Miami is sunshine, Latin culture, pastel architecture and world-class nightlife, with turquoise water and wild wetlands on its doorstep. This guide covers the essentials and links to our detailed Miami guides.
Top things to do in Miami
- South Beach and Ocean Drive: the Art Deco Historic District, beaches and people-watching.
- The Wynwood Walls: open-air murals by world-famous street artists.
- Little Havana: Calle Ocho, Cuban coffee, cigars and Máximo Gómez (Domino) Park.
- Vizcaya Museum and Gardens: an Italian-style villa on Biscayne Bay.
- The Everglades: alligators, airboats and the Shark Valley tram. See our Everglades guide.
- Key West: a road trip down the Overseas Highway. See Key West from Miami.
- Key Biscayne: quieter beaches and a lighthouse.
See all 20 best things to do in Miami, or compare Miami tours and Everglades trips.
Where to stay in Miami
- South Beach: beaches, Art Deco and nightlife. Best for first-timers.
- Mid-Beach and North Beach: quieter beaches and big resorts.
- Brickell and Downtown: skyline hotels, restaurants, Metromover.
- Wynwood and the Design District: art, food and nightlife.
- Coconut Grove and Coral Gables: leafy, calm and upmarket.
Read our full Miami area guide, or check hotel prices in Miami.
Getting around Miami
Miami is spread out. The free Metromover loops through Downtown and Brickell, the free Miami Beach trolleys serve the beach neighbourhoods, and Metrorail and Metrobus cost about $2.25 per ride. Most visitors use Uber or Lyft. Rent a car for the Everglades and the Keys, but parking in South Beach is expensive.
Airport to the city
| Option (MIA → South Beach) | Cost | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Airport Flyer bus 150 | ~$2.25 | ~45–60 min |
| Uber / Lyft | ~$30–40+ | 20–40 min |
| Metered taxi | Metered ($15 minimum from MIA) | 20–40 min |
Full details are in Miami Airport to South Beach.
Best time to visit Miami
December to April is dry, sunny and warm (24–28°C), and it’s peak season. May to October is hot, humid and rainy, and hurricane season runs from June to November, though prices drop. Art Basel Miami Beach (early December) and Miami Music Week (March) push prices up. Read the best time to visit Miami.
Entry and practical tips
Visa Waiver travellers need an approved ESTA (apply only at esta.cbp.dhs.gov). The fee is $40.62 from 16 October 2026. Tipping of 18–20% is expected, though some South Beach restaurants add an automatic service charge, so check your bill. Get a USA eSIM and travel insurance, because US healthcare is very expensive.
Miami guides
- 20 best things to do in Miami
- Miami itinerary: 3, 4 or 5 days
- Where to stay in Miami
- Everglades day trip from Miami
- Key West day trip from Miami
- Miami Airport to South Beach
- Best time to visit Miami
- Las Vegas travel guide
Another Latin city break: see our Mexico City travel guide.
FAQ: Miami travel
How many days do you need in Miami?
Three to four days covers South Beach, Wynwood, Little Havana and Vizcaya. Add a day each for the Everglades and Key West.
Is Miami expensive?
Yes, especially South Beach hotels, parking and cocktails. Save with Cuban food in Little Havana, the free trolleys, and stays in Mid-Beach or Downtown.
Do I need a car in Miami?
Not for South Beach and the city, where rideshares and the free trolleys and Metromover are enough. A car is best for the Everglades and the Keys.
When is hurricane season in Miami?
From 1 June to 30 November, with the peak risk from August to October.
Plan your trip to Miami
The trusted services we use to plan our own trips.
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