Miami, Florida Travel Guide

Discover Miami: A vibrant city of sun-kissed beaches, rich cultural heritage, and dynamic nightlife, offering endless adventures and diverse culinary delights.

Miami, located in southeastern Florida, is a vibrant city renowned for its stunning beaches, diverse cultural scene, and lively nightlife. Known as the Gateway to the Americas, Miami boasts a rich tapestry of influences from Latin America, the Caribbean, and beyond, making it a melting pot of cultures and experiences. One of Miami's most famous attractions is South Beach, where visitors can enjoy pristine sands, clear blue waters, and the iconic pastel-hued Art Deco architecture. For those interested in culture, the city's many museums, such as the Pérez Art Museum and the Vizcaya Museum and Gardens, offer a glimpse into Miami's artistic and historical heritage. The city's culinary scene is equally diverse and delicious. From Cuban sandwiches in Little Havana to fresh seafood in Coconut Grove, there's something to satisfy every palate. Miami is also home to numerous festivals throughout the year, including the Miami International Film Festival and Art Basel Miami Beach, which draw visitors from around the globe. For those looking to explore beyond the city, the nearby Everglades National Park offers unique opportunities for wildlife viewing and outdoor adventures. Whether you're lounging on the beach, dancing the night away in a trendy nightclub, or exploring the natural beauty of Florida, Miami promises an unforgettable experience.

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Miami.

Visit South Beach early in the morning to avoid crowds and enjoy the sunrise.
Use public transportation or ride-sharing services to navigate the city easily without the hassle of parking.
Try local Cuban coffee, known as 'cafecito', for a delicious and strong caffeine boost.
Take a guided tour of the Everglades to learn about the unique ecosystem and see alligators in their natural habitat.
Check the local calendar for festivals and events happening during your visit to experience Miami's vibrant cultural scene.

Neighbourhoods in Miami

South Beach

Downtown Miami

Wynwood

Coral Gables

Coconut Grove

Explore All Neighbourhoods in Miami

Explore Miami: Things to Do, Places to Eat, Hotels & More

Handpicked recommendations for top attractions, local dining, accommodations, and more

Best attractions in Miami

Top-rated picks

Best Attractions

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Bayside Marketplace

Explore Bayside Marketplace: Miami's premier shopping and entertainment destination by the water, featuring dining, live music, and stunning views.

4.5

Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood, FL

Experience the excitement of gaming, dining, and entertainment at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Florida - a premier tourist destination.

4.5

Wynwood Walls

Discover the vibrant street art and culture at Wynwood Walls, Miami's premier outdoor gallery showcasing world-renowned artists.

4.7

Wynwood Walls

Explore Wynwood Walls, Miami's premier open-air gallery featuring stunning street art and murals from top artists around the world.

4.7

Best landmarks in Miami

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Best Landmarks

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All Landmarks

Bayside Marketplace

Explore the diverse shopping, dining, and live entertainment at Bayside Marketplace, Miami's premier waterfront destination.

4.5

Wynwood Walls

Explore Wynwood Walls, Miami's premier outdoor art destination featuring spectacular murals and a lively atmosphere for every art lover.

4.7

Bayfront Park

Explore the natural beauty and vibrant culture of Bayfront Park, an urban oasis in the heart of Miami, perfect for relaxation and recreation.

4.6

Vizcaya Museum & Gardens

Explore the stunning Vizcaya Museum & Gardens, where art, history, and nature converge for an unforgettable Miami experience.

4.7

Best restaurants in Miami

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Best Restaurants

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CVI.CHE 105

Savor authentic Peruvian cuisine at CVI.CHE 105 in Downtown Miami - A fusion of fresh seafood and exquisite cocktails awaits!

4.8

Rusty Pelican Miami

Experience exquisite seafood dining at Rusty Pelican, where stunning views meet culinary excellence in Key Biscayne.

4.7

Crazy About You

Discover Crazy About You: A culinary oasis in Downtown Miami offering exquisite American and Spanish dishes with stunning bay views.

4.7

Dolores But You Can Call Me Lolita

Experience a delightful fusion of American and Spanish cuisines at Dolores But You Can Call Me Lolita in vibrant Downtown Miami.

4.7

Best bars in Miami

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Best Bars

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Blackbird Ordinary

Discover the vibrant nightlife of Miami at Blackbird Ordinary, a premier bar featuring live music and expertly crafted cocktails in a lively atmosphere.

4.3

Gramps

Experience the vibrant nightlife of Wynwood at Gramps, a bar known for its cocktails, live music, and delicious pizza in Miami.

4.5

The Anderson

Experience the pulse of Miami nightlife at The Anderson, a trendy bar and nightclub featuring craft cocktails, eclectic music, and a vibrant atmosphere.

4.4

The Corner

Experience the vibrant nightlife of Miami at The Corner, where handcrafted cocktails and a welcoming atmosphere await.

4.4

Best nightclubs in Miami

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E11EVEN

Discover E11EVEN, Miami's 24-hour nightlife haven featuring live music, gourmet dining, and a vibrant party atmosphere.

3.5

LIV Nightclub Miami

Dive into the electrifying nightlife at LIV Nightclub Miami, where world-class DJs and a vibrant atmosphere await every party enthusiast.

3.2

STORY

Discover the ultimate nightlife experience at STORY Nightclub, a vibrant dance club in Miami Beach featuring world-class DJs, cocktails, and an electrifying atmosphere.

3.0

TuCandela Bar

Discover the pulse of Miami's nightlife at TuCandela Bar, where vibrant music and an energetic crowd create unforgettable nights.

3.8

Best shops in Miami

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Best Shops

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All Shops

Bayside Marketplace

Explore shopping, dining, and live entertainment at Bayside Marketplace in Downtown Miami, a must-visit destination for tourists.

4.5

Sawgrass Mills

Explore Sawgrass Mills, the ultimate shopping destination in Sunrise, Florida, featuring over 350 outlet stores and diverse dining options.

4.6

Dolphin Mall

Discover the ultimate shopping experience at Dolphin Mall in Miami, featuring over 240 stores, diverse dining options, and exciting entertainment.

4.6

Dadeland Mall

Discover the ultimate shopping experience at Dadeland Mall, Miami's premier destination for fashion, dining, and entertainment.

4.6

Explore Miami on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots in Miami, mapped for you.

Miami Essentials

Miami is well-connected by air, road, and sea. Miami International Airport (MIA) is the primary airport, offering flights from major cities worldwide. Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL) is another nearby option, located about 30 miles north of Miami. For those driving, Interstate 95 (I-95) runs along the East Coast, making Miami accessible by car. Additionally, Miami is a major cruise hub with the Port of Miami serving as a departure point for many Caribbean cruises.
Miami offers various transportation options. The Metrorail and Metromover systems provide convenient access to many parts of the city. Metrobus services are also available for areas not covered by rail. Taxis and rideshare services like Uber and Lyft are widely used. Renting a car is an option but be prepared for traffic and parking challenges. For a unique experience, consider using the city's bike-sharing program, Citi Bike.
The official currency in Miami is the US Dollar (USD). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in most establishments. ATMs are plentiful throughout the city, including at the airport, hotels, and major attractions. It is advisable to carry some cash for smaller vendors, especially at local markets and food trucks.
Miami is generally safe for tourists, but certain areas have higher crime rates. Avoid neighborhoods like Overtown and Liberty City, especially after dark. Stick to well-populated and well-lit areas, particularly in downtown Miami and South Beach. Keep an eye on your belongings in crowded places and be cautious when using ATMs at night.
In case of emergency, dial 911 for police, fire, or medical assistance. Miami has numerous hospitals and urgent care facilities, including Jackson Memorial Hospital and Mount Sinai Medical Center. It is advisable to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. For minor health issues, there are many pharmacies throughout the city.
Fashion: Do dress comfortably and casually, but upscale attire is recommended for high-end restaurants and nightclubs. Avoid overly revealing clothing in family-friendly areas. Religion: Do respect religious sites by dressing modestly and observing any specific customs. Public Transport: Do be courteous to fellow passengers and keep noise levels down. Don't eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a smile or a handshake. In casual settings, a simple 'Hi' or 'Hello' is sufficient. Eating & Drinking: Do try the local cuisine, including Cuban and Caribbean dishes. Don't forget to tip, as it is customary in the United States.
To experience Miami like a local, visit neighborhoods like Little Havana for a taste of Cuban culture, or Wynwood for its vibrant art scene. Try to attend local events such as Art Basel or the Miami International Film Festival. For the best Cuban coffee, head to a local ventanita (coffee window). Visit local farmers' markets for fresh produce and unique finds.

When is the best time to visit Miami?

With Eve

Useful Local Phrases for Miami

You don't need to speak the language perfectly. Even learning a few simple words can make conversations warmer—and locals usually appreciate the effort.

— Eve

6 phrase groups English + pronunciation

Here are the phrases I use most often in Miami. Try a few—you'll be surprised how far they go! 😊
❤️

- HelloHola
  [oh-lah]
- GoodbyeAdiós
  [ah-dee-ohs]
- YesSí
  [see]
- NoNo
  [noh]
- Please/You're welcomePor favor/De nada
  [pohr fah-vohr/deh nah-dah]
- Thank youGracias
  [grah-see-ahs]
- Excuse me/SorryDisculpe/Perdón
  [dee-skool-peh/pehr-dohn]
- How are you?¿Cómo estás?
  [koh-moh ehs-tahs]
- Fine. And you?Bien. ¿Y tú?
  [byen. ee too]
- Do you speak English?¿Hablas inglés?
  [ah-blahs een-glehs]
- I don't understandNo entiendo
  [noh ehn-tyen-doh]
- I'd like to see the menu, pleaseMe gustaría ver el menú, por favor
  [meh goos-tah-ree-ah behr ehl meh-noo, poor fah-vohr]
- I don't eat meatNo como carne
  [noh koh-moh kahr-neh]
- Cheers!¡Salud!
  [sah-lood]
- I would like to pay, pleaseMe gustaría pagar, por favor
  [meh goos-tah-ree-ah pah-gahr, poor fah-vohr]
- Help!¡Ayuda!
  [ah-yoo-dah]
- Go away!¡Vete!
  [veh-teh]
- Call the Police!¡Llama a la Policía!
  [yah-mah ah lah poh-lee-see-ah]
- Call a doctor!¡Llama a un médico!
  [yah-mah ah oon meh-dee-koh]
- I'm lostEstoy perdido
  [ehs-toy pehr-dee-doh]
- I'm illEstoy enfermo
  [ehs-toy ehn-fehr-moh]
- I'd like to buy...Me gustaría comprar...
  [meh goos-tah-ree-ah kohm-prahr]
- I'm just lookingSólo estoy mirando
  [soh-loh ehs-toy meer-ahn-doh]
- How much is it?¿Cuánto cuesta?
  [kwan-toh kwehs-tah]
- That's too expensiveEso es demasiado caro
  [eh-soh ehs deh-mah-see-ah-doh kah-roh]
- Can you lower the price?¿Puedes bajar el precio?
  [pweh-dehs bah-hahr ehl pree-syoh]
- What time is it?¿Qué hora es?
  [keh oh-rah ehs]
- It's one o'clockEs la una en punto
  [ehs lah oo-nah ehn poon-toh]
- Half past (10)Las diez y media
  [lahs dyehs ee meh-dee-ah]
- MorningMañana
  [mah-nyah-nah]
- AfternoonTarde
  [tahr-deh]
- EveningNoche
  [noh-cheh]
- YesterdayAyer
  [ah-yehr]
- TodayHoy
  [oy]
- TomorrowMañana
  [mah-nyah-nah]
- 1Uno
  [oo-noh]
- 2Dos
  [dohs]
- 3Tres
  [trehs]
- 4Cuatro
  [kwah-troh]
- 5Cinco
  [seen-koh]
- 6Seis
  [says]
- 7Siete
  [syeh-teh]
- 8Ocho
  [oh-choh]
- 9Nueve
  [nweh-veh]
- 10Diez
  [dyehs]
- Where's a/the...?¿Dónde está...?
  [dohn-deh ehs-tah]
- What's the address?¿Cuál es la dirección?
  [kwal ehs lah dee-rehk-syohn]
- Can you show me (on the map)?¿Puedes mostrarme (en el mapa)?
  [pweh-dehs mohs-trar-meh (ehn ehl mah-pah)]
- When's the next (bus)?¿Cuándo es el próximo (autobús)?
  [kwan-doh ehs ehl proh-see-moh (ow-toh-boos)]
- A ticket (to ....)Un boleto (a ...)
  [oon boh-leh-toh (ah ...)]

History of Miami

Long before Miami became the vibrant city it is today, it was inhabited by the Tequesta tribe. The Tequesta people lived in the area for over a thousand years before the arrival of European explorers. Their society was based on fishing and gathering, and they built complex villages along the Miami River.
In 1513, Spanish explorer Juan Ponce de León arrived in the region. The Spanish claimed the area but did not establish a permanent settlement. Missionaries attempted to convert the Tequesta to Christianity, but diseases brought by the Europeans significantly reduced the indigenous population.
Miami was officially incorporated as a city on July 28, 1896. Julia Tuttle, often called the 'Mother of Miami,' played a crucial role in its development. She persuaded railroad magnate Henry Flagler to extend his Florida East Coast Railway to the area, which spurred rapid growth and development.
The 1920s brought a massive real estate boom to Miami. Developers promoted the city as a tropical paradise, attracting thousands of new residents and investors. This period saw the construction of iconic buildings and neighborhoods, many of which still stand today. However, the boom ended abruptly with the 1926 Miami Hurricane and the subsequent economic downturn.
During World War II, Miami became a crucial military hub. The city hosted numerous military training facilities and airfields. The influx of military personnel and their families contributed to Miami's post-war population growth and economic development.
The Cuban Revolution of 1959 led to a significant wave of Cuban immigrants to Miami. This influx transformed the city's cultural landscape, particularly in neighborhoods like Little Havana. The Cuban community's influence is evident in Miami's cuisine, music, art, and festivals.
In recent decades, Miami has grown into a global metropolis and a major international hub for finance, commerce, culture, and tourism. The city is known for its diverse population, vibrant arts scene, and iconic skyline. Miami continues to attract people from around the world, contributing to its dynamic and ever-evolving character.