Miami Travel Guide

Miami is a town like no other—it combines New-York-City-like skyscrapers, Fort-Lauderdale-like yachts, Caribbean-like cultures, a melting pot of cuisines and the backdrop to it all is the beautiful Atlantic ocean beneath the warm Florida heat. As the older sister to the town I actually live in, I visit Miami somewhat often, but probably still, not often enough. So note that this list is ever-growing, and I just wanted to start somewhere. Without further ado, my Miami travel guide:

Best places to eat in Miami:

• Komodo—Truthfully, I don't think I have enough words to describe Komodo, but let me at least say this: this is an occasion restaurant & it is expensive, but it is WORTH it. We basically had almost everything on the menu, and I wasn't disappointed by literally anything. If you can afford it, just go, just experience it!

• La Fresa Francesca French Bistro—La Fresa was a tiny little hole-in-the-wall gem in Hialeah. We really stumbled upon it after doing a global entry interview at Miami airport and wanting dinner nearby, but wow, was this an incredible place to stumble upon. Also, I know, French food in Hialeah doesn't sound right, but trust me, this place is a winner!

• Little Hen—This is one of the most coveted brunch reservations in Miami you can get, and it's for good reason. The food is yummy, the atmosphere is great and it's perfectly located in Midtown. Little Hen is a popular birthday brunch spot and in order to keep up with the ambiance, it does have a dress code!

• Luca Osteria—The one and only place I've been to in Coral Gables thus far, and let me say, it did not disappoint! When at Luca, you must get that patate fritte (and if you're feeling it, order the extra shaved truffle on top), it even pairs well with the prosciutto! There was a lemon pasta, a salad with a cacio e pepe dressing and a hazelnut chocolate dessert—none of which should be missed.

• Beaker & Gray—This place is a Midtown GEM, and if you can make it during happy hour—even better! Happy hour is from 4:30-6:30 p.m. and drinks & dishes go for less than $10—10/10 recommend.

• Julia & Henry's—not my best photography, but Julia & Henrys' is diffult to capture, you just need to experience it! It's Miami's hottest food hall and they've got options on options.

• Sanguich di Miami—I know, I know, that's not how you say sandwich in Spanish so how could it possibly be good? Well, for starters, it's located in Little Havana, and secondly, it's just amazing. Sanguich di Miami makes a mean Cuban and some fire coffee. Expect a line out the door, but I promise it's worth it.

Best places to stay in Miami:

• Cadilliac Hotel & Beach Club—I did a staycation for a night with my friends one time, and we loved our little getaway at the Cadilliac. It's a Marriott-owned, autograph collection hotel, which gives it that more boutique feel but still allows you to use your Bonvoy points! The hotel has two pools, two beach bars, private seating and access to the beach and so much more!

Best things to do in Miami:

• Wynwood Walls—I know I know, it's sounds so sterotypical, but it's a must-stop for a reason. If not to the museum, at least stop in the area, you won't regret it. For general admission to the museum (without a guide) it only cost $12—just book ahead here.

• Mood—Probably not the coolest activity ever unless you're into sewing, but there's only 3 Moods—one in NYC, LA and Miami, and I've never seen a fabric shop that could compete.

Have you been to Miami before? Share your experience below!