Miami

A dynamic tropical metropolis known for its Art Deco architecture, vibrant Cuban culture, beaches, and nightlife. It serves as a gateway to the Caribbean and offers diverse dining, shopping, and cultural experiences.

Things to do

• Art Deco Historic District — Explore the world's largest collection of Art Deco architecture in Miami Beach, featuring pastel-colored buildings from the 1920s-1940s with guided walking tours available.
• Vizcaya Museum & Gardens — Tour this Italian Renaissance-inspired mansion built in 1916 with stunning formal gardens, fountains, and waterfront views on Biscayne Bay.
• South Beach — Relax on Miami's most famous beach with Art Deco architecture as backdrop, known for clear turquoise waters, vibrant nightlife, and people-watching.
• Wynwood Walls — Explore this outdoor street art gallery in the Wynwood neighborhood featuring large-scale murals and graffiti by international artists.
• Little Havana — Walk through Miami's heart of Cuban culture on Calle Ocho, experiencing cigar shops, cafés, domino parks, and authentic Caribbean atmosphere.
• Pérez Art Museum Miami — Visit this waterfront contemporary art museum featuring modern works, rotating exhibitions, and striking architecture with hanging gardens.

Food to try

• Ropa Vieja — This Cuban classic features slow-cooked shredded beef in a tangy tomato-based sauce, traditionally served with black beans and rice.
• Cuban Sandwich (Sándwich Cubano) — Pressed sandwich combining roasted pork, ham, Swiss cheese, pickles, and mustard on Cuban bread, a Miami institution found in every cafetería.
• Ceviche — Fresh raw fish cured in lime juice with onions, cilantro, and peppers, reflecting Miami's Caribbean and Latin American connections.
• Café Cubano — Sweet, strong espresso with sugar whipped into the first shot to create a creamy foam, the traditional morning drink throughout Little Havana.
• Stone Crab Claws — Miami's signature seafood delicacy, typically served chilled with mustard sauce during the October-May season from local waters.

Local customs & good to know

• Spanish is widely spoken — While English is common, Spanish is the primary language in many Miami neighborhoods, particularly Little Havana and Wynwood, so basic phrases are helpful.
• Dress for heat and sun — Miami's tropical climate means intense sun year-round; lightweight clothing, sunscreen, and sunglasses are essential even in winter months.
• Embrace the café culture — Cubans gather at cafeterías not just for coffee but for social connection, so lingering over a café cubano or colada is part of the local experience.
• Plan around weather — Hurricane season runs June through November with afternoon thunderstorms common in summer, so check forecasts and plan indoor activities accordingly.