Miami travel guide
Meet MiamiMiami weather reportGetting into MiamiTop attractions in MiamiGetting around Miami Where to eat in MiamiPage 2: More information on Miami
Meet Miami
Historically the US has been known as a land of promise, where all dreams are possible, but few of its cities are able to live up to that promise. Luckily, Miami is one of the few that do. So much so, that its locals used to refer to it as ‘The Magic City’ due to its rapid growth. Located on Florida’s southeastern tip, Miami serves up a unique fusion of North American, Latino, and Caribbean cultures.
Its geographical positioning endows it with experiences not available elsewhere. According to Michael Mann, the director of the famous TV sitcom (and later movie) Miami Vice, this is ‘one of these great places that are really sensual and physically beautiful’. Perhaps this is why Miami is an ideal destination even during late autumn and early winter, when most tourists have left yet its year round sunshine remains.
Visitors to Miami will probably be struck by its stunning skyline, among other things. Not only was it recognised as America’s cleanest city in 2008, it also holds the title for being the world’s richest one. But its list of accolades doesn’t end there. Miami is blessed with exotic beaches and a tropical Everglades climate reminiscent of the Caribbean, which is no surprise as it’s very close to Cuba and is home to a large Cuban community. In fact, 65 percent of the city’s residents are fluent in Spanish, and for a truly authentic experience, visitors should head to Little Havana comprising an eclectic scene of art, dance, food and music all unto itself.
Speaking of which, Miami is renowned for its clubs, restaurants, bars, and nightlife in general, and with that comes world class music. Not only did this town give birth to talents such as KC and the Sunshine Band and Gloria Estefan, it also surprises visitors with makeshift music groups playing Salsa in the streets of Downtown Miami.
So if you’d to hit the beach by day and salsa in the streets (or in a club) by night, this is definitely the place for you.
Miami weather report
Florida is called the ‘Sunshine State’ for good reason. Summers are hot and sunny and fit for the beach, but luckily, winters aren’t much different with the average temperature close to 20 ºC. In the summer temperatures can reach 35 ºC, which along with Florida's humidity can sometimes feel stifling, especially during the day. Both fall and summer are prone to rain and thunderstorms, which is characteristic of what is famously known as an ‘Indian summer’.
For the latest weather info use the Pampo weather forecast tool.
Getting into Miami
There are several options available for getting into the city from Miami International Airport including taking one of several public buses (routes 7, 37, 42, 57) to the closest Metro station (Hialeah Metrorail Station or South Miami Metrorail Station) or straight to the city. As of 2010, Metrorail began direct transfers between the airport and city.
Alternatively, travelers can take a taxi or shuttle service from the airport for a flat fee and go sightseeing in the main tourist areas. This takes no longer than 20-30 minutes and costs $20-25 to arrive in the heart of South Beach where most hotels are located.
Top attractions in Miami
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Miami has something for everyone’s palette. For those interested in culture, it offers the Adrienne Arsht Centre for the Performing Arts, one of the largest of its kind in the United States, hosting Florida Grand Opera, Miami City Ballet and the New World Symphony.
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Both intellectuals and party goers will be captured by Cultural Fridays in Little Havana, an off-beat artistic festivity taking place on the last Friday of every month. Travellers visiting during the month of March can attend the famous Calle Ocho Festival, a free carnival renowned for its music.
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The Art Deco District in South Beach, offers up stunning skyscrapers which owe their existence to a hurricane that razed this part of the city in the 1920’s. The area is reminiscent of the town’s classy Jazz period when it posed as a nightly hangout for stock brokers, politicians and mafia.
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For outdoor adventures, Miami is home to Florida Everglades National Park, the largest subtropical park in North America, hosting a unique ecosystem of protected and less protected animals, hungry crocodiles included. The Seaquarium on Virginia Key, the largest of its kind in the United States, provides an excellent opportunity for children to experience the amazing underwater world. Its facilities host a plethora of fish, sharks and other species along with animal shows, among them one performed by the diva of the Seaquarium, Lolita the Killer Whale, the oldest and perhaps most famous orca living in captivity.
Getting around Miami
Metromover, the city’s public transport network, is free of charge and comprises buses, monorail, and trains that will get travellers anywhere they’d like to go in town. It also offers an orientation tour for tourists.
Metrorail is a large rail system covering transport to downtown Miami. If you want to make trips to Palm Beach or to the Everglades it might be wise to rent a car for around $200 a week. You can also rent a bicycle but be aware, Miami, is not very bicycle-friendly, except for on its beaches.
Where to eat in Miami
Not surprisingly, Miami hosts all kinds of cuisine, from the sophisticated New World/Nuevo Latino mix of Caribbean and American ingredients to the classic American burger joint and Asian and European culinary servings.
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Jerry’s Diner is practically an institution in Miami, with a huge menu of 800 dishes and a specialization in classic American recipes
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Big Pink, a traditional American diner serving up huge juicy burgers
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Puerto Sagua in South Beach, one of the best Cuban restaurants in town, renowned for its delicious picadillos
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Altamar is the place to be for seafood fans. The prices might be slightly high but the delicious Florida Keys Snapper Fillet is worth it
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Rusty Pelican combines romantic scenery with tropical food and great cocktails
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Shorty's Bbq make your mouth water for days with the flavour of sumptuous crispy ribs made with original barbeque sauce