Miami holidays: neighbourhoods, beaches and Cuban coffee
Pastel art deco, Cuban coffee from a hole in the wall and a beach that runs the length of Miami Beach. Miami is America's most Latin American city.
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Ocean Drive
Photo: Tuan Nguyen / Unsplash
Miami, Latin America's northern capital
On Calle Ocho in Little Havana, people queue at a ventanita, a service window in the wall, for a thimble of sweet, strong cafecito. Older men play dominoes in the park on the corner. Ten minutes' drive away, South Beach glows in pastel art deco. Miami is two worlds, and you will hear Spanish as often as English.
Miami sits at the southern tip of Florida, and the city of Miami and Miami Beach are separate cities joined by causeways across Biscayne Bay. For the rest of the country, see our USA travel guide.
Neighbourhoods to know
South Beach
The Art Deco District, Ocean Drive, the beach and the nightlife. The most famous and the busiest.
Mid-Beach and North Beach
Calmer stretches north of South Beach, with big resort hotels and a long boardwalk.
Little Havana
Cuban Miami: coffee windows, cigar rollers and live music.
Wynwood and the Design District
Street art, galleries, breweries and designer boutiques.
Brickell and Coconut Grove
Towers and finance in Brickell, leafy streets and a marina in Coconut Grove.
When to go
December to April is dry, warm and peak season. Summer is hot and humid with afternoon thunderstorms, and hurricane season runs from June to November. For ideas, see things to do in Miami, and for the drive south, our Florida Keys road trip.
Good to know
Many hotels add a nightly resort fee. Check the total before you book.
Most international visitors need an ESTA or a visa to enter the USA.
A car helps for day trips, but beach parking is expensive. Stay where you want to spend your time.
A tip of 18 to 20 per cent is standard in restaurants.
The Betsy South Beach
Photo: Hotels.com
Where to stay
Our Miami hotel guide picks hotels neighbourhood by neighbourhood.
Book your stay: Check availability and prices at The Betsy South Beach
Frequently asked questions about Miami
Which area is best to stay in Miami?
South Beach for the beach and nightlife, Mid-Beach for calmer resorts and Brickell for a city break.
When is the best time to visit Miami?
December to April, when it is dry and warm. It is also the most expensive time.
Do you need a car in Miami?
Not if you stay by the beach. A car is useful for the Everglades and the Florida Keys.
How long is the drive from Miami to Key West?
About four hours without stops, though most people take all day.