Ashley Brozic

Locals and tourists can agree that the best things to do in Miami extend beyond ounging on the sand—though it goes without saying that spending some time on the best Miami beaches is fundamental to life in the 305. Aside from dabbling in our famous nightlife and exploring Miami's best bars, no trip would be complete without scoping out the booming culinary scene and our award-winning Miami restaurants. In between sunbathing, swimming and sipping cocktails, check off these essential Miami experiences, a mix of year-round attractions, seasonal events, cultural staples and exciting one-offs vetted by our expert editors and contributors. (We're a team of born-and-raised locals and passionate Miami transplants with an unhealthy aversion to staying home). By the way, this list is curated, as always, but isn’t ranked—we just couldn’t choose favorites. Here's the revamped July version: Locals and tourists can agree that the best things to do in Miami extend beyond lounging on the sand — though it goes without saying that spending some time on the best Miami beaches is fundamental to life in the 305. Aside from dabbling in our famous nightlife and exploring Miami's best bars, no trip would be complete without scoping out the booming culinary scene and our award-winning Miami restaurants. In between sunbathing, swimming and sipping cocktails, check off these essential Miami experiences, a mix of year-round attractions, seasonal events, cultural staples and exciting one-offs vetted by o

July in Miami is never totally quiet, but 2026 is louder than any year before. The FIFA World Cup knockout rounds are underway, and the city is fully in it. Hard Rock Stadium is hosting matches deep into the month, with energetic fans spilling out of sports bars and fan zones and into the streets. The Fourth of July lands on a Saturday this year, which means a full weekend of waterfront fireworks, free concerts, and celebrations stretching from North Beach to Homestead. And underneath all of it, Miami in July is still Miami in July: the kind of summer where the heat drives you toward rooftop pools and late dinners and nights that start too late and end later. Throw in a ballet festival, a pop culture convention, and the usual assortment of outdoor concerts and neighborhood events, and there's no shortage of reasons to stay in town. RECOMMENDED: The best things to do in Miami

Snowbirds: out. Locals: in. That's summer in a nutshell in Miami. As the temperature rises, traffic subsedes, letting you inch out of your comfort zone to explore Miami's many activities and attractions. In addition to plenty of FIFA World Cup fun, there are museums to explore and concerts to attend, jazz to hear and culinary pop-ups to book. Call up a friend and try something new!   Since you're out and about, duck the sweltering humidityand visit the myriad art museums around the city, check out our many locals-approved attractions, or book a reservation from our ever changing list of Miami's best restaurants. If it happens to be a downpoar (which, it probably is) we have a few ideas to keep you busy when it rains. Keep scrolling for everything worth doing this weekend. RECOMMENDED: Things to do in Miami

We've hit peak summer, which means every outing is greeted with a sweltering hug and mosquito bite. Safe to say, if you're not diving into one of Miami's most storied pools or whirling down at one of South Florida's best water parks, you're best off hitting up Miami's many indoor attractions. This season presents an expansive Basquiat retrospective to the PAMM, an Overtown-focused jazz series on Ocean Drive, a Balloon Museum pop-up to Wynwood, and plenty of ways to cheer on a global roster of teams for the FIFA World Cup, for which Miami is one of the host cities. Curated below is our guide to all the special events and happenings worth checking out over the next seven days, but should you prefer to plan your weeks in advance, here's our curated guide to everything happening in June in Miami. If you're looking specifically for what to do this weekend, we've got a guide for that, too. RECOMMENDED: Full list of the best things to do in Miami Stay in the Loop: Sign up for our free weekly newsletter to get the latest in Miami news, culture and dining.

The Cuban sandwich is Miami's most argued-about food, not because anyone disagrees that it's good, but because everyone has opinions about where to get one. The essentials are non-negotiable: roast pork, ham, Swiss, pickles, mustard, pressed hard on Cuban bread until the whole thing is flat and crackling. What separates a great one from a forgettable one is harder to articulate, but you know it immediately. Tampa will tell you they invented it, and technically, they're not wrong. But the version that became iconic—pressed hard, no salami—is Miami's because, as with most things, we claim ours is the best. That holds whether you're at a no-frills West Miami counter where the pork hangs above the sandwich station and gets sliced to order, or a Palmetto Bay butcher shop smoking the ham in-house and baking their own bread. The ingredient details may vary, but that satisfying, slightly tangy, comforting feeling that comes from the first bite never does. These are the places that get it right. RECOMMENDED: The best restaurants in Miami

June in Miami is officially the slow season, but nobody told the city that this year. The FIFA World Cup arrives at Hard Rock Stadium starting June 15, turning Miami into one of the global centers of the sport for three weeks, with the FIFA Fan Festival taking over Bayfront Park for daily match screenings, concerts, and tens of thousands of fans from every corner of the world. Of note, too, are the cluster of events that will be rolling across the city throughout the month, from watch party to brand-sponsored events. The heat and the daily afternoon rain are real, but that's what Miami museums are for, and we've got plenty of things to do when the rain clouds roll in to keep you covered. Below, our continually updated list of the best June events in Miami.RECOMMENDED: The best things to do in Miami

May in Miami is a month of contrasts: the single-seater cars tearing around the Miami International Autodrome and precision jets slicing across the South Beach skyline signal an action-packed start, but step outside in the morning and there's still a breeze worth savoring. The sand won't burn your feet yet. Summer is coming, you can feel it, but Miami in May still offers those small windows where the heat relents and the city breathes. Yes, it will probably rain. That's fine. We've got you covered with plenty to do when the sky pours down, from indoor concerts to Miami museums and beyond. For everything else, peruse our picks for the best Miami events in May 2026 below.   RECOMMENDED: The best things to do in Miami 

April is Miami's exhale. The snowbirds are starting to flock north, the Ultra and spring break aftermath has settled, and the city gets a moment to be itself again — which, as it turns out, is pretty great. This month brings the Miami Film Festival, O Miami Poetry Festival, and Miami Beach Pride's full eleven-day program of drag shows, parades, and everything in between. Up north, Tortuga Music Festival takes over Fort Lauderdale's shoreline, while down in Homestead, Miami-Dade CountryFest brings two days of rodeo and livestock to the fairgrounds. A new event, Tequila Town makes its debut in Hialeah for anyone who needs a reason to drink on a weeknight. Warm weather, good programming, and no one fighting you for a barstool. This is the month. RECOMMENDED: The best things to do in Miami

There are two versions of South Beach. The one that advertises two-for-one margaritas in plastic cups—and the one that quietly serves some of the best martinis in the city behind a velvet curtain or a lobby column. Our world-famous barrier island offers no shortage of places in which to find a world-class drink, almost always overpriced, but hey, someone’s gotta subsist in the scene. On any given night, you can move from a martini in a grand hotel lobby to a mixology-driven lounge to a 4am dive with red neon and a cash-only register—without ever crossing the causeway. The trick is knowing which door to walk through—and when. These are the South Beach bars that get it right. RECOMMENDED: Full guide to South Beach, Miami

March in Miami hits different—the weather is flawless, the city is electric, and the calendar is stacked. The Miami Open returns to Hard Rock Stadium for another star-studded two weeks of world-class tennis, celebrity sightings, and courtside glamour. The city comes alive for Miami Music Week, culminating in the thunderous spectacle of Ultra Music Festival taking over Bayfront Park with an all-star EDM lineup including Carl Cox, DJ Snake, and Major Lazer. Culture vultures won't want to miss the Calle Ocho Festival, as 15 blocks of Little Havana transform into the largest Latin street party in the country—and it's free. Sports fans have reason to celebrate too, with the World Baseball Classic bringing international heat to loanDepot Park all month long. Whether you're catching a set at the GroundUP Music Festival's 10th anniversary, browsing rare finds at the Miami Beach Antique Show, or simply settling into a new table at one of the latest new Miami restaurants—March is Miami at its most magnetic. Here's everything worth putting on your calendar this month.

Miami is a pampered city, figuratively and literally. There are endless perks that come with living in a town that touts so many incredible hotels and resorts, and one of those is access to world-class spas. Here, you can wrap yourself in 24-karat gold, clear your chakras through bodywork, exfoliate with decadent sugar scrubs or sweat it out in a Scandi-style sauna. If there’s a trendy new treatment, rest assured you can find it here—otherwise, your next Swedish massage is probably just a block or two away. From Miami Beach to Coral Gables, these standalone spots and luxurious hotel destinations are the best spas in Miami to feel relaxed, rejuvenated and absolutely amazing. Updated January 2026: With a new year underway, Valentine's Day around the corner and Miami's chilly season in full effect, we thought it an appropriate moment to revisit the best spas in Miami. We've checked back in at many of our go-to self-care sanctuaries and tried out the latest and greatest treatments—of course, all in the name of research! This guide has been refreshed and reordered so that the hardest part of your spa journey is deciding between a lymphatic facial or a full-body scrub. See you in the sauna!

Like most things in Miami, our Christmas light displays tend to be a bit over-the-top. Ours might not be a snow-capped wonderland, but there’s nothing we can’t illuminate in this town. Tropical jungle? We’ve got every palm tree glittering in LEDs. Christmastime boat parade? Sure! And let's make it yacht rock-themed while we're at it. Because the holidays just hit different in Miami.  From whimsical Christmas events to extravagant Christmas dinners, massive Christmas carnivals and classic neighborhood light spectacles, celebrating the season in Miami can be just as magical as anywhere else—especially when you’re taking in our twinkling scenery by sea. So get that hot cocoa to-go and ride out after the sunset. Here are the best places to see spectacular holiday lights in Miami. RECOMMENDED: Time Out Guide to Christmas in Miami

North Beach rolls out the Fourth its own way. The City of Miami Beach kicks things off at 5pm at Altos del Mar Park with live entertainment from DJ Luc, MC Maria Salas, and The Miami Beats Band. There's also a family zone open throughout the evening. Just up the street at the Miami Beach Bandshell, All Skates Go To Heaven hosts a free outdoor roller disco with DJs Kumi and Zac spinning until 9pm. Bring your own skates or blades, or take advantage of free rentals for Miami Beach residents with valid ID. No skates? The Club Box Deck is there for spectators who'd rather keep their feet on the ground. The whole night closes with a drone and fireworks show over the beach at 9pm.

Bayfront Park has hosted a lot of Fourth of July celebrations over the years, but nothing quite like this one. America turns 250, and Miami is marking it with an all-day free concert on the waterfront. Hosted by IRIE at Bayfront Park, the lineup runs R&B to reggae, with Ashanti and Ja Rule sharing a stage in Miami for the first time in years, joined by 112 featuring Slim and Mike, The Fray, Shaggy, Willy Chirino, and Orlando Mendez. The night closes with a midnight fireworks spectacular and a drone show over the bay. It also happens to be the final day of the FIFA World Cup Fan Zone at Bayfront, with the Semi-Finals on the big screen, so you can catch the match and stay for the concert.

Miami-Dade County's signature Independence Day event returns to Tropical Park for a free afternoon of live music, food, and a fireworks finale over the lake. Hosted by Univision personality Javier Romero, the lineup includes Whiskey All Stars, Celebrity Band 305, Giselle, Orlando Mendez, and Piso 21, with a Carnival Cruise Line Fun Zone for kids and themed photo opportunities rounding out the afternoon. It's a proper community cookout scaled up for 250 years of America, done the Miami way. 

Coral Gables does the Fourth right every year, and 2026 is no exception. The City and the Biltmore open the golf course grounds at 5pm for a free community celebration, with the Greater Miami Symphonic Band taking the stage at 7pm. This year there's an added layer: a patriotic drone show debuting in honor of America's 250th anniversary, with national symbols and Coral Gables landmarks including the Biltmore itself, the Venetian Pool, and City Hall illuminated across the night sky before the fireworks close out the evening at 9pm. For a more elevated experience, the hotel is also hosting a private Red, White & BBQ dinner in the Granada Ballroom with premium fireworks views, a BBQ spread, and drinks. Plan ahead on getting there: the city encourages arriving by bike, with complimentary valet parking available at the Kerdyk Biltmore Tennis Center. Limited free parking opens at 5pm at Municipal Garages 2 and 4 near Miracle Mile, with trolley shuttles running from Coral Gables City Hall. Rideshare and Freebee drop-off is at Catalonia Ave. and Anastasia Ave.

No track in South Florida throws a Fourth of July party quite like Homestead-Miami Speedway. The City of Homestead brings a full evening of live music, food trucks, and family programming to the oval, with a new drone show added this year alongside a Kids & Art Zone, an interactive FIFA World Cup fan zone, and the Food Truck Pit Crew featuring local favorites. The night closes with what the city bills as the best fireworks show in South Florida, lighting up the same sky that's seen some of the most competitive finishes in NASCAR history. Free admission and parking make the trek down to Homestead feel seamless. 

South Beach's Fourth looks a little different than the rest of Miami's. The Miami Beach Classical Music Festival Symphony Orchestra sets up in Lummus Park at 8:30pm for a free outdoor concert of patriotic favorites — Tchaikovsky's 1812 Overture, the Armed Forces Salute, The Stars and Stripes Forever — performed directly beneath the fireworks as they launch over the Atlantic at 9pm. Feel free to linger after the show, as the orchestra keeps playing through 10:30pm. Conducted by founder and artistic director Michael Rossi, the 50-piece ensemble brings genuine classical chops to one of the most cinematic backdrops in the city. The day also includes an American Made Car Show along Ocean Drive from 9am to 2pm. Bring a blanket or beach chairs and stake your spot early.

The Betsy has hosted live jazz ten times a week on Ocean Drive for years, and this summer's programming leans into Miami's multicultural identity in a real way. The anchor is the Overtown Jazz Legacy Series, which honors Miami's golden-age jazz era. On July 10, resident vocalist and Miami's "first lady of jazz" Carole Ann Taylor performs with the Angel Perez Trio, featuring Juilliard graduates Renée Cruz on bass and Brandon Lee Lewis on drums. The following night, July 11, the Bruno Tzinas Quartet takes over — led by Miami-born Manhattan School of Music trombonist Bruno Tzinas and joined by pianist and Miami Dade College educator Jim Gasior and Juilliard-bound bassist Sofia Longa, in a program curated by Nicole Yarling in partnership with WDNA Radio. Every Tuesday through the summer, Grammy-winning pianist Tal Cohen performs at the Piano Bar as part of the Piano Masters & New Voices mentorship series alongside pianist Martin Bejerano, connecting rising Frost School of Music students with established performers. The free outdoor Promenade Concert Series continues in Lummus Park on August 2 with vocalist Amy Arlo and Jaui Schneider, and August 9 with the Assel Jean-Pierre Trio. All events are free and open to the public. For a full rundown of daily programming, check out The Betsey's cultural calendar. 

Now in its 31st season, the International Ballet Festival of Miami is the only festival of its kind in Florida, bringing over 100 principal dancers from 17 companies across 11 countries to stages throughout South Florida. Under the artistic direction of Eriberto Jiménez, the festival spans Miami, Miami Beach, South Miami, and Fort Lauderdale, with performances taking place at venues including the Miami Hispanic Cultural Arts Center, Lincoln Road, the Fillmore Miami Beach, and Broward Center for the Performing Arts. This year's notable debuts include the National Ballet Theatre of Košice from Slovakia and Marez Contemporary Dance, alongside the Cincinnati Ballet under new artistic director Cervilio Amador and local companies Arts Ballet Theatre of Florida and Dimensions Dance Theatre of Miami. The program moves through three phases: Young Medalist Performances, Contemporary Performances, and the Classical Ballet Galas to close. Beyond the stage, the festival also encompasses art exhibits, film screenings, master classes, and workshops. Specific dates, venues, and tickets for each performance are available at internationalballetfestival.org.

Downtown's favorite neighborhood bar is rolling out the turf for the World Cup, turning Flagler Street into a blockwide viewing party with giant LED screens, stadium-quality sound, and a pitch out front for pickup games between matches. Located just blocks away from the FIFA Fan Fest, The Lost Boy Clubhouse opens with Portugal vs. Colombia, which is sure to be one of Miami's rowdiest games, and will showcase every match throughout the duration of the tournament. Seating and tables are first come, first served, and there will be plenty of food and specialty drink offerings available, plus other fun fan surprises.   

NUNA has quietly become a Brickell standout, the rare restaurant where presentation, ingenuity, flavor, and service all operate at the same high level. The Nikkei concept inside Four Seasons Hotel Miami marks its first anniversary on June 25, and they're celebrating the only way Miami knows how: with a raging party. Chef Jaime Pesaque, whose Lima flagship Mayta has landed on The World's 50 Best Restaurants list multiple years running, is flying in to host the celebration alongside chef de cuisine Nazaev Esparza. At $125 per person, the night is a genuine value: live culinary stations, passed bites throughout the evening, a rotation of signature cocktails, and a full wine, beer, and sake program. Guests also get direct interaction with the chefs, live music, and exclusive dishes prepared just for the occasion. 

A new storefront in Wynwood looks like a retro convenience store, fully stocked with Cheez-Its, Cheetos, Pringles, Pop-Tarts, and Liquid Death, except every single item on the shelves is actually a sock. ODDMART, created by the licensed accessories brand Odd Sox, turns more than 100 recognizable consumer brands into wearable collectibles housed inside their own authentic packaging. The space goes well beyond shopping with larger-than-life installations, live DJ sets, and rotating surprise activations throughout the run. The exterior carries a custom mural by Miami artist Golden 305, tying the pop-up directly into Wynwood's street art identity. Miami is the second stop after a debut in Tampa, with Las Vegas, New York, and Tokyo still to come.  

Disney On Ice brings an all-new production to Amerant Bank Arena in Sunrise this September, with more than 30 characters making their way through Beauty and the Beast, Tangled, Toy Story, Moana, Monsters Inc., and Zootopia 2. Several characters are making their Disney On Ice debut, including Angel from Lilo & Stitch, who arrives suspended from a chandelier made of 64 glowing light bars before reuniting with Stitch on the ice, and a villain showcase featuring the Evil Queen, Gaston, Maleficent, and Ursula. The soundtrack pulls from across generations of Disney, mixing timeless classics with Disney Channel-era hits including songs from High School Musical 3 and Descendants 3 — enough to keep older kids and anyone who grew up on the Disney Channel genuinely invested. The experience starts before the show, with a red carpet and dress-to-impress atmosphere running through intermission. There is one nightly show on Thursday and Friday (7pm), three shows on Saturday (11am, 3pm and 7pm) and two shows on Sunday (12pm and 4pm).   

Travel is always better when you can sit back, relax, and let someone else handle the logistics. I should know—I’ve been a passenger princess for years. Being or bringing a plus one means splitting the Uber fare, having a built-in bag watcher, and someone to vent to when your “charming” boutique hotel turns out to be a glorified broom closet. But beyond the obvious social perks, traveling as a duo unlocks real financial benefits—because airlines, hotels, and credit cards love rewarding those who bring a guest. It’s a little like the movie The Lobster, where Colin Farrell’s character is thrown into a matchmaking retreat in a world that doesn’t favor solo life. One of his first nights, he’s forced to navigate with one hand cuffed—a not-so-subtle metaphor for how much easier life is when there are two of you. And while no one’s turning single travelers into animals, nor are we saying that solo travel doesn’t have its own stellar perks, those who embrace the passenger princess (or prince) lifestyle get treated like VIPs—with lounge access, free flights, and hotel upgrades to match. Airlines, credit cards, hotels, cruises and even railway companies offer perks for travelers in pairs—think buddy passes, bonus hotel nights, and two-for-one cruise fares that make bringing a plus one a no-brainer. Whether you’re in the driver’s seat or just along for the ride, here’s how to master the passenger princess travel life. Airline companion fares The best airline perks aren’t just about legr

In theory, spending an afternoon soaking up the holiday spirit at the mall sounds idyllic. Children posing with Santa, quaint little holiday villages popping up in corners, garlands and bows adorning every railing, and enticing sales to score the perfect gifts. But reality has a way of dashing those sugarplum dreams. The moment you roll into the parking lot, the ferocity of Miami drivers slams into you like a sack of coal and the fantasy crumbles, replaced by chaos, long lines and endless crowds. And on this last weekend before Christmas? A winter wonderland, the mall is not. But what if last-minute holiday shopping could actually feel, dare I say, luxurious? Imagine my delight when, instead of braving the madness on my own, a private chauffeur arrived at my doorstep, ready to whisk me away for a day of stress-free holiday shopping! Enter Blacklane. The private, on-demand car service has launched a Holiday Chauffeur package (offered through January 2, 2025), which promises to transform the stress of gift shopping into an experiential treat. Available in Miami, New York, London and Dubai, it includes five hours of chauffeur service complete with curated routes to top shopping spots and festive attractions.  Photograph: Ashley Brozic for Time Out First stop: Miami Design District My driver, Sergio, picked me up in a brand new Mercedes-Benz EQS EV packed with water (at different temperatures!), chargers (for all kinds of phones!), mints and the sound of smooth jazz (because wh

It’s been a year, readers! As we near the end of 2024, it’s time to reflect on the meals we savored because the only thing we want to remember about the last 12 months is the best things we ate. (Isn’t it always about the food?) Time Out editors and contributors across the country spent countless hours eating their way through their respective cities, reviewing restaurants, and dissecting trends to bring you this year’s Best of the City Award for Best New Restaurant. It’s a coveted title bestowed to the special spots that won our hearts and swept up accolades, not only from us but also from Michelin and other eagle-eyed diners. If you find yourself in any of these cities, now or in the future, add these fantastic new restaurants to your list. Miami: Sunny’s It’s hard to do many things well, but Sunny’s somehow manages to excel at all its endeavors: a fun happy hour spot, a glamorous Art Deco steakhouse, a chill outdoor restaurant (and dare I say, kid-friendly?) and a lively cocktail bar where you can order a drink and bowl of pasta without any side glances from your neighbor. We also love the tableside martini service and the down-to-earth staff, and, of course, those perfectly seared cuts of meat. Photograph: Jeanne CantoSunny's Steakhouse Chicago: Cariño This Latin American restaurant opened at the tail end of 2023 but quickly became an essential player in Chicago’s dining scene. Recently, Cariño was awarded a Michelin star, a nod our restaurant critic, Maggie Hennessy, i

Nothing lasts forever, and nowhere is that more apparent than in Miami. Over the last few years, we’ve been on a spree of In with the new! And while we welcome change (I mean, have you seen all these buzzy new concepts?!), it often comes at a cost. Rents rise, concepts go stale and the Miami gaze wanders to whatever’s shiniest, leaving the old restaurants, nightlife venues and trends many of us grew up loving to fall like proverbial dominos. But wait, what’s this? Could it be Miami has developed a sense of nostalgia, and the gumption to actually do something about it? Judging by the number of reopenings this year (and more to come in 2025), it would seem so! More than nostalgia, perhaps it’s even a newfound reverence for the places and ideas that shaped Miami’s identity, a recognition that some things deserve to be more than fleeting. Don’t call it a comeback, or do. Here are the Miami restaurants, bars, people and trends that made triumphant returns in 2024. Photograph: Michael PisarriMartini service at Sunny's Steakhouse 1. Sunny’s Steakhouse By far this year’s most anticipated opening, pandemic darling Sunny’s “Someday” Steakhouse made its return in October, dropping the “Someday” for a permanent address in their original Little River pop-up space. This is the Floridian steakhouse we didn’t know we needed—but co-owners Will Thompson and Carey Hynes did. They kept the outside almost intact in both aesthetic and spirit, with casual seating and bar service surrounding a dec

Miami Spa Months are back, which means from July 1 through August 31, treatments and therapies at the city’s most coveted spas are more accessible than ever. Aching for a little stress relief? There’s an aromatherapy massage for that. Has this gnarly summer heat triggered a skin flare-up? Perhaps a clarifying hydra facial is the answer. Or maybe you’ve just been curious to try out that trendy new cellulite treatment. From Coral Gables up to Sunny Isles, Miami’s best spas are waiting for you to take advantage of this summer’s tempting reduced pricing. Still, starting at $109, treatments aren’t exactly cheap. We’ve combed through the offerings to pick out the very best Miami Spa Months specials (at our pre-vetted favorite Miami spas) that are actually worth it—because you deserve it.  Top Miami Spa Month deals Photograph: Courtesy Mandarin Oriental Spa/George Apostolidis 1. The Spa at Mandarin Oriental - Miami The spa: Crossing the bridge to Brickell Key for the day isn’t really getting away, but when you’re surrounded by water and pampered like royalty it’s easy to make believe you’re on vacation. This massive facility offers treatments inspired by ancient Chinese, Ayurvedic, European, Balinese and Thai traditions. The treatment: The Oriental Essence Massage ($199, 80 minutes) uses custom-blended oils and movements inspired by traditional Oriental therapies, relieving tension through the whole body. Deep Tissue and Hot Stone upgrades are available for an additional $30.00..

Gordan Ramsay has had his eyes set on Miami as of late. After opening Hell's Kitchen in Brickell, the "world's meanest chef" will be opening yet another restaurant in town, this one inspired by Depression-era kissas (jazz pubs) in Tokyo and Shanghai drinking dens. But note, there's nothing depression-era about this space.  Originally from London's posh Mayfair neighborhood, Lucky Cat is Ramsay's Asian-inspired late night lounge and restaurant concept and his first to open stateside. The space is sultry, with velvet booths to sink into, dark fluted walls and art deco light fixtures that keep the space nice and dim. Black neko cats line curved golden shelves and we'd dare you not to order a second round at the sexy little bar inside. The restaurant also features a raw bar and chef’s table for special occasions.  Lucky Cat's menu is inspired by popular dishes across the continent from Ramsay's travels. Expect things like sushi and sashimi, buns and dumplings, tempura specialties, and robata-grilled items. There will also be small plates and creative bar snacks, as the venue also doubles as a late night lounge. Additionally, the culinary team has crafted some only in Miami items, including a manilla wagyu roll, smoked shima aji nigiri, baked clay pot glass noodles with Maine lobster and Berkshire pork belly and Lamb Dumplings with Szechuan pepper.  And as its inspiration might suggest, Lucky Cat will feature a robust selection of Japanese whiskeys and premium sakes, alongside win

The internet has been ripe with commentary since Royal Caribbean first announced Icon of the Seas, the biggest ship ever to set sail. It’s been likened to the Titanic, a “Disaster at Sea,” a colossus on water. I may have bought into the slander had I not gone on the ship myself, but after spending three rum-filled days on board, I can assure you that this ship isn’t sinking anytime soon. In fact, how it caters to every single age and interest guarantees the Icon will be sailing—and setting the standard for family cruises—for a long time. The Icon itself is a layered experience, and I mean that in a physical sense. On your standard cruise, every floor, restaurant and activity is markedly separated. You’re either on the top deck or the mid-deck, with nothing to connect the two but a staircase. Not so on the Icon. Though there are eight different “neighborhoods” on board, the ship is engineered for exploration and discovery, designed to flow people throughout its 18 public decks with the buoyancy of lapping waves. Standing on one level doesn’t prevent you from being integrated into the other; you can somehow be in five places all at once. Disorientating? Yes, but at no point will you ever feel claustrophobic. Photograph: Ashley Brozic for Time Out OK food, next-level cocktails and the never-ending night While grabbing an espresso at Pearl, the main café in the Icon’s two-story Promenade, where many of the lounges and bars are located, I looked up through a window into Central

For a city bordered by an ocean and a bay, waterfront restaurants and bars are surprisingly hard to come by. And a decently priced one where the food and drinks don't just rely on views, that’s actually good? It doesn't exist—until now. Pioneering Wynwood bar Gramps expands to Key Biscayne with today's "soft grand opening" of Gramps Getaway, a campy, authentically Florida joint with boat access, skyline views, freshly caught seafood, tropical drinks and all the funky thrills Gramps has come to be known for—with a more "come-in-your-flip-flops" vibe. “We’re taking Gramps and doing it again, except with a bigger covered outdoor space…and it’s on the water,” says owner Adam Gersten. Photography: Ashley Brozic for Time OutGramps Getaway Though the layout feels virtually unchanged from what the shuttered Whiskey Joe's left behind (the thatched huts still stand), Gramps' DNA can be traced throughout. I popped in a few days before opening and noted the squiggly lines on neon planks of wood that look like they were drawn with magic dot pens, the schooner-like bar that'll be slinging out craft cocktails and frozens, and an area marked for a stage, because anytime they’re open, you can expect live music and entertainment. “We’ll have a pretty intense event program," says Gersten. "All the usual gramps stuff—DJs, live music, cultural events—and maybe more arcade games.” View this post on Instagram A post shared by Virginia Key (@grampsgetaway) Dif

Have we reached peak Barbie yet? Not yet, Ken! After making its way across California, Mattel's Barbie Dreamhouse truck will be bopping its way to the Sunshine State, bringing tons of limited edition merch to those of us who love a life in plastic. (Spoiler alert: It's fantastic.)  As a part of its Dreamhouse Living Tour, the rainbow-hued Barbie truck will be making stops at three South Florida malls throughout February. Inside, you'll be able to shop tons of limited edition Barbie-themed merch, like bright and playful accessories, home goods (think cute doggy bowls, drink coasters and water bottles) and "Dream Wear," so you can flaunt your love for this iconic doll everywhere you go. Why not make a total Barbie Dream Day of it? Pop by the truck to get a full outfit, then head over to the Malibu Barbie Café in Wynwood for lunch, opening to the public on February 9.  You'll have three chances to catch the Barbie Dreamhouse truck as it rolls through South Florida. This includes a stop at Sawgrass Mills (in the Colonnade Outlets near the Matchbox Restaurant from 10am to 7pm), Aventura Mall (near the Slide Tower and Apple store from 10am to 7pm) and Dolphin Mall (in the Fountain Plaza from 11am to 8pm). Want to start strategizing your shopping trip? Here's a small snapshot of what you'll find:  Photography: Courtesy Mattel Photography: Courtesy Mattel Photography: Courtesy Mattel  Recommended: A Malibu Barbie Café is coming to Miami

In the culinary and bar worlds, there are two reigning organizations that elicit prayers for recognition. On one corner, you've got Michelin Guide, which finally began doling some stars to Miami in 2022. On the other, you've got the James Beard Foundation, which is dedicated to highlighting the best of the best in America's hospitality industry. Today, the latter announced its 2024 nominees with a handful of Miami and South Florida cuts, and while we won't find out who officially won until June, securing a nod from this non-profit is enough of a badge of honor to warrant a visit in order to see for yourself what makes a particular restaurant, chef or bar worth noticing.   As Eater Miami points out, the James Beard Foundation updated its award criteria three years ago in an effort to be more inclusive and highlight diverse talent. Florida rarely gets is share of the pie, and this year is no different. Out of the hundreds of nominees across categories like Outstanding Chef and Outstanding Wine and Other Beverages Program, ten Florida establishments and chefs have been nominated, including five from Miami.  Our city swept up with bakery nominations: Zak the Baker got a nod for Outstanding Bakery and MiMo's favorite croissant and cachito makers (and father-son duo) Jesus and Manuel Brazon from Caracas Bakery have been nominated for Outstanding Pastry Chef or Baker. Macchialina has been recognized for its fantastic wine program and Chefs Valerie Chang (Maty's) and Tristen Epps (Oc

It turns out Superblue and Artechouse aren't the only immersive art museums in town. If you're looking to discover experiential works in South Florida, Mad Arts just underwent a multi-million-dollar museum expansion, giving artists more space and opportunity to immerse people in really disruptive, technology-driven installations and exhibits.  “Expanding our physical space and exhibition program formalizes the work we’ve been doing at the intersection of art and technology over the years,” says Mad Arts Executive Director, Marc Aptakin. “We’re thrilled to welcome visitors into an entirely new museum experience. This expansion will give Mad Arts an opportunity to bring in more artists, expand educational programs and elevate how we use emerging technology to amplify stories, something that is central to our mission. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Mad Arts (@madarts_space) The 50,000 square-foot-space touts 20 different exhibitions by both local and international artists, blurring the boundaries between innovation, technology and creativity. A work on the first floor, Resonances, captures your movement at a moment in time, multiplying and stretching it across screens all around you. The Light Pours Out of Me by Miami-based Richard Velez is a live audio/visual installation that manipulates light and sound to create a cacophonous experience. And Sound the Deep Waters by Josh Miller and Angela Fraleigh asks you to submit secret messages, and transla

It only takes one trip to Miami to plant the seed in your mind: "I could live here." And how could you not want to? Boundless beaches and palm trees, a kaleidoscopic patchwork of cultures and an endless calendar of things to do under the sun puts our population in a constant vacation state of mind. But hey, don't take our word for it; just ask the thousands of city dwellers who voted Miami as one of Time Out's 50 Best Cities in the World.  Miami ranked #23 in this year's global survey, which asks locals around the world what it's like to work, play and just exist where they live. This years rankings focused on quality and affordability of food, culture and nightlife, as well as how the city overall made them feel, from the aesthetics surrounding them to the friendliness of their neighbors.  What really stands out about Miami is our legendary party scene. Miami had the second highest score for nightlife with a 94 percent approval rating, right behind Dubai which scored 98 percent. We nudged ahead of other party destinations like Berlin (92) and Singapore (91). And we totally back this finding, from bars to day parties, and nightclubs to strip clubs. Even astrologists agree: there has never been a more exciting time to live in this city than right now. Change is the only constant here, and everything from our hospitality scene to our arts and entertainment offerings are leveling up. We have internationally revered chefs like Massimo Bottura and Thomas Keller opening restaurant