The perfect day in Miami should necessarily include, in addition to the beach, good shopping, a break for lunch, a few drinks in the evening and a good dinner.  Miami is almost like a paradise for shopping. Usually, all the shops are concentrated in Shopping Malls but you can also find stores and department stores along  Collins Avenue, Lincoln Avenue or Biscayne Boulevard. Downtown shops are mainly electronics and fabric stores.  The options are endless, here are some of my favorites.

All Saints  Image Flickr

shopping

SAWGRASS MILLS  12801 W Sunrise Blvd .  It’s a huge outlet about an hour from Miami Beach, think about spending the day out there.  It is divided into three parts:  the mall which includes all inside areas,  the Oasis, an area of outdoor ​​shops and restaurants and the Colonnades, also outdoors, where you can find expensive brands at discounted prices.  Check the website in advance to see opening hours and get familiar with the place.

DOLPHIN MALL 11401 NW 12th St   I prefer this mall to shop for men. Husband, boyfriend, father or children. There are significant discounts (print coupons before you go) and stores like Brooke’s Brothers, Calvin Klein, Bloomingdale’s, Polo Ralph Lauren, Old Navy, Quicksilver, Tommy, American Eagle, Forever 21 (yes, also has clothing for men), Gap, Hugo Boss, Nautica, Volcom.  There are also discount stores as Marshall’s and Ross Dress for Less

LINCOLN ROAD  Is a pedestrian mall between Alton Road and Washington Avenue.  Aso check the side streets: Pennsylvania, Euclid and Meridian.  Stores: Fly Vintage Boutique (1634 Euclide Ave) H&M, Crocs, Anthropologie, 7, All Saints, Macy’s, Express, Victoria Secret, Gap, Banana Republic, Bebe, Quicksilver, Apple, Taschen, Base, Pottery Barn, Levi’s, J Crew.  Stores offer items not typically found in malls, and restaurants and cafés offer either indoor or outdoor seating.  For a shopping break or for a drink at sunset grab a seat at the Van Dyke Cafe, 846 Lincoln Road.  Parking in this area is complicated, we recommend  the 17th Street Garage, a block from Lincoln Road Mall.  Has three entrances: the main entrance at Convention Center Drive and 17th Street, Pennsylvania Avenue and Lincoln Lane, Lincoln Lane and Meridian Avenue. The first six hours cost only $1/per hour –  after eight hours you’ll pay $10.

Lush Cosmetics Lincoln Road Mall

COLLINS AVENUE  Collins Avenue runs parallel to Ocean Drive. The shops are mainly between 5th and 10th streets,  I do not believe this is the best place for shopping, but equally a good walking tour.  The shops are the same that we find in shopping malls, except for Club Monaco, which has only one branch in Miami and is on Collins Avenue. Armani, Bennetton, Gap, Nine West, UGG, Steve Madden, Ralph Lauren, Tommy, Urban Outfitters, Victoria Secret, Zara, Mango, Barney’s, Mac Cosmetics.

AVENTURA MALL Is an upscale shopping mall in Aventura, North Miami, between South Beach and Fort Lauderdale.  For me it is the best shopping mall in the entire area, is comfortable, spacious, not an outlet so the prices are not low but not super expensive, has lots of shops and good brands.  

Aventura Mall Image Flickr

VILLAGE OF MERRICK PARK   358 San Lorenzo Ave, Coral Gables.  Luxury mall in Coral Gables, designed in a Mediterranean style with open air circulation, various dining options and a tropical garden setting, this mall is an exclusive and sophisticated shopping destination.  The mall features world-renowned boutiques including Adolfo Dominguez, Agent Provocateur, Tiffany & Co., Nordstrom, Neiman Marcus, Carolina Herrera, La Perla, Jimmy Choo,  Cole Han, Burberry, Gucci, Etro.

BAL HARBOUR  SHOPS  9700 Collins Ave., at the intersection of Collins Avenue and 96th Street, Bal Harbour.  A paradise on earth for fashion lovers who seek the collections of the most famous designers.  The outdoor design is outstanding, shopping and dining walkways are lined with orange trees and beautiful plants, incorporating large fish ponds and lush vegetation.  Bal Harbour Shops houses legendary names in fashion designers and jewelry, including Bulgari, Prada, Fendi, Stella Mc Cartney, Balenciaga, Chanel, Piaget, Bottega Veneta and many more.  For a shopping break head upstairs to the Books & Books Cafe or stay downstairs and have lunch or dine at La Goulue.

Bal Harbour Shops

eat and drink

With so many offer for eating out or enjoy a good drink in a friendly atmosphere, it is difficult to recommend all the cool spots, but these are my favorites.

For coffee lovers:  Panther Coffee 2390 NW 2Ave, Wynwood or any cuban coffee shop

For cuban breakfast: Las Olas Café, 644 6St

For sandwich lovers:  The Sandwicherie 229 14 St. Open from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 a.m. $ This has this type has Sandwiches and gourmet salads. Try the baguette stuffed with pâté and the espresso.

For a complete night out:  Have some drinks at  The Delano, dine at the penthouse at Juvia, 1111 Lincoln Road or Casa Tua, 1700 James Ave., Miami Beach, dance at Liv, Fontainebleau Hotel.

For tradition lovers:  Joe’s Stone Crab, 11 Washington Avenue.

For italian food lovers:  La Locanda, 413 Washington Avenue, Miami Beach

For thai food try Thai House Washington Avenue, between 12 and 11 St. 

For quick bites:  Michael’s Genuine 130 Northeast 40St,  Design District

For those who love haute cuisine and outstanding atmosphere:  Prime 112, 101 Ocean Drive

Van Dyke Cafe Image Lincoln Road Mall