Miami is where everyone goes to play in Florida (and from the world too). Famous for cruises, South Beach, Cubans, beautiful people (thank you plastic surgery!), and wild clubs and parties, Miami is a wild and eclectic city. It is where you go for fun in the sun. It’s not one of the cheapest American cities but it is definitely one of the most fun. I always enjoy my time in the city (and am happy when I leave). It’s never boring!
Miami
Top 5 Things to See and Do in Miami
1. People watch on South Beach
2. Visit the Ancient Spanish Monastery
3. See Coral Castle
4. Visit the Everglades
5. Visit Little Havana
Other Things to See and Do
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1. Visit the Vizcaya Estate
No visit to Miami is complete without a stop at the historical 50-acre Vizcaya estate. This European-style mansion offers a glimpse at life in turn-of-the-century South Florida. It’s open daily (except Tuesdays) from 9:30am-4:30pm. Admission costs $18.
2. Lounge on the beach
Besides South Beach, some additional waves to check out. Good spots include Virginia South Beach, Haulover Beach (the only legal nude beach), and Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park.
3. Go clubbing
There is a very active nightlife in Miami and if you like clubs, Miami is one of the best places in the world to go clubbing. There is usually a $20-30 cover to get into the clubs and most drinks are around $10 each.
4. Explore the Florida Keys
This archipelago stretches out along the south of Florida. Visit Key Biscayne, the northernmost island, for some great parks, beautiful views of Miami, and some swimming.
5. Stroll the Fruit and Spice Park
This park is the only one of its kind in the country. It contains 500 species of fruit and spice plants and trees on 30 acres of land. At certain points in the year, the park also hosts festivals, so check a calendar for details when you’re in town. It’s open daily from 9am-5pm and admission costs $8.
6. Check out Coral Gables
If you want a taste of the extravagant life, take a walk or drive through Coral Gables, one of the wealthiest neighborhoods in all of the United States. It was designed in the 1920s by George Merrick, and regulations ensure that all buildings in the area still adhere to the style that Merrick had envisioned for the community.
7. Explore the Art Deco Historic District
The Art Deco Historic District is an area of Miami Beach noted for its concentration of over 800 Art Deco buildings all within one square mile. Consider joining a walking tour which takes you past the white and pastel-colored stucco buildings beautifully restored to their former glory thanks to the Miami Design Preservation League. Walking tours start around $25 for about two hours.
8. Relax in Key Biscayne
If you feel like escaping the city, Key Biscayne is the place to do it. The Florida Keys’ northernmost island is just a 15-minute drive from the city center, and is home to two waterfront parks, a bike path, and some incredible skyline views of Miami. If you want to spend the entire day, pack a picnic and hang out in Crandon Park or go swimming at the east end of the Key.
Typical Costs
Budget hotel prices – You can find a room in a budget hotel starting around $70 per night. Hotels at this price point typically include private bathrooms, air-conditioning, a TV and free WiFi. On Airbnb, shared rooms start around $25 per night and entire homes start around $50 per night.
Average cost of food – If you are in the South Beach area or any of the restaurants on the strip, you should expect to pay at least $20 a meal. But, go away from the main area, and you will be able to eat for half of the price. As elsewhere in America, there are a ton of fast food options for less than $7. In Little Havana, you’ll find delicious Cuban food for less than $10. If you cook your own food, expect to pay $50 per week for groceries that will include pasta, vegetables, chicken, and other basic foods.
Transportation costs – It may take a while, but Miami’s extensive public transportation system will get you to where you need to go. Both the bus and the metrorail cost $2.25 per trip. Uber operates in Miami with a base fare of about $1 and it costs $1 per mile and is way cheaper than a taxi!
Suggested daily budget
$60-90 (Note: This is a suggested budget assuming you’re staying in a hostel, eating out a little, cooking most of your meals, and using local transportation. Using the budget tips below, you can always lower this number. However, if you stay in fancier accommodation or eat out more often, expect this to be higher!)
Money Saving Tips
- Look for package deals – Because Miami is such a tourist destination, you can often find packages for flight and hotels. Sign up for deal alerts and be flexible on your travel dates. This is one of the easiest ways to save money.
- Get the Go Miami Card – If you are going to see the sights around Miami, you should get the Go Miami Card. You can get unlimited free admission to over 25 major Miami attractions for one price. The cards are up good for up to 14 days.
- Couchsurf – Couchsurfing started in the United States, and free accommodation offered can make up for the lack of hostels. You’ll find plenty of hosts throughout the city who will show you around their town and let you stay for free. I’ve used it plenty of times and have really enjoyed it as a way to meet people.
- Go on a free walking tour – This is a great way to learn the history behind the places you are seeing and to avoid missing any must-see stops. Dr. Paul George’s Free Little Havana Walking Tour leaves daily from the Tower Theater at 7pm.
- Save money on rideshares – Uber and Lyft (my preferred company) are way cheaper than taxis and are the best way to get around a city if you don’t want to take a bus or pay for a taxi. The shared/pool option (where you share a ride with other people) offers even better savings. You can save money off your first rides with the following codes: Lyft (MATTHEW999 to save $10) and Uber (jlx6v to save $15).
My Must Have Guides For Traveling to Miami
How to Get Free Flights
This book shows you how to take money out of the travel equation and and master the points and miles game. It will show you how to easily collect and redeem travel points for free airfare and accommodation so you can get you out of your house faster, cheaper, and in comfort.
Conquering Mountains: The Guide to Solo Female Travel
Kristin Addis writes the solo female travel column for this website and her detailed guide addresses all the concerns women have about traveling and gives the specific advice and tips you need to conquer the world and stay safe.
How to Teach English Overseas
This book will teach you everything you need to know about landing your dream job and features interviews with dozens of teachers, recruiters, detailed information on the top teaching destinations, sample resumes, advice on nailing your interview, and much more.
How to Travel the World on $50 a Day
My New York Times best-selling paperback guide to world travel will teach how to master the art of travel so that, no matter how long you want to travel for, you’ll save money, get off the beaten path, and have a more local, richer travel experience.
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