Quick Facts
Best Time To Visit
December to April for warm, dry weather.
May to October is hot and humid with possible thunderstorms and hurricane season peaks from August to October.
Handy Apps
Uber / Lyft
Miami-Dade Transit Tracker
Google Maps
ParkMobile (parking)
Currency
US Dollar (USD)
Cards widely accepted everywhere
Timezone
Eastern Standard Time (UTC -5)
Daylight savings in summer (UTC -4)
Powerplugs
Plug type: A/B (same as USA)
Voltage: 120V
Frequency: 60Hz
Emergency Numbers
Police, Fire, Ambulance: 911
Wifi
Free WiFi in many hotels, cafés and malls
Airport and cruise terminals offer free WiFi
Getting Around
Port Location
Most ships depart from PortMiami on Dodge Island, located just across the bridge from downtown and South Beach. The terminals are modern, efficient and only 10–15 minutes from hotels, shopping and dining.
Taxi & Transport Info
• Taxi from Miami Airport to PortMiami: USD $27 flat rate (15–20 mins)
• Uber/Lyft from MIA: USD $18–$28
• Fort Lauderdale Airport to PortMiami: USD $45–$70 rideshare
• Taxi from PortMiami to South Beach: USD $15–$25
• Metrorail/Metromover available from Downtown for budget travel
Port Shuttle Info
Most cruise lines offer pre-arranged shuttles from Miami International Airport and select hotels. Independent shuttles also operate between MIA, Fort Lauderdale Airport and PortMiami. Taxis, Uber and Lyft are easily available and often faster than shuttles.
Walking Difficulty Level
Moderate. Distances around Miami are large, so walking is limited to individual neighbourhoods. South Beach and Brickell are easy to walk; PortMiami itself requires transport.
Mobility Info
PortMiami has wheelchair-accessible terminals, ramps and priority boarding lanes. Taxis and ride-share vehicles can accommodate mobility devices, and the city’s public transport has accessibility options, though distances can be large.
Map
Things to See & Do
Must Try Foods
• Cuban sandwiches
• Key lime pie
• Stone crab claws (seasonal)
• Empanadas
• Arepas
• Fresh seafood tacos
• Cuban coffee
Shopping Areas
• Bayside Marketplace – waterfront shopping near downtown
• Lincoln Road – open-air pedestrian shopping in South Beach
• Brickell City Centre – upscale shopping and dining
• Aventura Mall – one of the largest malls in the U.S.
• Wynwood – boutiques and art markets
Top Things To Do
• South Beach and Ocean Drive
• Wynwood Walls street art district
• Little Havana (Calle Ocho)
• Biscayne Bay boat tours
• Vizcaya Museum & Gardens
• Miami Design District
• Bayfront Park & Bayside Marketplace
Family Friendly Activities
• Jungle Island
• Miami Children’s Museum
• Zoo Miami
• Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science
• South Beach (early morning is quieter)
• Bayside boat rides
Half Day Itinerary
• Explore Bayside Marketplace and Bayfront Park
• Take a Biscayne Bay boat cruise
• Visit the Wynwood Walls street art district
• Enjoy Cuban coffee or a snack in Little Havana
Full Day Itinerary
• Morning on South Beach (Ocean Drive + beach walk)
• Explore Lincoln Road shops and cafés
• Lunch in Little Havana (Calle Ocho)
• Visit Wynwood Walls and galleries
• Sunset at Bayside or Brickell waterfront
Two Day Itinerary
DAY 1:
• South Beach sunrise stroll
• Ocean Drive + Art Deco District
• Lincoln Road shopping
• Wynwood Walls in the afternoon
• Dinner in Brickell or Bayside
DAY 2:
• Little Havana walking tour (Calle Ocho)
• Biscayne Bay boat tour
• Vizcaya Museum & Gardens
• Evening at Miami Design District or South Pointe Park
Helpful Tips
Local Etiquette Tips
• Tipping is customary: 15–20% at restaurants, bars and taxis.
• Dress casually but neatly in most places.
• Expect busy beaches and nightlife on weekends.
• Respect personal space and queue etiquette.
Cruise Tips
• Arrive at least one day before your cruise to avoid flight delays.
• Traffic in Miami can be heavy—allow extra time, especially weekends.
• Uber and Lyft are the quickest transport between airport, hotels and port.
• If staying in South Beach, early morning is best for photos and walks.
• Book airport shuttles or taxis in advance if travelling during peak cruise times.
Safety Info
Miami is generally safe in tourist areas, though busy nightlife districts can be crowded. Keep belongings secure, especially at the beach or in downtown areas at night.
