Destination guide

Miami

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Miami is a hot, colourful city on the edge of the Atlantic, with Art Deco hotels, white beaches, Cuban cafes and a nightlife scene that runs late. Latin influences are everywhere, in the music, the food and the language.

It is a city for the beach and the evening. It is also a useful base for the Everglades, the Keys and a cruise.

How many days: 4

Four days covers the beach, the neighbourhoods and one outing. A long weekend works for a sun break.

The city is spread out, so plan around a few areas. South Beach, Wynwood, Little Havana and Coconut Grove each have a distinct feel.

What to do in Miami

Walk through South Beach and Ocean Drive
Pastel Art Deco hotels line the street, facing the beach. The area is lively day and night.
Spend time on the beach
A wide stretch of white sand with clear water. Lifeguard towers are painted in bright colours.
See the Wynwood murals
An outdoor gallery of large street murals. The surrounding neighbourhood has more street art, cafes and breweries.
Explore Little Havana
A Cuban neighbourhood with cafes, cigar shops and dominoes in the park. A good place for lunch.
Take a trip to the Everglades
A vast wetland with alligators, birds and airboat tours. Go with a reputable operator.
Visit Coconut Grove
A leafy neighbourhood with a waterfront park, cafes and a relaxed pace.
Drive to the Florida Keys
The Overseas Highway runs across the sea to Key West. It takes several hours each way, so plan a night or two.
Take a boat tour
Trips run around Biscayne Bay past celebrity homes and the skyline. A relaxed way to see the city.
Visit a bayside villa
A grand villa and gardens on the bay, built in the early twentieth century. A calm contrast to the beach.
Bike along the beach path
A long path runs the length of Miami Beach. Bikes can be rented all over the area.
Visit the Design District
The Design District has luxury shops, public art and cafes, and a museum on the waterfront. A good place for an afternoon.

What to eat and drink

Cuban sandwich
Roast pork, ham, cheese and pickles pressed in a crisp roll. A Miami classic.
Cuban coffee
Strong, sweet espresso served in tiny cups, often shared. Drink it at a street window.
Stone crab
A local seafood delicacy, in season from autumn to spring. Served with mustard sauce.
Key lime pie
A tart and creamy dessert, from the Florida Keys. Often served cold.
Empanadas and croquetas
Fried pastries and croquettes from Latin cafes. A good snack.
Fresh seafood
Grilled fish and ceviche are available throughout the city.
Fresh juice and smoothies
Juice bars sell tropical fruit blends. A good way to cool down.
Haitian and Caribbean food
The city has a large Caribbean community. Look for local restaurants in Little Haiti and other neighbourhoods.

Getting around

Miami is car-friendly and spread out. Ride-hailing apps and taxis are the easiest way for most visitors.

A rail line and bus network link some areas, but coverage is limited.

South Beach is walkable, and bikes and scooters are widely available.

Good to know

  • Summers are hot and humid with afternoon storms. Winter is warm and dry, and the best time to visit.
  • Hurricane season runs from June to November. Check forecasts.
  • Tipping is expected in restaurants and bars. Check how much is customary.
  • Prices at beach restaurants and bars can be high, and a service charge is often included.
  • Visitors from some countries need an electronic travel authorisation. Check the official US government site.
  • The sun is very strong, even on cloudy days. Reapply sun cream often.
  • Summer is quieter and cheaper, and fewer people visit in the heat. Plan for indoor activities in the afternoon.

Where to stay in Miami

6 neighbourhoods, described the way a friend would - what each is actually like, not the brochure version.

South Beach

White sand, Ocean Drive's Art Deco architecture and some of Miami's best-known nightlife make South Beach the classic first-time base. It suits beach, dining and party trips; hotels are expensive, crowds are heavy and quieter evenings can be difficult.

Brickell

Glass towers, Biscayne Bay views, Brickell City Centre and polished restaurants define Miami's main high-rise business district. It suits work trips and upscale urban stays; there is no proper beach, prices are high and the atmosphere feels more corporate than historic.

Wynwood

Huge murals, Wynwood Walls, galleries, breweries and creative restaurants make this former warehouse district Miami's arts-and-nightlife hub. It suits younger and culture-led stays; there is no beach, weekends get noisy and major sightseeing lies elsewhere.

Coconut Grove

Tropical streets, Biscayne Bay parks, marinas and restaurants give Miami's oldest neighbourhood a leafy, laid-back character, with Vizcaya nearby. It suits couples and families wanting calm; nightlife is restrained and the city's major beaches require a separate journey.

Coral Gables

Mediterranean Revival architecture, Miracle Mile, the Venetian Pool and tree-lined avenues give Coral Gables a polished residential feel southwest of Downtown. It suits families and quieter upscale stays; nightlife is modest and Miami Beach is far away.

Little Havana

Calle Ocho, Domino Park, Cuban cafés, cigar shops and live Latin music make this Miami's strongest neighbourhood for Cuban culture. It suits food, culture and value-focused stays; there is no beach and visitor accommodation is much thinner than Downtown or Miami Beach.

What it costs

A typical day in Miami, per person, in pounds.

£80

Shoestring - hostels, street food, public transport.

£195

Comfortable - a decent hotel, restaurants, the odd taxi.

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