhood and shopping destination dedicated to innovative fashion, design, art, architecture, and dining, spanning 18 square blocks north of the Wynwood neighborhood.
Try to get a reservation at Mandolin Aegean Bistro for an early lunch - Founded by Ahmet Erkaya and Anastasia Koutsioukis in 2009, it is a Miami gem housed in a meticulously restored 1940s home with a renowned garden and patio space. Infusing Greek and Turkish coastal flavors, the culinary team uses local ingredients and embraces Aegean techniques. The restaurant offers an immersive experience reminiscent of coastal tavernas, where warm Mediterranean hospitality meets Aegean traditions in a charming village behind blue gates adorned with bougainvillea.
For a true Miami experience, hit Dior’s rooftop cafe - they don’t accept reservations, so head up when you arrive to get on the waitlist (Monday - Saturday, 11AM - 7PM; Sunday, 12PM - 6PM). Just walk around, keep your eyes open up and down and wander!
Before heading back to Coconut Grove, stop by The Sylvester for a cocktail - Beaker and Gray owners Ben Potts and Brian Nasajon embody their Florida roots by infusing Midtown Miami with cutting-edge cocktails, cultural music and nostalgic ambiance at The Sylvester. Using locally sourced ingredients, the bar pays homage to Miami's past and present, creating an ideal hurricane retreat with drinks, dancing, music, and Abuela's furniture.
I saved this night for cooking (or eating leftovers) at the Airbnb, otherwise you can choose from Miami’s many Michelin-guide restaurants.
Thursday - Little Havana
Get your Cuban on in Little Havana!
4PM: Start with live music and an authentic Cuba Libre at Ball & Chain (here’s the live music calendar). Ball & Chain, a historic bar on Calle Ocho in Little Havana, Miami, traces its roots back to the mid-1900s. Originally a dirt road for transporting produce, the venue opened in 1935 and featured performances by renowned black artists. Despite changing ownership and closure in 1957, the site underwent renovations in the early 2000s, reclaiming its status as a premier Miami bar amidst neighborhood gentrification and a tourist influx.
5PM: Cigar and Rum Tasting Experience with Secrettours.com. You can book online or email them here to ask any questions! This tour lasts up to three hours.
8:30PM: Make a reso at Cafe La Trova where they have live music from 7:30PM-12AM, Savor the essence of retro Cuba as Julio Cabrera and his Cantineros craft artisanal cocktails. James Beard Award Winner Michelle Bernstein adds a modern touch to Cuban dishes. Immerse in Miami's Cuban culture with live Trova music every night.
Friday - Brunch
Before heading out on Friday, stop into Coconut Grove’s Chug’s Diner to fuel up for the travels back to wherever you came from! Chug's, born from a fusion of Cuban and American diner culture, is now a Coconut Grove institution. From pancakes to pastelitos, harina con huevo to masitas, and rice and beans to pollo a la milanesa, Chug's captures the essence of the Miami Cuban-American experience. Chef Michael Beltrán's eatery speaks our language morning, noon, or night.
I hope you enjoyed this list, and I am always open to hearing how your experience was and, more importantly, if you stumbled on any other places you think I should include in this post!
