Nestled in a 30-block neighborhood of downtown Miami, Little Havana is the same to Miami as Little Italy is to New York. Many immigrants from Cuba settled here initially, and they were followed by Central and South American immigrants, including those from Nicaragua, El Salvador, and the Dominican Republic. Little Havana in downtown Miami is best known for its Cuban bistros, sidewalk coffee windows, fruit stands, and nightclubs with Latin music and dancing. During the past decade, there has been an influx of art and artists to downtown Miami’s Little Havana. Don’t miss the Xavier Cortada Art Gallery, the Latin Quarter Cultural Center, and the Molina Fine Art Gallery, all found in Little Havana. Or, if your visit to downtown Miami occurs in late February/early March, you can immerse yourself in Latin culture at the nation’s largest Hispanic cultural festival, “Carnaval Miami International,” a celebration of art, dance, music and food.

North Miami is home to the Miami design district, a wonderful collection of antiques stores, fabric outlets, furniture makers and showrooms that are left over from when the area was known as “Decorator’s Row.” Back in the early 1900’s, North Miami is where interior designers and decorators sought out showrooms dedicated to the trade. More recently, North Miami has experienced a revival as artists in search of affordable studio space have landed here, infusing the area with their art and opening quite an eclectic collection of independent art galleries. For a wonderful artistic experience in North Miami, don’t miss the Museum of Contemporary Art, a favorite of the locals.