Perfect Day: Art Basel Miami Beach in One Day

To fully enjoy Art Basel Miami Beach and the wonderful hustle and bustle surrounding the fair, I start the day early. As an early riser, I love the early hours anyway. I have a coffee at Soho House and jump into the pool – perfect for clearing my head. As this private members’ club is not far from the beach, an alternative is a dip in the ocean. Personally, I find it too cold in December, but German swimmers in particular seem to be more hardened. What you should know: the ocean off Miami Beach is home to manatees and huge fish called tarpon. Don’t be alarmed, both are completely harmless. 

The Standard Hotel is located on Belle Isle, an island in Biscayne Bay. Before a day at the fair, there's nothing better than a relaxing massage in the hotel's spa, whose outdoor area is reminiscent of a lush jungle. Also, be prepared to see lots of tiny, golden bikinis or something similarly glamorous. A little show is always part of Miami Beach. 

To avoid the biggest rush, I stand outside the gates of the Convention Center as soon as the fair opens to the public: at 11 AM sharp. To avoid being overwhelmed by the gigantic range of art on offer, I proceed strategically, mainly looking for exciting new photography, although painting and sculpture still dominate at Art Basel Miami Beach. However, photographic art is currently making a comeback and I'm really excited to go on a treasure hunt this year. 

In the Art Basel store, I browse for interesting art books – a wonderful introduction to the art world for people without the necessary change for originals. 

Although there are a few options for a quick lunch on the exhibition grounds, I prefer to escape the hustle and bustle of the fair for a while. I grab a sandwich or a focaccia at Rosetta Bakery on Collins Avenue and sit down with it in the Botanical Garden – picnic style! The garden is a little oasis just around the corner from the fair.   

Of course, you can continue exploring Art Basel Miami Beach after lunch. An exciting alternative is The Bass Museum, which is just a few minutes' walk from the exhibition grounds and exhibits contemporary international art. 

The best way to get around Miami Beach is on a rental bike, as traffic is a nightmare during Art Basel. But if you want to go to the Design District on the Miami mainland, take a car or cab, it's safer. And make sure you get there before rush hour at 5 PM! My favorite spots in the Design District are the store Dale Zine, which sells cool magazines, art prints, and books; the Institute of Contemporary Art, which shows the work of local artists; and the beautifully decorated (lots of green velvet) restaurant Le Jardinier, where I enjoy a cocktail on the terrace. 

There's another gem to discover in the nearby Little River district: the Dot Fiftyone Gallery, which was founded by two Argentinians and primarily shows works by Latin American artists. 

If you want to stay in Miami for dinner, it's best to go to Boia De, which serves excellent pasta dishes. For those drawn back to Miami Beach, I recommend the Neya restaurant. I almost hesitate to mention it here, as it is still an insider tip – and currently my absolute favorite restaurant. The cuisine is a mix of Mediterranean and Israeli cuisine. 

For a nightcap, head either to the deeply relaxed Sweet Liberty or to one of Miami Beach's chic hotel bars, such as Faena or 1 Hotel South Beach. My new favorite drink is not on the menu everywhere, but be sure to ask for a Martinez. I've set myself the task of popularizing this cocktail made with gin, red vermouth, maraschino, and Angostura bitters. The name already sounds like something you should drink in Miami Beach, doesn't it?

Moscow-born photographer Anastasia Samoylova moved to Florida in 2016. Her studio is located on Normandy Shores, an island that belongs to Miami Beach. Her photo books "FloodZone" and "Floridas" were published by Steidl in Germany; Samoylova's work will be shown at Art Basel Miami Beach by Berlin's Galerie Wentrup.