Hipster Miami Itinerary

Greater Miami & Miami Beach is home to many artsy people, and while the jury is still out on what constitutes a hipster, there’s plenty to appeal to the crowd that seems to be perennially establishing what's cool. So if you prefer artisanal coffee and hand-me-down clothes and have been spinning indie vinyl on your record player since long before it became trendy, we have your guide to the perfect offbeat weekend in Miami.

Day 1: Art, Spa and Culinary Delights in Wynwood

No hipsters’ guide to Miami would be complete without a day in Wynwood, home to art galleries, unique shops and a bevy of bars and restaurants. Known worldwide for the graffiti murals that cover the facades of former warehouses, the neighborhood is both frenetic and funky.

Morning: Coffee and a Stroll Among Murals

Start with a latte and croissants at the French patisserie Yann Couvreur. Couvreur is famous in his native Paris for his exquisite desserts, but this cafe also specializes in French crepes and dainty sandwiches.

Next, stop at Wynwood Walls, an outdoor museum and possibly the most-Instagrammed spot in Miami. This urban graffiti mural park features huge, colorful street murals by artists from around the globe. Its most famous artist is Shepard Fairey, whose Obama “Hope” poster catapulted him from street artist to household name.

Afternoon: Bistro Lunch and Street Art Finds 

Enjoy lunch at Pastis, an homage to the grand bistros of Paris, with gilded-framed mirrors, a lushly landscaped courtyard and a bar that’s perfect for sipping a midday negroni.

Then delve deeper into the history of street art at the Museum of Graffiti, the world’s first museum devoted to the history and artists of this eclectic medium. The warehouse-turned-gallery is chock full of information about the pioneers of street art and its sociopolitical implications. The museum’s gift shop is a treasure trove of pop art, prints and colorful paraphernalia.

Enjoy a pre-evening pampering at Sana Skin Studio, an earth-toned day spa specializing in facials customized to your specific needs. Its boutique carries nontoxic beauty products.

Evening: Japanese Cocktails and Crispy Tacos

Uchi, the hottest sushi restaurant in Wynwood, serves impeccably prepared nigiri, maki and Japanese cocktails. Splurge for the omakase experience or create a decadent meal from the happy hour menu.

A few minutes away, Bakan is a lively spot for mezcal cocktails on the outdoor terrace and dishes of ceviche, fresh-pounded guacamole and the "los equites,” street corn with lemon, chile powder, mayo and cotija cheese. Crispy chicken tacos lead the taco list, along with grilled sea bass, lobster and carnitas.

Day 2: Culture and Culinary Treasures in Little River & Little Haiti

Morning: Coffee and Vintage Shopping

Spend your second day exploring Little River and Little Haiti. Located just north of Wynwood, these neighborhoods have become thriving centers of art, retail and dining for the area’s young entrepreneurs and cultural creators. Grab a morning coffee at Vice City Bean, located on the ground floor of The Citadel food hall,  before plotting your day (and make a note to return later in the evening for cocktails at The Citadel’s rooftop bar). A handful of shops are also housed within the food hall, including Sir Thrifty, a vintage shop with collectible toys, vinyl and rock t-shirts.

Afternoon: Art and Haitian Culinary Delights

Just south of The Citadel, you’ll find the Little River satellite location of Oolite Arts, a nonprofit group that gives local artists studio space and regularly hosts exhibits and studios.

After visiting with the artists, take some time to enjoy Little Haiti’s art galleries, authentic Haitian restaurants and Caribbean market. For an authentic taste of Haiti, look no further than Chef Créole, which features signature Haitian recipes with an emphasis on seafood, courtesy of beloved longtime owner Chef Wilkinson “Ken” Sejour. The Little Haiti Cultural Complex hosts performances, classes and artist showcases. Next door, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays, local artisans sell their goods in the vibrant Caribbean Marketplace, a contemporary rendition of Haiti's lively Iron Market. You can even take Konpa dance lessons and yoga classes.

Evening: An Outdoor Steakhouse or Gourmet Pizza

Dine under the stars at Sunny's, a steakhouse with a turn-of-the-century vibe that’s centered around a majestic Banyan tree in a courtyard festooned with twinkling lights. If meticulously-prepared artisanal pizza is your thing, head to La Natural, a MICHELIN Bib Gourmand choice for beautifully-charred pizza and natural wines in a minimalist setting. The Citadel food hall is the locus of Little River, with chefs and vendors serving everything from burgers and ramen to artisanal pizza and Japanese cocktails in a hidden speakeasy.

Day 3: Retro Charm and Modern Flair in Miami’s Upper East Side & MiMo District

Morning: Shopping & Breakfast in the MiMo District

Miami’s Upper East Side and Miami Modern (MiMo) district have long been bastions of hipster hideaways, with restored mid-century motels giving way to eclectic bars and restaurants and plenty of vintage shopping on Biscayne Boulevard from roughly 50th to 77th streets. Your first stop should be at Miami Ironside, a creative district of showrooms, warehouses-turned-galleries and charming restaurants situated inside a neo-industrial complex and just a few blocks from the main drag. Ironside Cafe serves breakfasts of omelets, Mediterranean bourekas and avocado toasts.

Afternoon: Lunch & Miami Modern Architecture

Next, head east to Biscayne Boulevard, where you’ll find many examples of MiMo architecture, a design movement that emerged in the 1950s and ‘60s. It’s distinguished by cantilevered rooflines with playful, sharp angles and delta wing accents reminiscent of aviation and the space age. The most lovingly restored example of this is the Vagabond Hotel, which has been reimagined as a hip boutique hotel with a playful poolscape and outdoor bar. There’s also the impressive Sanctuary MiMo, a former church that’s been transformed into a multiuse event space. A pleasant lunch of pastas and fresh salads can be had at Luna Pasta e Dolci, whose homemade pastas and empanadas have garnered a loyal following.

Evening: Dine on Food From All Over the World

There’s no shortage of great restaurants on the Upper East Side, with local stalwart Phuc Yea leading the pack with its MICHELIN-recommended rendition of Vietnamese food. A few miles south in Upper Buena Vista, enjoy a DJ and Turkish food at El Turco . 

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