Miami is one of the most popular cities in the USA, but it can be quite expensive, especially in tourist-heavy areas.
To save money while exploring the city, consider skipping the high-traffic spots for dining, drinks, and accommodations.
What You Need to Know About Miami
When to Visit: Miami’s summer weather can be extremely humid. To avoid the worst of it, the best times to visit are during the winter months or the shoulder seasons. During these periods, the weather remains hot, but the humidity is much more manageable.
Getting There: Miami is well-connected with direct flights from across the U.S. Once you arrive at the airport, you’ll find plenty of transportation options to get into the city. Budget-friendly choices include the Metrobus, Metrorail, Tri-Rail, and the Miami Beach Bus.
What to Do in Miami
Whether you have a day, a week, or even longer in Miami, there’s no shortage of things to do. Some of the must-visit spots include:
1. South Beach – No trip to Miami is complete without a visit to this iconic beach, one of the most famous in America.
2. Little Havana – Immerse yourself in Miami’s Cuban culture by exploring this vibrant neighborhood.
3. Everglades National Park – Head out to this vast swamp to spot alligators and try your hand at air-boating in Florida’s largest wetland.
4. Art Deco District – Stroll along Ocean Drive and admire the pastel-colored buildings that line the famous South Beach.
5. Freedom Tower – Built in 1925, this historic skyscraper is one of the oldest in the southeastern U.S.
6. Time Out Market – Indulge in Miami’s best food under one roof, from ice cream and burgers to fried chicken and Cuban sandwiches.
7. Lincoln Road Mall – Explore one of the country’s first pedestrian malls, a perfect spot for shopping and people-watching.
Where to Stay in Miami
During our time in Miami, we stayed at the South Beach Hotel (SBH), which was ideally located for our visit. Just one block from South Beach and within walking distance to the main of restaurants, cafes, and shops, it couldn’t have been more convenient.
Our accommodation budget for Miami was a bit lower than the rest of our trip through the U.S., and since we were only staying for a few nights, we didn’t want to splurge on a place just to sleep. At $179 USD per night, SBH offered a more affordable alternative to the beachfront hotels, while still being in a fantastic location!
The hotel offered complimentary Wi-Fi, which was incredibly fast and convenient. Our room also included free local calls, which came in handy since we kept extending our car rental. The staff were friendly and attentive, providing helpful tips on parking and navigating Miami. One thing to note is that the complimentary breakfast and pool are not located directly on the property.
