The best of the Miami nightlife scene, from samba shows to superclubs
Few cities rival Miami's nightlife. It's home to some of the best megaclubs in the world, including LIV and Story, which promise marquee DJs, from Tiësto to Diplo to Zedd. Expect late night dancing on high-energy dance floors, complete with light shows, confetti and aerialist entertainers, until the wee hours. Whether it's club hopping in South Beach or discovering some of the more underground haunts in Downtown and Wynwood, Miami is a fun-loving city filled with partygoers who know how to turn up.
South Beach
LIV
When it comes to an epic party in Miami, there’s no place like LIV. Located in the legendary Fontainebleau, this megaclub has a domed ceiling, impressive light show and VIP tables lining the dance floor and mezzanine. It hosts world-class DJs such as David Guetta, Steve Angello and Tiësto. To guarantee entrance, purchase a ticket ahead of time. Do note that the party goes on late in Miami; if you're planning on seeing a headlining DJ, don’t expect their set to start until 1am or 2am. That’s when the confetti starts flying and glow sticks come out.
Contact: 00 1 305 674 4680; livnightclub.com
Opening times: Wed-Sun, 11pm-5am
Prices: £££
Getting in: Reservations essential
Basement
A hip hangout in The Miami Beach EDITION hotel, Basement takes nightlife to another level. There’s a place to dance – dubbed Discobox and inspired by Ian Schrager’s legendary Studio 54 (he’s also the mastermind of the hotel). And there are a couple of novel concepts: a four-lane bowling alley and an ice-skating rink. Discobox hosts a variety of themed parties throughout the week with both visiting and local DJs on the decks. Depending on the night, there may be some hassle at the door, but it shouldn’t be too hard to get past the velvet rope.
Contact: 00 1 786 257 4548; editionhotels.com
Opening times: Discobox: Wed, Fri, Sat, 11pm-5am. Basement Bowl: Sun-Thu, 5pm-2am; Fri, Sat, 5pm-5am. Basement Skate: Daily, 5pm-12am
Prices: £££
Getting in: Casual chic dress code: no flip-flops, no backpacks, and no shorts for men
• The best things to do in Miami
Story
Sister club to LIV, Story is even bigger and has an emphasis on the electronic underground. Their Saturday night parties, dubbed #UndergroundStory, play host to subversive artists like Guy Gerber, Dubfire and Lee Foss, but mainstream DJs like Skrillex, Steve Aoki and Calvin Harris are also regulars here. The enormous space features a massive DJ booth, and pulsating lights and live entertainers complement the beats. While the vibe is a little more inclusive than LIV, it’s still a tough door and therefore sensible to buy tickets in advance to guarantee entry for big acts.
Contact: 00 1 305 479 4426; storymiami.com
Opening times: Thu-Sat, 11pm-5am
Prices: £££
Getting in: Reservations essential
• The best attractions in Florida
Hyde Beach
Part vintage surf shack, part sultry outdoor club, Hyde Beach at SLS South Beach hotel is a prime spot to rub elbows with the young and fabulous of South Beach beneath string lighting and palm trees. Inside the bar, you’ll find VIP tables, a DJ booth and dance floor, while outdoors there’s a sprawling space to mix and mingle in the fresh air by the swimming pools. For a debauched weekend daytime pool party, this is one of the hottest scenes in town. It’s smart to secure a VIP table to gain admission if you’re serious about the party.
Contact: 00 1 305 674 1701; sbe.com
Opening times: Pool parties: Sat-Sun, 11am-6pm. Nightlife: Thu-Sat, 10pm-2am
Prices: £££
Getting in: Night-time dress code: upscale club attire, collared shirts and dress shoes for men
• The best restaurants in Florida
Wall Lounge
Wall Lounge is an intimate, high-energy nightclub with ample VIP tables, a dance floor and two bars. Once revered as a strictly VIP spot for debauchery, the sizzle has slightly simmered and the door policy has relaxed in recent years. But it's still a sexy party with the beautiful people of South Beach. Walls glitter with gilded, diamond-patterned mirrors and a disco ball hangs above the centre of the room. DJs range from local resident talent to global superstars depending on the night. Tuesdays are given over to the long-running Brazilian-themed Favela Beach party.
Contact: 00 1 305 938 3130; wallmiami.com
Opening times: Tue, Thu-Sat, 11pm-4am
Prices: £££
Getting in: Dress code: upscale club attire, collared shirts and dress shoes for men, no sportswear
Bodega
Tucked away on a side street off Alton Road, Bodega seems at first glance like a simple al fresco taco shack. That much is true, but beyond a false portable toilet door, a whole other speakeasy-style world of tequila tippling and late-night revelry awaits. You'll find a hidden bi-level bar with an industrial vibe, pool tables and VIP tables – and a crowd of South Beach scenesters looking for an alternative to the typical megaclub experience. If you get hungry, tacos and tortas await just outside.
Contact: 00 1 305 704 2145; bodegasouthbeach.com
Opening times: Sun-Wed, 12pm-2am; Thu-Sat, 12pm-5am
Prices: ££
• The best hotels in Los Angeles
Twist
In operation for over 20 years, Twist is the longest-running gay nightclub in South Beach. Located on Washington Avenue in the heart of the nightlife area, it is somewhere to go for a wild night out. The cavernous bi-level club has everything from drag queens to scantily clad go-go dancers to keep the party going late into the night on three separate dance floors and an outdoor space. There's an inclusive atmosphere welcoming to all. They never charge a cover and have a strong local following.
Contact: 00 1 305 538 9478; twistsobe.com
Opening times: Daily, 1pm-5am
Prices: ££
• The best nightlife in Los Angeles
Purdy Lounge
A classic South Beach lounge located off the beaten path in Sunset Harbour, Purdy Lounge is lovingly known amongst locals as the 'dirty Purdy'. It’s also fresh off a redesign with a kitschy 1970s living room look. Swing in late night for a nice crowd at the bar and dance floor. Depending on the night of the week, there might be a live band or a DJ keeping the crowd moving. Overall, the scene is laid-back, but if you're looking for more energy late night, search for a secret door in the back that leads to an additional dance floor.
Contact: 00 1 305 531 4622; purdylounge.com
Opening times: Mon-Fri, 3pm-5am; Sat-Sun, 6pm-5am
Prices: £
Downtown
E11EVEN Miami
This cavernous ultra club in downtown Miami is open 24 hours a day. Part-cabaret, part-nightclub, E11EVEN Miami takes hedonism to another level. Throughout the night (or day) the main room alternates between a dance floor and a stage where contortionists, aerialists and dancers perform. There are various private rooms, as well as a rooftop restaurant and lounge. DJs range from local talent to celebrity guests and superstars like Drake and Usher have performed here.
Contact: 00 1 305 829 2911; 11miami.com
Opening times: 24 hours
Prices: £££
Getting in: Dress code: upscale nightlife fashion, no oversized clothing or beachwear
• The best things to do in Florida
Club Space
Club Space is Miami’s original after hours party. When the nightclubs in South Beach turn on the lights at 4am or 5am, the party migrates downtown and rages on into early morning. It’s a den for electronica and house music and every major DJ has headlined here, from Steve Angello to Skrillex, as well as underground artists and local resident DJs. There are various rooms, an outdoor terrace and a rooftop lounge for an immersive and ever-changing experience as you move from space to space. Check the event lineup before your visit and buy tickets ahead of time to any artists you really want to see.
Contact: 00 1 786 357 6456; clubspace.com
Opening times: 24 hours
Prices: ££
Getting in: Dress code: Dressy (but not always strictly enforced)
• The best restaurant in Los Angeles
El Tucán
El Tucán is a nostalgic nightclub designed to transport you to 1950s Havana with glittering dinner and a show extravaganzas. The evening features samba dancers in elaborate costumes and headdresses, as well as a live band, and guests enjoy a three-course meal and the opportunity to get up and dance with the performers. There are two performances and dinner seatings per night, and after midnight the space converts into a nightclub with international DJs. The décor is glamourous tropical modern with palm tree and flamingo motifs. It’s a one-of-a-kind experience in Miami and a great way to enjoy a modern interpretation of the city’s history.
Contact: 00 1 305 535 0065; eltucanmiami.com
Opening times: Thurs-Sat, 7.30pm-4am
Prices: £££
Getting in: Reservations essential
• The best attractions in Los Angeles
Design District
Bardot
Bardot is a sexy, softly-lit, unpretentious venue featuring a slightly different party every night depending on the musical act. You can expect anything from a rock band to electronica. The central stage is nothing more than an old Persian-style rug, with a few couches set up nearby and plenty of room to dance. Most acts start around 10pm and the party goes late. Getting in is not usually an issue, but you may have to charm the doorman. They sell tickets in advance – and pre-booking is a good idea if a big name is in town.
Contact: 00 1 305 576 5570; facebook.com/bardotmiami
Opening times: Tue-Sat, 10pm-5am
Prices: ££
Getting in: Reservations essential
