This guide has been a long time coming. As a New Yorker, Miami often feels like a second home to me. I’ve vacationed there since I was a literal fetus and J & I try to visit at least a couple of times in the winter as it’s such an easy weekend trip from NYC. Even aside from my long history with the “Magic City,” there are so many New York transplants and offshoots that I never feel too far from home. For someone who travels a decent amount, sometimes it’s nice to be able to continue my current routine in a different setting—morning workout at Solidcore, coffee at Dr. Smood, lunch at Joe and the Juice, dinner at Carbone, all steps from the ocean? I’m here for that.

Despite all that, it’s not the New York parallels that make Miami amazing—Miami has such a distinct personality that (love or hate it) is hard to ignore. The art deco hotels, diverse population, sceney restaurants, crop tops and 5 inch heels, perennially hot weather and thumping house beats make Miami a BRAND. I recommend visiting from November to April, as the weather during the other half of the year is not so enjoyable (hot and very humid). You could have a great experience over a long weekend, particularly if you’re visiting from somewhere within a short direct flight, but you could also easily spend weeks there and have enough to do without getting bored.

WHERE TO STAY

Miami Beach is the quintessential Miami experience. It has an endless stretch of great beaches, is home to much of the restaurants and nightlife and is most definitely touristy. As a result, you have a ton of amazing hotels to choose from. Miami is the kind of place where it’s worth booking a nicer hotel since hotels are a big part of the scene. Also, it’s hard to find a decent hotel that’s consistently priced, though the sheer number of hotels can work in your favor—try HotelsTonight or SnapTravel for last minute deals.

You can’t go wrong with any of the five star options, and they all have their own cute personalities. The Edition is romantic with a classic, white-curtained Miami vibe and amazing food from poolside to fine dining (my personal favorite), the 1 Hotel is bigger and resortlike with sleek, beachy decor and the best rooms (J’s favorite), the Faena is fun, sexy, and colorful with a crowd skewing older/international, and the W South Beach is modern and consistent with great suites. The Soho House here is a good one but of course is on a membership basis. If you prefer a smaller hotel and classic Miami vibe, the Delano is still a beautiful, subdued option that is a nice balance of modern and antique. The Plymouth is my little secret for when the Edition and 1 are fully booked or the prices are insane, it’s a really cute boutique hotel with beach access and a great location bordering South/Mid Beach—just make sure you upgrade because the rooms are tiny. Perfect for a couples trip.

Away from the Miami Beach scene, Brickell is the financial district closer to the airport with high rise buildings and some great restaurants, nightlife and hotels. The JW Marriott and W are both decent options there. The Standard sits on a little island between Brickell and South Beach and has an cool, low key vibe reminiscent of Montauk—this is another good one to check out when prices are inflated. The rooms are on the more basic side, made up for by the scene and vibe. The Mondrian is a nice option for a group, skews younger and is located on the bay side with a day pool party. Other great neighborhoods include Coconut Grove which has a Ritz-Carlton, Surfside which has a Four Seasons and Bal Harbour which is further north and is home to some serious shopping.

WHERE TO EAT

Don’t miss the Matador Room, the Jean-Georges restaurant at the Edition. The circular dining room inside is stunning and dramatic but it’s the outside that really stands out to me—it has an elegant, sexy vibe that definitely doesn’t feel like you’re in Florida. The food is spectacular and the service is outstanding (a rarity for Miami). Byblos is one of my favorites and has an intimate, subdued vibe with delicious Mediterranean food, perfect for a weekday date night. Planta is an amazing, chic vegan restaurant with beautiful décor and a fun scene. The Mandolin serves incredible Greek food in what feels like a backyard restaurant on a hidden Greek Island, a must-visit. Visit Francis Mallman’s restaurant, Los Fuegos, in the Faena for his signature grilled meat-heavy dinner. In Wynwood, check out Three for brunch. The Pubbelly restaurants are consistent.

The Classics: Joe’s Stone Crab is a quintessential, old school Miami restaurant that’s worth visiting for the history alone (I love that my great grandmother frequented there). The Surf Club for timeless glamour and a classic menu. Jaya is located in the Setai in their jaw-dropping courtyard with a good Asian fusion menu served alongside a DJ set. Brunch at Cecconi’s in the Soho House. Cuban sandwiches at Sanguich de Miami.

Mila for the quintessential Miami party dinner—cue the fire dancers. Miami loves fire dancers. For another party dinner option, Komodo in Brickell has a good menu and a clubby, international vibe. The restaurant is enormous with a lounge upstairs in case you don’t feel like changing scene to go out post-dinner.

WHAT TO DO

Rent a boat for the day and pull up to Joia beach club for the best day party in Miami, plan to go from late afternoon until after sunset. Have drinks at Chotto Matte, a Japanese Peruvian fusion restaurant. Get a table at E11even because…where else is a strip club a socially acceptable night out. Late night at Space, because I don’t think there’s anywhere else in the U.S. where can you keep clubbing in full swing until 2pm the next day if you really wanted to and…when in Rome. Have a cooler club night at Don’t Sit on the Furniture, a more intimate space that’s a nice break from the ubiquitous Miami megaclub. Try to catch a Question Party! at the Freehold in Wynwood. Close by, Astra for rooftop cocktails. For Wynwood by day, grab a coffee at Panther or juice at Dr. Smood and check out the walls and cute shops. Visit the Perez Art Museum. Stroll down Ocean Drive and check out the beautiful art deco hotels and the Versace mansion. Check out the Standard for lunch and/or sunset drinks. Go for drinks at Faena or Broken Shaker. Juvia for a fierce cougar scene on the roof of a parking garage.