Ashley Brozic

It's safe to say we are still "in season" here in Miami. Art exhibitions, food and music festivals, major sporting events, block parties, immersive theater, dance—spring has officially sprung. The Magic City is brimming with things to do, even on school nights. We've got tons of activities to jump into any day of the week, plus tourist attractions that even locals love. In this list, we've handpicked special events and happenings over the next seven days, enough to have you saying "This was the best week ever."  RECOMMENDED: Full list of the best things to do in Miami Stay in the Loop: Sign up for our free weekly newsletter to get the latest in Miami news, culture and dining.

April 2024: Spring is upon us and we've got tons of April events in Miami to ensure you get out and make the most of this glorious time of year. Of course, there's so much to explore in the Magic City no matter the season (though we're partial to a great rooftop bar where you can really soak it all in). Below, check out all of our picks for the best things to do in Miami right now.  Locals and tourists can agree that the best things to do in Miami extend beyond lounging on the sand—though it goes without saying that spending some time on the best Miami beaches is fundamental to life in the 305. Aside from dabbling in our famous nightlife and exploring Miami's best bars, no trip to the Magic City would be complete without scoping out the booming culinary scene and our award-winning Miami restaurants. In between sunbathing, swimming and sipping cocktails, check off these essential Miami experiences, a mix of year-round attractions, seasonal events, cultural staples and exciting one-offs vetted by our expert editors. By the way, this list is curated, as always, but isn’t ranked—we just couldn’t choose favorites.

What makes a city great? Some would say it’s all about buzzing neighbourhoods, affordable food and drink and a mighty selection of things to do, from art galleries and museums to live music and theatre. Others might highlight things like the happiness of its locals, access to green space and strong community vibes. We factor in all that and more in our annual survey, which asks city-dwellers around the world to tell us what it’s like to live, work and play in their hometowns right now. Thanks to the opinions and insights of locals on the ground and our global network of city experts, we’re able to create a global ranking of the world’s best cities – and the 2024 results are in. As in previous years, the basis of the ranking remains our global survey of the people who know their city best: the locals. Working with research company Potentia Insight, we surveyed thousands of city-dwellers about the quality and affordability of food, culture and nightlife in their city. We also asked locals how their city makes them feel: are they happy there? Is it a beautiful place? Is it easy to make social connections? Their thousands of responses gave us a unique insight into the reality of living in the world’s greatest cities right now. Now that international travel is forecast to bounce back to the highest levels since 2019, many travellers will be planning a city break this year – so in 2024, we added a little extra weight to a city’s global appeal. Each survey respondent was asked which

If you love scoping out the best shopping destinations when you travel, you’ll have plenty to explore during a trip to Miami Beach. From renowned brand names lining the streets of bustling districts like Lincoln Road—a famed pedestrian-friendly promenade—to the charming local boutiques scattered throughout Sunset Harbour, the city's fashion-forward reputation is deeply ingrained in its diverse shopping scene. No matter your style or budget, a treasure trove of style awaits discovery. Dive into our ultimate guide to Miami Beach's best shopping destinations below and discover all the fashion experiences that await.  RECOMMENDED: Miami Beach, Miami, neighborhood guide

We’ll just come right out with it: The Grove is where locals go to drink. Miami’s most walkable neighborhood touts a quaint concentration of sports bars, neighborhood go-to's, classy craft cocktail joints and cute rooftops—without the pretentiousness, unruly crowds, covers (most of the time) and all of the other things you just don’t want to put up with when you’ve lived here long enough. It’s why this particular neighborhood is our go-to for a good time, or even just to spend time.  You’ll find spots to drink pitchers of beer and tropical punches in plastic cups as well as rare vintage wines and premium craft cocktails, and it's as family-friendly as it is perfect for a chill night out with friends. There are bars that the entire city would probably start a GoFundMe for if ever they were at risk of closing (’Cudas and Sandbar, we’re looking at you!). Newer bars also cater to specific types of spirits, like vermouths or mezcals. Want to plan the perfect bar crawl through the Grove? Here’s your definitive guide to the best bars in Coconut Grove right now. RECOMMENDED: Full guide to Coconut Grove

The atmosphere is thick with the aroma of freshly rolled cigars. The streets resonate with the rhythms of live Cuban bands serenading patrons at quaint sidewalk cafes. And all around the neighborhood, windows are lined with a mix of tourists, immigrants and locals all scooping forkfuls of mojo-soaked lechon, sweet cheese-stuffed tejadas or even spicy khao soi into their mouths—because there’s nowhere like Little Havana for authentic and inexpensive international cuisine.  We have an entire guide covering things to do in Little Havana, but let’s get specific: Where should you eat? There are, of course, a ton of delicious Cuban restaurants and sandwich shops to acquaint yourself with the neighborhood’s signature cuisine. But there are so many spots to sample Nicaraguan, Mexican and other fare, too. If you’re planning to spend the day in this culturally rich, immigrant-influenced neighborhood, here’s our roadmap for where to find the most delicious eats in Little Havana.

It's pretty much always a good time to go drinking in Miami. Sun's out? Grab some patio pounders at a waterfront venue. Trying to impress a date? We've got sexy hidden speakeasies galore. Catching up with friends? Miami's wine bars let you do so at leisure. Of course, we've also got plenty of places to drink when you're not drinking, where the low and no-ABV bevs are just as flavorful as their full-proof brethren. If you want to sip cocktails and party all night, well, you're in the right place. Wondering where to start? Here are our favorite bars in Miami, slinging drinks so good, you'll be hard-pressed not to order another round.  RECOMMENDED: The best clubs in Miami

January 2024: New year, new restaurants to try! December was good to us in Miami. So were October and November. You see, fall and winter are the biggest time of year for restaurant openings in Miami, as much awaited for transplants host their grandest openings and local concepts spring to life. We’re always keeping tabs on what’s new and hot in Miami’s dining scene and update this list every quarter. Here are the best new restaurants in Miami to try right now. You’ve got your go-to spots. You’ve probably made your way through Miami’s best restaurants, maybe twice. And when it’s time to down mimosas over chit chat, you know exactly where to brunch or sit down for a cup of joe at the best coffee shops all around town. But here's the thing about Miami – just when you think you know everything to know about this city’s food scene, more and more new restaurants keep opening up around town. Whether you’re a proud foodie, an avid early adopter, or you just want to shake up your list of favorite restaurants with something new, we’ve got you covered. Here are the best new restaurants in Miami to try right now.

Miami runs on coffee. Specifically, cafecito. In the morning, in the afternoon, late into the night, back into the morning. We drink coffee inside shops that double as offices, cozy cafés that tsk tsk over laptops, out of ventanita windows in shopping centers, in airplanes—literally. And we’re not even talking about coffee served in martini glasses—we’ve got a different guide for that.  Sometimes, your favorite coffee shop can double as a bakery. Sometimes, it can also dole out a bomb-ass breakfast. Sometimes—OK, most of the time—it can run through bags and bags of sugar and Bustelo in a day just to get that perfect espumita, because Miami’s Cuban restaurants don’t play. When you need that extra kick of caffeine, this guide to Miami’s best coffee shops can help you keep up with the electric energy of this city. 

A resort is a destination in and of itself. More than just a place to rest your sunburnt cheeks after a day exploring our palm tree-lined neighborhoods and pristine Miami beaches, it provides boundless activities and amenities to keep you happy and entertained for days on end. Booking a Miami resort means you never need to step foot off the property (at least until sundown when the South Beach clubs beckon you out to play). If you’re looking for a tropical getaway that’s just as cosmopolitan, it doesn’t get better than South Florida. The best resorts in Miami feature miles of dazzling shorelines, stunning pools, full-service spas, some of Miami's best restaurants, and top-rated bars, shops, golf courses, tennis centers, kids clubs, and even casinos! Updated February 2024: We've included a couple of new listings closer to the neighboring Hollywood Beach – a little further out, we know, but we think you'll like them just as much... RECOMMENDED:🌴See the best things to do in Miami☀️Check out the best Airbnbs in Miami Who makes the cut? While we might not stay in and review every hotel featured, we've based our list on our expert knowledge of the destination covered, editorial reviews, user reviews, hotel amenities and in-depth research to find you the best stays. This article includes affiliate links. These links have no influence on our editorial content. For more information, see our affiliate guidelines.

Sure, it would be great if we could reach Key West without that grueling four-hour haul down U.S. 1. But Miamians can take in a quieter slice of island life by making the short trip over the Rickenbacker Causeway. Key Biscayne might not have the party scene of Key West, but what it lacks in cheap margaritas it makes up for in a dining scene that’s proving far bigger than the village itself. There are, we’ve learned the hard way, spots serving mediocre dishes to unsuspecting tourists. To avoid them, follow our vetted guide to the best restaurants in Key Biscayne, full of neighborhood classics, hidden gems and exciting new foodie havens. RECOMMENDED: The best waterfront restaurants in Miami for a meal in paradise

There are date nights – and then there is romance. Yes, challenging each other to a game of putt-putt golf or doing a few go-kart laps is one way to bring some thrill into a relationship, both new and vintage. Still, there's something to be said about more traditional and intimate ways to spark some interest and keep love alive. Yeah, we're talking about romantic restaurants and sexy speakeasies. But we're also talking about romantic things to do that don't involve eating & drinking (because nothing kills the mood more than heartburn and a too-full belly). From stargazing to sampling natural wines to live figure drawing, check out our picks for the most romantic things to do in Miami right now. RECOMMENDED: Valentine’s Day in Miami: your guide to the most romantic things to do

Who doesn't feel a wave of exuberance and emotion listening to a gospel choir? If you didn't know, the Adrienne Arsht Center hosts Free Gospel Sundays throughout the year and the show on April 21 will be one to sing about. Secure your free RSVP to enjoy 90 minutes of uplifting song as choirs from across Miami-Dade come together at the Little Haiti Cultural Center.

Are you at a restaurant or a bizarre carnival in the middle of rural Nicaragua? Between all the lifesize animal statues, penny-slot pony ride and wood-carved tchotchkes hanging around the wood-trimmed walls inside, we can’t tell: We’re too wrapped up in a styrofoam plate filled to the brim with carne asado (grilled meat) over gallo pinto rice or a thick tajada (plantain) stuffed with fried cheese to even think about it. People come to this Nicaraguan joint for the ambiance as much as they do the food—so don’t even consider ordering takeout from here. Just show up.

Miami has a Messi of soccer and now, a "Messi of wines." Casa Vigil is a Michelin-starred and Michelin Green-starred winery restaurant from Mendoza, Argentina by winemaker Alejandro Vigil. This is poised to be the Miami spot to learn about wine, particularly when you run through the five-course, Mediterranean-inspired tasting menu, which comes with three levels of wine pairings. It's as much a place for novices as pros, as plenty of rare vintages are on offer here, too.

Steffi Graf, Andre Agassi, John McEnroe, and Maria Sharapova – all on one pickleball court.  This weekend marks the second annual Pickleball Slam, where tennis greats will be swapping their racquets for paddles to compete for a $1 million purse. McEnroe and Sharapova will be facing off against Agassi and Graf, who have 30 combined Grand Slam singles titles. We know they can individually dominate on the tennis court, but can they take on its smaller, boxier cousin? We'll find out on Sunday.This event will be taking place at Hard Rock Live at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino. Can't make it? you can tune in to ESPN on Sunday at 8:30pm to watch the pros live.  Another fun satellite competition is the Amateur Slam 2 on February 3rd and 4th. Taking place on Lincoln Road, 128 players will be competing in teams throughout the weekend for the chance to play against these legends and win up to $25K.     

It turns out Superblue and Artechouse aren't the only immersive art museums in town. If you're looking to discover experiential works in South Florida, Mad Arts just underwent a multi-million-dollar museum expansion, giving artists more space and opportunity to immerse people in really disruptive, technology-driven installations and exhibits.  The 50,000 square-foot-space touts 20 different exhibitions by both local and international artists, blurring the boundaries between innovation, technology and creativity. A work on the first floor, Resonances, captures your movement at a moment in time, multiplying and stretching it across screens all around you. The Light Pours Out of Me by Miami-based Richard Velez is a live audio/visual installation that manipulates light and sound to create a cacophonous experience. And Sound the Deep Waters by Josh Miller and Angela Fraleigh asks you to submit secret messages, and translates them into Victorian flower language all around you.  The newly opened second floor features holographic sculptures by Studio McGuire including Sirens, which follows digital mermaids as they deal with ocean pollution and climate change. Tetra uses your touch to bring cell-looking worlds to life. And step into nature with Forest Perception–if a tree talks in a forest, does anyone listen? by celebrated Japanese artist Akiko Yamashita, where you'll experience lush jungle-scapes from a range of vantage points, whether you're a bird or an ant.

Miss finding all of Miami's best and buzziest street food chefs at Time Out Market? Get your fix of Miami's best food vendors at Smorgasburg Miami. In partnership with the Lincoln Road Business Improvement District (BID), this outdoor market pops up this Friday from 5:30 to 10:30pm all along the thoroughfare, bringing over 20 stalls, a full bar and live music. 

There's no better place to sip rum in the continental US than in Florida, which is why we love a good rum festival at this time of the year. Delight in mojitos, daiquiries and more at The Coconut Grove Rum Festival, taking place on January 20th at Regatta Grove. Sample over 100 different rum blends, enjoy mixology competitions and soak it all up with rum-inspired and infused bites. As the day goes on, feel yourself swaying a bit stronger thanks to a build-up of fermented and distilled sugarcane juice and infectious rhythms from the reggae band.  The event is free (in which case, the rum is not), however you could opt for a rum experience pass which is a better deal. $90 gets you six cocktails and a rum banana bread banafoe by Sunny Side Up. 

Ever since Yellowstone came on air, we all think we can be cowboys and barrel recers. Except, we're not. The guys in the ring at the Homestead Rodeo, however, are. This year marks the 75th anniversary of The Homestead Championship Rodeo, an event that attracts the best bronc riders, lasso-touting rope riders, steer wrestlers and more to Miami's agricultural backyard. Over three days, you'll get to witness pure American showmanship on bull and horseback as, plus fun specialty acts that include clowns, goats and more.  And if you've been craving a night at the honkey-tonk, then pull up those boots, whip out the Stetson and get your tickets to the annual Homestead Rodeo Prime Rib Dinner & Dance on Saturday night. Be sure to brush up on some basic moves before you go; line dancing is one tough act!

Brickell's tenth annual arts festival isn't just one festival; it's actually four: the Brickell Art Festival, the Brickell Food & Wine Festival, the Brickell Seafood Festival, and the Winter Music Festival taking place on Saturday night. The events give you a chance to sample the neighborhood’s best eats along with loads of culture, live music and more than 100 fine art exhibitors. Both food festivals are ticketed events ($69 for unlimited beverages and $99 for food as well) and take place on Saturday only from 2–6pm. The Winter Music Festival starts at 6pm and is presented by School of Rock. This and Sunday's Arts Festival are free to the public. The main entrance is in front of the Brickell Metrorail Station North Entrance  on SW 1st Ave between SW 9th and SW 10th Streets.  

The vibe: Malibu in the 70s – but pink. The fare: fast-casual Barbiecore. You don't have to head to Barbieland to fulfill your fantasies, because a Malibu Barbie Café is ready to welcome you in Wynwood. Expect 'Beach Burgers' and 'West Coast Wave Salads,' 'Pacific Paradise Pancakes' and 'Tubular Tenders.' Even the hummus is Barbie pink. There's also a cupcake-filled mega-yacht that'll sail right to your table, and glittery cocktails will be served.

Catch Jon Batiste, Daryl Hall, Daniela Mercury, The Wailers, Seu Jorge, Cimafunk, Emily Estefan and more at the inaugural Montreux Jazz Festival Miami, a three-day musical event taking over The Hangar in Coconut Grove. Landing in Miami for the first time, this legendary festival has been bringing some of the world's biggest musicians to perform in Switzerland since 1967—everyone from Etta James and Elton John to Miles Davis and David Bowie. The lineup is heavy on jazz, blues and soul, though recent years have also seen the likes of Kendrick Lamar, Radiohead, Dua Lipa, Pharrell and Ed Sheeran take the sage.  Each night also features Montreux's signature Jazz Jam Sessions with surprise collaborative performances. In addition to main stage attractions, there will be sunset concerts featuring emerging artists and food from top Miami restaurants. 

For its 20th anniversary, the Fine Art Festival at Pinecrest Gardens will be taking on a new name and vision. Now dubbed the Pinecrest Gardnes Art & Design Festival, join over 5,000 visitors in perusing the works of artists and designers under a botanical canopy of rich plants and more. This year, they're also introducing an artisan goods market, and there will be live music and family-friendly activities throughout the two-day fest. When you're done sifting through art, spend the afternoon wandering the gardens.    artisans over two days in January. There will also be   

Gordan Ramsay has had his eyes set on Miami as of late. After opening Hell's Kitchen in Brickell, the "world's meanest chef" will be opening yet another restaurant in town, this one inspired by Depression-era kissas (jazz pubs) in Tokyo and Shanghai drinking dens. But note, there's nothing depression-era about this space.  Originally from London's posh Mayfair neighborhood, Lucky Cat is Ramsay's Asian-inspired late night lounge and restaurant concept and his first to open stateside. The space is sultry, with velvet booths to sink into, dark fluted walls and art deco light fixtures that keep the space nice and dim. Black neko cats line curved golden shelves and we'd dare you not to order a second round at the sexy little bar inside. The restaurant also features a raw bar and chef’s table for special occasions.  Lucky Cat's menu is inspired by popular dishes across the continent from Ramsay's travels. Expect things like sushi and sashimi, buns and dumplings, tempura specialties, and robata-grilled items. There will also be small plates and creative bar snacks, as the venue also doubles as a late night lounge. Additionally, the culinary team has crafted some only in Miami items, including a manilla wagyu roll, smoked shima aji nigiri, baked clay pot glass noodles with Maine lobster and Berkshire pork belly and Lamb Dumplings with Szechuan pepper.  And as its inspiration might suggest, Lucky Cat will feature a robust selection of Japanese whiskeys and premium sakes, alongside win

The internet has been ripe with commentary since Royal Caribbean first announced Icon of the Seas, the biggest ship ever to set sail. It’s been likened to the Titanic, a “Disaster at Sea,” a colossus on water. I may have bought into the slander had I not gone on the ship myself, but after spending three rum-filled days on board, I can assure you that this ship isn’t sinking anytime soon. In fact, how it caters to every single age and interest guarantees the Icon will be sailing—and setting the standard for family cruises—for a long time. The Icon itself is a layered experience, and I mean that in a physical sense. On your standard cruise, every floor, restaurant and activity is markedly separated. You’re either on the top deck or the mid-deck, with nothing to connect the two but a staircase. Not so on the Icon. Though there are eight different “neighborhoods” on board, the ship is engineered for exploration and discovery, designed to flow people throughout its 18 public decks with the buoyancy of lapping waves. Standing on one level doesn’t prevent you from being integrated into the other; you can somehow be in five places all at once. Disorientating? Yes, but at no point will you ever feel claustrophobic. Photograph: Ashley Brozic for Time Out OK food, next-level cocktails and the never-ending night While grabbing an espresso at Pearl, the main café in the Icon’s two-story Promenade, where many of the lounges and bars are located, I looked up through a window into Central

For a city bordered by an ocean and a bay, waterfront restaurants and bars are surprisingly hard to come by. And a decently priced one where the food and drinks don't just rely on views, that’s actually good? It doesn't exist—until now. Pioneering Wynwood bar Gramps expands to Key Biscayne with today's "soft grand opening" of Gramps Getaway, a campy, authentically Florida joint with boat access, skyline views, freshly caught seafood, tropical drinks and all the funky thrills Gramps has come to be known for—with a more "come-in-your-flip-flops" vibe. “We’re taking Gramps and doing it again, except with a bigger covered outdoor space…and it’s on the water,” says owner Adam Gersten. Photography: Ashley Brozic for Time OutGramps Getaway Though the layout feels virtually unchanged from what the shuttered Whiskey Joe's left behind (the thatched huts still stand), Gramps' DNA can be traced throughout. I popped in a few days before opening and noted the squiggly lines on neon planks of wood that look like they were drawn with magic dot pens, the schooner-like bar that'll be slinging out craft cocktails and frozens, and an area marked for a stage, because anytime they’re open, you can expect live music and entertainment. “We’ll have a pretty intense event program," says Gersten. "All the usual gramps stuff—DJs, live music, cultural events—and maybe more arcade games.” View this post on Instagram A post shared by Virginia Key (@grampsgetaway) Dif

Have we reached peak Barbie yet? Not yet, Ken! After making its way across California, Mattel's Barbie Dreamhouse truck will be bopping its way to the Sunshine State, bringing tons of limited edition merch to those of us who love a life in plastic. (Spoiler alert: It's fantastic.)  As a part of its Dreamhouse Living Tour, the rainbow-hued Barbie truck will be making stops at three South Florida malls throughout February. Inside, you'll be able to shop tons of limited edition Barbie-themed merch, like bright and playful accessories, home goods (think cute doggy bowls, drink coasters and water bottles) and "Dream Wear," so you can flaunt your love for this iconic doll everywhere you go. Why not make a total Barbie Dream Day of it? Pop by the truck to get a full outfit, then head over to the Malibu Barbie Café in Wynwood for lunch, opening to the public on February 9.  You'll have three chances to catch the Barbie Dreamhouse truck as it rolls through South Florida. This includes a stop at Sawgrass Mills (in the Colonnade Outlets near the Matchbox Restaurant from 10am to 7pm), Aventura Mall (near the Slide Tower and Apple store from 10am to 7pm) and Dolphin Mall (in the Fountain Plaza from 11am to 8pm). Want to start strategizing your shopping trip? Here's a small snapshot of what you'll find:  Photography: Courtesy Mattel Photography: Courtesy Mattel Photography: Courtesy Mattel  Recommended: A Malibu Barbie Café is coming to Miami

In the culinary and bar worlds, there are two reigning organizations that elicit prayers for recognition. On one corner, you've got Michelin Guide, which finally began doling some stars to Miami in 2022. On the other, you've got the James Beard Foundation, which is dedicated to highlighting the best of the best in America's hospitality industry. Today, the latter announced its 2024 nominees with a handful of Miami and South Florida cuts, and while we won't find out who officially won until June, securing a nod from this non-profit is enough of a badge of honor to warrant a visit in order to see for yourself what makes a particular restaurant, chef or bar worth noticing.   As Eater Miami points out, the James Beard Foundation updated its award criteria three years ago in an effort to be more inclusive and highlight diverse talent. Florida rarely gets is share of the pie, and this year is no different. Out of the hundreds of nominees across categories like Outstanding Chef and Outstanding Wine and Other Beverages Program, ten Florida establishments and chefs have been nominated, including five from Miami.  Our city swept up with bakery nominations: Zak the Baker got a nod for Outstanding Bakery and MiMo's favorite croissant and cachito makers (and father-son duo) Jesus and Manuel Brazon from Caracas Bakery have been nominated for Outstanding Pastry Chef or Baker. Macchialina has been recognized for its fantastic wine program and Chefs Valerie Chang (Maty's) and Tristen Epps (Oc

It turns out Superblue and Artechouse aren't the only immersive art museums in town. If you're looking to discover experiential works in South Florida, Mad Arts just underwent a multi-million-dollar museum expansion, giving artists more space and opportunity to immerse people in really disruptive, technology-driven installations and exhibits.  “Expanding our physical space and exhibition program formalizes the work we’ve been doing at the intersection of art and technology over the years,” says Mad Arts Executive Director, Marc Aptakin. “We’re thrilled to welcome visitors into an entirely new museum experience. This expansion will give Mad Arts an opportunity to bring in more artists, expand educational programs and elevate how we use emerging technology to amplify stories, something that is central to our mission. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Mad Arts (@madarts_space) The 50,000 square-foot-space touts 20 different exhibitions by both local and international artists, blurring the boundaries between innovation, technology and creativity. A work on the first floor, Resonances, captures your movement at a moment in time, multiplying and stretching it across screens all around you. The Light Pours Out of Me by Miami-based Richard Velez is a live audio/visual installation that manipulates light and sound to create a cacophonous experience. And Sound the Deep Waters by Josh Miller and Angela Fraleigh asks you to submit secret messages, and transla

It only takes one trip to Miami to plant the seed in your mind: "I could live here." And how could you not want to? Boundless beaches and palm trees, a kaleidoscopic patchwork of cultures and an endless calendar of things to do under the sun puts our population in a constant vacation state of mind. But hey, don't take our word for it; just ask the thousands of city dwellers who voted Miami as one of Time Out's 50 Best Cities in the World.  Miami ranked #23 in this year's global survey, which asks locals around the world what it's like to work, play and just exist where they live. This years rankings focused on quality and affordability of food, culture and nightlife, as well as how the city overall made them feel, from the aesthetics surrounding them to the friendliness of their neighbors.  What really stands out about Miami is our legendary party scene. Miami had the second highest score for nightlife with a 94 percent approval rating, right behind Dubai which scored 98 percent. We nudged ahead of other party destinations like Berlin (92) and Singapore (91). And we totally back this finding, from bars to day parties, and nightclubs to strip clubs. Even astrologists agree: there has never been a more exciting time to live in this city than right now. Change is the only constant here, and everything from our hospitality scene to our arts and entertainment offerings are leveling up. We have internationally revered chefs like Massimo Bottura and Thomas Keller opening restaurant

Dolphin Mall has Dave & Busters, Aventura has a crazy slide tower and The Falls basically has a fully-functioning country club and a recently opened, old school arcade. Malls are no longer places where you go just to shop or wander aimlessly on a rainy afternoon; to thrive, they now need to be flanked by both anchor stores and sprawling entertainment centers.  Elev8 Fun is opening up at Miami International Mall, the Miami Herald reports, bringing a full-fledged indoor entertainment center to Doral's OG shopping complex. And it's going to be HUGE. It's taking over a former Kohl's department store, filling the 110,000 square-foot-space with a karting track, mini golf, 12 bowling lanes, a prize-touting arcade and a restaurant, too. But it's not only fun and games; Elev8 Fun will also tout a fitness center, so you can get in a few laps on both foot and go-kart. Elev8 Fun is owned by the same operators of Xtreme Action Park in Fort Lauderdale, which can give you a better idea of what to expect. Their Tampa and Sanford locations offer a ton of other fun activities like a ropes course with zip-lining, laser tag, and "Dark Ride 7D," an immersive multi-player adventure game. No opening date has been given at this time, but the Herald reports that it's set to open some time in 2025. 

You've been to Carbone (or are on the waitlist, anyway). You've brunched at Sadelle's. You may have satisfied your carnivorous tendencies at Dirty French, or maybe you've celebrated an occasion or two at Contessa or Hasalon. Over the past two years, Major Food Group has opened six public restaurants in Miami – a big expansion in a short amount of time – and while they've been welcomed additions to our city's dining scene, they all have one thing in common: they're not from around here.  Chateau ZZ changes this with two bold firsts. One, this is MFG's first purely original concept in Miami, not inspired offshoots of their restaurants in other cities. Two, this is their first foray into Mexican cuisine. One might think, "A Mexican restaurant within a chateau?" In strolling the space, you'll see it's a delightful juxtaposition.   Photography: Kris Tamburello To start, the entire building and its interiors are STUNNING. MFG has taken over the Petit Douy in Brickell, one of Miami's first designated historic landmarks. Built in 1931 as a private residence, it was designed in the style of the Priory of Saint Julian, a monastery in the small village of Douy, France. They kept the bones and partnered with maximalist designer Ken Fulk to enshroud it with all the grand interior splendor that MFG is known for: floor to ceiling wallpaper in deep hues and tropical prints; bold pattern on pattern plays and touches of animal print; booths and barstools that urge you to sink in and stay a w

With our (almost) endless stream of sunshine, al fresco all year temps and overall rilassato attitudes (really, who's working after 5pm?), it's a surprise the Italian custom of aperitivo hour hasn't been met with more fanfare here. But ViceVersa, new Downtown Miami bar, might change that.  Set to open in 2024, ViceVersa will be a modern aperitivo bar featuring Italian spirits, vermouths, bitters and amaros shaken and stirred with unexpected ingredients. The project is a collaboration between Jaguar Sun's Will Thompson and Carey Hynes and Bombay Sapphire Most Imaginative Bartender winner Valentino Longo, who's best known for his work at the Surf Club and is currently building his consultancy and hospitality education platform Shoshin Art Club. “I come from a restaurant family in Rome and am happy to be following in my family’s footsteps," says Longo. "ViceVersa is the first bar I’m able to call my own, a dream come true, and the fact that I’m able to collaborate with the amazing team from Jaguar Sun makes this even better." If you've ever spent a day sipping cocktails at leisure at The Champagne Bar at the Surf Club or returned again and again to your go-to barstool at Jaguar Sun, you'll know that this won't be your average Aperol Spritz joint. This is going to be a negroni lovers paradise, as many of the drinks will be based on a house-made dolce amaro blend called Mi-To, which is short for Milano-Torino, the drink that inspired the Americano, which later inspired the negroni

Since the pandemic, it's been a whirlwind few years for Miami and Florida in general, but 2023 really threw us for a tizzy. Our restaurant scene? Blowing up in the best way possible. Craft cocktails? You don't have to leave town anymore to find them! And our arts and culture scene is refining itself little by little, offering a little something for everyone, whether via museums or all the great things to do in Miami – especially this upcoming winter.  It's also been a wild year for Florida politics, particularly in Miami: book bans brought on by parents at local schools, affronts on LGBTQ+ rights, and a starting lineup of city officials that are being called out to and looked into on a local, state and federal level for corruption. Ah, the Sunshine State. Don't just take it from us, take it from our readers. We asked them, "What’s your favorite thing that’s happened in Miami this year?" From the facetious to the serious to the fun-loving, here's what they had to say.  1. "RHouse winning the battle against the drag ban!" In late July 2022, Governer Ron DeSantis filed a state complaint against RHouse for conducting its drag shows in the presence of minors, stating it "corrupts the public morals and outrages the sense of public decency." RHouse faced a possibly having its license revoked, potentially putting it out of business. After a year-long battle, a resolution was reached in November. R House agreed to pay a $10,000 fine and bar anyone under 18 from entering. And thank the

It would make sense that a key retiree sport would blow up where people come to retire. To cement Florida as the ultimate place to play pickleball, the world's first pickleball stadium is opening just north of Miami in Fort Lauderdale! In truth, this is more than just a stadium. The Fort is set to open in 2024 in Snyder Park, right next to Fort Lauderdale International Airport, and aims to be "South Florida’s premier social sports destination." It will feature 43 professional pickleball courts, 14 of which are weatherproof, a sports shop and a fitness and recovery center to ensure both amateur and seasoned players are in optimum condition to zip around their squares. If reality mirrors renderings, it's going to be a pretty cool setup, with a tropical midcentury vibe. Besides pickleball, there will be a number of other fun activities like paddle boarding around the 7-acre lake, volleyball, golf simulators and a dart room. And as a social sports destination there has to be things for non-pickleball pros to do, right? The Fort will also feature a restaurant called The Lakehouse with food and drinks , a 4,000 square foot events center, and a game yard with live music.  The Fort is a public-private partnership between the City of Fort Lauderdale and longtime locals Brad Tuckman and Rich Campillo. The promise is to integrate this massive facility into the community by giving back, whether through youth and senior programs,  providing pickleball equipment and training to Fort Lauder