Where is the best area to stay in Miami?
By Sarah Mujahid. March 07, 2023
If you live up north or elsewhere where the weather remains dreary, consider heading to Miami - a melting pot of diverse cultures, thriving art scenes, world-class attractions, and stunning beaches that will leave you in awe. Whether you’re in the mood for an exciting night out or a peaceful afternoon by the sea, traveling solo, with your family, or on a romantic getaway, this city has something for everyone. With its lively atmosphere and gorgeous views, Miami is an ideal vacation spot that will rejuvenate your mind, body, and soul.
It is a fantastic city with lots to see and do, but if this is your first time here, you might need help figuring out where to stay. We suggest Downtown Miami. This bustling area is the heart of the city. With towering skyscrapers, vibrant shops, excellent eateries, trendy boutiques, and endless entertainment options, you’ll never be bored. Whether you want to hit up the hottest clubs or indulge in some retail therapy, downtown Miami has everything you need to make your visit unforgettableOn the map, which shows the most convenient area to stay in Miami, you can see a selection of some of the best located hotels.
If you are interested in where to stay in Miami, you may also be interested in where to stay in Key West, where to stay in Orlando, where to stay in Fort Lauderdale and where to stay in Tampa.
Downtown, the best area to stay in Miami for first time visitors
First Time / Nightlife / Shopping / Without a Car / Before a Cruise
Downtown Miami is the place to be if you want endless entertainment and activities. With many top attractions within walking distance, you won’t have to worry about getting bored. Begin your day with a peaceful walk at Bayfront Park - the oldest public gathering space in the city. Then, dive into the wonders of science and art at the Frost Museum of Science and Perez Art Museum.
Also, you can explore the iconic Freedom Tower, Alfred DuPont Building, The Congress Building, and the History Miami Museum to learn more about the region’s rich history. As the sun sets, catch a concert or a “Miami Heat basketball” game at FTX Arena (previously American Airlines Arena) before indulging in a delicious dinner and drinks at one of the world-renowned restaurants, bars, and nightclubs in the Bayside Marketplace district.
Also, Downtown Miami is one of the few neighborhoods in Miami where you can move around without a car, particularly if you don’t plan to move around the city. This area is very pedestrian-friendly, and many residents lead a car-free lifestyle. And it’s close to “PortMiami”, which handles all the major cruise lines operating within the city, making it the perfect place if you’re looking for a cruise trip. From morning to night, downtown Miami is a hub of excitement and adventure.
Other areas to stay in Miami
Brickell
Business & Luxury / Nightlife / Witout a Car
Brickell, Miami’s financial district, has undergone a remarkable transformation in recent years. Today, it’s the go-to destination for young professionals looking to live, work, and play in the city. Located just south of Downtown Miami and only a 15-minute drive from South Beach and the airport, Brickell’s convenient location is one of its major draws.
This neighborhood has modern skyscrapers and classy hotels like 701 Brickell Avenue and Four Seasons Miami. Many of these buildings are home to some of the best rooftop cocktail bars and nightclubs, making Brickell a “nightlife haven” that’s hard to beat. However, be prepared to pay top dollar for a night out in this trendy neighborhood.
For those planning to stay in the area, you’ll find plenty of luxury accommodations, such as rooftop pools, world-class dining, wellness centers, and private rooms that offer breathtaking views of the city skyline. While Brickell has become a hotspot for leisure travelers, it remains a prime location for business travelers with well-developed public transportation, such as “Metrorail Station.” With banks and corporate headquarters scattered throughout the district, it’s the perfect place to stay for professionals who want to be close to the action.
Doral
Shopping / On a Budget / With a Car
Doral has something for everyone - exciting entertainment and shopping complexes, lush parks, and top-notch golf courses. Located west of Miami International Airport, the city is renowned for its vast Venezuelan population and South American culture, which you can experience firsthand through its mouth-watering cuisine. Indulge in delicious arepas, i.e., delicious sweet corn pastries, at local restaurants like La Coriana or La Uchireña.
Getting around Doral is a breeze with trolley services and electric vehicle rides from Freebee. Explore the outdoors at “Downtown Doral Park” with a fun playground, or head to “Doral Glades Park” for sand volleyball courts and nature trails.
The city is also a prime destination for shopping enthusiasts. Check out the “Miami International Mall” with over 100 stores, and don’t forget to visit “CityPlace Doral” for entertainment and outdoor dining. Art lovers will appreciate the “Doral Contemporary Art Museum (DORCAM),” featuring exhibits ranging from fashion design and pop art to photography.
Miami Springs
Airport / Before a Cruise / On a Budget
Discover Miami Springs, a charming town just minutes from Miami International Airport. Known for its unique Pueblo Revival architecture, the city offers a peaceful small-town vibe with all the amenities you need for a comfortable stay.
If you’re looking for entertainment, visit Foxwood Resort Casino - one of the largest casinos in North America - or indulge in a round of golf at one of the town’s many golf courses. But if you prefer a more laid-back experience, Miami Springs is the perfect place to relax and soak up the local culture.
With free shuttle services to the airport and cruise port, it’s the perfect stopover for those waiting to embark on their next adventure. Whether you’re passing through or looking for a peaceful getaway, Miami Springs is a top choice for travelers seeking a unique blend of small-town charm and urban convenience. And since downtown Miami is just a 15-minute drive away, you’re never too far from the action.
Coral Gables
Quiet / On a Budget / With a Car
Coral Gables is a picturesque city in Southern Florida, one of the oldest settlements known for its beautiful Mediterranean-style design. Real estate tycoon “George Merrick” developed it in the 1920s, and the city retains its original look and feel.
The residential neighborhoods are covered in lush tropical vegetation and feature grand mansions with Spanish-inspired architecture and formal gates. The Biltmore Hotel is a standout landmark that looks like a Spanish cathedral and has been around since 1926.If you’re looking for a place to cool off, the Venetian Pool is a unique aquatic facility carved out of coral bedrock. The outdoor pool is filled with water from an underground aquifer, making it a one-of-a-kind swimming experience.
Other attractions in Coral Gables include the “Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden,” an 83-acre oasis with various rare plant species, and the “Miracle Mile,” a popular shopping complex with plenty of things to see and do. Most lodging options in this upscale residential area include luxury properties, high-end resorts, and five-star hotels, providing vibrant nightlife. Plus, you can experience no-traffic car riding experience on Sunset Drive for about 5 mins.
Coconut Grove
Quiet / Hotels with Sea Views / With a Car
Miami is known for its lively atmosphere and buzzing nightlife but just south of the city lies a quaint neighborhood that offers a peaceful respite. Coconut Grove is a charming community that boasts a variety of attractions and activities for visitors to enjoy.
One major highlight is the CocoWalk - a vibrant marketplace that features streetside cafes, upbeat gastropubs, and old-time bookstores. Alongside the waterfront, private marinas house a mix of weathered sailboats and modern mega yachts. The surrounding parks provide watersport rentals, including kayaks, jet skis, SUPs, sloops, and other sailboats.
As you explore the locale, go down scenic walking trails that wind through upscale residential areas and a leafy canopy. Another notable destination in Coconut Grove is the Vizcaya Museum and Gardens - a former estate and villa of businessman James Deering. This beautiful villa showcase South Florida’s mangrove coastline, tropical forests, natural beauty, and pristine waters. Also, you won’t need a car in coconut Groove as it offers easy access to shops, bars, restaurants, and beaches both on foot and by public transport.
Design District
Design Enthusiasts / Shoppers / Foodies / Without a Car
Located just north of downtown, Design District offers a diverse mix of contemporary art galleries, designer clothing shops, and celebrity-owned restaurants. If you’re an art lover, you’ll find many public art installations throughout the area, including Sol LeWitt’s sculpture garden, Germane Barnes’ rock and roll, and the stunning iwamotoScott façade.
The Design District is also home to several world-class galleries, such as the Institute of Contemporary Art, De La Cruz Collection, Miami (ICA), Locust Projects, and David Castillo. And for those interested in learning about Haitian culture and history, a visit to the “Haitian Heritage Museum” is a must. But the Miami Design District isn’t just about art and culture - it’s also a premier shopping and dining destination.
With high-end fashion brands like Dior, Celine, Balenciaga, Prada, Louis Vuitton, and Christian Louboutin, you will find something to elevate your wardrobe. And when you need to refuel, the Design District’s award-winning restaurants, including Michael Schwartz’s culinary creations, will satisfy any craving. The public transport in the Design District includes “Metrobus stops” and “Metrorail and Trolley stations”.
Key Biscayne
Families / Couples / Beach Goers
Key Biscayne is a beautiful island located south of downtown Miami. It’s a great place to escape from the city and enjoy nature. You’ll find a stunning Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park, a remarkable 19th C lighthouse you can climb, historic parks, and Caribbean-style pristine beaches.
Families will love Key Biscayne because there’s so much to do. You can visit the Miami Seaquarium, rent SUPs at Crandon Park, kayak on Virginia Key and see manatees, or cruise through the beautiful Biscayne Bay. If you like snorkeling, you can take a tour from Crandon Marina to Diver’s Paradise. And if you’re feeling adventurous, Miami Watersports rents sailing boats to explore the ocean.
Key Biscayne is one of the few places in Miami where you don’t need a car. You can use Freebee transportation services to get around or use a bike to take advantage of bike lanes along the main roads and a 1.5-mile-long bike trail. Although accommodations and restaurants on the island are upscale, the quiet and relaxing atmosphere makes it the perfect spot for a family vacation.
Little Havana
Foodies / Nightlife
Little Havana in Miami is a vibrant neighborhood with a rich history and culture that dates back to the 1970s. It was where numerous Cubans migrated during that time, and their traditional culture is still evident today in every building, public space, and street corner. One of the best ways to experience this culture is through food. Restaurants such as “Versailles” serve genuine Cuban cuisine that will transport you to Havana with every bite.
And don’t forget to stop by one of the streetside cafes for a freshly brewed cup of Cuban espresso, a staple of Cuban culture. Calle Ocho is a must-visit destination in Little Havana. Latin America’s “Hollywood Walk of Fame” pays tribute to Latin and Cuban cultural figures.
Across the street, you’ll find “Maximo Gomez Park,” a public space famous for people who play dominoes and chess. The “Ball & Chain” is another gem in Little Havana. This 1930s salsa venue is one of the oldest nightclubs in Miami, performing live music and serving Cuban-style drinks and food.
Miami Beach
Beaches / Nighlife / Before a Cruise
If you want a fun-filled beach thrill, Miami Beach might be the perfect spot. Although it’s not technically part of Miami, it’s connected to the city through a bridge. This little island town is jam-packed with various things to do and see, including stunning art deco-style architecture, neon lights, flashy clubs, and swaying palm trees.
And while Miami Beach may not be situated directly on the beach, you can still enjoy the sun and surf at nearby spots like “Oletta River State Park”, “Haulover Beach”, and “Haulover Sandbar.” Miami Beach is also home to a variety of attractions, such as the “Museum of Contemporary Art”, “Bal Harbour”, “Gulfstream Park and Casino”, and “Aventura Mall.”
It is the quintessential Miami neighborhood, with all the flair and excitement you have come to expect from the city.
Read more about where to stay in Miami Beach
Our recommended hotels in Miami
Use the interactive map to navigate through our recommended hotels in MiamiNote: Hotel prices can change daily due to promotions, seasons, and demand. Our $ - $$$$ scale shows the overall cost range rather than exact prices.
