Things to do in Midtown Miami

By Sarah Harris
Published: July 18, 2024

Miami is an unbelievable city: with perennial sunshine, great culture and fantastic attractions, every visit is an absolute joy. Even after multiple stays, there’s no shortage of things to see and do there. And whilst South Beach earned its crown long ago as the perfect spot to kick back and dip your toes in the sand, Midtown is known as the vibrant epicenter of Miami. A trendy modern district with a lot to offer, the neighborhood encompasses Wynwood and Edgewater and is known for its luxury waterfront high rises, cutting-edge galleries and world-class shopping opportunities. As one of the more exciting neighborhoods of the Magic City, this area is perfect for those who like to be in the center of all the action. If you’re planning to explore the area, but still aren’t quite sure where to begin don’t worry – we've got you covered! You might not be able to fit it all in, but hey - there’s no harm in trying, right?

Get Cultured

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Once a gritty industrial sector, Midtown Miami has seen something of a renaissance over the past few years, with visitors flocking over to Wynwood to experience the city’s artsy side. Whilst the area has many fantastic creative attractions, one of our favorites has got to be Wynwood Walls, a massive outdoor urban art museum. Covering over 80,000 square feet of wall space, this attraction is known as one of the biggest of its kind. Walking around the space, you’ll be able to view some wonderful works by some of the world’s most prolific graffiti artists. The walls here are constantly changing, though past artists have included the likes of Shepard Fairey, Lady Pink and Miss Van. A total Instagrammer’s dream, this vibrant spot is just perfect for a fun day trip - we recommend sticking around to check out some of the surrounding area. Great for those with a passion for alternative art, this spot is not to be missed.

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Whilst South Beach might have the monopoly when it comes to riding the waves, there’s no better place in the city to see some grade A art than Midtown. There are countless galleries in the area, but one of the most popular ones is The Margulies Collection. Modestly housed in a converted warehouse, this unique space works to place emphasis on the artists and their work. The museum’s impressive and diverse collection features artists such as Cindy Sherman, Anselm Kiefer and George Segal. This spot specializes in contemporary art, though it doesn’t discriminate between styles – walking through the museum, you’ll be able to view everything from photography and video work to sculpture and installation. The staff here are very friendly and informative, so if you have any questions, feel free to ask away! Whether you’re a total art geek or looking to learn something new, this place provides a wonderful cultural experience to remember.

Eat and Drink in Midtown

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If you’re anything like us, then one of your favorite parts of travelling is the food! Thankfully, Midtown presents some of the best places to eat in all of the city. Still, 1-800-Lucky in Wynwood is our ultimate go-to for its great Asian-inspired offerings and vibrant atmosphere. Often buzzing with people, this popular food hall has a fun and casual feel which makes it perfect for kicking back and enjoying a craft beer under the sun. With seven food vendors and two bars, there really is a lot to choose from – popular dishes include Filipino burgers, Chinese bao buns and Peking duck. 1-800-Lucky is one of the most popular food halls in all of the city and is worth a visit to Midtown all on its own. We should warn you though, that this spot can get pretty crowded, especially on the weekends, so just beware of that.

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Miamians love a good drink – and trust us when we say that there are many places to indulge around Midtown. And whilst the options are unending in the Magic City, there’s no place quite like Cerveceria La Tropical. Tucked away on a quiet side street, this huge multi-level brewery and garden is one of the most popular spots to grab a drink in the city. This place has an industrial feel with towering tanks and a taproom with over a whopping 800 varieties of beers to try. Aside from its long list of beverages, Cerveceria also has a Latin-inspired menu which pairs nicely with the drinks. There is a spacious outdoor courtyard, perfect for sipping a cold one with good company. Taking advantage of the Miami weather, the garden features a sprawling lush tropical wonderland with a wide variety of exotic flora. Fun, funky and sophisticated all at once, this place is a total winner.

Try Something Different

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Those coming to Miami looking for art and culture will be delighted by what the city has in store. Midtown especially is home to some fantastic options for those who want to get in touch with their creative side, as it is home to the Wynwood neighborhood, which is bursting at the seams with cool things to do. Standing out as one of our favorites, O Cinema Wynwood is a trendy arthouse movie theater known for its carefully-curated programming. From total classics and dramas to niche indies and new releases, there really is a little something for everybody here. Offering something a little different and at a more affordable price than your run-of-the-mill movie theater, O Cinema pretty much has it all. Whether you’re looking to relax on vacation or seeking out the perfect date spot, this is where you’ll want to be.

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Not much of a wallflower, the Magic City is packed with exciting activities and events all year round for you and your loved ones. Midtown is the perfect place to explore on foot, with a myriad of fantastic cultural attractions, exciting shopping destinations and enticing food options all in one spot. Explore the area to its full potential with GoCity’s All-Inclusive Pass or Explorer Pass. If you’d like to know more, connect with us on Instagram and Facebook. With Go City, you can see more, for less.

Sarah Harris
Go City Travel Expert

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Miami in May

These days, visitors are downright spoiled with things to do in Miami. As one of the most popular tourist hotspots in America, the city continues to surprise us with new attractions and events cropping up each day. Spring is a great time to visit, since the weather should be warm enough to enjoy all of the area’s fantastic outdoor attractions without being too hot to function. Enjoy the natural beauty of the area at Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden. Have a blast at Zoo Miami. Or simply explore the boardwalk at South Beach. No matter where your interests may lie, you’re sure to find something to suit your style. If you‘re not quite sure where to start, we’re here to help! Use our guide as a starting point to plan your perfect vacation. No matter how you choose to enjoy the Magic City, we’re sure it’ll be great. See the Sites With lots of sunshine and little rainfall, May is great for spending time outdoors. Those looking to learn more about the background of the city might enjoy Coral Castle for its unique history. Built single-handedly over the course of 28 years, this mysterious sculpture garden is perhaps best known for the questions that it brings up. Constructed out of 1, 100 tons of oolite limestone in a time when no modern construction advances were available, the piece is somewhat of an anomaly. Walking around the site, there’s no doubt you’ll be mind-blown by the intricately hand-carved pieces telling the story of artist Edward Leedskalnin’s heartbreak. A mysterious mindbender and true testament to the artist's innovation, Coral Castle is an attraction quite like no other. Undoubtedly one-of-a-kind, this place is a total must-see for any first-time visitor to the Miami area. Looking to discover a different side of the city? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered! Standing out as the oldest building in Miami by a long shot, the Ancient Spanish Monastery is a total treat for architecture buffs and history aficionados alike. Parts of the structure date as far back as 1133 AD, long before America was even established. Apparently, the monastery was originally built in northern Spain around this time, but later bought, shipped to New York, and dismantled stone by stone. In 1953, two entrepreneurs bought the stones to build a tourist attraction – and the Ancient Spanish Monastery was born! As such, Time Magazine characterized the building as ‘’the biggest jigsaw puzzle in history’’. Today, the structure stands as a fine example of Romanesque and Gothic architecture. The interiors are incredibly preserved, showcasing a number of captivating architectural and religious details. Walking around the space, you’ll notice impressive hand-carved columns, sweeping arches and beautiful shrines from the original structure. Rich in history and most certainly unique, this place should rank right at the top of your itinerary. Get in Touch with Nature No doubt, Miami is the perfect haven for all nature lovers. Standing out for its unusual and expansive display of exotic flora, Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden is a fantastic place to spend a sunny spring afternoon in the area. Established way back in 1936, this historical attraction works to showcase the unique collection of avid botanist David Fairchild, which was brought back from his travels. Thousands of varieties thrive here, including many rare species you’d never expect to find in the United States. Bursting with color, scents and spectacular views, the gardens are an absolute joy to wander. Walking through the park, you’ll be able to see the birds, fish, lizards, and crocodiles which call the site home. Don’t miss the butterfly emporium, with too many species to count. We suggest setting a few hours aside for this, since it can take a while to get around the entire place. Remember to bring lots of sunscreen and wear your comfiest walking shoes! A total treat for the senses and educational, too, this place is not to be missed. If you’re anything like us, a visit to the zoo would be right down your alley. Luckily for you, Miami is home to some fantastic nature reserves to bring out that sense of childlike wonder. Combining the natural beauty of the area with incredible exotic wildlife, one of the most popular tourist attractions for animal lovers has got to be Zoo Miami. In fact, this place is recognized as the only tropical zoo in the United States. Featuring over 3, 000 animals and around 100 exhibits to be enjoyed, there’s a little something for everybody here. Expect jaguars, warthogs, spotted hyenas, hippos and much, much more. You’ll need a whole day at the zoo to make the best of it - we suggest heading off pretty early so you can fit as much in as possible! A fantastic educational opportunity, we love this place because it’s impossible to leave without having learned something new. Try Something Different Though the city is perhaps best known for its palm-fringed beaches and exotic greenery, there’s plenty to see here for those looking for art and culture. Open to the public and free of charge, Wynwood Walls is a trendy outdoor street art museum shining a spotlight on some of the world’s best urban artists. Carefully curated and periodically transformative, the exhibit works to showcase a wide variety of styles; at Wynwood Walls, you’ll be able to enjoy the work of old school graffiti artists and the newest innovators in the game all in one space. For those who are interested in learning more about the creatives, different styles, and history of the art form, we recommend booking a guided tour. Aside from the museum itself, the surrounding area is great to explore, with lots of cool shops and eateries to check out. The perfect stop for all creative types, this place provides the perfect taste of the city’s art scene. Few places are as exciting and energetic as the Floridian hotspot of Miami. May is great time to visit, since the temperatures are warmer but it's not as busy as the summer months. Explore the city to its full potential with GoCity’s All-Inclusive Pass or Explorer Pass. If you’d like to know more, connect with us on Instagram and Facebook. With Go City, you can see more, for less.
Sarah Harris
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Things to do in Design District Miami

With beautiful beaches, tropical weather and great journeys of the imagination, it's no wonder that Miami is an uber-popular destination for all types of travellers. Whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned visitor to the Magic City, you’re sure to find something to pique your interest. Located just north of Downtown, the Miami Design District is a cutting-edge and creative neighborhood with a lot to be discovered. Though small, the area packs a punch with everything from trendy art galleries and luxury shopping destinations to enticing food halls and bars. Still not sure how to tackle the Miami Design District? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered! Have a read through our list of things to see and do in the area. However you choose to explore this unique area of Miami, we’re sure that you’ll have a blast! Get Creative Those looking for art and culture in Miami will not be disappointed with what the Design District has to offer. For a long time, the area has been a center of innovation and creative thought, drawing visitors in from both near and far. If you’re looking for a source of inspiration, perhaps the De La Cruz Collection would be right up your alley. This trendy attraction works to educate its visitors, with a focus on well-established current working artists. Those featured here are a result of reputation, research and exquisite work. Though the institute specializes in contemporary art, you’ll notice that there’s a wide variety of styles – from abstract and surrealist paintings to unique video work and installations, there truly is a lot to see here. We love this place because it’s refreshing and gives us a taste of what’s new in the art world. Some of the best trips include a day or two spent deep inside the halls of a museum. Luckily, perhaps no area more than any other presents more opportunity for fulfilling this very need other than the Design District. If you’re looking to view some first-class art within a beautiful space, there’s no better place to be than the Institute of Contemporary Art. The gallery’s impressive and thoughtfully considered repository works to showcase the recent history of modern art as well as new development within the community. Though the collection steers towards emerging artists, the institute’s permanent collection has works by Pablo Picasso, Yves Klein, and Roy Lichtenstein, among others. Whether you’re a modern art aficionado or a crafting geek, you’re sure to enjoy this wonderful bright space. Art galleries are chock-a-block in the Miami Design District, each offering something a little different. Founded in 1998 by ultra-cool duo COOPER and Elizabeth Withstandley, Locust Projects is a non-profit exhibition space for up-and-coming contemporary artists. Built into a bright renovated warehouse which screams cool, the site is a joy to visit and tends to attract the more creative crowd. Since the space encourages innovation and experimentation, you’ll find a wide variety of styles on display here. The staff is knowledgeable and approachable, so don’t hesitate to ask if you have any questions. We love this spot because it works to provide a great look into where the art scene is heading next. Eat and Drink in the Design District Aside from all of the great creative spaces which the Design District is perhaps best known for, the area boasts some seriously great food stops. In fact, there are so many great places that it would be difficult to list them all, but if you’re looking to sample a few different things, we recommend checking out some of its fantastic food halls. A favorite for locals and visitors alike, one of the area’s most renowned food halls has got to be St. Roch Market, a southern-style stop with all the flavor. Serving up a carefully cultivated mix of local food and beverage talent, this place is a sure winner. Another one of our top picks is MIA Market, known for its gourmet culinary offerings and vibrant atmosphere. Here, you’ll find a tempting mix of cuisines from all across the globe. Whichever you choose to go with here, there’s seriously no going wrong! As if all of the fantastic cultural attractions weren’t enough, the Design District is also home to a great variety of places to wet your whistle. From cool, laidback hangouts to ritzy cocktail lounges, the area has much to offer no matter your style. If you’re looking for the ultimate upscale experience, we recommend Abaco Premium Wines for their scheduled tastings. Known for its impressive collection and knowledgeable staff, this place will make you feel like you’re sipping Pinot Noir in the Napa Valley. Whilst the drinks aren’t cheap here, the experience can’t be beaten. For those who are looking for something a little more laidback, we recommend Wood Tavern, a cozy all-American style bar which specializes in quality craft beers. The Design District comes to life after the sun goes down, so we recommend staying to check out some of the area’s fantastic watering holes, such as Sweet Liberty and Jaguar Sun. Learn Something New When travelling, it’s always a good idea to incorporate a little education into your vacation. For this reason, one of our favorite spots in the Design District is the award-winning Haitian Heritage Museum. Since its inception in 2004, the institute has worked to highlight and maintain the rich culture and background of the region internationally, nationally and locally. The institute is known for its carefully-curated and transcending exhibitions featuring everything from historic artefacts and documents to fantastic art and music. Walking around the place, you’ll no doubt be drawn in by everything that it has to show. Combining art, history and culture all under one roof, there’s a lot to see here. Since Little Haiti is nearby, we recommend taking some time to explore this beautiful and complex area of the city – trust us when we say that you won’t regret it for one minute! Forever fun and undoubtedly cool, the Design District is one of the best places in Miami to explore. Explore the area to its full potential with GoCity’s All-Inclusive Pass or Explorer Pass. If you’d like to know more, connect with us on Instagram and Facebook. With Go City, you can see more, for less.
Sarah Harris
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