Miami holidays

Popular holidays

Art Deco buildings and Caribbean-style beaches give you plenty of options for your holiday snaps on Miami city breaks.

City breaks to Miami

Miami’s a big hit when it comes to city breaks, and if you ask us, it’s pretty easy to see why. First up there’s its sub-tropical climate – it’s the thing that sorts the city with year-round toasty temperatures. Then you’ve got its nightlife and shopping scene – a medley of shop-filled malls cover things for shopping fans, while a list of big-name nightclubs and bars sort partygoers with plenty of options for nights out. And, it probably comes as no surprise that beaches bag a mention – they’re the real cover star of this place, with stretches of cotton-soft sand featuring on Miami’s map.

South Beach

The South Beach neighbourhood is like a one-stop-shop for all things Miami. It spans an area of more than eight miles, with Art Deco buildings and white-sand beaches getting most of the attention. It’s a hub for partying, too, with beach clubs covering you for dancing during the day, and bars and nightclubs taking the helm after dark. Food fans, meanwhile, should head to Lincoln Road, where eateries feature everything from American classics to Cuban cuisine.

Malls and museums

With a medley of malls and museums, Miami ticks the boxes whether you’ve got a passion for fashion, a soft spot for art or a head for history. Shopping-wise, Dolphin Mall’s a great place to start, with more than 200 stores hosting everything from international brands to American favourites. On the museum front, the Vizcaya Museum and Gardens is a firm favourite with TripAdvisor folk – it’s the former villa and estate of a Miami-based millionaire. Art fans should head to the Wynwood neighbourhood, where you’ve got a string of small galleries and streets splashed with street art.

How long does it take to fly to Miami?

The flight time to Miami takes around nine hours and 30 minutes.

When is the best time to visit Miami?

Miami boasts mild temperatures all year round, with the best time to visit being between November and March. Check out the weather in Miami month by month to see when the best time to visit for you is.

Popular hotels in Miami

Top things to see and do in Miami

Beaches

Stacks of shoreline

With more than 35 miles of shoreline to its name, you’re never short on options when it comes to beach days in Miami. South Beach takes most of the limelight, but there are a string of spots further south if you’re searching for something a little quieter.

The big beach

South Beach is textbook tropical, with towering palm trees and ice-white sands edged by clear-blue waters. It stretches along Miami’s southern tip for more than two miles, so there’s plenty of space for spreading out.

The secret beach

Key Biscayne is sandwiched between a pair of parks – Crandon Park nestles into its most northern point, while Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park sits in the south. The latter hosts a top beach spot, and while it still sees a decent amount of footfall, you’ll generally find a lot less beachgoers than you will on South Beach.

Shopping

Bargain buys

Big-name brands come with bargain price tags at Miami’s collection of discount stores. Sawgrass Mills is one of the city’s best picks, with the likes of Ralph Lauren and Nike both featuring on its store list.

Mid-range buys

Lincoln Road should be on your radar when it comes to shopping. This pedestrianised street comes with a strip of shops, with the likes of H&M and Zara all finding a home for themselves along here.

Designer buys

Bal Harbour Mall delivers when it comes to designer buys. This open-air shopping centre’s got all the top names, from Tiffany & Co to Prada and Gucci.

Nightlife

Laid-back evenings

Miami’s lounge bars are a top-pick for low-key nights out. Crafted cocktails feature on their menus and live music is on the agenda most weekends.

Lively evenings

South Beach is the spot to be in for big nights out – dancefloors the size of football pitches, hipster bars and non-stop partying beach clubs are all part of the scene here. And, if big-name DJs are your bag, there’s a calendar of events filled with all the best names in the business right throughout the year.

Food & drink

Key Lime pie

This Florida favourite is made from the fruit of a Key Lime tree, which is sweet-and-sour in flavour. It’s served in a thin pastry crust, with a dollop of whipped cream topping things off.

Stone crabs

This crab-claw dish is usually served between October and March. It’s one of the meatiest crab dishes on the menu, so expect to pay a little more than you would for your average seafood plate.

Frita

This hamburger hails from Cuba, but it’s a firm favourite with Miami locals. Spiced beef and chorizo are stuffed inside a Cuban roll and topped with thin, crispy fries.

Cafecito

This drink's enjoyed by locals at any time of the day, although thanks to its a high caffeine content you’re unlikely to sleep if you sip one before bed. It’s an espresso, with sweet cream made with caffeine-infused sugar set on top.

Chicharron

This spicy Spanish dish serves as a street-food snack in Miami. It’s generally made with fried pork belly or pork rinds, with a simple seasoning of salt and pepper.