Where to stay in Miami: best areas and neighborhoods

Miami is one of the most popular american destinations. It is a modern city, famous for Miami Beach's stunning beaches and nightlife, with tons of activities and attractions to see. It is also a very large city and choosing where to stay is essential in order to enjoy your holiday to the fullest and not waste too much time traveling. In addition, it is best for families to avoid the neighborhoods and areas where the nightlife is concentrated, it is really wild!
Here are all our tips on where to stay in Miami.

In a hurry? Here's our recommended accommodation

If you're short on time, skip the boring research - we've already done the dirty work for you! Here are our top-rated picks for any budget, tried and tested.

Useful tips: the best neighborhoods to stay in Miami

Foto di wheresleep.

One of the most central and convenient neighborhoods is Downtown Miami, the heart of the City, which also includes the smaller neighborhood of Brickell. From here, all the main attractions can be reached by public transport.One of the most sought after areas is South Beach, in the popular Miami Beach. Here are the famous Art Decò District and wonderful beaches, and you will be right in the center of the nightlife, with many clubs and discos. In Miami Beach you can also find Mid and North Beach, which are quieter and therefore suitable for families, much loved by surfers and also slightly cheaper, therefore preferable for travelers with lower budgets. If you are looking for quieter neighborhoods, also consider Coral Globes, Coconut Grove and Key Biscayne. They are residential neighborhoods in the south of Downtown Miami and are well connected to major attractions. A special mention goes to Sunny Isles Beach: located to the North, after North Beach, it is one of the most exclusive and quite neighborhoods and it is full of wonderful resorts with private beaches.

Best Accommodation: we have selected the best hotels, B&Bs and hostels in Miami. Check out our recommendations and make your reservation on Booking

South Beach (Miami Beach), best for fun and nightlife

• Pros: Buzzing waterfront vibes, lively nightlife scene
• Cons: Parking is tough, very expensive
• Main attractions: Ocean Drive, Lincoln Road
• Average prices: from $110,00 per night - find top stays on Booking

Recommended Accommodation

South Beach, in Miami Beach, is for sure one of the most requested and sought-after areas in the whole city. Here you will find everything you need: beautiful beaches, the world famous Ocean Drive, the Art Decò district, glamorous and lively, with building from the 1920s (some converted to hotels), and Lincoln Road, a shopping and 24hrs entertainment heaven because of all its shops and boutiques. There are different types of accommodation and every amenity you can think of: South Beach is definitely one of the best neighborhoods to stay in Miami Beach and consequently, one of the most expensive in all of Miami.

It is suitable for everyone: for those looking for the unbridled nightlife, thanks to its many clubs, for those who want to enjoy great beaches and have every service at hand, even for families with children, who can relax on the beach or in the beautiful South Pointe Park or Lummus Park. If you are looking for a little more tranquility, we recommend you yo avoid staying at accommodations along Lincoln Road.

• What to do: Art Deco architecture tour, sunbathing at Lummus Park, shopping on Lincoln Road.
• Where to eat: La Sandwicherie, Ocean Bistro.
• Where to drink: Mickey Burkes, MiniBar Miami

Average prices in the neighborhood start from about $110,00 - compare the best accommodation on booking

Discover this beautiful city of fun with a walking free tour around the most important places. More info here.

Mid Beach and North Beach (Miami Beach), stay on a budget

Foto di Don Ramey Logan.

• Pros: low prices, less crowded beaches
• Cons: too calm, less suitable for young people
• Main attractions: Ocean Drive, Lincoln Road
• Average prices: from $70,00 per night - find top stays on Booking

Recommended Accommodation

South Beach is surely the most sought-after area of Miami Beach so it is always very crowded. Mid Beach and North Beach are therefore an excellent solution for those who do not want to give up the sea but are looking for a little more tranquility. Obviously, there is no shortage of discos and clubs to spend the night, as well as wonderful beaches, particularly in North Beach, which has less crowded beaches and is also ideal for families with children. Prices here are lower than in South Beach and it will be easier to find some offers.

The North Beach e Mid Beach areas are therefore ideal for families and for those who want to save a little, taking into account that Miami is one of the most expensive American cities. In the promenade there are all the services you may need, wonderful parks and nightclubs along Collins Avenue.
It is also very easy to reach South Beach from here, taking the 150, 119 e 120 bus lines that run along the promenade.

• What to do: Relax at the North Beach Oceanside Park, enjoy a boardwalk run, visit the Faena Forum.
• Where to eat: Bon Bouquet Cafe, La Cote.
• Where to drink: The Tavern - American Restaurant in Miami Beach, Broken Shaker

Why I love it: It offers the perfect balance—all the beauty of the ocean without the overwhelming South Beach crowds.

Average prices in the neighborhood start from about $70,00 for low-cost accommodation to $400,00 for more expensive options - compare the best accommodation on booking

Downtown Miami and Brickell (Miami District II), suitable for everyone

• Pros: cultural environment, well connected with transports
• Cons: Fewer big sights, not right in the center
• Main attractions: Perez Art Museum Miami, Dodge Island
• Average prices: from $100,00 per night - find top stays on Booking

Recommended Accommodation

Downtown Miami is considered to be the heart of the entire city. It is the financial district and here there are important museums such as the Pérez Art Museum Miami and the Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science. In addition, the district includes Brickell, Dogde Island e Virginia Key. It is one of the best neighborhoods to stay in, given the excellent connections with all other districts and main attractions, but also for the many services available and the great variety of accommodations.

As a result, like South Beach, this area is suitable for everyone: for those looking for nightlife and entertainment, for those who want to find some low cost offers, for those who want to focus more on cultural landscapes rather than beaches, and for families with children, who can mainly search in the Brickell area, the best in Downtown.

From here, you can easily move around the city. The closest neighborhoods are Little Havana, Town Square and Wynwood.

• What to do: Visit the Pérez Art Museum (PAMM), watch a Heat game at the Kaseya Center, explore the Underline.
• Where to eat: Mamo Miami perfect for a light lunch, Mister O1 Extraordinary Pizza - Brickell for an amazing pizza
• Where to drink: Red Phone Booth for a good cocktail, Rosa Sky for a romantic rooftop

Average prices in the neighborhood start from about $100,00 - compare the best accommodation on booking

Coconut Grove (Miami District II), comfort for families

Foto di Jollyroger33133.

• Pros: Beach vibes, great for families and outdoor activities
• Cons: not a lot of nightlife, too expensive
• Main attractions: Vizcaya Museum & Gardens, Green spaces and parks
• Average prices: from $100,00 per night - find top stays on Booking

Recommended Accommodation

Coconut Grove is one of the most beautiful neighborhoods in all of Miami. Here, in fact, are villas and apartments of many Americans who have chosen Miami as the city to buy their second (or third) house with a sea view! It goes without saying that this area is one of the most expensive in all of Miami, but it has a lot of unique things to offer. The location is really great, not too far from Downtown Miami but with a really quite and relaxed atmosphere. Definitely one of the best residential neighborhood in Miami.

It is an area especially ideal for families and for those travelling on a high budget. Green spaces, beautiful sea views, attractions such as the famous Vizcaya Museum & Gardens. Here you can experience a relaxing holiday, between unbridled luxury and the best services the city has to offer.

The district is south of Miami, and to get around it you can use the metrorail, which will take you to Downtown Miami in just about ten minutes.

• What to do: Visit Vizcaya Museum, explore the Barnacle Historic State Park, sail at Dinner Key Marina.
• Where to eat: to eat good fish go to Sapore di Mare Italian Seafood, Mister O1 Extraordinary Pizza - Coconut Grove makes an amazing pizza.
• Where to drink: Bayshore Club Bar & Grill for a drink with seasight, Monty's Coconut Grove for an amazing drink on the harbour. 

Why I love it: It feels like a lush jungle escape right in the city, with a bohemian vibe that’s totally unique.

Average prices in the neighborhood start from about $100,00 - compare the best accommodation on booking

Coral Gables (Miami District II), elegant and romantic

• Pros: beautiful villas and sights
• Cons: a little bit expensive
• Main attractions: Venetian Pool, Coral Gables Museum
• Average prices: from $90,00 per night - find top stays on Booking

Recommended Accommodation

Coral Gables is one of Miami's most expensive neighborhoods, but its beauty is truly unique! It is right next Coconut Grove and it is a residential neighborhood highly sought after by those who live in Miami for the quality of life. The main tourist facilities are concentrated along the most important arteries, such as Miracle Mile, Coral Way e Le Jeune Road. Here you can also find the iconic Venetian Pool, the spring water pools built in 1923.

Again, as for Coconut Grove, this neighborhood is ideal especially for families and for those traveling on a high budget. The services offered are impeccable, the tourist accommodations are sought-after and luxurious and offer many activities and wonderful swimming pools.

Finally, from here too you can easily reach the other districts of Miami, especially Downtown, thanks to the direct Metrorail line, taking you there in just 15 minutes.

• What to do: Swim in the Venetian Pool, walk through Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden, shop at Miracle Mile.
• Where to eat: Graziano's Restaurant, Hillstone.
• Where to drink: Bulla Gastrobar Coral Gables, Tap 42 Craft Kitchen & Bar - Coral Gables

Average prices in the neighborhood start from about $90,00 - compare the best accommodation on booking

Key Biscayne, an oasis of tranquillity

Foto di Ken Bosma.

• Pros: calm, beautiful sea view
• Cons: very expensive
• Main attractions: Crandon Park, Miami Seaquarium
• Average prices: from $110,00 per night - find top stays on Booking

Recommended Accommodation

Let's now discover the wonderful neighborhood of Key Biscayne, an island located in front of Coconut Grove and Downtown Miami, a real oasis of tranquility and peace. The area is in fact surrounded by the Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park e and by Crandon Park, with beautiful beaches. There are no major attractions but you will be a short distance from Virginia Key, which is part of the Downtown district, with attractions such as the famous Miami Seaquarium.

Key Biscayne is ideal area for families and those seeking tranquility. In fact, here you will be far from the nightlife, the crowded areas and the hustle and bustle of the city, while you can enjoy the beautiful sea, the beaches and the large parks. You can visit the Miami Seaquarium and the Cape Florida Lighthouse with children.

The location might seem a bit inconvenient, but in reality the 102 bus line passes through here and takes you directly to Brickell (Downtown Miami) in about 20 minutes, while the taxi takes 15 minutes.

• What to do: Climb the Cape Florida Lighthouse, enjoy Bill Baggs State Park, go kayaking in the mangroves, cruise of the millionaires' houses.
• Where to eat: The Rusty Pelican, Boater’s Grill.
• Where to drink: Craft Key Biscayne, The Cleat Mia.

Average prices in the neighborhood start from about $110,00 - compare the best accommodation on booking

Sunny Isles Beach, relax in resorts and private beaches 

• Pros: stunning beaches and sea
• Cons: very expensive, zero nightlife
• Main attractions: Haulover Beach Park Town Center Park
• Average prices: from $110,00 per night - find top stays on Booking

Recommended Accommodation

Finally, in the far north of Miami, after North Beach and towards Fort Lauderdare, we can find the spectacular Sunny Isles Beach, one of Miami's most exclusive and quite neighborhoods,full of wonderful resorts and private beaches. There are no particular tourist attractions here, but the beaches are wonderful!

Since this is a truly exclusive neighborhood, prices here are even higher than Miami's average. It is therefore recommended for those who travel on a high budget and only want to enjoy peace and tranquillity, without the nightlife.The area is also ideal for families, given the large and quiet beaches.

• What to do: Relax in luxury beach clubs, fish at the Newport Fishing Pier, enjoy high-end spa treatments.
• Where to eat: Timo Restaurant, Il Mulino New York.
• Where to drink: Gili’s Beach Club, BALEENkitchen.

Average prices in the neighborhood start from about $110,00 - compare the best accommodation on booking

Places to stay near Miami

Staying in Miami is the best choice if you have more than 3 days to explore, as it allows you to immerse yourself in the vibrant city life. However, Miami is also an excellent base for discovering stunning nearby destinations: the Florida Keys, the Everglades, Fort Lauderdale, or Palm Beach. If you’ve already explored Miami and want to dedicate more time to these nearby areas, you can use other locations as a base and make Miami a day trip. Here are some suggestions:

• Key Largo (97 km / 1 h 10 min): The gateway to the Florida Keys, famous for its stunning coral reefs and marine life. Perfect for snorkeling, diving, and enjoying coastal charm. Easily reachable via the US-1 Highway. Compare accommodation on Booking.com
• Everglades National Park (64 km / 50 min): A must-visit for nature lovers, with airboat tours, wildlife spotting, and vast wetlands. Best for those who want an immersive experience in Florida's unique ecosystem. Compare accommodation on Booking.com
• Fort Lauderdale (48 km / 35 min): Known as the "Venice of America" for its waterways, this elegant city boasts beaches, canals, and vibrant nightlife. Connected to Miami by train (Brightline, 30 min) or bus. Compare accommodation on Booking.com
• Palm Beach (115 km / 1 h 15 min): A luxurious coastal town with upscale shopping, gorgeous beaches, and stately mansions. Connected by direct train (Brightline, 1 h). Compare accommodation on Booking.com
• Boca Raton (70 km / 50 min): A family-friendly destination with beautiful beaches, parks, and cultural attractions. Ideal for a quieter escape. Easily accessible via I-95. Compare accommodation on Booking.com
• Naples (200 km / 2 h): Located on Florida’s Gulf Coast, this charming town is perfect for relaxing on pristine beaches or exploring nearby nature reserves. Compare accommodation on Booking.com
• Islamorada (135 km / 1 h 45 min): A paradise for fishing enthusiasts and lovers of tropical views, with scenic waterfront dining and activities. A gem of the Florida Keys reachable by US-1. Compare accommodation on Booking.com

Miami accommodation price map

Guide to the areas of Miami

Miami is a really big city, spanning 92,4 squared km and having 470.914 residents and population density of 5.096,47 inhabitants/squared km. It is divided into different areas, Downtown Miami being the heart of the city. From here, in order to have a better sense of direction, the east-west streets are called Street while the north-south ones are called Avenue.

Miami's neighborhoods are divided into districts. The most interesting neighborhoods for tourists are part of District II, where Downtown Miami and Brickell, Coconut Grove and Coral Globes also are.

Key Biscayne, Sunny Isles Beach and the area of Miami Beach (including South Beach, Mid Beach e North Beach) are not part of Miami's administrative districts, they are are autonomous municipalities that nonetheless belong to the metropolitan city of Miami.

Not recommended areas: the more suburban neighborhoods, such as Overtown, Liberty City, Carol City, Little Haiti and Opa Loka. It is also recommended to avoid certain areas of Little Havana at night.

Cool things to do in Miami

• Stroll the Wynwood Walls: It’s an outdoor museum of massive, world-class murals. Even if you aren't an "art person," the colors alone are a vibe.
• Airboat through the Everglades: Just a short drive away, you can zip through the sawgrass and play "spot the alligator." It’s peak Florida.
• Take a dip in the Venetian Pool: A historic coral rock quarry turned into a massive, spring-fed swimming pool with waterfalls and caves.
• Catch a sunset at South Pointe Park: It’s the very tip of the island. Watching the massive cruise ships head out to sea while the sun drops behind the skyline is pure magic.
• Eat your way through Little Havana: Grab a cafecito at a ventanita (walk-up window) and watch the locals dominate at dominoes in Maximo Gomez Park.
• Day trip to Bahamas: if you love beaches and sea, you should definitely go to Bimini o Grand Bahama and swim in the brightest waters you will ever see! More info here.

Travel Tips

• Shopping: Miami is a shopper’s paradise. Don’t miss luxury malls like Bal Harbour Shbops and Brickell City Centre or trendy areas like Lincoln Road and the Design District for high-end boutiques and artful finds.
• Best areas/clubs for nightlife: Miami is famous for its vibrant nightlife. Head to South Beach for iconic clubs like LIV and Story. Explore Wynwood for trendy bars and lounges or Downtown and Brickell for upscale clubs like E11EVEN and Sugar Rooftop Bar. Little Havana’s Ball & Chain offers live Latin music and salsa dancing for a unique local experience.
• First time? Guided tour: Book a "Duck Tour" for a fun amphibious experience or a Big Bus tour to understand the layout of the different districts.
• Language: While English is official, Spanish is spoken everywhere. Knowing a few Spanish words like "Gracias" or "Hola" will go a long way.
• Transports: Use the free Metromover in Downtown/Brickell. For everything else, Uber and Lyft are very efficient, as public transit can be slow.
• Payments: The currency is the US Dollar ($). Credit cards are king here; you barely need cash except for small tips or street vendors.
• Dining Tips: Always check your bill! Many Miami restaurants automatically include an 18-20% service charge (tip), so you don't need to tip twice.

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