A guide of what to see, where to eat, what to do, and where to stay during Miami Art Week 2025 aka Art Basel
My favorite week of the year of Miami is almost here. The first week of December people from all over the world make their way to Miami for Miami Art Week 2025. Although most people refer to it as Art Basel, which is just the art fair on Miami Beach, Miami Art Week refers to all the art related events that happen throughout Miami and Miami Beach. There’s usually something going on all over the city from Miami Beach to North Miami to Little Haiti to Wynwood. There’s something to do every night all week long.
I’ve compiled a list of things to do below during Miami Art Week 2025. As a Miami residence, I typically try to complete the beach by Thursday or Friday and spend the weekend in the city proper. The beach is too much of a hassle during the weekend. Now if you are visiting and staying on the beach, I would try to get the city done by Thursday and Friday, and exclusively stay on the beach through the weekend.
See
Design Miami – My favorite event and something I make sure to never miss. If you love furniture, lighting, and objects this is an event you can’t miss.
Miami Design District – The Miami Design District is a fun area to explore during Miami Art Week. A lot of the luxury stores and galleries hold events. Every year for Miami Art Week, Miami Design District teams up with an artist for a series of installations throughout the district. This year it’s Katie Stout’s Gargantua’s Thumb, a series of large-scale sculptural benches installed throughout the Miami Design District. Katie’s Stout’s work is whimsical so it’ll be cool to see.
Institute of Contemporary Art – Located in the Miami Design District, the ICA is a great museum to visit while in the area. It’s free! You just have to reserve your tickets in advance for admission.
The Future Perfect – The Future Perfect is finally in Miami. The Little Haiti showroom is in the old Cuban consulate, Villa Paula, that may or may not be haunted. I visited during their preview a few months ago and the villa is really cool and eerie. It’s by appointment only.
Eat
Coney Burger – It’s the bread! It’s so soft and tasty. The burgers are obviously a hit as well. You can’t go wrong with the Waygu Champ Burger or the Cry-Baby Burger. Oh, and get the Brisk Me Up fries. Yum!
Peppi’s Pizza – I tried this place for the first time a few weeks ago and it’s good. I love the Pepperoni and Hot Honey speciality pizza, but the standout for me was the Caesar salad and the Philly cheesesteak. The restaurant is tiny, so expect to wait a bit, but you won’t be disappointed.
Kyu – A Wynwood staple. It’s an Asian-inspired wood-fired restaurant. The Korean Fried Chicken, with the unexpectedly good chili butter, is a must have. Also, get the Japanese sweet potato and the pork belly bao buns.
Las’ Lap – Guided by the culinary vision of Chef Kwame Onwuachi of the infamous Tatiana at the Lincoln Center in NYC, Las’ Lap is a West Indian/Caribbean restaurant inside The Day Drip hotel on South Beach. I haven’t visited yet and I’m waiting for the December reservations to open, but the menu looks promising. I love Escovitch fish and pikliz so it’s right up my alley.
Red Rooster – I’ve been to Red Rooster in Overtown more times than I can count. The space is beautiful and the food is good. If you go on the right day, the music is great as well. There’s a cute ice cream shop next door and upstairs there’s a pool hall. The pool hall is known to have good R&B parties.
Sunny’s Steakhouse – Hidden in the warehouses of Little River, Sunny’s has a reputation for amazing food. Check out the menu and reserve a spot right now or it will be impossible to get in during Miami Art Week.
Cindy Lou’s – Really close to Sunny’s is Cindy Lou’s. The cookies are huge and delicious, but my favorite’s are the cornbread (!!!) and the crispy toffee brownie. They close between 5 and 6pm depending on the day, so go before your dinner reservations.
Honorable Mentions – El Bagel, Uptown 66, Naomi’s, Kith Treats, Pastis Wynwood
Vibes
Dante’s Hifi – A listening bar in Wynwood with great vibes inspired by intimate vinyl listening rooms in Japan. Reservations ($25) are required to get in and are credited towards your drinks.
Everyday People Miami Edition – You will find all the beautiful people here. It’s Everyday People is Miami, what’s not to love. Expect a good time. Tickets are on sale and they will probably sell out soon.
Wynwood – Saturday night is the night to be in Wynwood. The people will be outside. Wander around and see what you find.
Stay/Day Pass
The Standard – Does it really need an introduction? The Standard is cool and day passes are offered to chill by the pool and access the spa. If you can get a reservation, even better!
The Shelborne by Proper – The Shelborne was recently given a $100M face lift by Proper. It blends historic Art Deco architecture with modern coastal design. It’s already sold out for Miami Art Week, but there’s plenty to see if you want to visit the bar or restaurants. I’m not sure about day passes.
Faena – One of the most beautiful hotels in Miami. Click the link and see for yourself. The Faena is its own district with many properties. I’ve heard great things about the spa and the Faena Theater. I’ve visited a few times to eat and it has been a beautiful experience each time.
Esme – A cute affordable boutique hotel on Española Way in South Beach. The property is picturesque and features a sister property, Casa Mantanza, with larger rooms and a moodier aesthetic. There’s also several restaurants (The Drexel!!!) and bars on the property.
That’s a wrap!
Tell me, are you visiting Miami Art Week 2025 this year? What are you most looking forward to?
Seeing this late? Check out my recap here.
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