Heading to Miami? This short, sharp guide skips the fluff—get the essentials for an epic trip (top hostels below)!
QUICK FACTS
- Located in sunny Florida, Miami is a city of around 520,000 people (across 55 square miles).
- The number one passenger cruise port in the world, Miami is known as a hub for onward trips to Central and South America.
- A top destination for wreck diving, Miami used to be a popular place for pirates to bury their stolen treasure. Notable guests included Gasparilla, Blackbeard, and Lafitte.
- Named after the Miyaimis, a Native American tribe that lived in the area.
- Second-most populous city in Florida (after Jacksonville).
- Nicknames: Capital of Latin America, Magic City, The 305, The M.I.A.
PRACTICAL INFORMATION
- Currency: US Dollar (USD).
- Spoken languages: officially, English. Unofficially, Spanish.
- Best time to visit: from October to April. Tropical monsoon climate, with very hot summers.
- Great festivals to catch: Miami Art Week (usually in December) and Carnaval Miami (mid Feb to early March).
- While Miami (MIA) is a major airline hub, some airlines fly into Ft. Lauderdale (FLL). It’s a 40 minute drive between the two, so check prices for both MIA and FLL to potentially save money on flights.
- Arriving via airport (MIA):
– Take Metrorail to downtown in just 20 minutes
– Airport Link is a 2.4-mile extension from the airport to the Miami-Dade public transit system. Bus fares are $2.
– Taxi: flat fare of $35 to any place in South Beach. - Taxi fare from Ft. Lauderdale Airport to South Beach: approximately $85.
- Miami can get hot! Wear sunscreen and stay hydrated.
WHERE TO STAY
- Best Miami hostel for solo travelers: Viajero Miami (right in the South Beach art deco district).
– Very clean and spacious, with friendly staff and plenty of events organized for guests.
– On-site tiki bar, restaurant, and swimming pool.
– Book this one ahead of time, as accommodation here sells out fast. - Hotels in Miami are not cheap, but the price you’re paying usually comes with an upscale feel and classy decor.
- Downtown and South Beach are the best places to stay (if money is no object).
- South Miami (not to be confused with South Beach) hotels are by far the most affordable.
GETTING AROUND
- Bus / rail fares are $2.25. Discount fares are available for students and people with disabilities.
– Exact change is required on all buses. Change boxes accept nickels, dimes, and quarters. - Check out the Metromover – a fully-automated, free to ride elevated train service in Downtown Miami.
- Taxis can be a challenge to hail in Miami, so it helps to know where the taxi stands are. They generally start at $2.95 for the first 1/6th of a mile, and $0.40 for each additional 1/6th mile.
– Typical 5-mile taxi ride costs approximately $22.55
– 15% tip is standard. - Taxis must be called in advance or found at designated taxi stands, as street hailing is difficult in most areas.
- As an alternative to taxis, try using Uber – by far the most popular ride-sharing app in the USA.
- Ride-sharing is recommended for nighttime travel rather than public transport.
MIAMI NIGHTLIFE
- Drinking age is 21, last call is never (the party goes on all night in Miami).
- Trendy scene: Miami is a town full of bars, lounges, and clubs. Popular clubbing destinations are Downtown, South Beach, and Miami Beach.
- South Beach is considered one of the world’s top clubbing destinations, attracting serious party goers and high rollers.
- The Wynwood area has evolved into a major nightlife district with more artistic, laid-back venues compared to South Beach.
- Local scene: Regent Cocktail Club, Magnum Lounge, and The Abbey Brewing Company.
- Club Space (downtown): spectacular rooftop venue and all-night party atmosphere – popular among 18+ crowd.
- LIV Nightclub at Fontainebleau (4441 Collins Ave) is considered the epitome of Miami’s luxury nightlife scene with state-of-the-art sound systems.
- Exchange Nightclub (1532 Washington Ave) is a popular spot for hip-hop enthusiasts.
UNIQUE LANDMARKS TO VISIT
- Biltmore Hotel: This hotel cost around $10 million to build in 1926, and was constructed by the Bowman-Biltmore Hotels Corporation. There are rumors this historic building is haunted!
- Freedom Tower: Built in 1925, this Mediterranean Revival tower was originally home to the offices of the Miami News & Metropolis. It was taken over by the U.S. Government during the Castro regime to provide services to immigrants.
- The Vizcaya Museum and Gardens: magnificent grounds with elegant furnishings and lush European-inspired gardens, constructed in 1916.
- Miami Beach Architectural District: World’s largest collection of preserved Art Deco buildings from the 1920s – especially impressive when illuminated at night.
– Stunning examples seen at Ocean Drive and Collins Park.
– The Miami Design Preservation League offers architecture walking tours.
MIAMI OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES
- South Beach: Famous for energetic vibe, clear waters, and iconic colorful lifeguard stations.
- Haulover Beach: More relaxed atmosphere, family-friendly, with breathtaking views.
- Hidden beach gems: Matheson Hammock Park, Bill Baggs State Park (Key Biscayne), and North Shore Open Space Park.
- Jet skiing in Biscayne Bay: Perfect for thrill-seekers wanting to mix sightseeing with adventure.
- Wynwood Walls: Outdoor museum showcasing colorful street murals from artists worldwide – a must-visit for photography enthusiasts
- If you have access to a car, be sure to check out Everglades National Park and take an airboat tour (the operators are all more or the less the same). You can also try tasting alligator meat (spoiler: it tastes like chicken).
INTERESTING WALKS
- Coconut Grove is a historic neighborhood that has evolved over the decades. Check out the shops, restaurants, parks, and the Oldest House in Miami-Dade (in its original location).
- Calle Ocho, or 8th Street, is in the heart of Little Havana (directions). Indulge in the delicious food and bright colours.
- Any of Miami’s numerous beaches are worth a walk, and will let you see just how closely Miami is connected to the ocean. There is no free parking at any beach – see info about municipal garages to save money on parking in Miami.
WHERE TO EAT
- Great restaurants to check out in Miami: Lung Yai Thai Tapas ($$), Chef Adrianne’s ($$$), Rusty Pelican ($$$), KYU ($$$)
- Where to find good cheap eats: the food truck craze has hit Miami, and you can find delicious and affordable eats at almost any time of day. The trucks are always on the move, but can be tracked with a free smartphone app.
- For up-to-date restaurant reviews, check out Yelp.
- Typical prices: Meal at inexpensive restaurant ($25), Three-course meal for 2 at mid-range restaurant ($100-105), Fast food combo meal ($12).
LOCAL WISDOM
- Miami is home to the Cuban Classical Ballet, which has been performing on a regular basis since 2006. The troupe is led by exiled Cubans and is dedicated to preserving the Cuban traditions of classical ballet.
- Looking for a cool gift idea to bring back home? Go into any grocery store and buy some cuban coffee (brands: Pilon, Cafe Bustelo, or La Llave). It’s what the locals drink.
- Miami is one of the few places where roller skating is still very popular.
- Viernes Culturales (“Cultural Friday”) takes place on the last Friday of every month. This street festival in Little Havana features delicious food, dancing, and much more.
- Dangerous areas: downtown Miami has a reputation for becoming a little seedy after dark, while Opa-Locka, Liberty City, and Overtown are known for their gang related violence.
- In general, watch your belongings at all times and avoid poorly-lit areas at night.
Recommended trip duration: 3-4 days