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Introduction to Miami

Welcome to Miami! There’s no denying this city’s broad appeal: it’s buzzing and beachy, with a tropical climate, Latin American flavors, and art deco beauty – it's no surprise that it’s nicknamed the Magic City.

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Exploring Miami

To enrich your trip, it’s worth taking time to get acquainted with the geography of Miami. If you want to get a taste of nearly everything the city has to offer, Downtown Miami is ideal. The downside, however, is no beaches! Head to the barrier island known as Miami Beach for all the sea and sand your heart desires. South Beach is a hotspot for both beachtime and nightlife.

Don’t overlook the different neighborhoods, too, for a taste of melting-pot Miami. In Little Havana, salsa music fills the air and historic landmarks tell tales of Cuban heritage, and Calle Ocho is one of Miami's best-known thoroughfares. The Little Bahamas and Little Haiti districts showcase their respective homelands. Stop by the Historic Overtown, one of Miami's oldest neighborhoods: it was a cultural hub for Black artists during segregation.

Attractions in Miami

There's more to Miami than beaches! The city is renowned for its art deco aesthetic, and Miami Beach’s Art Deco Historic District is home to over 800 buildings and structures built in the 1920s and 30s. Take a walk or a tour and enjoy the photogenic pastels and fabulous retro details. For neighborhood strolls of a different nature, hip Wynwood is full of galleries and restaurants, and is known for its fantastic street murals.

If heat and humidity have your searching for air-con alternatives, get your fill of modern and contemporary art at the Pérez Art Museum. Nearby is the Frost Museum of Science, home to a spectacular aquarium, planetarium, and rotating exhibits. Another magnet is Vizcaya Museum and Gardens – this stunning waterfront estate, built in 1916, will make you feel like you've been transported to the Mediterranean.

Best beaches in Miami

You want beaches? You've got them! Head to the barrier island known as Miami Beach, east of Downtown. South Beach, which sits at the southern tip of the island, has been celebrated in film and TV. Stretching just over 3km (2 miles) north from South Pointe Park, the broad swath of white sand with colorful lifeguard stands is bordered by an iconic cityscape of art deco architecture and boutique hotels.

Farther north, the quieter beaches of the Mid Beach and North Beach neighborhoods have a more low-key vibe, offering plenty of space to spread your beach towels. Heading farther north again, you can swim and sunbathe at the pristine, mile-long Surfside Beach and upscale Bal Harbour.

In the other direction, head to the island of Key Biscayne, an oasis of sandy beaches, nature preserves, and seaside restaurants.

Dining in Miami

Eating out in Miami is a treat, especially if you like bold Latin and Caribbean flavors, and hot restaurants helmed by celebrity chefs. Little Havana is the epicenter of Cuban food, while other great foodie neighborhoods to explore are Wynwood, South Beach, and Coconut Grove.

The city’s culinary signature is the Cuban sandwich, made with ham, roasted pork, Swiss cheese, pickles, mustard. Other recommended dishes involve fresh seafood – especially Florida stone crabs and Peruvian ceviche. Churrasco steak with chimichurri sauce, frita (a Cuban twist on a burger), pastelito (pastry in different flavors), croquetas (croquettes), and arepas (flatbread with filling) take your taste buds on a tour of international-meets-local flavor. For dessert, you can't go past key lime pie, a citrusy treat that's Florida's 'official state pie'.

Nightlife in Miami

Miami gets its groove on after sundown, and the city has a renowned nightlife scene. The action is largely centered on South Beach and the Wynwood and Downtown districts. South Beach gives glamorous beach-party vibes and star-studded parties, while Wynwood has more of an eclectic, artsy flair. There’s everything from exclusive nightclubs to pool parties, plus rooftop bars with great skyline and ocean views.

Live music isn’t too hard to find, and given the city’s rich cultural influences many venues feature salsa, reggaeton, and other Latin music genres. Head to Little Havana for some quality salsa dancing.

As with the city’s finest food, the cocktails carry the influence of various neighboring countries, from mojitos to Cuba libres.

Getting around the city

Miami International Airport (MIA) is only 13km (8 miles) northwest of Downtown Miami. Renting a car to explore South Florida is an understandably popular option for visitors, but there’s also an extensive public transport system for Miami and surrounds.

Metrorail is a 40km (25-mile) elevated rail system – a fast and inexpensive way to get you from the airport to Downtown Miami. To explore Downtown Miami, Metromover is the best option – it's a free public transportation service around Downtown, and serves as a connection between Metrorail and Metrobus. Metrobus operates more than 90 routes serving areas that Metrorail and Metromover don't cover, such as Miami Beach, Key Biscayne, or Homestead (a gateway to the Everglades). You need an EASY Ticket to ride on public transit, and you can buy day or week passes.

Travel beyond Miami

South Florida is prime road-tripping territory, and excellent destinations from Miami include the Florida Keys and the Everglades.

The largest subtropical wilderness in the USA, the Everglades is an ecological wonderland that's home to rare and endangered wildlife. The region is synonymous with alligators – and the best way to see them in their natural habitat is to take an airboat tour, on a flat-bottomed boat that navigates through the marshes.

The Florida Keys are a string of tropical islands stretching about 190km (120 miles) off the southern tip of Florida, and the Florida Keys Overseas Highway is a bucket-list journey from Key Largo to Key West. This archipelago is famous for its clear waters and coral reefs, beaches, and laid-back island lifestyle. Visit for great fishing, boating, snorkeling, and scuba diving.