The First Timer's Guide to Art Basel in Miami

The first time I attended Art Basel, I was overwhelmed. I didn't know quite what I was getting into, and as an extroverted introvert, I found myself sort of flailing around, trying to get the lay of the land (to little avail). The next time around, I got into the swing of the things much easier, and by the third time I felt like a pro.

But first, let's dial it back: what is Art Basel and what should you be doing there? I got the insider tips and tricks from the pros at Chase Travel and the Miami Beach Visitor and Convention Authority, as well as firsthand tips from yours truly, to break it all down and make it the easiest and most fun experience you'll have. Here we go.

Experts Featured in This Article

Sam Palmer is a financial services professional and the general manager of Chase Sapphire.

Grisette Marcos is the executive director of the Miami Beach Visitor and Convention Authority.

Hillary Reinsberg is the former editor in chief of Zagat and The Infatuation, and currently the head of editorial for travel, lifestyle, and dining at Chase.

Wendy Vividor is the head of marketing and growth at Chase Travel.

Art Basel: What Is It?

Art Basel is one of the world's premier art fairs, showcasing contemporary and modern art from galleries across the globe. It's held annually in Basel, Hong Kong, Miami and most recently, Paris, which launched in 2022. Each has its own flair, and Art Basel Miami has become a cultural phenomenon since its inception in 2002 — not just for art, but for nightlife and parties. It transforms the city into a vibrant hub where art, luxury, and entertainment come together attracting artists, collectors, curators, celebrities, and art enthusiasts alike. This year, the official event takes place from Dec. 6-8.

What's Going on at Art Basel Miami Beach

Though Art Basel officially runs for a few days, it's far more than a weekend event. It kicks off early with private previews, exclusive parties, and brand activations. Simultaneously, Miami Design District, Wynwood, and other neighborhoods come alive with satellite fairs, public art installations, and pop-up exhibitions — broadly dubbed "Miami Art Week." In fact, December is often now called "Miami Art Month," featuring special exhibitions, museum openings, and cultural events throughout the city, extending the celebration far beyond the fair itself.

If the crowds and nightlife of Art Basel isn't quite your scene, however, visiting later in the month for Miami Art Month is a great alternative. You can explore curated exhibitions at institutions like Pérez Art Museum Miami (PAMM) or The Bass without the overwhelming crowds.

There are private invite-only events (big mansion parties and brand activations) that take over South Beach, with influencers, journalists, and friends of the brand, in attendance. There's private events and specialized programming that you can be invited to or have a membership to (some that cost and some that don't) at places like Soho Beach House or through your credit card companies. (In fact, Chase Travel launched their bookable itineraries with this in mind, and everything is taken care of for you.)

And then there are consumer-facing or public events, like public curations and panels, which more often than not still need an advance RSVP. There's an app that keeps things in order if you just want to view the art, but by and large, a lot of the shine of Art Basel are the dinners, nightlife, and parties that happen during this time.

"For first-timers, my advice is to dive right in — this is the week in Miami for making creative and cultural connections," says Chase Sapphire general manager Sam Palmer. "The art shows are the places to see and be seen, and we're so excited to bring Sapphire Reserve cardmembers even closer to top and emerging art and artists."

Where to Stay During Art Basel Miami Beach

A lot of the events — and the art fair itself — happen in Miami Beach and South Beach, so if you want to be part of the action the best bet is to stay in the thick of it.

My favorite hotel for almost ten years running (and not just during Art Basel) is the 1 Hotel South Beach. It's eco-luxe, serene (the smell as you walk in is heaven), and the perfect retreat from the action.

Other favorites of mine on the strip include: SLS South Beach (best if you like pool parties), the Miami Beach Edition (chic and with a bowling alley bar beneath that often hosts events from brands), the Faena (again, usually a hub for Art Basel happenings), and the Fontainebleau Miami Beach (a tried and true staple that has seemingly a bajillion rooms and thus, great odds for availability).

Another option is to stay just across the bridge on the mainland in neighborhoods like Downtown Miami, Wynwood, or Brickell, where you'll find a more low-key atmosphere without sacrificing fairly easy access to great art and culture. The Four Seasons Hotel Miami offers a sleek, upscale experience with beautiful bay views and a more tranquil vibe. For something trendy yet refined, EAST Miami in Brickell City Centre has a rooftop bar, great dining, and easy access to Art Basel satellite events like Art Miami and Context.

CitizenM also has a great, vibrant vibe both in Brickell and South Beach (and it also has a property near downtown Miami), blending modern design with a relaxed, artsy atmosphere. It's the perfect spot for travelers looking for chic yet practical accommodations, with common areas designed for both work and play, and rooms that maximize comfort with smart, minimalist touches.

If you're looking for something relaxed but upscale, The Standard Spa, Miami Beach, located on Belle Isle, provides a wellness-focused escape with a short drive or water taxi to the action. Regardless of where you stay, plan your days carefully, and if you're heading to South Beach or Downtown in the evening, expect traffic to slow to a crawl. (It's often best to pick a side and stick to it for the night.)

6 Pro Tips For Art Basel

1. Don't Try to Do It All

There's a lot going on — the art fair, exhibits, panels, parties, dinners . . . even if you're just a person going to look at the art, there's a ton of options of just that. Commit to what you want and can, and then leave room for surprises and different exhibitions.

"It is easy to get overwhelmed with options during Art Basel," says Grisette Marcos, Miami Beach Visitor and Convention Authority executive director. Marcos recommends downloading the EXP Miami Beach Tours App for "itineraries that have been created by local experts and can take visitors through self-guided tours that highlight hidden art gems on the beach, iconic art deco architecture and art-driven activities that will enhance the Art Basel experience on Miami Beach."

2. Your Hotel May Have Offerings, Too

You might not have to go far to be immersed in the art world. Several hotels will be partaking in different ways, whether by hosting panels or displaying special art for the occasion.

1 Hotel South Beach, for example, will be offering private and RSVP-curated art talks, while CitizenM will be running their "Wake Up to an Art-Full World" promotion with various events throughout the weekend, including creative workshops and a live mural painting at their South Beach location.

"In addition to Art Basel, there is an additional art exhibition and competition called No Vacancy Miami Beach that showcases 12 artists at 12 different hotels on Miami Beach," says Marcos. "It's a really fun way to discover new artists who cover all mediums and also check out our famous hotels including Faena, Esme, The Betsy and more." Visitors can then vote on their favorite installations through Dec. 12.

My tip is to search your hotel's name and "Miami Art Week" — or check their Instagram — to find out if they're doing anything, and also make sure to talk to the concierge upon check-in for even more tips and recommendations.

3. Know That You'll See Art Pretty Much No Matter What

Art will be everywhere — even for public consumption. So there's no way you'll miss some exhibitions, as long as you make sure to wander.

"I encourage visitors to explore the boardwalk and take in installations on the beach like The Great Elephant Migration — a collection of 100 life-sized elephants on Faena's beachfront, as well as to take a stroll on Lincoln Road," Marcos says. "Two new installations are now in place: 'XO World,' a sculpture by Daniel Anderson inspired by the universal game of jacks and 'Dream Machine' by artist Rubem Robierb. The 10-by-13-foot sculpture invites viewers to place themselves between the butterfly wings. You can enjoy world-class cuisines, cocktails and shopping while taking in the artistic surroundings."

4. Eat Well

When in town — eat. (Just me?) Art Basel is the perfect time to explore Miami in general, and in particular, the amazing food on offer.

"On the restaurant front, Sunny's is a wildly popular and successful pandemic pop-up turned permanent steak house that just landed a spot on The Infatuation's Best New Restaurants of 2024," says Hillary Reinsberg, Chase's head of editorial for travel, lifestyle, and dining. "Ogawa is also arguably Miami's best sushi spot, and there's much more coming in 2025, with the teams behind beloved restaurants like Fooq's and Macchialina planning new outposts in the area."

5. If You Don't Know, Go With a Pro

Check your favorite credit card (particularly ones that focus on travel) for curated programming they may be doing for the weekend — a lot of times they're offering great lounges, exclusive venues, and tours that no one else will be doing. (This is the same for memberships, like Soho Beach House.)

If you're a Chase cardholder, for example, you can get everything from curator-led art tours to tickets to an exclusive concert to so much more. "Hate the traffic crossing Biscayne Bay? [Chase Travel has] got a yacht to ease the burden. Restaurant access tough to score? Our team at The Infatuation and Chase Travel have not only secured reservations at Elastika but also added a special touch by inviting contemporary artist Peter Tunney for a lunch conversation. Not sure how to dive into the art exhibits? Our curator-led art tours and exclusive access to a private tour of the SCOPE Art Show have you covered," says Chase Travel head of marketing Wendy Vividor.

6. Make Time to Relax and Rest

There's a lot going on during Art Basel, but don't forget — you're in Miami, baby! Take time to relax on the beach (yes, it should still be beach weather) or take a walk by the water. Late-night dinners might have you feeling some type of way, so pack helpful rest items like Liquid I.V. or other electrolyte powders; greens powders (I love Bloom and Perelel); and face and eye masks (the Wander Beauty are my go-tos, as well as True Botanicals, which dissolve after use under running water) to bring your skin back to life.

I also always plan for a leisurely day after the fair, that way when all is said and done, I'm able to relax a bit, take a workout class (Barry's!), or just enjoy a nice long walk and grab dinner. It's the perfect way to calm after the art-fair storm.

Samantha Leal is a lifestyle writer, editor, and editorial consultant who writes about beauty, wellness, travel, drinks, and more — basically, all the good things in life. She's held editorial roles at The Knot, Latina magazine, Marie Claire, and Well+Good, and she's written for PS, Bustle, Vogue, Teen Vogue, Glamour, Travel + Leisure, Byrdie, StyleCaster, The Zoe Report, and more.