Miami

The ultimate Miami city guide

Sun-kissed and palm tree-lined Miami, in southern Florida, has always had a reputation as a party town. But along with those swanky, white-washed rooftop bars where the cocktails are aplenty, there’s also incredible contemporary art to be seen, outdoor adventures to be had, and inventive cuisine to be tasted. Dive deeper, beyond the smoke and mirrors, with a guided Art Deco walking tour through South Beach. Learn about the heritage of Cuban and Haitian immigrants that also call Miami home.  And yes, allot some time for pool parties, too.

A short round-up of Miami’s must-see sights…

Miami Beachwalk: Walk or bicycle along this seven-mile oceanfront path, taking in Miami’s famous sandy stretches, strewn with public art and pastel-hued lifeguard stands.

Rubell: Moved to Miami’s Allapattah neighbourhood after outgrowing its original space, this family collection showcases works by contemporary artists such as Keith Haring, Jeff Koons, Jean-Michel Basquiat and Yayoi Kusama, among others.

Superblue: Across the street from the Rubell, the immersive and engaging exhibits here include a mesmerising mirrored maze, holograms by James Turrell, and an installation of 3,000 light bulbs that use biometrics to flash according to visitors’ heartbeats.

PAMM: Short for Pérez Art Museum Miami, this stalwart of Miami’s art scene is worth a wander to see modern and contemporary works by Fernand Léger, Frank Stella, Faith Ringgold and Bisa Butler. The waterfront location doesn’t hurt either.

Frost Museum: PAMM’s neighbour, this ambitious 250,000-square foot science museum manages to cover it all from south Florida’s marine life to the human body to outer space.

Vizcaya: Built in 1916, this Mediterranean-style estate, which served as industrialist James Deering’s winter home, features stunning architectural details as well as beautiful formal gardens spread across 11 acres.

Wynwood Walls: Street art revived this once derelict section of Miami, which is now chock-a-block with abstract, anime and political murals galore.

What — and where — to eat in Miami

All the veggies (think corn ravioli with tomatillos and miso glazed tofu with thumbelina carrots and chives) at Michelin-starred Le Jardinier, which is as easy on the eyes as the mouth thanks to a gorgeous green marble interior.

The chef’s tasting menu at Uchi, which continues to win over diners with its extraordinary Japanese cooking. So good.

A lunch spread of heirloom tomato tostadas, charred corn and mushroom tacos, and aguachile with shrimp, cucumber and watermelon at the Mayfair Grill, in the tiled, greenery-filled atrium of the Mayfair House Hotel & Garden.

Love Life Café’s outrageously yummy veggie burger; pizza verde, made with cashew cream and basil pesto; and guava cheesecake.

Orno, from rising star chef Niven Patel, where meats, vegetables and seafood are woodfired to perfection.

Le Jardinier Miami
Le Jardinier Miami

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