Major city · United States
Miami
Give Miami 3–4 nights: 2 in South Beach for the beach and Art Deco, 1–2 in Brickell or Downtown for food and transit. Skip the car unless you leave the city.
Miami is two cities in one trip. Miami Beach is a barrier island of sand, Art Deco hotels and late nights; the city of Miami across Biscayne Bay is a working downtown of towers, Cuban food and neighbourhoods. They are 20–40 minutes apart by causeway, so pick a base rather than commuting. Winter (Dec–Apr) is dry and busy; summer is hot, wet and cheaper.
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- USD
- Best months
- Dec–Apr
- avoid Jun–Sep (heat, humidity, afternoon storms); peak hurricane season Aug–Oct
- Airports
- MIA · FLL
- Nights
- 3–4
Rules in force · 7Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs …Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but ta…
- North America ↗Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs your passport even on a day trip; rental cars need the company's written permission to cross, and most US and Canadian rental insurance stops at the Mexican border.
- North America ↗Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but taking any amount across the US, Canadian or Mexican border is a federal crime — including edibles and vapes.
- North America ↗The busiest US and Canadian national parks need timed-entry, campsite or lodge reservations in summer; release dates are months ahead.
- United States ↗Check whether you need an ESTA (Visa Waiver Program) or a visa on the official CBP and State Department sites; apply only through esta.cbp.dhs.gov, not third-party sites, and allow time before you book.
- United States ↗Several popular national parks use timed-entry or vehicle reservations in peak season; check each park's page on nps.gov and book on recreation.gov before fixing your dates.
- United States ↗Medical care is very expensive for visitors; buy travel insurance with high medical cover before you fly.
- United States ↗Tipping is expected: about 15–20% at sit-down restaurants and bars, and a tip for taxis, hotel staff and guides.
What is in this basic guide9 covered · 4 not yet ▾
In this guide
Not in this guide yet
- Walking areas with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Airport-to-bed timings and the last safe connection
- Field-checked times and prices
Official sites
Emergency numbers for Miami911 ▾
- Police, fire, ambulance911
Tap a number to call from your phone. These are the numbers listed in this guide; a row marked check has not been verified.
EssentialsQuick answers and what things cost
Essentials
Quick answers and what things cost
Quick answers
The questions people ask first about Miami, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.
- Cash or card?Currency is the US dollar (USD, $).United States-wide
- SIM or eSIMAT&T, Verizon and T-Mobile cover the country; prepaid SIMs at their stores and Walmart/Target (passport required), or an eSIM before you fly.United States-wide
- Tap waterTap water is drinkable nearly everywhere; boil or treat water from streams in parks.United States-wide
- TippingSit-down restaurant: 18–22% of the pre-tax bill.United States-wide
- Plugs & powerSockets A/B. US/Canada (A/B): fits · UK/Ireland (G): adapter · Australia/NZ (I): adapter. 120 V: UK and AU 230 V-only devices need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.United States-wide
- SafetyCentral tourist areas are busy and generally safe by day; the real risks are heat, rip currents and storms.
Show all 12 answers
- RestroomsFree public toilets are scarce in big cities; use cafés, department stores, libraries, stations.United States-wide
- Emergency numbers911 police, fire, ambulance
- Sundays & holidaysFederal holidays close offices, banks and post offices; national parks stay open.United States-wide
- Your embassyFind your embassy's 24-hour line before you fly.
- AirportMIA Miami International Airport (8 km (5 mi) west of Downtown; Metrorail Orange Line to Government Center, about 20 min).MIA Miami International Airport (5 mi (8 km) west of Downtown; Metrorail Orange Line to Government Center, about 20 min).
- Getting aroundMetrorail (Orange Line serves MIA) plus the free Metromover loop in Downtown and Brickell cover the city core; Metrobus reaches the rest.
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- Coffee$4–7
- Sit-down mealSit-down dinner, mid-range, per personAdd 18–22% tip and 7% sales tax.$25–50
- Street or quick mealCuban sandwich$8–14
- Beerbar / supermarket six-pack$7–12$10–16
- Metro or bus rideMetrorail or Metrobus ride$2.25
- Museum or sight ticketMuseum entry (Vizcaya, Pérez Art Museum)check$15–25
- Budget bedHostel dorm bed, a night, per personUS$45
- Mid-range bedMid-range double room, a night, per roomUS$220
- High-end bedMid-range double room, a night, per roomUS$420
A day, not counting the bed: Budget US$90 · Mid US$180 · High US$350
Prices in local money; change the currency in the header to see yours next to them. Every price and the budget calculator →
DecideWhat it is known for, and when the weather works
Decide
What it is known for, and when the weather works
At a glance
What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.
- Airports
- MIA Miami International Airport (8 km (5 mi) west of Downtown; Metrorail Orange Line to Government Center, about 20 min) · FLL Fort Lauderdale–Hollywood International (25–40 min north by car depending on traffic; Tri-Rail connects to Miami Airport station)MIA Miami International Airport (5 mi (8 km) west of Downtown; Metrorail Orange Line to Government Center, about 20 min) · FLL Fort Lauderdale–Hollywood International (25–40 min north by car depending on traffic; Tri-Rail connects to Miami Airport station)
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
Best
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
Feb
Best
26°C (79°F)79°F (26°C)
Mar
Best
27°C (81°F)81°F (27°C)
Apr
Best
29°C (84°F)84°F (29°C)
May
not flagged
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
Jun
Avoid
32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)
Jul
Avoid
33°C (91°F)91°F (33°C)
Aug
Avoid
33°C (91°F)91°F (33°C)
Sep
Avoid
32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)
Oct
Avoid
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
Nov
not flagged
27°C (81°F)81°F (27°C)
Dec
Best
26°C (79°F)79°F (26°C)
Best: Dec–Apr. Avoid: Jun–Oct. Month by month →
Warmest Jul (33°C (91°F)91°F (33°C)), coolest Jan (16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C) low), wettest Aug (16 rain days), driest Feb (5). Averages, not a forecast.
Weather and climate
Miami: next 7 days
Loading forecast…
Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.
Air quality
Loading…
Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.
Jan
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
6 rd
Feb
26°C (79°F)79°F (26°C)
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
5 rd
Mar
27°C (81°F)81°F (27°C)
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
5 rd
Apr
29°C (84°F)84°F (29°C)
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
6 rd
May
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
9 rd
Jun
32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)
25°C (77°F)77°F (25°C)
15 rd
Jul
33°C (91°F)91°F (33°C)
25°C (77°F)77°F (25°C)
15 rd
Aug
33°C (91°F)91°F (33°C)
25°C (77°F)77°F (25°C)
16 rd
Sep
32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)
25°C (77°F)77°F (25°C)
16 rd
Oct
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
12 rd
Nov
27°C (81°F)81°F (27°C)
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
7 rd
Dec
26°C (79°F)79°F (26°C)
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
6 rd
High / low, both scales · rd = rain days
Arrive & moveAirports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Arrive & move
Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Getting around
Metrorail (Orange Line serves MIA) plus the free Metromover loop in Downtown and Brickell cover the city core; Metrobus reaches the rest. South Beach is a bus or taxi ride from Downtown, not a rail ride. Fares are per ride with free bus–rail transfers; a car only pays off for day trips.
Nearest full guides
Straight-line distance, not travel time
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Miami Beach and South Beach
goDoor to door: 20–40 min
Metrobus S from Downtown, or taxi/rideshare over the causeway
Walk Ocean Drive and the Art Deco blocks early; beach is busiest 11:00–16:00.Walk Ocean Drive and the Art Deco blocks early; beach is busiest 11:00 AM–4:00 PM.
Key Biscayne and Crandon Park
goDoor to door: 25–35 min
Car or rideshare via the Rickenbacker Causeway
Calmer beach and park; toll on the causeway.
Coral Gables
goDoor to door: 30–40 min
Metrorail to Douglas Road, then bus or short taxi
Miracle Mile dining and the Biltmore area; half a day.
Hialeah
cautionDoor to door: 35–45 min
Metrorail to Hialeah station, then walk or bus
Local food and markets rather than sights; go with a purpose.
Door to door: 1–1.5 h
Car south on US-1
A return day trip is mostly driving; sleep in the Keys instead.
Eat & sleepWhich area to sleep in
Eat & sleep
Which area to sleep in
Where to sleep
Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.
South Beach (Miami Beach)
Beach on foot, Art Deco streets, nightlife; priciest beds and resort fees.
Brickell
Downtown-adjacent towers, restaurants and bars; Metrorail and Metromover access.
Downtown Miami
Best for cruises, Brightline and museums; quieter at night in parts.
Coconut Grove
Leafy, low-rise, good for families and longer stays; 15–20 min drive to the beach.
Little Havana
Cheap eats and local life; few hotels and less walkable at night.
PracticalWhat a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Practical
What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Cost per day
- Budget
- $90–140 excl. bed
- Mid
- $160–260 excl. bed
- High
- $300+ excl. bed
Trip budget
| Mid-range double room1 × 3 nights × US$220 | US$660 |
| Food, local transport, entries2 × 3 days × US$180 | US$1,080 |
| Metrorail or Metrobus single ride2 × US$2 | US$5 |
| Airport transfer by rideshare, MIA to South Beach1 × US$40 · check | US$40 |
| eSIM, about a week of data2 × US$15 | US$30 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | US$182 |
| Trip total≈ US$333 per person per day, bed included | US$1,997 |
2026 estimate in US dollars; flights excluded. Prices are shown before sales tax. Your choices stay in this browser.
Prices of common things
| Coffee | $4–7 |
| Cuban sandwich | $8–14 |
| Sit-down dinner, mid-range, per personAdd 18–22% tip and 7% sales tax. | $25–50 |
| Beer: bar / supermarket six-pack | $7–12 / $10–16 |
| Rideshare, South Beach to BrickellSurges at closing time. | $20–35 |
| Metrorail or Metrobus ride | $2.25 |
| Museum entry (Vizcaya, Pérez Art Museum)check | $15–25 |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- Summer heat and humidity: plan indoor breaks 12:00–16:00 and carry water.Summer heat and humidity: plan indoor breaks 12:00 PM–4:00 PM and carry water.
- Afternoon thunderstorms Jun–Nov; lightning on the beach is a real risk.
- Hurricane season runs Jun–Nov, peak Aug–Oct: check forecasts and insurance.
- Ocean currents and rip tides: swim near lifeguards.
- Parking and resort fees add up fast; confirm before booking.
- Some bars and clubs add automatic service charges: check the bill.
Emergency numbers
- Police, fire, ambulance
- 911
Pocket card
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MiamiMiami
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
—
—
—
A esta dirección, por favorTo this address, please
Emergency
- Police, fire, ambulance911
Embassy
Most countries have consulates in Miami (check the address); embassies are in Washington, DC.
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- MIA → Government Center, Metrorail: about $2.25, about 20 min
- Rideshare MIA → South Beach: $35–50
- Brightline Miami → Fort Lauderdale: about $15–30, about 30 min
Say or show
- Gracias — Thank you (GRAH-syas)
- Por favor — Please (por fah-VOR)
- ¿Cuánto cuesta? — How much is it? (KWAN-toh KWES-tah)
- La cuenta, por favor — The check, please (lah KWEN-tah por fah-VOR)
- ¿Dónde está la playa? — Where is the beach? (DON-deh es-TAH lah PLAH-yah)
- No hablo español — I don't speak Spanish (noh AH-bloh es-pah-NYOL)
Spanish is widely spoken; English works everywhere in tourist areas.
Deep diveWhat this guide covers so far, and its sources
Deep dive
What this guide covers so far, and its sources
Not a trip line yet
This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for Miami. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.
What we know, and what is coming
On this page
- Best months: Dec–Apr · avoid Jun–Sep (heat, humidity, afternoon storms); peak hurricane season Aug–Oct · month by month →
- 2 airports and 5 areas to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 3 bands
- 5 day-trips, door to door
- 6 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- Airport-to-bed contract for MIA and FLL: last Metrorail and Tri-Rail departures, taxi fallback, overnight rung.
- Four walking clusters with rescue anchors: South Beach, Brickell–Downtown, Little Havana, Coconut Grove.
- Place pages with verified cutoffs (Vizcaya, Pérez Art Museum, Frost Science, Wynwood Walls) and eat pages with last orders.
- Storm and cruise-day fixtures so gates A–D can go green.