6 Best Bars, Live Music and Nightclubs in Miami

If you’re in Miami to hit the clubs, South Beach has to be on your radar. Party through the day in your best swimwear, plastic champagne flute in hand at Nikki Beach Miami, then carry on to one of South Beach’s hottest dancefloors, such as celeb-hangout, LIV or sister-club, Story. 

The top-tier of DJs from Europe and the US are regularly performing at these party spots, so the music is always on point. Rocking it SoBe is never cheap, so dress to impress and be ready to splash the cash.

The balmy weather of Miami is tailor-made for evenings spent drinking and dining at rooftop bars. Downtown Miami has the biggest concentration of rooftop bars, with recommended spots including Bloom at The Langford Hotel and the ‘big city'” feel of Area 31.

If you’re looking to stay by the beach, head to the always-bustling Skybar at Shore Club South Beach on Collins Avenue or the Skyline Deck at The Betsy Hotel, with its Art Deco stylings. To enjoy Miami nightlife in such lofty surrounds, be prepared to spend plenty of money. Drinks at many rooftops around Miami are among the most expensive in the city, but most places do offer happy hour deals in the early evening.

The cultural influence that travels north from Latin America doesn't stop at food and cigars. Miami's live music scene is loaded with venues that showcase Latin bands and DJs that specialise in infectious beats ranging from Afro-Cuban fusion to Latin jazz and contemporary electronica. When you’re looking for a party atmosphere, there’s nowhere with a better vibe.

Hoy Como Ayer, in Little Havana, is an enduring favourite for live music in Miami. Open from Thursday to Sunday, you’ll find a mix of live bands, DJs and packed dancefloors.

Located in the Fontainebleau Miami Beach hotel, LIV is one of Miami's hottest spots for dancing until dawn. The 18,000 sq. ft club (1700 sq. m) is lavishly decorated and features private skyboxes for VIP service. Put on your best party gear and indulge yourself for the night.

LIV is the stomping grounds of Hollywood's young elite, as well as a platform for world-famous DJs. But this kind of exclusivity comes at a cost, there’s a minimum spend on VIP tables that can run well over $1,000.

A Miami landmark noted for its signature beach club, Nikki Beach is a top spot for dancing with your feet in the sand. Outdoor tiki bars and cabanas provide a retro and kitschy setting for disco, dance and lounge-music nights.

Dress in your finest beachwear and consider spending for a table with bottle service. It doesn’t come cheap, but it’s a classic snapshot of Miami’s fun and fancy beach party scene. There’s also a restaurant specialising in seafood, sushi and some easy-to-share snacks like pizzas.

Based around a Balinese theme, stepping out onto the Sugar rooftop bar is like walking into an island paradise in the middle of the city. Its position atop the luxurious EAST Miami hotel offers spectacular views and a high-end atmosphere, surrounded by lush greenery. 

As one of the fanciest places in the city, be prepared for a higher price tag, a queue at the door and a dress code, which switches from smart-casual in the afternoon to nightlife attire after 6 pm. This is a place to indulge yourself, and the selection of cocktails and food available lives up to that.