Your guide to Miami
Miami highlights
City of art
Put a creative spin on your stay in Miami. Admire the murals and street art at Wynwood Walls, where you may even witness some artists at work. Head downtown to see contemporary works from the US and Latin America at the Perez Art Museum Miami (PAMM). Miami gets especially artistic in December when it hosts Art Basel Miami Beach and Miami Art Week.
Caribbean culture
Miami is a hub for Caribbean and Latin American culture. Visit the Caribbean Marketplace in Little Haiti or relax in Little Havana's Maximo Gomez Park (Domino Park). Try Jamaican cuisine at Jrk! and Bahamian specialties at Mamey Miami. Look for flights and hotels to Miami in early October, when the city holds its Caribbean carnival.
Tropical adventures
Don't miss Everglades National Park, where you can encounter alligators, wild hogs and other exotic wildlife. It’s about an hour’s drive outside of Miami. Or go on a mountain bike adventure in Oleta River State Park. Explore protected forests in Barnacle Historic State Park or discover over 500 fruit species in South Dade's Fruit & Spice Park.
Miami: Know before you go
| Language | English |
|---|---|
| Currency | United States dollar ($) |
| Time zone | UTC-5 (EST) and UTC-4 (EDT) |
| High season | December - February |
| Low season | August - September |
Find the best time to go to Miami
Weather in Miami
May – October: The city’s wet season welcomes frequent afternoon rain, thunderstorms and high summer temperatures in the 30s°C. It’s also peak hurricane season, so be sure to stay on top of weather reports. Although it’s hotter and wetter, you’ll often find deals onhotels, and you’llbe able to take advantage of Miami’s indoor attractions.
November – April: Miami’s dry season is the best time to visit, with warm temperatures in the mid-20s°C. Expect lots of sunshine — perfect for beach days, exploring the Everglades and outdoor sightseeing. However, it’s also the peak tourist season, with crowds increasing during spring break and the winter holidays.
Events in Miami
Miami International Boat Show (February): Tell your friends you attended the largest boat and yacht show in the world. Walk the decks of an opulent superyacht and watch demos staged in a 151,400-litre freshwater pool.
Ultra Music Festival (March): This popular festival welcomes the biggest names in the global electronic music scene. Dance to DJs like Tiësto and deadmau5 with crowds of over 100,000 fans.
Art Basel Miami Beach (December): See the latest works by artistic heavyweights alongside emerging talent at this buzz-worthy showcase. Attend talks on everything from architecture to artificial intelligence, and explore special exhibitions at local art museums.
The best neighbourhoods in Miami
Wynwood
Wynwood is the best neighbourhood to stay in Miami for art lovers. Gaze up at the giant murals of the Wynwood Walls and stop by the world’s first graffiti museum. Then mingle with local artists at the Bakehouse Art Complex. When you’re ready for a drink, head to Cerveceria La Tropical to try Cuban beer brewed onsite.
Good for: Graffiti art, bars, dining
Brickell
When deciding where to stay in Miami, Brickell is the top choice for convenience. This neighbourhood offers easy access to the city transit hubs. Dine on Peruvian dishes at La Mar and get a taste of the French Riviera at LPM Miami. Enjoy alfresco shopping at Brickell City Centre. Then climb to the rooftops to sip sunset cocktails at sky bars like Sugar.
Good for: Skyline, convenient location, dining
Coconut Grove
Coconut Grove (just 'the Grove’ to residents) is where to stay in Miami if you love the outdoors. Watch a sailing regatta from Peacock Park or learn the ropes yourself at the Coconut Grove Sailing Club. Shop for gifts or catch the latest film at the open-air CocoWalk mall and dine in style at Los Felix and Glass & Vine.
Good for: Sailing, dining, outdoor activities
Things to do in Miami
Family friendly things to do
The Venetian Pool should top the itinerary for things to do with family in Miami. Swim in the freshwater pool, surrounded by tropical foliage. Experience free-falling drops and thrilling turns at Tidal Cove waterpark. Visit Zoo Miami for a close encounter with animals like a pygmy hippo. Cap your holiday by taking the family on the Skyviews Miami Observation Wheel.
Shopping
Take advantage of the tropical latitude and try outdoor shopping in Miami. Find designer boutiques at Bal Harbor Shops north of Miami or the Miracle Mile Shopping District in Coral Gables. Hunt for souvenirs at South Beach's Lincoln Road or in the Bayside Marketplace. Support South Florida artists by buying from galleries in Wynwood.
Take in the culture
Explore history, art and science at unique museums in Miami. Learn about aviation at the Wings Over Miami Air Museum and visit an aquarium and planetarium under one roof at the Frost Museum of Science. Delve into Miami's history from pre-Columbian times at the HistoryMiami Museum, and snap some photos with one of the interactive exhibits at the Museum of Illusions.
Nightlife
You’ll find a wide range of options for nightlife in Miami. Go to salsa clubs in Miami Beach or relax with smooth jazz at Ball & Chain in Little Havana. Spot celebrities at E11EVEN or splurge on bottle service at Mr. Jones in South Beach. For something casual, try Mac’s Club Deuce, a 100-year-old South Beach bar.
Places to eat
Restaurants in Miami include street food, family-run eateries and fine-dining venues. Order a gourmet pizza at Arkadia Grill in Miami Beach or try Michelin-starred steak at COTE Miami in the Design District. Dine outdoors at Coconut Grove's favourite GreenStreet Cafe. Hop the bus to Little Havana for strong coffee, croquetas and hearty ‘ropa vieja’ (spicy beef stew).
Beaches
Beaches in Miami run between the city and the Caribbean Sea. Lounge in the sand and appreciate the Art Deco buildings on South Beach. Escape the crowds at Sunny Isle Beach and Historic Virginia Key Beach Park. If you’re feeling adventurous, try your hand at kayaking or stand-up paddling at Crandon Park Beach.
Get ready for Miami
Budget
For an inexpensive stay in Miami, consider booking during the wet season. Prices will be lower, and the city’s cultural institutions will be running at full steam. An inexpensive meal in Miami will cost you about 25 US dollars ($). A domestic beer costs about $8, and a cappuccino is less than $6. A short taxi ride starts at under $10.
Day trips from Miami
Explore an up-and-coming arts district and kayak through urban canals in Fort Lauderdale, just an hour north of the city, depending on traffic. If snorkelling is your thing, head south to Biscayne National Park. Here, you can book excursions to explore the park’s vibrant coral reefs, home to schools of tropical fish.
Getting around Miami
The Metrorail system covers most of Miami’s main neighbourhoods. Use the 90 Metrobus routes to reach the rest of the city. Buy an Easy Card at any train station and reload it via the Easy Card mobile app. Planning to explore outside the main districts? Consider hiring a car for maximum flexibility.
