Miami Nightlife: Bars & Clubs

If you love to party, you can't do much better than a night out in the best Miami clubs. The sunshine city kicks up its heels 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, with clubs and bars that will satisfy every taste. Choose from world-class live music venues, comedy clubs, LGBT venues, and much more. If you prefer to stay away from the dance floor and just chill out and relax, the nightlife in Miami also offers plenty of options for more laid-back evenings.

One of the biggest advantages the city has is its very warm climate, which means you can sip mojitos and chat outdoors even in the coolest months of January and February. You can find many bars and clubs in areas such as Miami Beach, Little Havana and the Wynwood areas, all of which are easily accessible from Downtown. Many bars and clubs remain open until 5am or later, when the best option to get back to your accommodation is to take a bus or taxi.

Here are the top 10 nightclubs in Miami:

1.  LIV

Come here for a night you'll never forget! At the exquisite Fontainebleau resort in Miami Beach, LIV has become something of an institution in the city. One of the biggest Miami clubs, it regularly welcomes some of the world's most distinguished DJs, from Tiësto to David Guetta, and clubbers marvel at its beautiful domed ceiling and incredible lighting. Unsurprisingly, LIV is popular among VIPs and celebrities, and an upscale dress code and entry charge apply.

2.  Miami Improv Comedy Club and Dinner Theatre

Let your hair down and laugh for hours. In the trendy neighbourhood of Coconut Grove, Miami Improv is often considered the city's leading venue for stand-up comedy and one of the best bars in Miami. Having welcomed acts like Pablo Francisco and Gabriel Iglesias, it's easy to see why. Order a cocktail or a glass of bubbly, or treat yourself to a full dinner with delicious Caribbean cuisine.

3. Ball & Chain

If you're into salsa dancing, don't forget to come to this historic wood-panelled venue in the vibrant Cuban district of Little Havana. Listen to some excellent Latin house tunes or live jazz as you practice your salsa moves, then order some tasty tapas to recharge your batteries. As you might expect, this bar also serves wonderful Cuban craft cocktails, the recipes of which were created by local bartender Julio Cabrera.

4. Twist

Twist is one of the city's most popular gay bars and among the top 10 nightclubs in Miami. Also in South Beach, it has a large local following and has become popular with international tourists too. This is the place where groove is guaranteed every night of the week, all year long. South Beach is also the heart of Miami's LGBT community and is the starting point of the huge Miami Beach Gay Pride parade.

5. Mango's Tropical Café South Beach

For some varied live music and dancing from lunchtime until the early hours, Mango's Tropical Café in South Beach should tick all the boxes. This Havana-inspired venue has long been popular with tourists and locals, as it holds everything from Thriller tribute acts to salsa shows and samba, keeping the theme fresh and exciting throughout the year. It's ideal if you're staying in the South Beach area and looking for a little variety.

6. Abbey Brewing Company

If your idea of the perfect night out is sampling quality home-made beers with friends or family rather than dancing in the big Miami clubs, then head to the historic Abbey Brewing Co in Miami Beach. Chill out with the locals as you enjoy some of the finest local beers and European imports in the oldest brew pub in Miami. Try the whiskey, or buy a holiday souvenir at the gift shop.

7. CubaOcho Museum & Performing Arts Center

While you'll find many of the best bars in Miami are famed for their Latin elements, one that stands out is CubaOcho in Little Havana. Here you'll notice beautiful antique furnishings and artworks dating back as far as the mid-19th century, some of which were owned by none other than Frank Sinatra. In fact, you'd be forgiven for thinking you were in a museum as opposed to a bar. This venue also has one of Miami's biggest rum bars, and holds fantastic jazz, salsa, and other live performances on weekend evenings. Perfect if you've left your ”rat pack' back at the hotel, and are determined to party ”your way'! (okay, we'll stop with the Frankie puns now”)

8 - Ted's Hideaway

For the longest happy 'hour' ever, don't forget to visit Ted's Hideaway in Miami Beach. The discount period runs all the way from midday until 8pm every day, when you'll benefit from 2-for-1 drafts, wines, and other drinks. This classic and casual dive bar also has a juke box and pool table, it's a great choice if you're visiting Miami on a budget or prefer somewhere with a laid-back but lively atmosphere. This is also a great place to visit before you head off to one of the top 10 nightclubs in Miami.

9 - Gramps

Head to gay-friendly Gramps in the Wynwood Arts District, where you can enjoy some of the best cocktails and local beers of all Miami clubs. Dance the night away to everything from electronic music to rock, take a break on the patio, or visit during an indoor or outdoor concert. Come here during Happy Hour from 4pm to 7pm and you can get 50% off cocktails.

10 - Area 31

On the top of the Epic Hotel is one of Miami's most popular rooftop bars. Relax by the pool and take in the fantastic skyline views as you listen to a live DJ. In the Downtown area, it offers 'chase the clock' deals on Fridays from 5pm, when you can get big discounts on drinks and bar bites. With such rich and varied nightlife, there's no doubt that the real fun in Miami begins after dark. Remember that this is just a small selection of the leading nightclubs and best bars in Miami, so even if you visit all 10, you'll only have scratched the surface!

More Things To Do ideas

Find more Things To Do in Miami: Bayfront Park | Biscayne National Park | Coconut Grove | Jungle Island | Little Havana | Venetian Pool