Miami is located at the southeastern corner of the U.S. state of Florida. While I was planning where to head to in USA while I am here at work, there were 2 choices New York or Miami. The part of my plan was to take take private salsa classes from the 'Alien Ramirez' so I wanted to choose Miami. Unfortunately she was not in town but I still decided I am going there.
And I am absolutely glad that I did! May be I would have liked the modernness of New York but I definitely loved the Cubanness of Miami. Being a salsa dancer myself, I loved being there. Not because there were many places I could go dancing but more because I could hear some of my favorite tunes on the road, in the cars, on people's mobile phones and it was a heaven. The latin culture is quite prominent in Miami. And the cuban coffee!! OMG! If you love coffee then you must have a cuban cup of coffee for sure!
#Places to visit
Wynwood walls: The urban graffiti walls all over the place are definitely worth a visit. Michael had seen some carvings of faces and we finally found the carved faces and they were really worth the find!
There are many pubs /micro breweries which you can visit. The music, people, interiors are just perfect for you to sit around with friends! You can also taste some really interesting beer though my tongue is still not used to the bitter ones!
Little Havana: For a salsa fan, its a must to get lost on the streets of little Havana because you will find latin music in the air. You might see an old couple just dancing around the corner of the cafe when their favorite music is played.
There are many restaurants with live music bands and you might see people playing guiro, maracus or claves
Bayside
I was told that bayside is nice with a little flea market where only old people go but I have to admit if I had missed going to bayside, I would have completely missed the true Cuban feel of the place. There was a lady singing live and old people were dancing salsa, bachata, samba, rumba and it was just awesome to be dancing with those traditional old cuban uncles. They were true gentlemen and so awesome in their dance.
The market in bayside is on the expensive side but worth a walk around.
You can go boating around the city for 25$ and it definitely is worth it
Downtown is just another area full of sky lines. There are big buildings which are full of banks, offices etc. Just the walk around the downtown could be interesting. There are many bakeries that serve some really amazing desserts
Freedom Tower
Currently used as a contemporary art museum. As refugees from Cuba fleeing arrived in Miami during the 1960s, the federal government of USA used the facility to process, document and provide medical and dental services for the newcomers
South Beach
If you are a photographer, be at the south beach by 6:30 am to take some amazing sunrise shots. The beach is green water. I have seen many clearer beaches around the world but the nice thing about this beach was that the water was perfect temperature and it was pretty flat and calm so I could swim and bathe in sea for pretty long time without any fear! And this was absolutely divine!
Ocean drive
The happening street in the town buzzing with music, harley davidson, Rolls royce and Limousine till even 5 in the morning.
Must do
Walk around the ocean drive.
Have a mojito served in a big glass
Have some yummy cuban food
Lincoln road
The 'modern road' in Miami with showrooms of some of the best brands from all over the world. Some local people put up stalls of juices and that's really yummy and authentic.
#Food
You can get any kind of cuisine literally anywhere in Miami but some of my recommendations
Cafe Varsailles
The coffee here was just out of world. Ask for Corta dito. The first sip of this coffee calmed my senses. Even though a small cup, it just completely relaxed me , rejuvenated me and left an awesome taste in my mouth
Must try anywhere in Miami are Yuca frita with Cilantro side dip. Yuca frita are typical cuban potatoes. They are literally cuban french fries but worth a try
Yet again must try is the 'Vaca frita de pollo' : Its the shredded chicken cooked with onions and served with rice. The servings at Varsailles are pretty huge so if you don't like to waste, you might want to be cautious while ordering.
The sangria here was really nice with sapota and other fruits.
The caramel coconut pudding was really yummy too
(I just realized that I spilled out exactly what all I ate in Varsaille)
Havana since 1957 on Lincoln road
The cuban touch of the restaurant drew me to try my lunch there with great classic latin music though the food was just ok. The yuca frita seemed cooked in old oil though Sangria was very nice there
Along the ocean drive
You can eat at any restaurant on ocean drive but make sure that you sit outside and have a candle lit dinner if specially you are with your some one special :). Even though as expensive as 25 to 35$ , you must try the mojito's here. They are really good and really really big!
Salsa Mia/Cleveland are the two places where you will find salsa socials in the city mostly. The music switches between reggae , bachata and salsa.
Munchees
Another cuban restaurant where you can play your own latin music as they have a juke box. The Corta dito is pretty nice here though my heart was already stolen by the corta dito at Varsailles.
#Stay
I stayed in Bed and Drinks and I totally recommend it. The crew was friendly. The rooms, toilets, beds , everything was very clean. The location is perfect. You can walk to south beach in a matter of few minutes
There are many hostels and expensive hotels available for the stay. Check more at www.hostelworld.com
#Around the city
There are few buses available from the airport and bus stand to south beach though i travelled around the city mostly in uber which is comfortable and cheap specially if you choose uberx with car pool option
Walk around the beach, ocean drive, Lincoln road, Wynwood walls and little Havana is the best way to explore the city
I took a greyhound bus from Atlanta though megabus is alot better and cheaper and faster to go around USA states.
Activities to do
You can cruise to kings island, do parasailing , water skiing and surfing in a range of 40-50$. Parasailing over south beach is definitely worth a try.
A beautiful sunny day at Miami with water's temperature perfect, is the best place to take your bikini out!
