Experience Miami Art Basel Week: A Cultural Extravaganza

It's December in South Florida, and while we await the holiday festivities, Miami is kicking off its Art Basel Week. The city of Miami and Miami Beach serve as the cultural center of the art world. They house over 1,200 galleries, more than 20 art fairs, and thousands of artists and art enthusiasts annually during Miami Art Basel Week. One of the organization's missions is to encourage and foster the enjoyment of the arts, galleries, and both established and up-and-coming artists. They provide members and exhibitors from around the world the chance to participate in Miami Art Week, become seen, and be discovered. All fans of the arts and individuals in the art industry are welcome to participate, while the primary focus remains on the Miami and South Florida art scenes.

Miami Art Week 2025: Event Details

This year's Miami Art Week's event runs from December 2 - 7, 2025, for the majority of the public days. A few select private invitation-only events will take place prior:

• Public Days: Friday, December 5 – Sunday, December 7, 2025

• VIP/Preview Days: Wednesday, December 3 – Thursday, December 4, 2025

  
  

The main fair is held at the Miami Beach Convention Center.

Getting Around Miami

The two main airports to fly into are Miami International Airport (MIA) and Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL), located 30 minutes north of Miami.

Once you've arrived in Miami, there are several transportation options: rent a vehicle, use Uber/Lyft, take a taxi, or use Brightline. Public transportation is also available, including Metrorail, metrobus, tri-rail, or trolleys. My best advice? Take an Uber or Lyft. It’s the easiest way to get around the city without worrying about parking spots, fees, or tolls.

Where to Stay in Miami

Stay close to all of Miami Art Week events by booking your stay nearby. Here are a few of Miami's favorite hotels to check out:

Nobu Hotel Miami Beach - Crafted by world-famous Japanese chef Nobu Matsuhisa and Academy Award-winning actor Robert De Niro, the Nobu Hotel concept offers a unique experience on the shores of Miami Beach. It merges Eden Roc's iconic Miami Modern architecture with Chef Nobu's signature style.

Perks when you book with a travel advisor:

• Welcome drink

• Minimum $50 hotel credit

• Continental breakfast for 2 at Ocean Social

• Upgrade: subject to availability

• Early check-in/late check-out: subject to availability

  
  

The Ritz-Carlton, Key Biscayne - Escape to a luxury Miami Beach resort that exudes classic South Florida charm. Located on an exclusive five-mile-long barrier island, The Ritz-Carlton Key Biscayne is minutes from downtown yet offers serene seclusion.

Perks when you book with a travel advisor:

• Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability

• Daily full breakfast for up to two guests per bedroom

• $100 USD resort or hotel credit during stay (not combinable, not valid on room rate, no cash value if not redeemed in full)

• Early check-in/late check-out, subject to availability

• Complimentary Wi-Fi

  
  

The Setai, Miami Beach - A luxurious oceanfront environment combining Asian traditions of simplicity and elegance with the Art Deco history of South Beach. Experience three pools, a private beach, an Asian-inspired spa, and distinctive dining experiences.

Perks when you book with a travel advisor:

• Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability

• Daily buffet breakfast for up to two guests per bedroom

• $100 USD equivalent food & beverage credit during stay (not combinable, not valid on room rate, no cash value if not redeemed in full)

• Early check-in/late check-out, subject to availability

• Complimentary Wi-Fi

  
  

Mr. C Miami - Coconut Grove - Surrounded by breathtaking views of Biscayne Bay, Mr. C Coconut Grove offers luxury accommodations and amenities. Enjoy a rooftop swimming pool with private cabanas and panoramic water views.

Perks when you book with a travel advisor:

• Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability

• Daily breakfast for up to two guests per bedroom ($30 USD credit per person)

• $100 USD equivalent food & beverage credit during stay (excludes mini-bar, not combinable, not valid on room rate, no cash value if not redeemed in full)

• Early check-in/late check-out, subject to availability

• Complimentary Wi-Fi

  
  

The Betsy Hotel - A beachfront gem at the quiet end of iconic Ocean Drive. The Betsy's Ocean Decks offer sweeping views of Miami and the Atlantic, along with a wellness garden and spa treatments.

Perks when you book with a travel advisor:

• Upgrade to next room category, based on availability at check-in

• Complimentary daily continental breakfast (max 2 guests)

• Complimentary welcome gift on arrival

• One drink voucher at the Lobby Bar or Roof Deck (per guest, per stay)

  
  

Mandarin Oriental, Miami - A deluxe waterfront hotel featuring spacious and luxurious guestrooms. The Mandarin Oriental combines oriental influences with modern style, offering an elegant home away from home.

Perks when you book with a travel advisor:

• Upgrade to next room category on arrival, subject to availability

• Daily continental breakfast for up to two guests in the restaurant or via in-room dining

• $100 USD equivalent food & beverage credit during stay (not combinable, not valid on room rate, no cash value if not redeemed in full)

• Early check-in/late check-out, subject to availability

• Complimentary Wi-Fi

  
  

Book with a Travel Advisor

What to Eat and Drink

Miami during Art Basel is a spectacular convergence of art, fashion, and culinary excellence. Reservations are a must. The "must-see" spots often blend high-end dining with vibrant nightlife and design-forward atmospheres.

Here are the must-see food spots and bars, categorized by experience and location to help you navigate the city's art-fueled scene.

| Restaurant | Cuisine & Vibe | Neighborhood |

|--------------------------------|--------------------------------------------------------------------------------|---------------------|

| L'Atelier de Joël Robuchon | Two MICHELIN Stars - Precise, intricate modern French cuisine. | Design District |

| COTE Miami | MICHELIN Star - Elegant, glamorous Korean steakhouse. | Design District |

| Le Jardinier | MICHELIN Star - Vegetable-forward French American. | Design District |

| Queen Miami Beach | High-energy Japanese/Sushi in a lavish, restored 1930s Art Deco theater. | South Beach |

| Sexy Fish Miami | Asian/Japanese with over-the-top decor. | Brickell |

| Joe's Stone Crab | The iconic Miami institution, famous for stone crab claws and Key Lime Pie. | South Beach |

| Mandolin Aegean Bistro | Charming Greek and Turkish cuisine in a romantic outdoor setting. | MiMo/Design District |

| Uchi | James Beard Award-winning, non-traditional Japanese fare. | Wynwood |

What to See and Do

Miami Art Week is an explosion of culture, design, and parties. Here are the top activities you can't miss:

The Essential Art Fairs

• Art Basel Miami Beach: The main event at the Miami Beach Convention Center, showcasing leading modern and contemporary galleries.

• Design Miami/: Adjacent to Art Basel, this fair is dedicated to collectible design, from furniture to unique art objects.

• Art Miami / CONTEXT Art Miami: Located in Downtown Miami, these large fairs offer a wide range of modern and mid-career contemporary art.

• SCOPE Miami Beach: Known for its cutting-edge, experimental contemporary works housed in a vibrant beachfront pavilion.

• NADA Miami (New Art Dealers Alliance): The go-to fair for discovering fresh, emerging artists and galleries.

• Untitled Art, Miami Beach: An architecturally distinct fair on the sand, focusing on a curated, collaborative platform for contemporary art.

  
  

Museum & Gallery Highlights

• Pérez Art Museum Miami (PAMM): Visit for special programming and major contemporary exhibitions.

• Institute of Contemporary Art, Miami (ICA Miami): Head to the Design District to see high-profile new exhibits (often offering free admission).

• Rubell Museum: Essential stop to view powerful contemporary works from the renowned Rubell family collection.

• Wynwood Walls & Local Galleries: Explore the district for special pop-ups, open houses, and commissioned street art.

  
  

Free & Public Art Experiences

• No Vacancy, Miami Beach: A unique, city-wide public art competition where artists transform hotel rooms into installations.

• Design District Public Installations: Stroll through the neighborhood to see commissioned public art, sculptures, and designer collaborations.

• Outdoor Installations: Look for monumental, immersive art pieces often found along Miami Beach (e.g., the Faena Beach area).

• HIVE Wynwood: A multi-day, free pop-up village blending art, music, food, and culture in the Wynwood Marketplace.

• INK Miami Art Fair: A smaller, focused fair dedicated exclusively to fine art prints and works on paper (often offering free entry).

  
  

Nightlife & Social Scene

• Major Nightclub Events: Experience high-energy parties at venues like LIV Miami and E11EVEN MIAMI with international DJs.

• Concerts and Music Series: Seek out pop-up musical performances and art-related concerts.

• Exclusive Galas: The week is filled with high-profile, invitation-only events and charity benefits.

• Massive Closing Parties: Attend renowned electronic music events often hosted in venues like Factory Town.

  
  

Want to book your ultimate Miami Art Week with a certified Miami Travel Specialist? Click on the image below to connect:

"Always say YES to Miami"