Miami, United States - Travel Guide

Miami is a vibrant coastal metropolis known for its stunning Art Deco architecture, beautiful beaches, diverse Cuban-American culture, and world-class nightlife. From the colorful streets of Little Havana to the trendy murals of Wynwood, Miami offers a unique blend of Latin American flair and American energy.

Quick Facts

Recommended Stay5 days

Budget$106/day

Mid-range$258/day

Luxury$597/day

Known For

miamisouth_beachart_decolittle_havanawynwoodbrickellcoconut_grovecoral_gableskey_biscayneevergladesmiami_beachocean_drivedesign_districtfloridasunshine_state

🇺🇸 Country Information: United States

CapitalWashington

CurrencyUnited States dollar ($)

LanguageEnglish , Spanish,Chinese,French,Tagalog,Vietnamese,Korean,German,Arabic,Russian

Phone Code+1

Electricity120V (Type A, B)

Tap WaterSafe to drink

Tipping

Tipping is customary for services (restaurants, bars, taxis, hair salons, etc
)
Restaurant waitstaff: 15
20% of the bill
Bar staff: $1
2 per drink or 15
20% of the bill
Taxi drivers: 15
20% of the fare
Hotel housekeepers: $2
5 per day

Money & Payments

ATMs are widely available
Credit cards are widely accepted
Bringing cash is a personal preference, but credit/debit cards are sufficient for most transactions
No black market for cash

Cultural Norms

Casual dress is common, but smart casual is appreciated in upscale settings
Politeness and direct communication are generally valued
Punctuality for appointments is expected
Personal space is generally respected
Shaking hands is a common greeting
Eating customs are diverse, but typically involve using forks, knives, and spoons
It is common to make small talk with strangers
"Bless you" is said when someone sneezes

LGBTQ+ Information

Generally LGBTQ+ friendly. LGBTQ+ rights vary by state, but federal protections are in place for marriage equality and some anti-discrimination laws. Public opinion is increasingly supportive.

Alcohol & Drug Laws

Legal drinking age is 21
Marijuana laws vary by state (some states allow recreational or medicinal use, others do not)
Federal law prohibits marijuana use
Drug laws are strict, particularly for illicit substances

Special Laws

It is illegal to jaywalk in many areas
Open container laws for alcohol vary by state and city
Driving laws vary by state

Common Phrases

NoNo (NOH)

YesYes (YES)

HelloHello (huh-LOH)

PleasePlease (PLEEZ)

Excuse meExcuse me (eks-KYOOS mee)

Thank youThank you (THANk yoo)

Climate

Miami has a tropical monsoon climate with hot, humid summers and warm, dry winters. Sea-level elevation and proximity to the Gulf Stream shape its weather. Best time to visit: December-April for sunny skies and 68-78°F temperatures. Hurricane season runs June-November (peak Aug-Oct). Ocean is swimmable year-round (74-85°F).

Getting There

Miami International Airport (MIA) is the main hub, 8 miles from downtown
Fort Lauderdale
Hollywood International (FLL) is 30 miles north and often has cheaper flights
Brightline high
speed rail connects to Fort Lauderdale and West Palm Beach

Getting Around

Metrorail and Metromover provide free/cheap transit in downtown
Uber/Lyft widely available
Car rental recommended for exploring beyond downtown and beaches
Traffic can be heavy, especially on I
95

Health & Vaccinations

No specific vaccinations required for US domestic travel
Routine vaccinations (MMR, DTaP, chickenpox, polio, flu) recommended
Mosquito repellent advised due to occasional Zika/dengue concerns in South Florida
Sun protection essential year
round

Staying Connected

All major US carriers support eSIM (Verizon, AT&T, T
Mobile)
International visitors can use Airalo, Holafly, or Nomad eSIMs
T
Mobile offers excellent coverage throughout Miami
Most hotels and cafes offer free Wi
Fi

Local Cuisine

Cuban Sandwich must_try

Miami's signature sandwich featuring ham, roasted pork, Swiss cheese, pickles, and mustard on pressed Cuban bread. A perfect blend of Cuban and Americ

Stone Crab regional_speciality

Florida stone crab claws served chilled with mustard sauce. Season runs October 15 - May 15. The claws are sustainably harvested as crabs regenerate t

Ceviche must_try

Fresh seafood cured in citrus juices, reflecting Miami's Latin American influences. Peruvian and Mexican styles are both popular throughout the city.

Ropa Vieja must_try

Cuba's national dish of shredded beef in tomato-based sauce with peppers and onions. The name means 'old clothes' referring to the shredded meat's app

Empanadas street_food

Crispy fried or baked pastries filled with seasoned beef, chicken, or cheese. A popular grab-and-go snack reflecting Miami's diverse Latin heritage.

Book in Advance

Plan ahead for the best experience. Here's what to book before your trip:

🔴 Must Book in Advance

Accommodation (Miami Beach/Event Season) Accommodation

Book 2–6 months in advance

High demand, major events (e.g., Art Basel), and peak winter season lead to packed hotels and significantly higher prices, particularly in beachfront areas.

Tickets for Major Seasonal Events (e.g., Art Basel) Attraction

Book 1–3 months in advance

Key events like Art Basel in December attract global crowds and tickets for exclusive satellite events often sell out quickly.

🟡 Recommended to Book Ahead

High-Demand Dining Reservations Dining

Book 2 weeks–2 months in advance

Miami has many popular, high-end restaurants, especially in South Beach, Wynwood, and the Design District, which book out weeks ahead for prime dinner times.

Everglades Airboat Tours/National Park Entry tour_or_activity

Book 1–4 weeks in advance

Tours, particularly popular half-day guided airboat trips, have limited capacity and often sell out, especially during the peak dry season when wildlife viewing is best.

Fun Facts

1. Miami is the only major US city founded by a woman - Julia Tuttle convinced Henry Flagler to extend his railroad.
2. South Beach's Art Deco Historic District has the largest collection of Art Deco architecture in the world.
3. More than 70% of Miami residents speak Spanish at home - it's essentially a bilingual city.
4. Miami's cruise port is the busiest in the world, welcoming over 5 million passengers annually.

Ready to explore Miami?

Create a personalized day-by-day itinerary with AI

Start Planning Your Trip