It's not exactly fair to say that this neighborhood or that area is the best in Miami. The city is a lot more diverse than that and the best district for you might not be the same for someone else. It all depends on your vibe, lifestyle, interests, and more, With that said, however, if you're moving to Miami, you ought to know that Coconut Grove, Little Havana, Downtown Miami, Brickell, Wynwood, and South Beach are some of the most popular. When looking for a place to stay, many people would likely mention these areas.
As great of a city as Miami is, it's far from the safest. Miami's crime rates range from mid to high, with a current general crime rate of 59.13%. Nevertheless, this doesn't mean that the city is a dangerous place. You're just better off avoiding specific areas such as Overtown, Allapattah, Model City, North Miami, and Little Haiti, among others.
If you're curious about the most affluent areas in Miami, look for where the rich live. Much like New York City and Los Angeles, Miami has long been a city of wealth and opulence. It has its own elite communities and they live in places like Fisher Island, the Venetian Islands, Coral Gables, Coconut Grove, and Pinecrest.
If you went to Miami for its seaside splendor, look no further than Bal Harbour. Though there are tons of coastal neighborhoods in the city, there's none quite like this district. It's a fairly affluent suburb with luxury shopping districts, upscale restaurants, and some of the most luxurious homes in Miami. It's here where you'll find expansive apartments with seaside views or grand mansions with ornate designs. If you don't have to stick to a budget, you'll definitely enjoy staying in this fancy part of town!
Eat and shop to your heart's content! As already mentioned, Bal Harbour is an affluent area where living the good life is the name of the game. Here, you can shop at famous American luxury retailers Saks Fifth Avenue and Neiman Marcus. When you need to take a break, you can sit down and indulge in haute cuisine from the finest restaurants in the area. What's not to love?
Yes, it is. Bal Harbour is among the most famous neighborhoods in Miami.
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Why is Brickell referred to as the “Manhattan of the South”? Well, it's likely because it's both Miami's (as well as the state's) biggest financial district. In this famous city, Brickell is where people deal with big money and big business. It's the center of Miami's corporate world; a sprawling metropolis full of offices, co-working spaces, upscale restaurants, luxury boutiques, and more. If you were to work in Miami, this is the best place to be. If you're working in Brickell, it means you've climbed up the corporate ladder!
Brickell is home to many of the best restaurants in Miami. There's Hutong Miami, for example, which provides a sophisticated space for serving sumptuous Northern Chinese dishes. You can also pair them with delicious cocktails, especially on Happy Hour! Casa Tua Cucina, on the other hand, is a great Italian restaurant you'll find inside the Saks Fifth Avenue in the area. Paninis and pizza are their main bestsellers. You can't forget about Gekko too! This is rapper Bad Bunny's hotspot and it serves some of the best Japanese dishes in the city.
Since it's an upscale area, Brickell is a great place to go shopping too. As already mentioned, the neighborhood has its branch of Saks Fifth Avenue. It's a whole treasure trove of designer brands, luxury labels, and more. Popular high street stores like Zara & H&M have also set up shop here, allowing for more affordable fashions in contrast to the famous high-end names.
Yes, it is. In terms of its crime rate, Brickell is 66% safer compared to other neighborhoods in Miami, as well as the rest of Florida state.
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Fancy seeing a peacock in Miami? Go to Coconut Grove. Although don't call it that when asking locals where it is. Because here, they only just call it “The Grove.” Another sophisticated part of Miami, this neighborhood boasts a beautiful mix of modern architecture and timeless structures, all Instagram-worthy in their own right. The latter adds to the historic appeal of the city, along with the beautifully preserved churches from past centuries.
It's a nature-centric coastal neighborhood where Mother Nature practically reigns supreme. There are as many trees and green spaces here as there are houses and buildings. At the same time, it's among the more historic and upscale neighborhoods in Miami. There are luxury stores, fine restaurants, chic cafes, cool bars, and more.
Yes, Coconut Grove is a safe neighborhood in Miami. It's one of the safest parts of the city, thanks in large part to its elite community and affluent quality.
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Another Miami neighborhood that mixes the old with the new is Coral Gables. Appropriately named “The City Beautiful,” this eye-feast of an area offers up Mediterranean-style architecture with a bustling urban vibe. See the trendy boutiques, novel coffee shops, and fine international cuisines that make up its Downtown area. And if you want to cool off for a bit, the iconic Venetian Pool will not only do the trick but will give you many interesting sights as well! Technically speaking, Coral Gables is its own city, but since it's so near, it's widely regarded as a neighborhood of Miami.
If you can spend just one day in Miami, you'd want to spend it in Coral Gables. As already mentioned, the Venetian Pool is an enchanting way to cool off when it's hot outside. It's a beautiful place to swim, hang out, and have fun. If you prefer a more nature-centric activity, you'll love the Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden instead. It's home to hundreds or if not, thousands of species of plants. And finally, for a nice family day with the little ones, take them to the Miami Seaquarium. They'll love the adorable sea creatures and fun dolphin shows.
Yes, it is. Coral Gables is a safe part of town. Hence, it's also one of the best places to stay with your entire family.
Source: Wikimedia Commons
True to its name, the Miami Design District is the city's central creative hub. Modern architecture provides the eye-catching design of the place, while art galleries, designer studios, interior design shops, and local boutiques make up the neighborhood's vast commercial district. This affluent area showcases the upper echelons of the city's art scene, a world away from the nitty gritty street art you'd see in other parts of Miami. At the center of it all is the iconic Buckminster Fuller's Fly's Eye Dome, a unique piece of modern architecture surrounded by malls, restaurants, shops, and more. It's a definite must-see for any art lover in the city.
Yes, it is. Though it’s a lively district, there are enough residences to consider it as somewhat of a suburb within the city’s more urban areas.
Source: Flickr.com/ @Maciej Lulko 2017
Downtown Miami
You've never been to Miami if you haven't even been to Downtown Miami! And if you're one to embrace the fast-paced city life, here is where you should stay. As with any other downtown area of major cities, Downtown Miami thrives with its cosmopolitan beat and stunning nightlife scene. It's arguably the city's party capital, lined up with bars and nightclubs—as well as parks!—that go wild once night falls. But if you're more into a laid-back vibe, the area's art scene also offers a relaxing distraction.
What's in Downtown Miami?
Downtown Miami is divided into two areas. The first is Brickell, the city's financial district. This is where the tall buildings house company offices, banks, and more. The second is the Greater Downtown area, the nightlife hub of Miami. Bars, nightclubs, and restaurants reign supreme here. This is where you want to go on a night out on the town. It has many of Miami's best bars and clubs, and it's not far-fetched to bump into a celebrity here.
Where to Eat in Downtown Miami
A foodie will see Downtown Miami as some sort of wonderland. The neighborhood is chock-full of interesting hotspots, each more exciting than the next. Take Tâm Tâm NW 1st Street, for example, which is a cool vegan place that doubles as a wine bar. Anyone who thinks that veganism is a boring lifestyle will change their mind after eating here just once! The iconic Miami Slice pizza restaurant is always a major highlight as well. One slice of their truffle cream pizza and any other kind will seem underwhelming to your taste buds. And for a nice date spot, check out Niu Kitchen, a Spanish tapas bar that's right up anyone's alley.
Is Downtown Miami Safe?
Unfortunately, Downtown Miami has some of the highest crime rates in all of Miami. You'd do well not to go out on your own at night here. It's better to go out accompanied by locals who know the area. With that said, it's unfair to say that the neighborhood is dangerous. As long as you're careful and aware of your surroundings, you'll be fine!
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Little Havana, Miami
Miami has its own Latin flavor and it's most alive at Little Havana. Home to one of the biggest Cuban communities in the country, it's as if you step into the infamous Caribbean country when you go here. Despite its controversial political history, the country does have quite a beautiful culture and it's all on full display in this vibrant neighborhood in Miami! Think old-school cigar shops, artisanal cafes that serve rich Cuban coffee, and dance clubs that play the best Reggae and Reggaeton music!
What to Do Little Havana, Miami
Little Havana is the best place to eat and dance to your heart's content. One of the most romantic things to do in Miami is to take your date out dancing in this part of town. Little Havana's dance clubs will have you swaying your hips and grinding up each other all day and all night long! At the same time, you can't go wrong with the area's many Latin American restaurants too! Hotspots like El Pub Restaurant, Old's Havana Cuban Bar & Cocina, and La Camaronera Seafood Joint and Fish Market will blow your taste buds away!
Is Little Havana, Miami Safe?
The short answer is yes, it is. The more complicated answer, however, is that Little Havana has a mid-to-high crime rate. There is some crime in this part of the city, but not so much that the entire neighborhood is dangerous.
Source: Wikimedia Commons
South Beach, Miami
Itching to go back to the beach? You should probably stay at South Beach instead! This place is best for two kinds of people: party people and nature lovers. The former will enjoy club-hopping amongst the many nightlife hotspots in the area, many of which are where the world's biggest DJs perform in the city. Meanwhile, the latter will probably favor the numerous trails and wildlife parks here. But if there's one thing both of these will have in common, it's enjoying the white sandy beaches. Why do you think Miami is a popular summer destination?
What is South Beach, Miami Known for?
One of the best beaches in Miami. Its white sandy shoreline and shimmering turquoise waters are the ultimate paradise. They're the reason why people go here on vacation. Paired with the warm and bright sunshine, it's no wonder Miami remains one of the most popular tourist destinations in the US.
Where to Eat South Beach, Miami
South Beach isn't just for beach-goers! The neighborhood also has a lot in store for foodies. One of them is the popular Hibachi Grill & Noodle Bar on Northeast 3rd Avenue. This Thai restaurant serves some of the most sumptuous dishes you'll ever get to try in Miami! The Yardbird Table & Bar on Lenox Avenue, on the other hand, is more devoted to American Southern cuisine. It's a great place to try what locals eat in this part of the country.
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Upper East Side, Miami
Talk about a walk down memory lane! What makes the Upper East Side of Miami so fascinating is that it looks like time stopped in the 1970s. Mod architecture and pastel hues dominate this Instagram-worthy neighborhood, abundant in vintage charms and novel establishments. At its core, however, Miami's Upper East Side is a largely residential district with its own fair share of commercial establishments. Shops, restaurants, and art galleries liven things up in what could've been another boring suburb.
Upper East Side, Miami Restaurants
Speaking of restaurants, you should check out what the Upper East Side has in store. Places like Ferraro's Kitchen Restaurant and Wine Bar, Pinch Kitchen, The New Schnitzel House, and the Tacos vs. Burritos Cantina offer a diverse culinary scene that stays true to the signature vibrancy of Miami. Despite the quiet neighborhood, its foodie hotspots make it a bit more exciting!
Is Upper East Side, Miami Safe?
Yes, it is. The neighborhood is among the safest and most peaceful in the city.
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Wynwood, Miami
Do you have a love for art? Do you consider yourself a hipster? If so, then Miami's Wynwood neighborhood is right up your alley! The place alone is decorated with murals, graffiti, and other street art that's bursting with color! But if you're more into modern art, the countless galleries and exhibition places will keep you just as dazzled! They display many of the latest works of Miami's most exciting creatives. And at night, when you want to do a little socializing, a litany of swanky bars and nightclubs await you!
Where to Eat Wynwood, Miami?
R House Wynwood, with its global cuisine, and Uchi, with its sumptuous sushi, are just two of the best restaurants in Wynwood, Miami. The area is better known for its art than its culinary scene, but that doesn't mean that there are no foodie highlights here. Apart from the two just mentioned, Doya is another notable hotspot. It's an upscale restaurant that serves such delectable Greek dishes and delicacies. What more could you ask for?
Is Wynwood, Miami Safe?
Generally speaking, Wynwood is a safe place. During the day, you can roam about freely and you'd still be fine. While at night, as long as you're not alone, you're still good. Unfortunately, Wynwood has some of the highest crime rates in the city. It's not an entirely peaceful part of town, but it's not so dangerous that you need to avoid it altogether. There are worse areas in Miami.
Source: Wikimedia Commons
You can find out more about Miami with the help of this neighborhood guide. It shares the basics of the city's central areas and most popular districts. They're enough to give you a good idea of what this famous city is all about!
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