Miami, Florida

Travel Diaries

Miami, Florida

With technicolor Art Deco architecture, museum-worthy street art and an abundance of galleries, Miami is an art aficionado’s dream any time of year. But every December, the city’s notoriously balmy temperatures subside just in time for artists, collectors, gallerists, celebrities and tourists to descend upon its palm tree-lined streets for the American edition of Art Basel. You could easily spend the entire week at the world-renowned art fair, fashion-sponsored parties, pop-ups and more, but we recommend stepping outside the art-world whirlwind for a taste of what else Miami has to offer.

With technicolor Art Deco architecture, museum-worthy street art and an abundance of galleries, Miami is an art aficionado’s dream any time of year. But every December, the city’s notoriously balmy temperatures subside just in time for artists, collectors, gallerists, celebrities and tourists to descend upon its palm tree-lined streets for the American edition of Art Basel. You could easily spend the entire week at the world-renowned art fair, fashion-sponsored parties, pop-ups and more, but we recommend stepping outside the art-world whirlwind for a taste of what else Miami has to offer.

STAY

Miami, Florida

Faena Hotel

There’s no shortage of stylish hotels near the Art Basel festivities, but the Faena stands out. Designed by director Baz Luhrmann and his wife, Oscar-award-winning costume and set designer Catherine Martin, the decor infuses Miami’s Art Deco heritage with a dose of Hollywood glamour. From its poolside butlers and world-class spa to its six bars and restaurants, the Faena is a true luxury resort experience. Take a break from gallery hopping to lounge beneath candy-cane-striped umbrellas on the private beach or relax in the hammam, one of the largest on the East Coast. For a more sustainable option, check out the 1 Hotel South Beach. Reclaimed wood and organic cotton bedding stand out among the soothing, nature-inspired decor, while floor-to-ceiling windows reduce the hotel’s energy footprint. Start your morning at the daily farmer’s market in the lobby before reserving a private cabana at one of the beachfront property’s four pools. With seven dining options, including farm-to-table and plant-based cuisines alongside locally caught seafood, you never have to leave.

There’s no shortage of stylish hotels near the Art Basel festivities, but the Faena stands out. Designed by director Baz Luhrmann and his wife, Oscar-award-winning costume and set designer Catherine Martin, the decor infuses Miami’s Art Deco heritage with a dose of Hollywood glamour. From its poolside butlers and world-class spa to its six bars and restaurants, the Faena is a true luxury resort experience. Take a break from gallery hopping to lounge beneath candy-cane-striped umbrellas on the private beach or relax in the hammam, one of the largest on the East Coast. For a more sustainable option, check out the 1 Hotel South Beach. Reclaimed wood and organic cotton bedding stand out among the soothing, nature-inspired decor, while floor-to-ceiling windows reduce the hotel’s energy footprint. Start your morning at the daily farmer’s market in the lobby before reserving a private cabana at one of the beachfront property’s four pools. With seven dining options, including farm-to-table and plant-based cuisines alongside locally caught seafood, you never have to leave.

Logo Tape Viscose-Blend Joggers
mercer medium pebbled leather shoulder bag
Sequined Logo Cotton-Jersey T-Shirt
Olympia Party Bead Trainer

EAT

Miami, Florida

Mandolin Aegean Bistro

Husband and wife team Ahmet Erkaya and Anastasia Koutsioukis moved from New York to Miami to open their dream restaurant in the burgeoning Design District, turning a 1940s bungalow into an inviting restaurant serving homespun Greek and Turkish fare. Mandolin Aegean Bistro’s fresh, unpretentious menu—featuring dishes like baked feta, fried calamari, and wild salmon kebabs—instantly transports you to the Mediterranean coast. Other notable hotspots? In the buzzy Wynwood neighborhood, Alter showcases Chef Bradley Kilgore’s experimental dishes in an effortlessly cool, industrial space. With a focus on responsibly sourced ingredients from Florida, the menu changes seasonally, but you can never go wrong with the sought-after Chef’s Tasting Menu. Just be sure to book ahead. Round out your culinary tour of the foodie-friendly city with visits to the raw bar at Michael’s Genuine, Joe’s Stone Crab (a Miami Beach institution for over 100 years), and art-crowd favorite Casa Tua.

Husband and wife team Ahmet Erkaya and Anastasia Koutsioukis moved from New York to Miami to open their dream restaurant in the burgeoning Design District, turning a 1940s bungalow into an inviting restaurant serving homespun Greek and Turkish fare. Mandolin Aegean Bistro’s fresh, unpretentious menu—featuring dishes like baked feta, fried calamari, and wild salmon kebabs—instantly transports you to the Mediterranean coast. Other notable hotspots? In the buzzy Wynwood neighborhood, Alter showcases Chef Bradley Kilgore’s experimental dishes in an effortlessly cool, industrial space. With a focus on responsibly sourced ingredients from Florida, the menu changes seasonally, but you can never go wrong with the sought-after Chef’s Tasting Menu. Just be sure to book ahead. Round out your culinary tour of the foodie-friendly city with visits to the raw bar at Michael’s Genuine, Joe’s Stone Crab (a Miami Beach institution for over 100 years), and art-crowd favorite Casa Tua.

shop Jaryn Silver-Tone Mercer Link Watch
shop Tiger Sequined Flounce Dress
Kimmy Embellished Leather Sandal
Nouveau Hamilton Extra-Small Studded Pebbled Leather Crossbody Bag

VISIT

Miami, Florida

Wynwood Arts District

Just across the causeway from Miami Beach, the Wynwood Arts District has the highest concentration of street art in the country. Over 200 murals emblazon the sides of repurposed warehouses and factories that now house art galleries, boutiques and some of the city’s best restaurants. You can always do a self-guided walk around the neighborhood, but Wynwood Art Walk offers tours with local guides to add some color to your experience. If Miami’s famed architecture piques your interest, the Miami Design Preservation League offers daily Art Deco walking tours. As you pass through the opulently restored hotels, restaurants and interiors that fill the Miami Beach Architectural District, you’ll get a dazzling introduction to the Art Deco, Mediterranean Revival and Miami Modern styles that characterize the city. When you’ve had your fill of art and architecture, snag a day pass to The Standard Hotel’s fabulous pool. Miami’s year-round warm temperatures mean it’s never a bad time to lounge by the infinity pool, relax in the Roman-waterfall hot tub or detox in the mud lounge. Given the Instagram-worthy setting, you’re sure to see other Art Basel revelers doing the same.

Just across the causeway from Miami Beach, the Wynwood Arts District has the highest concentration of street art in the country. Over 200 murals emblazon the sides of repurposed warehouses and factories that now house art galleries, boutiques and some of the city’s best restaurants. You can always do a self-guided walk around the neighborhood, but Wynwood Art Walk offers tours with local guides to add some color to your experience. If Miami’s famed architecture piques your interest, the Miami Design Preservation League offers daily Art Deco walking tours. As you pass through the opulently restored hotels, restaurants and interiors that fill the Miami Beach Architectural District, you’ll get a dazzling introduction to the Art Deco, Mediterranean Revival and Miami Modern styles that characterize the city. When you’ve had your fill of art and architecture, snag a day pass to The Standard Hotel’s fabulous pool. Miami’s year-round warm temperatures mean it’s never a bad time to lounge by the infinity pool, relax in the Roman-waterfall hot tub or detox in the mud lounge. Given the Instagram-worthy setting, you’re sure to see other Art Basel revelers doing the same.

Perry Sunglasses
Kendra Reflective Stretch Knit Sock Sneaker
Crystal-Fringed Cotton-Blend Hoodie Dress
Cece Medium Quilted Metallic Leather Convertible Shoulder Bag