About Miami
Miami is two cities in one — the beach-and-nightlife version the world imagines, and the genuinely fascinating Latin American metropolis underneath. South Beach's Art Deco district is best explored on foot at 8am before the heat arrives. The Wynwood Walls turned a warehouse district into the world's most photogenic open-air gallery. And Little Havana — particularly Calle Ocho on a Friday night — is a cultural experience that has nothing to do with the beach. Come October to May; summer is brutally hot and the hurricane season adds an element of unpredictability.
Highlights
South Beach Ocean Drive — Art Deco architecture at golden hour Wynwood Walls — 50+ murals from the world's best street artists Little Havana Calle Ocho — Cuban coffee, dominos, and live salsa on Fridays Versailles Restaurant — the Cuban exile institution, open since 1971 Design District — architecture, galleries, and the best people-watching Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park — the quieter beach the locals actually use
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Practical Info
EU/UK/US citizens do not need a visa for stays up to 90 days under the Visa Waiver Program (ESTA required for EU/UK) or with a valid passport.
US Dollar (USD). Exchange rates vary, but 1 EUR ≈ 1.10 USD, 1 GBP ≈ 1.25 USD. Cards are widely accepted, but carry cash for small vendors and tips.
Tipping is expected: 15-20% in restaurants, $1-2 per drink at bars, and $2-5 per day for hotel staff. Taxi/Uber drivers appreciate 10-15%.
Generally safe for tourists, but watch for pickpockets in crowded areas (e.g., South Beach) and avoid poorly lit streets at night in downtown.
Buy a prepaid SIM from T-Mobile, AT&T, or Verizon (e.g., $30-50 for 5-10GB) or use an eSIM like Airalo (~$19 for 3GB).
English is the official language; Spanish is widely spoken, and English is universally understood in tourist areas.
26 Local Tips
Miami nightlife has a heavy Latin influence, so if you don't know how to salsa or bachata even a little, take a 30-minute YouTube tutorial before your trip — people genuinely appreciate when visitors make the effort and it will get you onto the dance floor fast.
The after-hours culture here is real — some nights don't peak until 4 or 5am, and there are spots that legally keep going well past sunrise. If someone invites you to an after-party, just know that's not a metaphor.
Brickell has become the go-to neighborhood for a more grown-up night out — less spring break chaos, more cocktails on rooftops with actual conversations. If you're over the SoBe scene, head there and you'll feel the difference immediately.
Always hydrate aggressively when you're out here — the humidity at night still hits hard, especially if you're dancing, and alcohol dehydrates you faster than you realize in this climate. I keep a bottle of water in my bag no matter where I'm going.
Miami club culture is very appearance-driven, so dress like you actually put thought into it — even casual spots expect a certain level of polish. A nice pair of shoes can genuinely be the difference between getting waved in and waiting in line for an hour.
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