Given Miami’s layout, walking is not really an option, nor is biking (except for along Miami Beach). However, the downtown core is easy to get around. South Beach and Coconut Grove are also pedestrian friendly. If you are going to stay at a resort or in one neighbourhood you won’t need a rental car.
Taxis are readily available, if fairly expensive.
Getting around Miami by public transport – Metrobus and Metrorail – is a breeze. The network is extensive, reliable and cheap. The Metromover is focused on the downtown area. There are 20 stations situated every two blocks. Best of all, it’s free.
Getting to the city
Most flights will arrive at Miami International (MIA), and there are several ways of getting downtown. The Rental Car Center houses almost 20 companies and a shuttle connects the centre with the airport.
Hotel shuttles will pick up their guests from the upper departure level of the airport. There are also taxis and SuperShuttle vans available on the ground level of the terminal.
There is also an express bus that travels to Miami Beach and a local bus service.
Metromover, a free, fixed-rail system service, and Metrorail round out the public transport options for travellers.
From Fort Lauderdale Hollywood International (FLL) there are shared vans and cars (provided by the Go Airport Shuttle service) and taxis. There’s also a train that links the airport with Miami International.
What is good to know if travelling to Miami?- South Beach (SoBe) is the art deco district, home to more than 800 pastel-coloured buildings that were spruced up in the 1980s.
- Miami caters for culture lovers too. Must-sees include the Museum of Contemporary Art, the Miami Art Museum, the Coconut Grove Playhouse and the Miami Symphony Orchestra.
- Spanish Market – the Española Way Market sells everything from flowers to jewellery.
- At full moon, drummers congregate on Miami Beach (between 85St and 79th St) to hold a drum circle party.
- The Cape Florida Light (south end of Key Biscayne, Miami-Dade County) is a popular attraction. The lighthouse dates from 1825 and stands 29 metres high. Climb the 118 steps to the top from where there are great views of the harbour and city skyline.
- The Shrine of Our Lady of Charity stands near the Bay of Biscayne. It was built in 1966 by the Cuban people in honour of the Virgen de la Caridad del Cobre (Virgin of Charity), their patroness.
- A cafe Cubano will wake you up. Strong and sweet, it’s a cafecito. If you take it with milk it’s a cortadito.
- The Museum of Latin American Art will offer an insight into Latin-American culture.