Experience Miami Nightlife

Miami is known for having some of the best nightlife in the world. It has huge clubs holding thousands of people, famous DJs flying in from around the world to play at them and the city hosting the yearly Miami Music Conference in March, known as the opening party for the season of clubbing. People arrive expecting to party with sexy models and celebrities and Miami does not disappoint. Here we answer some of the top questions about going clubbing in Miami

I’m looking for a more stylish, upscale club. Where can I go?
The hottest club in Miami right now is Liv, located in the Fountainebleau Hotel. Liv is not in South Beach. In fact the famous hotel and club are located at 44th and Collins Ave, a ten minute cab ride away from South Beach. Liv holds roughly two thousand people and features laser light show, dancers and VIP table service. Also at the hotel is the newer club Arkadia, a smaller club downstairs from Liv.

Back in South Beach, Pearl nightclub in Nikki Beach at 1st and Ocean is both a restaurant and club and there is always a glamorous crowd to be found partying there, especially on a Sunday night. Mynt on 18th and Collins and The Wall at the W Hotel are both small lounges with no dance floor, but are considered some of the most exclusive clubs in South Beach.

What’s it typically cost to go out to an upscale club?
Cover charge to get in to the clubs is between $20-$40 on an average night. If they have a superstar DJ playing this can rapidly increase, with tickets available for purchase in advance and on the night prices in excess of $100.

All clubs in Miami offer bottle service. This is when you have your own private table in a VIP section. It waives your cover charge, and will get everyone in your party into the club. Bottle service includes your chosen bottles of alcohol, juice mixers and ice, and a place for only you and your friends to hang out with your very own hostess looking after you. The average bottle price starts at $350 - $400 and goes all the way up to over $10,000. The club quotes you a price that does not include tax (7.5%) and gratuity (anywhere between 18-20%), so try and ask for the total price in advance.

Bottle service is fun but an expensive way to party, and if you are in a bigger group the clubs will ask you to purchase more alcohol. Typically 1-4 people are asked to buy 2 bottles, any more people than that and you will have to purchase more.

I typically listen to Hip-Hop music, is that what I should expect to hear in the clubs too?
Many of the clubs in Miami play hip hop music, and here are the best places to go out during the week: Set on Thursday nights, Liv and Cameo on Fridays and Play on Saturdays. The best club for hip hop music is on a Friday night at Mansion at their We Rock Hip Hop night.

Are there any places to listen to rock music, or watch bands play live?
The Rock Shop on Washington has live music over the weekend, with some great cover bands covering the classic rock songs. Pearl nightclub has live music every Friday and Saturday from 9-11pm, with music ranging from jazz to soul to top 40 tunes. The Clevelander features live music over the weekend also, but check before you go as they also have resident DJs. 

What’s the dress code policy at nightclubs for guys? Can I wear jeans and tennis shoes?
It’s simple. Dress to impress. Miami clubs run a strict door policy, with guys expected to wear a button down shirt, dress pants or dark jeans and shoes. No ripped jeans, shorts, polo shirts, T shirts or tennis shoes are allowed. You want to look as good as possible, and better than every other guy at that club.

How do women dress at the clubs?
Once again, girls, dress to impress! Girls going out in Miami wear dresses and heels, no jeans, no sandals, no flat shoes. The smaller the dress, the higher the heels, the better and sexier you will look. Read more about how girls dress in Miami style here.

Is there any way to avoid the lines at some of the clubs?
With clubs in Miami always having a huge line outside the door, we’d all like to skip the line. Ways to do so include buying bottle service, which automatically grants you VIP status as you get whisked past the crowds to your very own table inside. However, this comes with a hefty price tag, so here are a few other tricks.

Contacting club promoters can help as they can get you on their guest list and walk you in. This means getting there at a certain time and dressing as we mentioned earlier. No promoter can help you get in if you do not look the part.

Groups of girls can usually catch the doorman’s eye. Clubs like groups of sexy girls so they will usually allow you straight in. Don’t forget to say thank you!

Guys or couples who don’t want to pay for bottle service can get in faster by tipping the doorman.

Just remember, turn up early, dress the part, and you may get lucky and get to skip the line.

Are there any underage clubs in Miami?
With all the clubs on South Beach enforcing a strict 21 year age limit, it can be hard to find places to go out if you are underage. Luckily there are a few places that allow over 18s, but this only applies to girls. These clubs include Space, Nocturnal, and 90 Degrees, which are all located in downtown Miami, a $20 cab ride from Miami Beach. If you are coming to Miami to party and are underage, your options are very limited, so it may be worth waiting for your 21st birthday before you make the trip.

Miami is an adult playground and anyone 21 years or older is welcome in the bars and clubs. If you have come to experience the fantastic Miami nightlife during your vacation, we hope we have helped answer your questions for your night out, so go enjoy yourselves and have a great night!

Photos by: Scott Alexander

Related Links:

• A Girl’s Guide For Dressing At The Clubs

About the Author: A SoBe resident for 5 years, Jess’s writing focuses on healthy living in South Beach with a dose of British humor and a cheerful outlook on life in Miami. She can be found moderating the forum Miami Beach 411. See more articles by Jess.

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