When you think of vacations, Miami is the darling, as it is a destination that locals and foreigners want to visit at least once. Tourism here is not long in coming, so we want your stay in the city to be to your complete liking and we bring you this Miami tourist guide, thinking about your next adventure.
Miami is naturally attractive and although its pristine beaches are often the main destination, this ever-expanding, growing, and developing metropolis has everything to offer. Its strategic location in South Florida, with a warm climate during the twelve months of the year, is usually one of the biggest attractions as well. But how to get to know Miami tourism in the best possible way? Follow this guide to the letter.
Miami Tourist Guide: Getting to Know the City
Known as the “Gateway to the Americas,” it’s a vibrant and diverse destination that offers a perfect blend of culture, stunning beaches, and vibrant nightlife. In this Miami travel guide, we’ll provide you with all the information you need to plan your trip to this fascinating city.
Miami and everything you need to know
Famous for its warm climate, white sand beaches, and its artistic and cultural scene. It is a place where cultures intertwine, creating a unique atmosphere that attracts millions of visitors every year.
Enjoy a refreshing day in the Everglades National Park, taste a Cuban-style coffee in Little Havana, spend a fun day with the animals of Jungle Island or share one of the terraces on Ocean Drive to observe the special atmosphere of South Beach. (Civitatis Miami, 2024)
Wherever you look at it, Miami is the ideal city to enjoy an incredible vacation, but for you to have a smooth experience, it is essential that you have clear and precise information about some key details.
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Miami Travel Guide: What Documents Do You Need to Travel?
If you are a foreigner, to travel to Miami for tourism, the documents you need depend on your country of origin. Keep in mind that they only apply according to your nationality and that some of the list are only recommendations that will be useful to you.
- Passport.
- Tourist visa (B1/B2).
- Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA).
- Round-trip tickets.
- Proof of funds and financial sufficiency.
- Travel itinerary.
- Letter of invitation.
- Travel insurance.
Miami Travel Guide: Language & Currency
Coin
The official currency of Miami is the US dollar or US dollar ($, USD, US$). And when it comes to needing money you will not have any problem, since you will find both ATMs and bank branches throughout the city.
Always keep in mind the value of your currency and the exchange rate in dollars so that you are clear about your travel budget. If you need to exchange money while in Miami, make sure to do it at recognized banks or exchange houses. The use of your debit or credit cards will always be a fixed option when it comes to covering your travel expenses.
Language
While English is the official and predominant language in Miami, Spanish plays a very important role due to the large number of Spanish-speaking residents and visitors. This combination makes Miami a truly bilingual and multicultural city.
Therefore, if you speak Spanish, but not English, you will have no problems when communicating in the city. This is a unique advantage that the state of Florida offers over the rest of the cities in the United States. Other languages such as Portuguese and French are moderately common due to the rise of people from countries where these languages are spoken.
Miami Tourist Guide: How to Get to the City
Literally speaking, Miami can be reached by air, by water, and by land. The capital of the sun has international airports with direct routes from the United States, Latin America and Europe. In addition, its strategic location allows the Port of Miami to be the landing place for millions of tourists a year.
Getting to Miami by plane
Miami International Airport (MIA)
It is the main airport serving Miami and the closest to the city center, one of the busiest in the world and offers direct flights from numerous international and domestic cities.
Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL)
Located about 30-40 minutes north of Miami, this airport is also a popular choice for travelers visiting South Florida.
Palm Beach International Airport (PBI)
About an hour and a half north of Miami, it’s another, albeit farther, alternative for domestic and international flights.
Miami Executive Airport (TMB)
Also known as the Kendall-Tamiami Executive Airport, it is located southwest of Miami and serves mainly private and business flights.
Getting to Miami via Port Miami
The Port of Miami, also known as “PortMiami”, is one of the most important and busiest cruise ports in Miami in the world. It is a key entry point for those arriving via cruise ships.
Port Miami is a key economic driver for Miami, attracting millions of tourists each year who contribute significantly to the local economy through renting houses and apartments in Miami, spending on hotels, restaurants, shops, and tourist attractions.
Getting to Miami by Road – Brightline
Brightline is a high-speed rail service operating in Florida, providing fast and convenient connections between several key cities in the state. Currently, the main station, Miami Central, is located in the heart of downtown Miami, at 600 NW 1st Avenue.
To get to this station you can take the Brightline at any of the other stations that are located in the cities of FT. Lauderdale, West Palm Beach, Boca Raton, Aventura, and Orlando, located at Orlando International Airport (MCO). There are plans to expand the service to other cities in the future.
Getting to Miami by Road
If you’re planning to get there by car, the main highways that take you to Miami are I-95 from the north, US-1 from the Florida Keys, and I-75 from the west.
Miami Travel Guide: Transportation and Accommodation
Public transport
While many choose to rent a vehicle during their stay, public transportation in Miami is well-developed and offers several options for getting around the city and surrounding areas. Here’s a rundown of the main public transportation services in Miami.
Metrobus
Description: The bus network covers the entire Miami-Dade County
area, with routes reaching almost every major point in the city and suburbs.
Frequency: Varies by route, but buses generally have a high frequency on major routes.
Cost: Approximately $2.25 per trip, with daily, weekly, and monthly passes available.
Metrorail
Description: An elevated light rail system that connects downtown Miami to the airport, Hialeah, Kendall, and other key areas.
Lines: two main lines – the Green and the Orange.
Frequency: Trains run approximately every 10-15 minutes.
Cost: Approximately $2.25 per trip, with daily, weekly, and monthly passes available.
Metromover
Description: A free elevated light rail transportation system operating in downtown Miami and the Brickell area.
Routes: three main loops – Inner Loop, Brickell Loop, and Omni Loop.
Frequency: Trains run approximately every 5-10 minutes.
Cost: Free.
Tri-Rail
Description: A commuter rail system connecting Miami to Fort Lauderdale and West Palm Beach.
Frequency: Trains run approximately every 20-30 minutes during peak hours and every hour at less crowded times.
Cost: varies by distance, between $2.50 and $11.55 per trip.
Trolleys (trams)
Description: A free trolley service operated by the City of Miami, with several routes covering specific areas such as Coconut Grove, Coral Gables, and the Design District.
Frequency: varies depending on the route, but they usually run every 15-30 minutes.
Cost: free.
Water Transportation
Taxis and ferries that connect areas such as Miami Beach, Key Biscayne and other coastal areas.
Cost: varies by route and operator.
Where to stay in Miami
Miami Beach
If you’re looking for beaches and nightlife, Miami Beach is the place to be. Here you will find a wide range of hotels, from luxurious resorts to more affordable options.
Downtown Miami
For those interested in art, culture, and business, Downtown Miami offers a great location with easy access to museums, theaters, and convention centers.
Coconut Grove
With its bohemian atmosphere, Coconut Grove is perfect for those looking for a more relaxed and local experience, with charming shops and restaurants.
Miami Travel Guide: Mobility Tips
How to get around the city
Route planning: Use apps like Google Maps, Transit, or the official Miami-Dade Transit app to plan your routes and see schedules in real time.
Tarjeta EASY Card: Use it to pay on Metrobus, Metrorail, and Metromover. You can recharge at Metrorail stations and some retail outlets.
Traffic: Traffic can be heavy during peak hours (7-9 AM and 4-7 PM), so plan your commits with extra time if you’re traveling by car.
Simple ways to get around the city
Guided Tours
Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tours: these hop-on hop-off buses offer routes that cover many of Miami’s top points of interest. You can hop on and off at the stops you want to explore further.
Bike tours: a fun and active way to get to know areas like South Beach and Wynwood. There are several operators that offer guided bike tours.
Boat Tours: Biscayne Bay boat tours offer breathtaking views of the Miami skyline and celebrity mansions on Star Island and Fisher Island.
Car Rental
Flexibility and convenience: Renting a car allows you to explore at your own pace and reach places less accessible by public transportation, such as Key Biscayne or the Everglades.
Parking: Be aware of parking costs and availability, especially in busy areas like South Beach.
Electric Bikes and Scooters
Renting bicycles, electric scootters and others is a practical and simple way to get around the city at your own pace and without the setbacks that a mass and public transport system can often have.
Bike share (CitiBike): Available in many areas of the city, ideal for short commutes and relaxed rides.
Electric scooters: Sooters offer a fast and fun way to get around, especially in pedestrian areas and parks.
Walking
Pedestrian areas: South Beach, Wynwood, and the Design District are very pedestrian and perfect for exploring on foot.
Suggested routes: Plan routes that cover several nearby points of interest to maximize your time.
All of these options are convenient and flexible for your needs and preferences. Dedicate each day to a specific area. For example, one day in South Beach, another in downtown Miami and Brickell, etc. Surely with all these options, moving around Miami will be a very pleasant experience.
Travel itinerary to visit the best areas of Miami
Now, if your intention is precisely that, to visit each of the most important and emblematic areas of the city, this itinerary may be the guide you need to start planning your next vacation.
Day 1: South Beach and Art Deco District
**Morning:**Stroll along South Beach Beach and visit Lummus Park.
Noon: Have lunch at a restaurant on Ocean Drive.
**Afternoon:**Explore Art Deco architecture and visit the Art Deco Welcome Center.
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Day 2: Downtown and Brickell
Morning: Starts at Bayfront Park and Bayside Marketplace.
Midday: Lunch at Brickell City Centre.
**Afternoon:**Visit the Pérez Art Museum and walk along the Miami Riverwalk.
Day 3: Coconut Grove and Coral Gables
Morning: visit Vizcaya Museum and Gardens.
Noon: Have lunch at CocoWalk.
**Afternoon:**Explore the Miracle Mile and the Venetian Pool.
Day 4: Little Havana and Wynwood
**Morning:**Walk along Calle Ocho in Little Havana, visit Domino Park, and enjoy a Cuban coffee.
Noon: Have lunch at a Cuban restaurant.
**Afternoon:**Explore Wynwood Walls and nearby art galleries.
Day 5: Key Biscayne and Miami Seaquarium
**Morning:**Relax on the beach at Crandon Park.
Midday: Lunch in Key Biscayne.
**Afternoon:**Visit the Miami Seaquarium and Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park.
Planning your itinerary in this way will allow you to get to know the different areas and attractions of Miami in an organized and effective way.
Also read: Free Miami plans: activities and attractions without spending a dollar
Miami Travel Guide: Travel Tips
Useful phrases in Spanish and English
Having a list of words and phrases that you are going to use frequently, at least during the holidays, will come in handy. Even if you don’t speak the native language of the city, with this little trick of always having this list in mind everything will be much easier to solve.
Cordial expressions: greetings and courtesies
| Hello | Hello |
| Goodbye | Bye |
| Good morning | Good morning |
| Good afternoon | Good evening |
| Good night | Good night |
| Welcome | Welcome |
| Yes | Yes |
| No | No |
| Please | Please |
| Thank you | Thank you |
| You are welcome | You’re welcome |
| Sorry | Sorry |
| Maybe | Maybe |
Gastronomic vocabulary:
| Water | Water |
| Beer | Beer |
| Wine | Wine |
| Incoming | Starters |
| Soup | Soup |
| Meat | Meat |
| Pig | Pork |
| Veal | Beef |
| Chicken | Chicken |
| Turkey | Turkey |
| Duck | Duck |
| Vegetarian | Vegetarian |
| Fish | Fish |
| Chips | Chips |
| Rice | Rice |
At the airport
Where is the baggage claim?: Where is the baggage claim?
Where can I find a taxi/Uber?: Where can I find a taxi/Uber?
How do I get to the city center?: How do I get to the city center?
Emergency
I need help!:I need help!
Call the police/ambulance!: Call the police/ambulance!
I am lost. Can you help me?: I’m lost. Can you help me?
Where is the nearest hospital/pharmacy?: Where is the nearest hospital/pharmacy?
I need a doctor.: I need a doctor.
Other useful phrases
Do you speak Spanish?:Do you speak Spanish?
I don’t understand. Can you repeat that, please?:I don’t understand. Can you repeat that, please?
Can I have Wi-Fi access, please?: Can I have access to Wi-Fi, please?
What time does [place] open/close?: What time does it open/close [lugar]?
Where can I rent a car/bike?: Where can I rent a car/bike?
These phrases will help you communicate effectively during your Miami vacation and enjoy your trip.
Climate
Miami has a tropical climate, so it is advisable to pack light clothing and sunscreen. Hurricane season runs from June to November, so it’s important to be informed about weather conditions.
Safety
As in any large city, it is important to be aware of your surroundings and take basic precautions, especially in crowded areas.
Tips
In Miami, it is common to leave a tip of 15-20% in restaurants and bars. It is also common to tip taxi drivers and hotel staff.
Events & Festivals
Miami hosts numerous events and festivals throughout the year, such as the Miami Carnival, Ultra Music Festival, and Art Basel. Be sure to check the calendar of events so you don’t miss anything during your visit.
Shopping
From luxury boutiques in the Design District to vintage stores in Coconut Grove, Miami offers a great shopping experience. You can also visit Bayside Marketplace for a mix of shopping, dining, and live entertainment.
Miami is an incredibly diverse and exciting destination, with something to offer for everyone. Whether you’re looking to relax on the beach, explore the local culture, or enjoy the vibrant nightlife, this guide will help you plan an unforgettable trip. Pack your bags and get ready to discover all that Miami has to offer!
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Also read: 20 plans for children in Miami
References:
Civitatis Miami (2024) why visit Miami?
BBC Story Works (2024) Your Guide to Miami
Discover Miami (2024) The Ultimate Guide to Miami for Hispanics