Miami Baby

We started our trip to Miami with Aer Lingus on their new direct service. Just over a 9-hour flight from Dublin, so the direct flight was a no-brainer!

Miami is an interesting city to visit. It has a rich Cuban influence, which is reflected in the many bars, cafés and restaurants. Miami, really has everything from excellent shopping, pristine beaches, art & Culture, trendy nightlife and so much more.

We stayed in the fashionable Art Deco hotel “Royal Palm Beach”. The best address in South Beach, where Ocean Drive meets Collins Ave with beachfront access. Steps to shopping and dining on Lincoln Road. We found the hotel was spotless and the staff very friendly and accommodating.

You haven’t fully experienced Miami until you’ve visited “Little Havana” which is Miami’s vibrant Cuban neighbourhood. Latin American Art Galleries and busy restaurants, cafes with walk up windows selling Cuban coffee and cigars. On Calle Ocho, the locals come out to play Dominoes at the Domino Park. Little Havana is teemed with culture, fabulous food, music and plenty of banter.

Since Miami is a waterfront city, many of its finest sights face the Bay. Be sure to take one of the many Cruises that take you around the Bay where you will see how the other half live – it’s called millionaires row and you will see why!! Most of the boats depart from the Bay side marketplace Marina in Downtown Miami and it’s a fun way to see all the coastal highlights of Miami that you can’t see on land. Tours are approx. $28 per person for the hour.

Another lovely place to visit on South Beach is “Espanola Way”, which has a beautiful ambiance, slightly romantic and Spanish colonial style buildings on a pedestrian street. We decided to eat at the Italian restaurant “Mercato Della Pescheria” and I must say the food was amazing. Not the cheapest place to eat but would be lovely for a nice occasion.

If you are looking for a vibrant nightlife, then head for Ocean Drive. It is well known for its Art Deco hotels, the most popular being the Colony Hotel or the Clevelander Hotel. We had drinks at the Clevelander Hotel and it has a real trendy vibe to it. Another famous bar and restaurant on this strip is “Mango’s Tropical Café”, it’s a Caribbean inspired restaurant where there are live performances by dancers and singers. It’s a great night out.

Miami is more than just a stopover before or after a cruise, it is a destination in itself. I hope my blog has inspired you to go !!