Miami Travel Guide
Contents
- Miami — Where Cultures, Ocean & Energy Meet
- Miami and Its Antipode
- The City
- Top Things to Do in Miami
- Do and See
- Dining in Miami
- Cafés in Miami
- Bars & Nightlife
- Shopping
- Tourist Information
Miami — Where Cultures, Ocean & Energy Meet
Miami is one of the most dynamic cities in the United States, shaped by waves of immigration, tropical climate, and its position between North America, the Caribbean, and Latin America. Sunlit beaches, high-rise skylines, and a vibrant arts scene coexist in a city defined by movement and contrast.
Set along the Atlantic Ocean and Biscayne Bay, Miami’s identity shifts between laid-back beach culture by day and high-energy nightlife after dark. The city’s multicultural population gives it a rhythm unlike any other in the country, where languages, cuisines, and traditions overlap continuously.
Miami and Its Antipode
Every place on Earth has an antipode — the point directly opposite it on the globe, connected by a straight line passing through the Earth’s core.
Miami’s antipode lies in the Indian Ocean, far from any major landmass. This land-to-ocean antipode reflects Miami’s orientation toward water, climate, and global exchange rather than continental depth.
The contrast between a dense coastal city and open ocean on the far side of the planet highlights Miami’s role as a gateway — outward-facing, fluid, and shaped by maritime movement.
The City
Immigration has played a central role in Miami’s growth over the past century, shaping its neighbourhoods and cultural life. Areas such as Little Havana and Little Haiti serve as cultural anchors, while Miami Beach showcases the city’s historic Art Deco architecture alongside contemporary luxury.
Miami is a city of contrasts: world-famous nightclubs sit alongside community parks, historic theatres, and open-air markets. Beaches, shopping districts, and cultural institutions combine to create a city that is both relaxed and constantly in motion.
Top Things to Do in Miami
South Beach
One of the world’s most famous beach districts, South Beach is known for its white sand, turquoise water, nightlife, and iconic Ocean Drive.
Wynwood Walls
An outdoor street-art museum where large-scale murals transform former warehouse walls into a global graffiti destination.
The Art Deco Historic District
The largest collection of Art Deco architecture in the world, built primarily in the 1930s and carefully preserved.
Little Havana
The cultural heart of Miami’s Cuban community, centred around Calle Ocho and known for music, food, cigars, and street life.
Everglades National Park
A UNESCO World Heritage Site and the only subtropical wetland in North America, home to alligators, crocodiles, and unique ecosystems.
Key West (Florida Keys)
A scenic drive south of Miami through the Florida Keys, offering beaches, historic sites, and island culture.
Pérez Art Museum Miami (PAMM)
A waterfront museum showcasing modern and contemporary international art.
Vizcaya Museum & Gardens
An Italian-style villa surrounded by formal gardens overlooking Biscayne Bay.
Adrienne Arsht Center
Miami’s premier performing arts centre, hosting opera, ballet, concerts, and theatre.
Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park
A state park on Key Biscayne featuring beaches, cycling paths, and the oldest lighthouse in South Florida.
Miami Seaquarium
A marine park showcasing dolphins, sea lions, and other ocean wildlife.
Parrot Jungle Island
A tropical park with lush landscapes, waterfalls, and exotic animals.
Do and See
Maximo Gomez Park (Domino Park)
A Little Havana landmark where locals gather to play dominoes and socialise.
Matheson Hammock Park
A local favourite offering a beach lagoon, boardwalk trails, and coastal views.
AmericanAirlines Arena
A major sports and entertainment venue in Downtown Miami.
Miami Food Tours
Guided walking tours combining local cuisine with neighbourhood exploration.
Dining in Miami
Miami’s cuisine reflects its multicultural population and coastal location, blending Caribbean, Latin American, Asian, European, and American influences. Seafood plays a central role, along with vibrant flavours and fresh ingredients.
- Cvi.Che 105
- Andiamo! Brick Oven Pizza
- Taquiza
- Mandolin Aegean Bistro
- Carpaccio Restaurant
- Joe’s Stone Crab Restaurant
- Smith & Wollensky
- Tony Chan’s Water Club
- Matador Room
- Michael’s Genuine Food and Drink
- Zuma
- Truluck’s
- NIU Kitchen
Cafés in Miami
Miami’s coffee culture blends European café traditions with Caribbean and Latin American influences.
- Imperial Moto Cafe
- Suite Habana Cafe
- Nikki Beach Miami
- Vice City Bean
- Rosetta Bakery
- Eternity Coffee Roasters
- Lemoni Cafe
Bars & Nightlife
Miami’s nightlife is internationally known, ranging from Latin dance clubs and live music venues to high-energy nightclubs and cocktail lounges.
- Do Not Sit On The Furniture
- Mango’s Tropical Cafe
- Bar Collins
- SHOTS Miami
- Ball & Chain
- Liv
- SkyBar at Shore Club South Beach
- MO Bar & Lounge
- Living Room
- Broken Shaker
Shopping
Shopping in Miami ranges from luxury boutiques to open-air malls and cultural marketplaces.
- Bayside Marketplace
- Miami Design District
- Lincoln Road
- Downtown Miami
- CocoWalk
- The Falls
- Miami Fair Trade Marketplace
- Dolphin Mall
- Books & Books
- Aventura Mall
- Sawgrass Mills
- TASCHEN Store
- Bal Harbour Village
Tourist Information
Miami is served by Miami International Airport (MIA) and Fort Lauderdale–Hollywood International Airport (FLL). Public transport includes Metrorail, Metromover, Metrobus, and regional rail services.
The best time to visit Miami depends on preference: winter offers mild weather, while summer brings higher temperatures and humidity.
Electricity in the United States is 120 volts / 60 Hz using type A and B plugs.
