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Miami, known for its glamour and cosmopolitan vibe, stands out with its miles of sandy beaches, year-round sunshine, and vibrant nightlife. Describing it merely as an international metropolis would be a gross understatement, given its North American core infused with Caribbean flair, a generous dose of Latin American influence, a hint of African heritage, a touch of Asian influence, and a sprinkle of European charm. All these elements and their fascinating blend make it an exciting and unparalleled travel destination.
The City
Immigration has played a major role in Miami's explosive growth over the last 80 years, and this has naturally had a great influence on the shape of Miami today. Its people make the city pulsate with a large and vibrant multicultural art scene, while its location at the sea and in the sun has attracted life-indulging pleasure-seekers from all over the world: the lazy beach culture by day gives way to infectious musical rhythms by night.
Miami – in this guide also referring to Miami Beach, which is built on a sandbar across Biscayne Bay – is a city of contrasts: across the street from one of the country's most exclusive nightclubs, visitors in the know can catch a gritty open mic night, and salsa clubs and musical theater of the highest caliber exist here side by side.
Little Havana and Little Haiti are the centers of Caribbean life in the city, while the Art Deco architecture near South Beach showcases Miami's heyday in the roaring 20s, mixed with today's latest fashion in dining, wining, living, and clubbing. Miami Beach exudes a celebrity lifestyle, while Miami itself has fast become an international cultural hot spot as a center of Latin and North American art and gastronomy with inspiration taken from all corners of the world.
Miami has picturesque beaches, exceptional nightlife, plentiful shopping opportunities, and delicious dining options. Although there is an abundance of things to do in the city and on the beach, visitors should not pass up the chance of taking one-day excursions to see some of the breathtaking natural surroundings.
Do & See
Miami has unlimited ways to charm its visitors, as the city's natural beauty and its surroundings are breathtaking, while its great climate offers chances for outdoor activities pretty much all year round.
While staying close to the city will allow you to enjoy some of the best beaches on the planet, do also explore a little further and visit the wonders of the Everglades or the Florida Keys.
Even though the weather nearly forces you to stroll around in the sun, Miami's architectural past and its vibrant art scene will tempt you to spend some time indoors, and the warmth of the vastly international population will make you want to stay here for good.
Dining
Like its people, Miami's cuisine is an infusion of flavors. Greatly influenced by the city’s ethnic mix and its location by the Atlantic Ocean, creative chefs have merged Miami’s seafood with Asian, Caribbean, European, and South American flavors, and the result is a limitless array of options, ranging from world-class chefs and their fusion experiments to family-run holes-in-the-wall serving up specialties from around the globe. And one cannot leave town before trying the deliciously refreshing local dessert: Key Lime pie.
Cafés
Coffee culture in Miami is eclectic, and it draws on European, American, and Caribbean influences. The coffee here is best enjoyed outside in the refreshing breeze of the city while admiring the scenery and passers-by. Take an espresso by the sands of South Beach, a cappuccino in Coral Gables, or a cortadito in the heart of Little Havana.
Bars & Nightlife
Miami's nightlife offers much more than the alluring and extravagant VIP nightclubs of South Beach. Locals and tourists alike are drawn to the Latin dance clubs of Española Way and the sophisticated martini bars in the Design District.
In addition to laid-back bars for post-sun bathing drinks, the live music scene offers a plethora of options, including bars featuring jazz, flamenco, or salsa. With just a bit of effort, one can also discover poetry slams, world-class theaters, and art performances to elevate their evenings.
Shopping
Whether you prefer outdoor shopping in a breezy environment, browsing megamalls with air-conditioned comfort, or exploring department stores, there are plenty of options from which to choose in Miami.
If you're looking for unique and stylish home decor, furniture, or art, the Design District and Collins Avenue in Miami Beach are the places to be. Meanwhile, Bal Harbour is the go-to spot for high-end designer boutiques, and Bayside Marketplace offers a classic shopping experience with popular chain stores. For a more exotic shopping experience, be sure to check out Little Havana or Española Way on Sunday afternoons.
Tourist Information
Passport/Visa
Citizens of Schengen Area countries, along with Andorra, Australia, Brunei, Canada, Ireland, Japan, Monaco, New Zealand, San Marino, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan, and the United Kingdom, can visit the United States for up to 90 days without needing a visa, provided they obtain an approved ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) before their trip. All other travelers must secure a visa before visiting the U.S.
In addition, international travelers must ensure their passport is valid for at least six months beyond their intended stay. For the most current information and any updates on entry requirements, it is advisable to consult the U.S. Department of State website or contact the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate before traveling.
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Miami International Airport (MIA)
Miami International Airport (MIA) is located approximately 11 kilometers from Downtown Miami, making it a short 10 to 15-minute drive, depending on traffic. Travelers can easily access the city center through various transportation options, including taxis and ride-sharing services, which are readily available at the airport’s arrivals level.
For those looking for more affordable or public transport options, the MIA Mover is a free automated people mover that connects the airport to Miami Central Station, where passengers can transfer to the Metrorail, Metrobus, and Tri-Rail services.
Address: Miami International Airport, Miami
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Phone: +1 305 876 7000
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Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood Airport (FLL)
Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL) is located about 55 kilometers from Downtown Miami, a drive that typically takes 35 to 45 minutes, depending on traffic. Travelers can easily reach Miami via several transportation options, including ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft, available directly from the airport. For a more affordable choice, the Tri-Rail commuter train connects FLL to Miami with a transfer shuttle to the station, offering a journey time of around 30 to 40 minutes. Taxis are also available at designated stands. Additionally, visitors can opt for private shuttle services such as GO Airport Shuttle or SuperShuttle, or rent a car from one of the many rental agencies at the airport.
Address: Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport, Fort Lauderdale
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Phone: +1 954 359 1200
Website: www.broward.org/airport/Pages/default.aspx
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Frequently Asked Questions about Miami (FAQs)
- What is the best time to visit Miami?
As Miami has a long and beautiful season of summer all year long, deciding on when to visit Miami mainly depends on what you are looking for and what you expect: while spring is ideal for enjoying outdoor activities and venues, the summer gets quite hot and somewhat deserted – keep in mind that these seasons have the highest threat of hurricanes.
During the fall, Miami comes to life again with its many events, such as the Miami Art Week, while the winter attracts most visitors with its ever-lasting sunshine and many events and adventures that are yet to come.
- Is Miami safe?
Overall, Miami is a safe city for tourists. However, like most U.S. large cities, Miami does have a few safety issues, especially regarding drugs, gangs, and crime. But visitors shouldn’t worry about that since the most dangerous areas, such as Overtown, Model City, Downtown, Little Haiti, and Allapattah are not ordinarily on tourists’ itineraries.
In Miami, pickpocketing can be an issue, so do not look too vulnerable and always use common sense when exploring the city.
- Is Miami worth a visit?
Yes, definitely. Miami is worth a visit not only for its year-round pleasantly warm weather, pristine beaches, and energetic nightlife but also for its astonishingly rich cultural life.
- Does Miami get hurricanes?
Yes. Southeast Florida, where Miami is situated along with West Palm Beach and Fort Lauderdale, is very susceptible to hurricanes. Hurricane season in Florida usually occurs between August through late October.
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Public Transport
Miami’s public transportation system is primarily made up of buses, the Metrorail, and the Metromover. The Metrorail is an elevated train system that connects areas like Downtown Miami, Coconut Grove, and South Miami, while the Metromover is a free, automated rail system that operates within Downtown and Brickell, making it a convenient option for short trips.
Buses cover the entire city and the surrounding areas, providing extensive routes for visitors looking to explore Miami on a budget. The Easy Card is the go-to fare card for the Metrorail and Metrobus, offering convenient payment options and discounted fares for multiple rides.
For information on fares, routes, and timetables, visit Miami-Dade Transit's official website.
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Website: www.miamidade.gov/global/transportation/home.page
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Taxi
Taxis are widely available in Miami, particularly at airports, hotels, and popular tourist areas like South Beach and Downtown, but they are not as commonly hailed on the street as in cities like New York. Most travelers, however, prefer using ride-sharing apps like Uber and Lyft, which operate throughout the city and offer a more convenient and often cheaper alternative.
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Post
Post offices in Miami generally operate Monday to Friday from 8am to 5:30pm and Saturday from 8am to noon, though hours may vary by location. Services include mailing and shipping, PO Boxes, package pickup, and passport processing at select locations.
Address: 2200 NW 72nd Avenue, Miami
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Phone: +1 800 275 8777
Website: www.usps.com
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Pharmacy
In Miami, major pharmacy chains include CVS Pharmacy, Walgreens, and Walmart Pharmacy, each offering multiple locations throughout the city.
Address: CVS - 1177 SW 8th Street, Miami
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Phone: +1 305 285 6861
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Telephone
Country Code: +1
Area Code: 305
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Time Zone
Miami operates on Eastern Time (ET), which is UTC-5. During Daylight Saving Time (DST), from early March to early November, the city shifts to UTC-4.
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Electricity
US standard voltage is 110-115V and the standard frequency is 60Hz. The sockets and the power plugs are of type A and B. Type A plugs have two flat parallel pins, while Type B plugs have two flat parallel pins plus a grounding pin.
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