Miami

Day 1: Waterfront culture, museums and modern Miami

Begin on the bay where contemporary art meets skyline views. Today is walkable with help from the free Metromover; plan light layers for the breeze and strong sun.

• Morning: Explore Pérez Art Museum Miami for world-class exhibitions and its hanging gardens. Arrive via Metromover (Museum Park stop) to avoid parking; linger on the terrace for Biscayne Bay views.
• Midday: Lunch at the museum’s terrace café or hop two Metromover stops to Brickell for restaurants around Brickell City Centre. Browse the shops under the climate ribbon — it passively cools the open-air walkways, handy in summer humidity.
• Afternoon: Dip into HistoryMiami or the newly refreshed Freedom Tower to ground the city’s migration stories. If you prefer outdoors, stroll Bayfront Park; in peak heat (Jun–Sep) keep museum-heavy plans for mid-afternoon air‑con.
• Evening: Dinner in Brickell and a cocktail with skyline views; book ahead in high season (Dec–Apr). If you enjoy performance, check the Adrienne Arsht Center schedule and allow extra travel time during big event nights.

Day 2: Miami Beach art, Deco flair and people-watching

South Beach blends culture with classic Art Deco streets. Pack sunscreen, comfortable shoes, and plan for valet or ride-hailing as parking is tight.

• Morning: Visit The Bass for adventurous contemporary shows, then wander Collins Park and the beach for a quick dip. On Third Thursdays (evenings), the museum often runs free community programmes.
• Midday: Head to Lincoln Road for café lunch and prime people-watching. Browse boutiques and the design-forward Alchemist; side streets off Lincoln Road hide smaller independents.

By Air

• Miami International Airport (MIA) – primary gateway, 13 km/8 miles from Downtown.
  • By car/taxi/ride‑share: 15–25 minutes to Downtown; 20–35 minutes to Brickell; 20–35 minutes to Miami Beach (traffic dependent).
  • By public transport: Metrorail Orange Line to Downtown/Brickell (~15–25 minutes). Miami Beach Airport Express Bus 150 to South Beach (~30–45 minutes).
• Fort Lauderdale–Hollywood International (FLL) – secondary option, 40 km/25 miles north.
  • By car: 35–60 minutes to Downtown Miami.
  • By rail: Free shuttle to Tri‑Rail station, then Tri‑Rail to Miami (60–90 minutes total).
• Palm Beach International (PBI) – 115 km/72 miles north.
  • By car: 75–120 minutes to Miami.
  • By rail: Tri‑Rail to Miami (about 2–2.5 hours).
• Private aviation: Miami‑Opa Locka Executive (OPF) and Miami Executive (TMB) serve charter and private flights.

By Train

• Brightline (intercity) – MiamiCentral station (Downtown) to Aventura, Boca Raton, Fort Lauderdale, West Palm Beach and Orlando (MCO).
  • Typical times: Fort Lauderdale ~35 min; West Palm Beach ~1 hr 10–20 min; Orlando ~3 hr 15–30 min.

Explore Miami beyond the beach bustle: lighter on crowds in its art-led neighbourhoods, it packs world-class culture, local flavour and good value into an easy, sunlit city break.

• Culture & atmosphere: A tropical, design-forward city where contemporary art meets Caribbean and Latin soul—think PAMM’s bayside terraces, ICA’s free cutting-edge shows, and Wynwood’s murals, with insiders drifting to Allapattah’s Rubell Museum and Superblue.
• Authenticity: Tap into everyday life at Little Havana’s ventanitas (cafecito), Domino Park, and cigar rollers on Calle Ocho; explore Little Haiti Cultural Complex and monthly art walks (Wynwood’s Second Saturday, Coral Gables’ First Friday).
• Value & access: Stretch your budget with free-entry heavyweights (ICA Miami, de la Cruz Collection), Design District public art (Buckminster Fuller’s Fly’s Eye Dome), and the free Metromover to Museum Park; outside Art Week, galleries and collections are refreshingly quiet.
• Less-crowded finds: Swap crowded strips for Coconut Grove’s leafy boutiques, Upper Buena Vista’s micro-shops under a banyan, and working studios at Bakehouse or Fountainhead—authentic browsing with local flavour (pastelitos, Haitian griot) along the way.

Miami suits culture vultures, design lovers and luxury shoppers, blending cutting-edge contemporary art with Latin American and Caribbean flair. From blue‑chip museums to graffiti‑clad streets and immersive installations, it’s big‑ticket culture in compact, easy‑to‑plan districts. Add world‑class shopping from the Design District to Bal Harbour, and you’ve a sunshine city break that rivals New York for buzz in December.

• Art aficionados: Hit PAMM, ICA and The Bass, then the Rubell, de la Cruz and Margulies collections, with Art Week in December bringing the global scene to your doorstep.
• Luxury shoppers: Browse architectural flagships in the Design District, unwind at lush Bal Harbour Shops, and mix breadth at Aventura Mall with outlet bargains at Dolphin Mall (ask for visitor savings).
• History lovers: Step through time at Vizcaya, uncover exile stories at the Freedom Tower, explore city lore at HistoryMiami, and decode design propaganda at The Wolfsonian‑FIU.
• Families: Enjoy free entry at ICA with its sculpture garden, wander kid‑pleasing Wynwood murals, and dive into hands‑on, immersive art at Superblue.
• Instagrammers & design fans: Capture Wynwood Walls, the Design District’s public art (like Buckminster Fuller’s Fly’s Eye Dome), and PAMM’s hanging gardens over Biscayne Bay.
• Budget‑conscious travellers: Maximise free options (ICA, de la Cruz, public art) and monthly art walks, and check hours as private collections often open only a few days a week.

These are Miami’s unmissable highlights, distilled from the city’s standout art, design and shopping scenes. Use this shortlist to experience the best of its museums, murals and luxe districts in a few well-planned stops.

• Walk the mural-lined streets of Wynwood beyond the ticketed Walls to catch ever-changing graffiti and indie galleries.
• Explore the Miami Design District’s flagship boutiques, public art and the free ICA Miami in one polished stroll.
• Visit the Pérez Art Museum Miami on the waterfront, plus The Bass and the Wolfsonian on Miami Beach for a contemporary-to-design sweep.
• Take the free Metromover to Museum Park and linger on PAMM’s terraces for breezy bay views.
• Hike Vizcaya Museum & Gardens’ shaded paths and bayfront lawns to pair Gilded Age art with tropical greenery.

These are Miami’s unmissable highlights, distilled from the city’s standout art, design and shopping scenes. Use this shortlist to experience the best of its museums, murals and luxe districts in a few well-planned stops.

• Walk the mural-lined streets of Wynwood beyond the ticketed Walls to catch ever-changing graffiti and indie galleries.
• Explore the Miami Design District’s flagship boutiques, public art and the free ICA Miami in one polished stroll.
• Visit the Pérez Art Museum Miami on the waterfront, plus The Bass and the Wolfsonian on Miami Beach for a contemporary-to-design sweep.
• Take the free Metromover to Museum Park and linger on PAMM’s terraces for breezy bay views.
• Hike Vizcaya Museum & Gardens’ shaded paths and bayfront lawns to pair Gilded Age art with tropical greenery.

Miami’s food scene blends Cuban, Caribbean and Latin American flavours with coastal freshness. Expect strong coffee, vibrant street bites and seafood served steps from the water.

• Cuban sandwich (Cubano) – pressed roast pork, ham, Swiss, pickles and mustard on Cuban bread; crisp, savoury and addictive. Best enjoyed at bustling ventanitas and classic cafés in Little Havana.
• Stone crab claws with mustard sauce (seasonal) – sweet, chilled claws cracked to order with tangy mustard. Find them at lively fish markets and waterfront bars (Oct–May).
• Key lime pie – sharp, creamy lime custard on a crumbly biscuit base with whipped cream or meringue. A staple of beachside cafés and old-school diners.
• Cafecito (Cuban espresso) – tiny, potent and sweet, perfect for a mid-day jolt. Grab one from walk-up window cafés and neighbourhood bakeries.

Miami’s food scene blends Cuban, Caribbean and Latin American flavours with coastal freshness. Expect strong coffee, vibrant street bites and seafood served steps from the water.

• Cuban sandwich (Cubano) – pressed roast pork, ham, Swiss, pickles and mustard on Cuban bread; crisp, savoury and addictive. Best enjoyed at bustling ventanitas and classic cafés in Little Havana.
• Stone crab claws with mustard sauce (seasonal) – sweet, chilled claws cracked to order with tangy mustard. Find them at lively fish markets and waterfront bars (Oct–May).
• Key lime pie – sharp, creamy lime custard on a crumbly biscuit base with whipped cream or meringue. A staple of beachside cafés and old-school diners.
• Cafecito (Cuban espresso) – tiny, potent and sweet, perfect for a mid-day jolt. Grab one from walk-up window cafés and neighbourhood bakeries.

Choosing where to stay in Miami sets the tone for your trip: each neighbourhood offers a distinct vibe and daily rhythm. Focus on the area that matches your interests, budget, and transport needs—hotels are secondary to location.

• South Beach — Iconic Art Deco, sandy strolls and late-night buzz; ideal for first‑timers, nightlife fans and design lovers who want everything walkable.
• Brickell — Sleek urban core with rooftop bars, upscale dining and easy Metromover access; suits business travellers, couples and modern city vibes.
• Design District & Wynwood — Luxury flagships, cutting‑edge galleries and street art; perfect for shoppers, creatives and foodies—note limited beach access, plan ride‑shares.
• Coral Gables — Leafy, Mediterranean‑style streets and Miracle Mile boutiques; great for architecture/history lovers and a quieter, elegant base away from the crowds.

Choosing where to stay in Miami sets the tone for your trip: each neighbourhood offers a distinct vibe and daily rhythm. Focus on the area that matches your interests, budget, and transport needs—hotels are secondary to location.

• South Beach — Iconic Art Deco, sandy strolls and late-night buzz; ideal for first‑timers, nightlife fans and design lovers who want everything walkable.
• Brickell — Sleek urban core with rooftop bars, upscale dining and easy Metromover access; suits business travellers, couples and modern city vibes.
• Design District & Wynwood — Luxury flagships, cutting‑edge galleries and street art; perfect for shoppers, creatives and foodies—note limited beach access, plan ride‑shares.
• Coral Gables — Leafy, Mediterranean‑style streets and Miracle Mile boutiques; great for architecture/history lovers and a quieter, elegant base away from the crowds.

Travel in Miami is straightforward, but a few practical details make planning smoother. The city’s highlights are spread across distinct neighbourhoods, and prices change noticeably with seasons and big events. Here’s what to know.

• Affordability: Expect mid‑range meals at $15–30 per person and cocktails at $12–18; hotels typically run $150–350+ per night (budget options from around $100), with rates and ticket prices spiking during winter peak and Art Week.
• Transport: Neighbourhoods are walkable once you’re there (South Beach, Wynwood, Design District), but distances are long—use ride‑hailing, Metrorail/Metromover (free downtown), Miami Beach/City trolleys, Brightline trains for day trips (Fort Lauderdale, West Palm Beach, Orlando), or hire a car for the Everglades and the Keys.
• Language: English is the main language and Spanish is widely spoken; most staff are bilingual, so English alone is fine.
• Safety & comfort: Generally safe and friendly for families and solo travellers—use normal city caution (mind bags in busy areas like Wynwood and Miami Beach, avoid deserted industrial edges at night) and plan for summer heat, humidity and sudden showers.
• Crowds: Peak season is December–April (very busy during early‑December Art Week and holidays); May and Oct–Nov are calmer with better deals, while June–September is hot, quieter and occasionally stormy, with cruise‑day crowds near Downtown on weekends.

Travel in Miami is straightforward, but a few practical details make planning smoother. The city’s highlights are spread across distinct neighbourhoods, and prices change noticeably with seasons and big events. Here’s what to know.

• Affordability: Expect mid‑range meals at $15–30 per person and cocktails at $12–18; hotels typically run $150–350+ per night (budget options from around $100), with rates and ticket prices spiking during winter peak and Art Week.
• Transport: Neighbourhoods are walkable once you’re there (South Beach, Wynwood, Design District), but distances are long—use ride‑hailing, Metrorail/Metromover (free downtown), Miami Beach/City trolleys, Brightline trains for day trips (Fort Lauderdale, West Palm Beach, Orlando), or hire a car for the Everglades and the Keys.
• Language: English is the main language and Spanish is widely spoken; most staff are bilingual, so English alone is fine.
• Safety & comfort: Generally safe and friendly for families and solo travellers—use normal city caution (mind bags in busy areas like Wynwood and Miami Beach, avoid deserted industrial edges at night) and plan for summer heat, humidity and sudden showers.
• Crowds: Peak season is December–April (very busy during early‑December Art Week and holidays); May and Oct–Nov are calmer with better deals, while June–September is hot, quieter and occasionally stormy, with cruise‑day crowds near Downtown on weekends.

Miami has a dry, lively winter peak and a hot, humid summer low, with brief shoulder windows offering the best balance of price and crowds. Expect a major cultural spike during early December’s Art Week, then steady programming through January–April.

• Winter / Peak Season (Dec–Apr): Warm, dry and breezy; biggest crowds and highest prices; Art Week in early December and a full cultural calendar keep the vibe buzzy.
• Summer / Low Season (Jun–Sep): Very hot, humid and storm‑prone (hurricane season); thinner crowds and better deals; some venues run reduced hours.
• Shoulder Season (May & Oct–Nov): Warm with occasional showers; fewer crowds and good value; lively but calmer than the Basel frenzy.

Miami has a dry, lively winter peak and a hot, humid summer low, with brief shoulder windows offering the best balance of price and crowds. Expect a major cultural spike during early December’s Art Week, then steady programming through January–April.

• Winter / Peak Season (Dec–Apr): Warm, dry and breezy; biggest crowds and highest prices; Art Week in early December and a full cultural calendar keep the vibe buzzy.
• Summer / Low Season (Jun–Sep): Very hot, humid and storm‑prone (hurricane season); thinner crowds and better deals; some venues run reduced hours.
• Shoulder Season (May & Oct–Nov): Warm with occasional showers; fewer crowds and good value; lively but calmer than the Basel frenzy.

Day 3: Design District polish, Wynwood walls and Allapattah icons

From luxury flagships and public art to murals and powerhouse private collections, today spans Miami’s creative spectrum. Use ride-shares between districts; distances are deceptive.

• Morning: Start in the Miami Design District: free-entry ICA Miami, the de la Cruz Collection (check limited opening days), and standout public art. Coffee in Palm Court, then browse flagships — dress smart-casual if you plan boutique visits.
• Midday: Move to Wynwood for the ticketed Wynwood Walls and the surrounding streets’ ever-changing murals. Consider the Museum of Graffiti; grab lunch at a brewery or food trucks — Second Saturday Art Walk is a lively monthly option.
• Afternoon: Continue to Allapattah for the Rubell Museum’s expansive contemporary collection, then immerse at Superblue’s large-scale installations (pre-booking recommended in peak season). If timing aligns, add El Espacio 23 (limited hours).
• Evening: Celebrate with a culture-forward dinner: Little Havana for live music and a post-meal stroll on Calle Ocho, or Little Haiti for Caribbean flavours and community arts (check the Little Haiti Cultural Complex calendar). After dark, stick to main streets in Wynwood/Allapattah and use ride-hailing rather than walking long industrial blocks.

Tips for all three days:

• Private collections often run Thu–Sun hours; always check ahead, especially Jun–Sep when some galleries reduce hours.
• During Art Week, pick 2–3 key events daily and book everything (tickets, meals, cars) in advance — less is more.
• Metromover is free and useful Downtown/Brickell; elsewhere, ride-sharing beats parking hassles.

By Bus

• Main operators: Greyhound, FlixBus and RedCoach.
  • Primary stops at Miami Intermodal Center (by MIA) and Downtown/Brickell locations (varies by operator).
  • Typical times: Orlando 4.5–6 hr; Tampa 6–7 hr; Naples 2–3 hr; Key West ~4 hr (via dedicated shuttles/tour buses).

By Car

• Main approaches:
  • I‑95 from the north (East Coast); Florida’s Turnpike (toll) from Central/North Florida; I‑75 (Alligator Alley) from the Gulf Coast (Naples/Fort Myers); US‑1 from the Florida Keys.
  • Within Miami: SR‑836 (Dolphin Expressway) links MIA and Downtown; I‑395/MacArthur Causeway to Miami Beach.
• Approximate drive times: Orlando 3.5–4.5 hr (Turnpike); Tampa 4–5 hr (I‑75); Naples 1.75–2.5 hr (I‑75); Key West 3.5–4.5 hr (US‑1).
• Tolls: Many routes and express lanes are cashless (SunPass or Toll‑by‑Plate). Expect heavy congestion at peak times; parking in Miami Beach and popular districts is limited/paid.

By Sea (Cruise)

• PortMiami – one of the world’s busiest cruise ports, minutes from Downtown (10–20 min by car; ~15–25 min from MIA).
  • Frequent embarkations with major cruise lines; taxis/ride‑shares are the most practical transfers.

Miami suits culture vultures, design lovers and luxury shoppers, blending cutting-edge contemporary art with Latin American and Caribbean flair. From blue‑chip museums to graffiti‑clad streets and immersive installations, it’s big‑ticket culture in compact, easy‑to‑plan districts. Add world‑class shopping from the Design District to Bal Harbour, and you’ve a sunshine city break that rivals New York for buzz in December.

• Art aficionados: Hit PAMM, ICA and The Bass, then the Rubell, de la Cruz and Margulies collections, with Art Week in December bringing the global scene to your doorstep.
• Luxury shoppers: Browse architectural flagships in the Design District, unwind at lush Bal Harbour Shops, and mix breadth at Aventura Mall with outlet bargains at Dolphin Mall (ask for visitor savings).
• History lovers: Step through time at Vizcaya, uncover exile stories at the Freedom Tower, explore city lore at HistoryMiami, and decode design propaganda at The Wolfsonian‑FIU.
• Families: Enjoy free entry at ICA with its sculpture garden, wander kid‑pleasing Wynwood murals, and dive into hands‑on, immersive art at Superblue.
• Instagrammers & design fans: Capture Wynwood Walls, the Design District’s public art (like Buckminster Fuller’s Fly’s Eye Dome), and PAMM’s hanging gardens over Biscayne Bay.
• Budget‑conscious travellers: Maximise free options (ICA, de la Cruz, public art) and monthly art walks, and check hours as private collections often open only a few days a week.