My partner, Miro, and I recently spent a delightful few days soaking up the sun in Miami over Christmas, and I must say, we absolutely loved every moment of our trip. Honestly, before this experience, Miami wasn’t a destination I ever envisioned myself visiting. I had always perceived the city as primarily a party hub, full of wild nightlife and excess, which led me to believe it lacked genuine character or soul. However, as the cold winter temperatures in London became increasingly unbearable, I found myself yearning for warmth and sunshine. In a moment of spontaneity, I booked a flight to Miami, hoping for a pleasant escape.
I had low expectations regarding the accommodations and dining options, given the mediocre reviews that many hotels and restaurants within my budget had. However, I was pleasantly surprised by the reality of our experience. Our hotel exceeded my expectations, boasting a clean environment and exceptional service that made us feel welcome. The staff were friendly and attentive, ensuring our stay was as comfortable as possible.
As we explored the city, we uncovered many amazing culinary spots that enhanced our enjoyment. From lively street food vendors to elegant restaurants, Miami's diverse food scene made me happy. Each meal was a celebration of flavours and cultures, and we savoured every bite.
Our itinerary was filled with relaxation and adventure. We lounged on the stunning beaches, strolled through the Art Deco Historic District, and revelled in the vibrant atmosphere of local neighbourhoods like Little Havana. Every corner of Miami offered a unique vibe steeped in culture and artistic expression that challenged my preconceived notions.
As our trip came to a close, I struggled to leave. The warmth of the weather and the people we encountered made it a truly unforgettable experience. I will add Miami to my list of cities I would love to return to soon.
I had such a fantastic time that I felt compelled to share my itinerary with you, hoping it might inspire your travel plans. Whether you’re considering Miami for your 2025 adventures or have already booked your trip for this year, I hope my recommendations will enhance your experience in this fabulous city.
Love, Tofi Caroline xx
Stay here!

Intercontinental Miami
I absolutely adored every aspect of my stay at this hotel. To be completely transparent, the rates can be on the higher end, ranging from GBP 400 to 800 per night, but I truly believe that the experience is well worth the investment. Situated in the vibrant heart of Downtown Miami, which happens to be my favourite area of the city, this hotel offers stunning accommodations with either breathtaking cityscapes or serene waterfront views.
Selecting a city-view room is preferable; the vibrant urban landscape brings a dynamic quality to your stay in contrast to the quieter waterfront views.
For those with reward points available, I strongly recommend using them when booking your stay, as it significantly reduces the cost and makes this luxurious experience more accessible. Additionally, I suggest requesting a complimentary late checkout. This allows you to maximise your time at the hotel, giving you the opportunity to savour the incredible amenities and perhaps relive your favourite moments a little longer before departing.

Eat here!
To be completely transparent, the portion sizes in America are truly astonishing. They seem to pile on a vast quantity of food for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, making it difficult to finish even one meal. For instance, I often felt overwhelmed by the generous servings at breakfast, which left me too full to enjoy other dining experiences throughout the day. Consequently, I didn’t dine out as frequently as I liked, as I still felt satisfied with my morning meal.
Nonetheless, during my time in Miami, I enjoyed visiting some fantastic restaurants that I adored and would highly recommend to anyone visiting the area. Each venue offered a unique culinary experience, showcasing the vibrant flavours of the local cuisine. Just a friendly reminder: when you go out to eat, set aside an additional 20-30% for tips, as it is customary and appreciated in many establishments.
B Bistro
This spot served the most delicious, savoury, and sweet breakfast I’ve had in Miami. You won't miss the fresh juice and coffee, either. The staff is friendly and lovely, as is typical of American service.


El Bagel
I always believed I would never enjoy bagels outside New York, but then I discovered this spot. Wow! The bagels here are delicious, large, moist, fresh, and affordable. I loved them so much that I wanted to buy a few to take on my flight back to London, but unfortunately, they were closed. If I ever return to Miami, this will be my first food stop.

Burgermeister Brickell Miami
I want to be upfront: I thoroughly enjoyed burgers from the original joint in Berlin. I loved them so much that I even brought a burger back to London—this is usually a clear sign that I love a place. So, when I found out they had a location in Miami, I knew I had to visit. The burgers were as juicy as I remembered but much larger this time. The blue cheese fries were absolutely sublime. I loved it so much that I couldn't resist taking a burger to enjoy on my flight back to London.
Drink here!
Full disclosure: Miro and I are 95% teetotal. We haven’t drank in over a year, so many curated bars can’t make this list because we didn’t visit them, and it wouldn’t be honest to hype them up without experiencing them. However, we ended up at a coffee shop that infused alcohol into the drinks. We weren’t fully informed about this because the staff spoke only Spanish, and we mostly don’t speak the language. I’m not too fussed about it, though, since our decision to be mostly teetotal is not rooted in a desire for sobriety but simply because we feel it’s not necessary.
La Colada Gourmet Little Havana
This place is a staple in Little Havana. It goes beyond being just a coffee shop; it embodies Cuban culture and hospitality. I thoroughly enjoyed my time here, and the Cuban coffee is delicious. It’s essentially espresso made with sweetened brown sugar, topped with whipped cream and rum. Be warned—it's pretty expensive (about $15 each), and the rum is generous and strong.

Touristy Loves!
Art Deco District and South Beach
Visit Art Deco to admire the stunning retro-style buildings, vibrant pastel colours, and glowing neon signs. Then, go to South Beach to relax like a starfish on the warm sand, enjoy a book, and embrace the simple joys of life.


Brickell
This is Miami’s financial district. I usually avoid financial districts, as they are often soulless. But I loved the one in Miami because it also has many art galleries and fashionable boutiques. It also feels substantially less touristy here. I loved it so much that if I ever lived in Miami, this is where I would prefer to live.


Little Havana
This is a must-see! It’s a vibrant part of Miami that showcases the city’s Hispanic and Cuban culture through beautiful art galleries, restaurants, coffee shops, and more. I loved it here, and if this is a representation of Cuba, then I definitely want to visit!

Drive From Miami to West Palm Beach
Miro drove us from Miami to New Orleans, and one of the highlights was the scenic route from Miami to West Palm Beach. The views along the coastal highway were breathtaking, with the sparkling Atlantic Ocean on one side and lush greenery on the other.

As we approached Palm Beach, we were greeted by a landscape dotted with the largest and most opulent houses I've ever seen. Each mansion seemed to outdo the last, showcasing architectural styles ranging from Mediterranean Revival to modern luxury. The manicured lawns and palm tree-lined streets added to the overall sense of grandeur. If you're looking to catch a glimpse of extravagant living, this is definitely the place to be. The entire experience was a blend of natural beauty and architectural marvels that I won’t soon forget. Honestly, I am hoping to repeat this the next time I am in Miami.
