Miami
Miami Travel Guide
Miami is a vibrant city located in southeastern Florida, known for its rich history and diverse culture. Miami's history goes back to the 16th century when Spanish settlers found a village of Tequesta Indians on the site. Miami has a strong connection to Latin America, with a large Hispanic/Latino population and ethnic neighborhoods like Little Havana and Little Haiti.
The city’s tropical climate makes it a popular winter resort destination, attracting tourists with its beautiful beaches, marines, and vibrant nightlife. Miami is also a center for international banking, finance, manufacturing, and commerce.
Where is Miami?
Miami is a coastal metropolis city located in the U.S. state of Florida and the seat of Miami-Dade County in South Florida.
Where To Stay In Miami?
Here’s a quick table of which areas in Miami are great for tourists:
| District | Best For | Best Attractions | Average Trip Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| South Beach | Nightlife Dining Art Deco architecture | Ocean Drive Lincoln Road Mall Miami Beach Boardwalk | $200-500+ per night |
| Downtown Miami | Business travelers Luxury shopping | Brickell City Centre Pérez Art Museum Miami Bayfront Park | $150-400 per night |
| Coconut Grove | Upscale dining Boutique shopping | Vizcaya Museum & Gardens Cocowalk shopping center Barnacle Historic State Park | $150-400 per night |
| Coral Gables | Luxury hotels Miracle Mile shopping | Venetian Pool Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden University of Miami | $200-500+ per night |
| Miami Beach | Luxury resorts Beaches | South Pointe Park Miami Beach Convention Center Art Deco Historic District | $300-600+ per night |
Best Hotels in Miami
| Hotel | District | Affordability | Why To Stay There? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Faena Hotel Miami Beach | Mid-Beach | Luxury | Opulent luxury hotel with a unique design Offers a private beach, spa, and acclaimed dining |
| The Setai, Miami Beach | South Beach | Luxury | Steps away from the shops and restaurants of South Beach Features an Art Deco design, three pools, and a spa |
| Carillon Miami Wellness Resort | North Beach | Luxury | Focuses on health and wellness with a 70,000 sq ft spa Offers luxury accommodations, fitness classes, and healthy dining |
| Loews Miami Beach Hotel | South Beach | Mid-range | Prime location on the beach in South Beach Features an outdoor pool, spa, and multiple dining options |
| EB Hotel Miami Airport | Airport Area | Mid-range | Conveniently located near Miami International Airport Provides free WiFi, a fitness center, and on-site parking |
| The Betsy South Beach | South Beach | Mid-range | Intimate boutique hotel with a prime location on Ocean Drive Offers a rooftop pool, spa, and on-site dining |
| Hilton Miami Downtown | Downtown | Budget | Affordable rates for a downtown location Offers an outdoor pool, fitness center, and on-site dining |
Looking for more cheap hotels in Miami? Pack your swimsuit already because all affordable Miami hotels are here!
Best Attractions in Miami
- Vizcaya Museum & Gardens: A historic Italian-style villa with lush gardens overlooking Biscayne Bay
- Jungle Island: An interactive zoological park featuring exotic animals, shows, and eco-adventures.
- Philip & Patricia Frost Museum of Science: A science museum with interactive exhibits and a planetarium.
- Maurice A. Ferre Park: A waterfront park offering green spaces, playgrounds, and scenic views of the bay.
- Miami Walk of Fame: A tribute to influential individuals in Miami’s history along Biscayne Boulevard.
- Zoo Miami: The largest and oldest zoological garden in Florida, home to over 3000 animals.
- South Pointe Park Pier: A popular spot for fishing, strolling, and enjoying panoramic views of the ocean.
Is Miami Safe For Visitors?
Miami is generally safe for visitors, with some precautions to keep in mind:
- The most common crimes tourists may face are pickpocketing and purse snatching.
- Miami has several neighborhoods that are proper to stay with visitors like Coconut Grove, Fisher Island, and Key Biscayne.
Is Miami Expensive to Visit?
Miami is an expensive city to visit, with a high cost of living that impacts tourists as well. The city is known for its luxury lifestyle and attracts many celebrities and affluent residents, contributing to its reputation for being costly. two-week trip to Miami can cost around $4700 per person on average.
Currency of Miami
The currency of Miami is the US Dollar (USD). The exchange rates between the US Dollar and other currencies vary, so it’s advisable for tourists that check the current exchange rates to be fair rates.
Official Language of Miami, USA
The official language spoken in the United States is English. Besides English there are common languages spoken in the city like Spanish which is the second most spoken language in Miami, Creole, Portuguese, French, and Haitian Creole are other languages visitors can hear in Miami.
Time Zone of Miami
Miami is in the Eastern Daylight Time (EDT) zone, which is UTC/GMT -4 hours during daylight saving time.
How Many Days Are Suggested To Visit Miami?
For a first visit to Miami, it is suggested to spend about 3 days exploring the city and its attractions. This duration allows visitors to experience a mix of beachy, relaxing activities, entertainment, and education.
When Is The Best Time To Stay In Miami?
The best time to visit Miami is between October and May when the weather is near perfect, with moderate temperatures and minimal rainfall.
What To Pack For Your Visit To Miami?
- Clothing like shorts, skirts, and tops
- Sun Protection like high-SPF sunscreen, waterproof sunscreen, and aloe vera gel for sunburns
- Refillable water bottle
- Deodorant, hand sanitizer, travel-sized body wipes, and a small first-aid kit
- Proper luggage
Best Foods to Eat In Miami
- Stone Crabs at Joe’s Stone Crab: it is famous for its fresh and succulent stone crab claws, served with mustard sauce.
- Cuban Sandwich at Versailles Restaurant: Versailles Restaurant is renowned for its Cuban sandwich.
- Chicken ‘N’ Watermelon ‘N’ Waffles at Yardbird: It offers a signature dish that combines Southern comfort food with a unique twist.
- Ceviche in Leche de Tiger with Peruvian Corn at Pisco y Nazca: the restaurant offers a refreshing and tangy ceviche marinated in Lexhe de Tigere.
- Paletas at Morelia’s Ice Cream: it serves up delicious paletas, Mexican-style popsicles made with fresh fruit and creamy ingredients.
- Ropa Vieja: it is a classic Cuban dish, that features shredded beef simmered in a savory tomato-based sauce with opinion, peppers, and spices.
- Arepas at Doggi’s Arepa Bar: it serves up delicious Venezuelan arepas, and cornmeal patties stuffed with a variety of fillings.
Nightlife in Miami
The nightlife in Miami offers a diverse scene with a wide range of options for every taste. From energetic roof bars and after-hours spots to trendy bars and clubs, Miami’s nightlife is known all around the world. Some popular areas for nightlife in Miami include South Beach, known for its fashionable clubs like Liv, Story, and Icon, as well as Coconut Grove and Downtown Miami, each offering unique experiences and atmospheres.