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Miami, from sleepy old town to city that never sleeps

From its quiet beginnings as a small coastal town to its rise as a vibrant global hub, Miami embodies transformation. Today, the Magic City pulses with culture, nightlife, and innovation—an evolution that redefined its identity and turned it into the city that never sleeps.

Miami, from sleepy old town to city that never sleeps

From its quiet beginnings as a small coastal town to its rise as a vibrant global hub, Miami embodies transformation. Today, the Magic City pulses with culture, nightlife, and innovation—an evolution that redefined its identity and turned it into the city that never sleeps.

Miami, from sleepy old town to city that never sleeps

From Coastal Outpost to the Magic City
From its quiet beginnings as a small coastal town to its rise as a vibrant global hub, Miami embodies transformation. Today, the Magic City pulses with culture, nightlife, and innovation—an evolution that redefined its identity and turned it into the city that never sleeps.

Famed for its Art Deco buildings, beautiful sandy beaches, and distinctly Latin vibe, Miami is the go-to destination for getting away from it all or being part of the action. With its iconic skyline and prestigious ocean-facing developments, laid-back yet trendy atmosphere, and not big or crowded nature, this city is easy to navigate even if you are a first-time visitor. 

However, it's the city's rich cultural fabric, with over 80 languages spoken, that truly sets Miami apart. This diversity is not just a statistic, but a living, breathing entity that manifests through art, music, food, and unique experiences, making Miami one of Florida's most energized and fun-filled cities. Visiting Miami is like traversing different continents while driving in the same city. This ethnic mix has a huge Latino and Caribbean flavor, with a third of the population of Cuban descent, followed by Haitian, Nicaraguan, Honduran, Dominican, and Colombian in perpetually shifting order.

Aerial view Miami
Photo by Shawn Henley

Sultry, sexy, sensuous Miami.

It may be the youngest of the big US cities, but it is one of the fastest-growing. Being a gateway between the United States, Latin America, Europe, and the Caribbean has meant a business advantage few cities claim. Located in the southern portion of the “Sunshine State, between the Florida Everglades and the Atlantic Ocean, the once sleepy old town on the Miami River has blossomed into an international business capital with global appeal. It boasts many trendy bars, high-end restaurants, and glamorous nightclubs. It is home to one of the largest concentrations of international banks in the US and the most prominent hub of Spanish-language media outside of Mexico City, New York, and LA.

Officially, 36 cities, villages, and towns make up Greater Miami and the beaches. From the glitter and glamour of South Beach to the luxury high rises and tropical landscape of Aventura, from Wynwood Art District, Little Havana, to Little Haiti, Miami fizzles with excitement. Each neighborhood has its soul and sexiness, and all of them are astounding to explore.

Acqualina Resort and Residences

Where to live, where to go

Ranking the #1 2018 Best Neighborhood to Live in the Miami Area, Brickell is known for being the site of fashionistas and young professionals. It is easily accessible from all other areas of the city and very walkable; it is full of great restaurants and just a few minutes from the beach!

While the charming seaside village of Coconut Grove is a great place to raise a family, the best place to buy property in Miami is the northernmost neighborhood of Aventura. Shopping is BIG here, with the third-largest malls in the US at your fingertips.

While South Beach has widely become synonymous with nightlife, there is another Miami beyond its bright lights and techno beat. With a spectacular stretch of coastline located halfway between Miami and Fort Lauderdale, Sunny Isles offers a blend of beautiful marinas, high–end real estate, serene suburban life, world-class shopping, and a true escape from the hustle and bustle.

Home to over 130 art galleries filled with unique artwork, showrooms, creative services, stores, antique dealers, eateries, and bars, the Miami Design District will captivate you with its innovative fashion, design, architecture, and dining experiences.

Known for its enormous and colorful art murals, Wynwood is one of the city's most happening districts and the undisputed selfie capital of Miami. The Wynwood Walls have brought over the world's greatest artists working in the graffiti and street art genre. Step inside, and you'll find yourself amidst a kaleidoscope of color surrounded by a hip young crowd, chic clothing boutiques, and stylish bistros.

But the city's art energy does not stop here. It is also fuelling infrastructure projects like the $620 million expansion of the Convention Centre District, which will position the venue among the top globally significant convention centers in the world.

Art District Miami
Photo by Ryan Kim

Art Deco metropolis, investment hub, world's busiest cruise port, art capital, city of opportunities… you get the picture, and that's so much more than sun, sand, and pool parties.

  • Enza is a creative executive and founder of Atlas Media LLC and PassportTalk, a digital magazine exploring travel, culture, and well-being. She brings a refined editorial vision and a passion for authenticity, diversity, and meaningful exploration.


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