Visit Miami: 2022 Miami Travel Guide & Tips

Sprawled across from the Everglades to Biscayne Bay, Miami is a coastal city and seat of Miami-Dade County. As a major resort, port, and business hub in southeastern Florida, Miami has the largest urban economy in the state, making a significant contribution in tourism, finance, film and TV, and transportation industries.

The greater Miami metropolitan area is comprised of several counties such as Palm Beach and Miami-Dade, and the city of Miami is the finance and culture core of it all. For tourists, popular neighborhoods to stay and visit include Downtown Miami (historic center), Little Havana (Cuban heart of the city), South Beach (first-class beaches and dining), Coconut Grove (upscale tropical vibe), and Wynwood (alluring art scene). Also famed for being the "Capital of Latin America," Miami has nearly 70% of its population being Hispanic, and Spanish has become the predominant language in many areas of the city. To experience this rich and energetic Latin vibe, visitors should explore Calle Ocho in Little Havana and party the night away in Club Tipico Dominicano.

Miami has a colorful, exotic yet relatively brief history compared with many other parts of the country. Originally settled by the Tequesta Indians, then claimed by the Spanish in the 1500s, the area in which the city of Miami is situated didn’t develop into a relevant town until the 1800s when it became the county seat, and notable pioneers arrived in the region, such as William Brickell (known as the "Father of Miami") and Julia Tuttle (citrus plantation owner). Miami saw astonishing growth in the 20th century with constructions booms and waves of Cuban immigrants. Today, with a continuing vision of global economies, Miami has the largest concentration of international banks in the country.

Besides the beaches, shopping, and nightlife scene, Miami also has many cultural and natural wonders to surprise and amuse visitors. Be wowed by the spectacular Vizcaya Museum and Gardens, soak up the arty vibe at Wynwood Arts District, indulge in authentic Cuban sounds and tastes in Little Havana, and be one with nature on a boat tour of the Everglades National Park.

A tropical environment contributes to Miami's status as one of America's premier winter resorts, but it is a popular destination year-round. Although the best time to explore the city weather-wise is in Spring (mid-February to May), if you want that winter escape or party your way through the school breaks, Miami is very popular from end-November to mid-April. The period between Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s holidays is particularly crowded. For the peak season, first timers should expect higher prices, and it’s advisable to book accommodations months in advance.

While Miami is an exciting and convenient destination for travelers, to avoid those uncomfortable parts of the trip and safety blind spots, here are some general tips for first-timers to the city. With a relatively high crime rate, Miami on the surface might not appear to be the safest tourist destination in the US. But in reality, if visitors stick to certain neighborhoods, they should be totally fine. Miami Beach, Brickell, Coral Gables, and Coconut Grove are safe neighborhoods, whereas Liberty City, Little Haiti, Overtown, and parts of South Beach are to be avoided. To not put yourself in a vulnerable position, avoid walking at night, especially on the beach. Get a taxi instead. Also, keep an eye on your belongings in crowded areas and not leave them unattended on the beach, pickpocketing is common in these areas.

Wondering where to stay in the city? There are so many great areas in Miami, choosing the right location depends on the purpose of your visit, budget, and other considerations. For parties and nightlife, South Beach is the best location. For a quieter and more upscale beach resort experience, head to Bal Harbour. Traveling with the family? Key Biscayne is kids-friendly with lots of activities.

While Miami has numerous public and private airports, most visitors fly in and out of the city through Miami International Airport (MIA). A significant international airline hub, MIA is one of the largest airports in the US, offering flights to over 160 domestic and foreign destinations. Located 12 km (7.5 miles) from the center of Miami, the bustling MIA has three terminals, handles over 45 million people each year, and over 100 air carriers operate out of it. The airport has an abundance of passenger facilities like extensive food & dining options (many of which are locally owned establishments), shopping services (e.g. duty-free shops, bookstore, and currency exchanges), a spa and yoga room, and baggage storage.

Visitors need not worry about transfer options to the city as transports are easily available, such as the metro, car rentals, hotel shuttles, taxis, and rideshare options. A fast and affordable way is the Metro, but first visitors need to hop on the free MIA Mover (3rd level between the Dolphin and Flamingo garage) to the Miami Intermodal Center. From there, the Metro Orange Line is available to several downtown locations. Fare for the metro is $2.25 per person, per trip.

For people who are staying in the Miami Beach area, there’s an airport transfer option just for you. The Miami Beach Bus Route 150 which is an express bus service links MIA (from the Miami Intermodal Center) with various stops in the Miami Beach neighborhood, such as 41st Street, Lincoln Road, and Washington Avenue.

Alternatively, in normal traffic, the quickest option is a taxi (outside the arrival ground level of the airport) or rideshare services (from ride app pickup zones).

The public transport in Miami is excellent, especially the Metrorail and Metromover Train System which can make traveling in the city much more accessible. While most cities put their metro trains underground, in Miami it’s above the streets. The Metrorail has 23 stations stretched from Hialeah to Dadeland and includes the Miami International Airport. The one-way fare is $2.25, and you must have a fare card (Easy Card), usually available from a machine at the station. By getting off at Government Center, visitors can reach Downtown and sightsee the Courthouse, Miami-Dade Public Library, and the oldest Catholic Church in town. Metromover is a convenient and free transport option. It's a great way to travel between Downtown and Brickell.

Why not see the city using a Trolley? Free trolley services are available in Miami, Miami Beach, Coral Gables, Little Havana, among other locations, linking popular areas in those neighborhoods with Metrobus and Metrorail (not for traveling between cities). Operating at around 15 minutes’ intervals, the trolley is clean, usually empty, and a cool way to see the cityscape.

Miami's local bus system is called the Metrobus and it covers more than 95 routes throughout the county. You can reach almost anywhere you want to go on the bus. Express buses run between Miami Beach and the Miami International Airport Metrorail Station and from Metrorail to South Dade. The regular fare is $2.25, it needs to be exact change only, or use a fare card.

Taxi and rideshare options are also popular in Miami. Taxi fares start at $2.95, this works out to upwards of $30 for a 20-minute ride. One downside is that taxis are not readily available to be hailed from the street, so you need to call for a taxi service ahead of time. Hence given its high prices and the inconvenience of ordering them, most locals prefer ride-sharing apps.

Miami has a tropical monsoon climate which means hot and humid summers, and short and pleasantly warm winters. While visitors arrive year-round due to its sunny days and stunning beaches, the best time to explore the city is in Spring, from mid-February to May. During this period, the heat and humidity are moderate, and the hurricane season hasn’t fully arrived. The hottest month is August with an average high temperature of 32 C (89 F), and the coldest month is January with an average of 16 C (60 F). If you prefer to holiday in summer and don’t mind the heat, expect short rainfall almost every day with thunderstorms a common occurrence. Note that June through the end of November is the hurricane season.

Crowds are at their peak in Miami from end-November to mid-April, and this is particularly true around the Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s holidays. From students to retirees looking to escape the snow elsewhere in the country, Miami is everyone’s favorite tropical winter getaway destination. As result, visitors should expect higher prices, and it’s advisable to book accommodations months in advance. Can’t get the right balance between heat and crowds? Consider making your trip during the shoulder seasons - March to May and October to November - a great time to avoid the crowds, enjoy milder weather and even save a few bucks.

Are you looking for a good spot in Miami? Then head to Little Havana- the heart of Miami's Cuban culture, centered around Calle Ocho which is a lively street packed with Latin-inspired restaurants, bakeries, fruit vendors, cigar stores, rum bars, art galleries, and music venues. It's also home to Máximo Gómez Park, better known as Domino Park, where residents congregate to discuss politics over furious games of dominoes. Little Havana's arts and cultural exhibition are also vibrant as the place. Every March, the neighborhood plays host to the Calle Ocho Music Festival to celebrate Carnival Miami, with big-name entertainers headlining the festivities. Pack your bags and go to the Miami beach for the best beach experience.

For historical sightseeing, the well-preserved buildings in the Art Deco Historic District are not to be missed. Party like a celebrity at some fantastic beach clubs. Lummus Park on Ocean Drive can give you the first taste of Miami Beach's urban-seaside vibes.

Beyond the scenic beauty of the city, Miami has a colorful and artistic place. Wynwood has become a haven for aspiring painters, graffiti artists, creatives, and young innovators alike. This vibrant area is centered around Wynwood Walls and is just minutes from Downtown Miami, Midtown, and the Miami Design District.

If you are thinking of what to eat in Miami, try out the Arepas - a delicious dish that can be eaten or stuffed with meat, vegetables, and cheese. You can head to La Latina in Miami to sample this amazing dish. If you want to eat yours as the locals do in Miami, then you need to order yours stuffed with pulled pork, melted cheese, and avocado. Another must-try dish is the Stone Crab which you can find at Joe’s Stone Crab at Miami beach, a bustling and wildly popular institution with the best dishes. Eat it with chilled hash brown potatoes and mayo for the typical Miami experience. Ceviche is another exciting dish you will find in Miami. It’s an irresistible creation with fresh raw fish cured in citrus juices, such as lemon or lime, and spiced with chili peppers. Try out this dish prepared by Peruvian super chef Gastón Acurio at his eponymous hotel restaurant within the Mandarin Oriental Miami.

Whatever type of shopping experience you are looking for, from artisan markets to upscale malls, Miami likely offers it. Take a look at Lincoln Road, a trendy open-air mall where you will find the most exclusive shops in South Beach. Many top art galleries and specialty stores can be found here, and you will experience the most outstanding dining choices in the area too.

Another exciting spot is the Bayside Marketplace located right on the edge of the water in Downtown Miami’s Biscayne Bay. The malls here include world-famous brands, impeccable food, festive atmosphere, all in a gorgeous waterfront setting. In addition, visitors can enjoy a Bay cruise or hop on the Water Taxi Miami from here.

Next on the list is Miracle Mile, the bustling shopping strip at the center of the city. The place is known for having independent boutiques and chic local stores. Why not go beyond and explore further in Coral Gables with its grand streets lined with mansions and gardens. If you are new to the city and looking for the perfect place for shopping, these places will make your shopping better.

The United States of America, also known as the USA or the United States, is the world’s fourth-largest country by size, covering approximately 9.8 million square kilometers (3.8 million square miles). Located in North America, the United States shares land borders with Canada to the north and Mexico to the south. There are 50 states, a federal district, as well as Indian reservations, and unincorporated territories. Population-wise, the USA ranks third in the world with roughly over 330 million people. The capital city is Washington, D.C., and the state capital of Florida is Tallahassee.

The most commonly spoken language in the United States is English (American English). In Miami, Spanish is spoken by nearly 60% of the population, hence it is also a dominant language. All told, 128 languages can be heard in the Miami metropolitan area.

Miami resides in Eastern Standard Time (EST). It is 5 hours behind Greenwich Mean Time (GMT-5). From mid-March to early November, Miami time will enter Daylight Saving Time (Eastern Daylight Time), hence it will be 4 hours behind GMT (GMT-4).

As the 7th largest city in the US, Miami has a problem with drugs, gangs and crime. So, from a public safety perspective, the city is only fairly safe for travelers. But as crimes are mainly localized in certain neighborhoods, with standard precautions and being aware of which areas to avoid, tourists should have a pleasant and safe stay. For emergencies, dial 911 for police, fire brigade, and ambulance services.

Like elsewhere in the United States, the US Dollar ($ or USD) is the official currency. Tipping is hugely important in the US, the standard tip in the country between 15-20%.

Best Family Hotels：Miami Marriott Biscayne Bay

This hotel is located on Biscayne Bay in Central Miami and is 2 minutes' drive from American Airlines Arena sports venue. The hotel offers an outdoor pool, hot tub, and 3 on-site restaurants.

Wired internet, a work desk, and a marble bathroom are featured in all rooms. Select Miami Marriott Biscayne Bay rooms include views of Central Miami and Biscayne Bay.

There is a daily transfer service to Miami city centre and the South Beach district for a surcharge. The concierge desk at Marriott Biscayne Bay can help guests schedule transfers as well as water activities like scuba diving or jet skiing. A launderette and gift shop are available as well.

Catch Grill and Bar serves fresh Florida seafood for breakfast, lunch, and dinner with views of the bay. The Pool Bar and Espressamente Illy Cafe feature a light menu with a beer and wine selection.

Guests will be 6 minutes' drive from Bayside Marketplace and within 8 miles from Miami International Airport. The shopping, dining, and entertainment of Miami Beach are 4 miles away.

Best Family Hotels：InterContinental Miami, an Ihg Hotel

Miami is truly one of the world's most vibrant tropical playgrounds. In this stunning locale, a pulsing nightlife, brilliant white-sand beaches and sizzling culture combine for the perfect getaway. Stay downtown at the InterContinental Miami to experience the best of this colourful city. Our hotel offers richly appointed accommodations and breathtaking views of Biscayne Bay. Immerse yourself in elegance just minutes from South Beach, the Port of Miami, Coconut Grove and Coral Gables. Boasting 641 newly redecorated guest rooms and suites, we're an oasis of sophistication and world-class service. We are only 7.5 miles from Miami International Airport and just 25 miles from Fort Lauderdale International Airport.

Best Family Hotels：Mandarin Oriental, Miami

Property Location

With a stay at Mandarin Oriental Miami, you'll be centrally located in Miami, convenient to Bayfront Park and Port of Miami. This 5-star hotel is within close proximity of Miami Convention Center and Mary Brickell Village.

Rooms

Make yourself at home in one of the 326 air-conditioned rooms featuring iPod docking stations and DVD players. Rooms have private balconies. Cable programming provides entertainment, and wired and wireless Internet access is available for a surcharge. Private bathrooms with separate bathtubs and showers feature designer toiletries and hair dryers.

Rec, Spa, Premium Amenities

Relax at the full-service spa, where you can enjoy massages and body treatments. You can soak up the sun at the private beach or enjoy other recreational amenities including an outdoor pool and a spa tub. This hotel also features wireless Internet access (surcharge), babysitting/childcare, and gift shops/newsstands.

Dining

Grab a bite to eat at one of the hotel's dining establishments, which include 2 restaurants and a coffee shop/café. Quench your thirst with your favorite drink at a bar/lounge.

Business, Other Amenities

Featured amenities include high-speed (wired) Internet access (surcharge), a business center, and express check-out.

You must present a photo ID when checking in. Your credit card is charged at the time you book. Bed type and smoking preferences are not guaranteed.Your reservation is prepaid and is guaranteed for late arrival. The total charge includes all room charges and taxes, as well as fees for access and booking. Any incidental charges such as parking, phone calls, and room service will be handled directly between you and the property.

Best Family Hotels：Four Seasons Hotel Miami

Located opposite Biscayne Bay, this Art Deco Miami hotel features a full-service spa, outdoor pool with cabanas, and on-site restaurant. Guests will be in the Business District and only 15 minutes' drive from South Beach.A flat-screen cable TV, marble en suite bathroom, and a city or bay view are featured in all rooms. Four Seasons Hotel Miami also provides a seating area and desk with ergonomic chair.When guests are not in of the 2 outdoor pools, they can enroll in fitness classes like cycling or yoga. Access to free Wi-Fi, a hot tub, and sauna are provided to all Four Seasons Hotel guests.Edge, Steak & Bar features contemporary American cuisine from locally sourced seafood and vegetables to steaks in a dining room, bar, and outdoor terrace. Bahía offers poolside dining and beverages.Guests will find a variety of boutiques and eateries within 2 miles of the hotel at Bayside Marketplace. American Airlines Arena is 2 miles away.