Best places to spend NYE 2016 – Miami

Watch Justin Bieber at the Fontainebleau Hotel

Pop stars don’t come much bigger than Justin Bieber, and he’s set to get the party started in Miami on New Year’s Eve. Given his global pedigree, and the bucketload of number ones to his name, you’ll struggle to find a cooler way to bid farewell to 2016.

 
The Fontainebleau Hotel will play host to Biebs – it’s one of the most historic hotels in Miami, and sits proudly on the city’s swanky Millionaires' Row. It’s got musical ties to Frank Sinatra and Elvis Presley, plus modern day links to Usher, Mariah Carey, and Kanye West. At the upcoming New Year’s Eve party, Justin Bieber will belt out a few of his hits beside the pool. Once he’s finished his set, Grammy Award-winning Skrillex will pick up the party at the hotel’s famous LIV Nightclub. What more could you ask for?

Join Pitbull’s free party

Pitbull, the go-to guy for chart hits, hosts a free party every New Year’s Eve in Bayfront Park. His Revolution event will see a star-studded line-up take to the stage in the hours leading up to midnight. With food stalls and a fireworks show thrown into the mix, as well, it’s considered one of the most memorable spots to see in the New Year.

Fall Out Boy, Enrique Iglesias, Shawn Mendes and Timbaland have all performed here in the last couple of years, and the whole thing’s broadcast live on Fox. Oh, and the entire event’s free to attend so you won’t have to part with a wedge of cash to go along. You’ll be able to see Miami’s famous Big Orange from the park, too a 35-foot neon sign that’s dropped when the clock strikes midnight.

Cruise across Biscayne Bay

You don’t need a celebrity chart-topper to enjoy this New Year activity – all you need’s a camera and something warm to throw on. Boats cast off from Miami’s busy harbourside, and make a beeline for the middle of Biscayne Bay. You’ll be sandwiched between the South Beach and Downtown districts as you peer over the railings, and if you book a decent enough trip, you’ll get a few handy extras before zero hour comes around.

Lots of NYE cruises feature an onboard cocktail bar, plus a buffet-style dinner. It’s all a pre-cursor for the main event, though – the famous fireworks show. From your panoramic spot on the water, you’ll see flashes of colour fill the city skyline when the clock strikes midnight.

If you’re all about a jaw-dropping fireworks display, take a look at our guide to New Year’s Eve in Thailand, as well.

Party on Nikki Beach

One of the best places to be for New Year’s Eve is the South Beach neighbourhood. Just like its name suggests, this pocket of the city is all about long sweeps of white sand and smart waterfront properties. And when it comes to end-of-year blowouts, Nikki Beach has got one up on a few of its rivals.

It throws one of the best NYE parties around, blending top-quality food with live music and dance. Ordinarily, you’ll find a beach club, an award-winning restaurant and cabana bar, and a nightclub. You get all that if you buy a NYE ticket, plus a private fireworks display at midnight, and a special menu cooked up for the occasion by chef Frank Ferreiro.

If the more stylish scene is your bread and butter, check out our fashion blogger’s guide to Miami.

See an American music icon

If you’re starting to agree that Miami is the best place for New Year’s Eve, you may be right. Forget the New York state of mind, and say goodbye to Hollywood, because one of America’s most legendary singers is set to perform in the Magic City on December 31.

If you haven’t cottoned onto the hints yet, we’re talking about the piano man himself, Billy Joel, who’s set to take to the stage at the BB&T Centre in the Sunrise district. Compared to central Miami, it’s slightly uptown, girl, but that’s a small price to pay to see this Rock & Roll Hall of Famer.

If you’d rather stick to something a little more contemporary, chart-topping DJ Robin Schulz is playing a New Year set at W South Beach hotel’s WET Pool.

Marvel at the King Mango Strut

This one’s a little out of the ordinary. The King Mango Strut takes place during the day on New Year’s Eve, and involves the most eccentric parade you could possibly imagine. It’s been going for 35 years, and is basically an excuse to parody the year’s biggest news stories.

Rather than limit the parade to over-the-top floats and dance troupes, though, it’s open for practically anyone to get involved. It takes place in Downtown Miami’s quieter neighbour, Coconut Grove, and acts as a great pre-cursor to a night of partying. This year, the organisers have published a list of ideas to inspire people taking part, with suggestions like Pokémon Go, the US presidential election, and Brad and Angelina’s high-profile split.

Fancy seeing in the New Year in the Magic City?

Take a look at our Miami holidays.

And if you think an urban escape is the right pick for you, check out more of our City breaks.

 
Author: Shaun Ringwood