Miami
Miami, the city that is known for its vibrant display of culture, is located in the Sunshine State of Florida. The city is home to an urban art scene and is famed for its nightlife at South Beach. It is a host for many exciting attractions, promoting diverse wildlife being situated between the Everglades and the Biscayne Bay.
Details
Before visiting any town or city make sure you know the basics. General details and important information.
- Emergency Services: 911
- Language: English
- Currency: US Dollar
- Country Code: US
- Travel Visa: ESTA required (Click here for more info)
- Population: 470,914
Risk Level
Researching various official sources, we perceive the risk to holiday makers and travellers are as follows;
Travellers Tips
Top travel advice and interesting tip bits of information from experienced travellers.
Emergencies
For the Emergency services just dial 911 from any phone, for not so serious situations please dial 305-579-6111.
Hospitals
Click the text below for more information
Tourist Offices
Travelling Around
Miami is a hub for transportation services, with a variety of ways to stay connected. The Metrorail is an affordable option to easily hop around the city, with a total of 23 stations. Miami trolley buses are another popular way to travel, a free service to Miami Beach and Downtown Miami. If making short hops, the city has a great taxi service.
Miami Safety
How do I keep up with the local news?
Is there anything I should avoid?
At night, never open a map, even if you’re inside a car – it’s much safer to keep driving until you can find a hotel or public place in which to ask directions.
Don’t rent a car in Miami – the city has unsafe areas that can sometimes be close to tourist hotspots, and it’s easy to get lost in them if a GPS or map takes you the wrong way. Spend money on taxis, instead.
What are the top safety tips?
Miami’s oceans are populated by jellyfish, which often float just below the surface and can have a nasty sting. Keep an eye out for life guard warnings and signs along the beaches and if you start to feel a sharp, burning sensation or muscle spasms, seek medical attention.
Southeast Florida is victim to hurricanes every four years or so, although major hurricanes occur less frequently. Florida receives about 60 inches of rain annually (around 3 times average rainfall in London, for example), so be prepared for all weathers, especially turing the rainy season between June and September.
Unlike in the majority of the US, tipping in Miami is usually added directly to the bill – usually it’s between 18 and 20%. You can ask for this to be lowered or raised at your discretion, although lowering your tip is generally considered rude by the service industry in the United States, so don’t do this unless your dining experience has been of particularly low quality.
What are the common crimes?
Credit card fraud
Cloning cards can be an issue be careful where you use your cards. Also if you are withdrawing money from cash machines make sure you cover your pin and be discreet about the amount of cash you withdraw.
Pickpocketing
Pickpocketing is the most common crime that effects tourists, keep your belongings secure at all times and take care when in busy areas. Also keep an eye on your bags if you are on the beach.
Improve Your Personal Safety
Knowledge – the more you have the better equipped you are.
Awareness – the more you see the safer you become.
Response – the right reaction can change a situation.
Annual Events
Annual events allow a city come together for some amazing experiences. If visiting at this time, make sure you have your accommodation booked and are always aware of your surroundings when travelling around.
Miami Events
Miami International Boat Show
As one of the largest boat shows worldwide, the Miami International Boat Show is a great way to explore the marina and admire the luxury of sailboats, marine technology and yachts.
Carnaval Miami
Immerse yourself in Miami’s culture by attending their Carnaval celebration. A showcase of art, music, fashion, sport and cuisine. Every March the Carnaval hosts hosts multiple events, attracting one million visitors annually.
Miami Beach Pride
For over a decade, Miami Beach has been home to celebrating Pride. As one of the most popular parties along Ocean Drive, this event is a brilliant experience for the LGBTQ+ community. From dance events, social mixers to parades, this event is a total of nine days. In true celebration style, Miami Beach Pride concludes after Sunset with a spectacular firework display.
Miami Live Music Month
November sees the Miami Live Music Month hit the Miami area, celebrated in various performance venues throughout the region, with a diverse range of genres and musical tastes accommodated.
Miami Highlights
Are there any festivals?
Coconut Grove Arts Festival
One of the largest art festivals in the country, featuring more than 325 artists exhibiting in 12 categories including both culinary and visual arts.International Hispanic Theatre Festival
A festival taking place in mid-July, celebrating Hispanic theatre in all its forms, with theatre companies from afar afield as Latin America and Europe putting on performances throughout the Greater Miami area for the duration of the festival.South Florida Dragon Boat Festival
Taking place the weekend after Columbus Day weekend, the South Florida Dragon Boat Festival comprises two days of Dragon Boat races at Haulover Park and Marina, as well as martial arts demonstrations, Asian food and a playground for children.Coral Gables Wine and Food Festival
Taking place on “restaurant row” in Giralda Avenue, Coral Gables, the wine and food festival is an evening of food, wine and live music that takes place in order to raise money for charity. Attendees pay a fee for the evening and can then eat and drink as much as they can before the festival ends. Tickets are capped at 1,500, so buy in advance if you’re planning to attend.Where should I visit?
Key West
At times the infamous haunt of pirates, a refuge for Spaniards and Native Americans after British displacement, and the home of writer Ernest Hemingway, this 4×2 mile island is now one of the most prosperous cities per capita in the United States. Nowadays, and despite the influx of upscale tourists and visitors, Key West still has an eccentric charm that comes from the multitude of writers, artists and New-Agers who live on its shores.South Beach
Possibly the most famous neighbourhood in Miami, and home to hundreds of busy shops, bars and restaurants, South Beach is the ideal spot for a quintessential Miami experience. Visit the famous Ocean Drive and take a look at the ocean-front mansion that used to belong to Gianni Versace, or spend the day soaking up the sun on the areas sandy beaches.Art Deco District
Visiting the Art-Deco District of Miami’s South Beach is almost like stepping back in time – the district consists of approximately 800 buildings that have been preserved from the heights of 1920s and 30s Miami. See buildings shaped like ocean liners (the Nautical Moderne) and brightly coloured pastel buildings that reflect Florida’s typically sunny response to art deco style, often called Tropical Deco.What are the wildlife attractions?
Zoo Miami
One of the first “free-range” zoos in the United States, where the animals are free to roam within large, mixed-species zones according to their geographic territory. Home to species from Australia, Asia and Africa, including endangered and rare species. Camel rides and Meet the Zookeeper sessions are also available.Monkey Jungle
Located in southern Miami-Dade County, the catchphrase of Monkey Jungle sums up the experience – it truly is a place where “the humans are caged and the monkeys run wild”! Visitors walk through wire-enclosed pathways whilst a total of 30 species of primates live their lives overhead. Try spotting the highly endangered Golden Lion Tamarin, or listen out for the noisy Howler Monkeys.The Miami Seaquarium
Originally opened in 1951, the Miami Seaquarium is an outdoor aquarium experience that boasts daily dolphin, sea lion and killer whale shows, as well as being home to countless other tropical sea creatures. The aquarium also offers dolphin encounters and seal swims for the adventurous visitor.For over 40 years, Everglades Safari Park has showcased the natural wonder of Southern Florida. From alligator shows, jungle trails, to airboat rides, this wildlife attraction is a fun-filled experience. Open 7 days a week, there is always the opportunity to explore Florida’s unique ecosystem.
