A mini Miami guide for a low cost trip to Florida. What to do besides the trip to Key West, where to eat and sleep low cost in Miami and what to see besides the South Beach and Ocean Drive.
If it were a color it would be shocking pink, if it were a perfume it would be the pungent aroma of cinnamon, if it were music it would be a sensual Latin rhythm, if it were an animal it would be an elegant pink flamingo.
I'm talking about Miami, a city with a strongly Latin American soul despite its geographical location in the United States. In fact, walking through the streets of the city you will notice that most of the population is from Hispanic origin and speaks Spanish (in some shops you will notice just how the clerks struggle to speak English).
Miami is often identified with Miami Beach, most famous tourist destination. The two are actually different cities, separated by Biscayne Bay and connected to each other by 5 major roads. Thanks to its geographical position the city has a almost tropical climate which makes it a particularly attractive destination for world tourism. However, the winter months are to be preferred as the climate is drier and there is no frequent rainfall in the summer and autumn seasons.
Miami is a city lively and full of entertainment and oddities, the classic city where you can dress as you want without being pointed out, a paradise for lovers of nightlife and the "good life", but also loved by retired seniors, lovers of the sea and sunbathing thanks to its very spacious sandy beaches and by families with children who find ample play spaces in Miami.
Where to sleep in Miami
Prices vary according to the seasons (the high winter season has prices that have almost doubled compared to usual) and hotels in the most comfortable areas compared to the center (South Beach, on Collins Avenue near Lincoln Road) are hardly cheap. I therefore recommend looking for a hostel: if you are young and spartan, a multiple room will be fine, otherwise ask for a double room with private bathroom. The price is inferior to hotels but the service offered is very often the same as in a 2-3 star hotel. My favorite hostels are the Tropics Hostel, on the quaint Collins Avenue Clay Hostel in Espanola Way. L'International Hostel instead it has a very young and jovial atmosphere. The rooms however are often prey to nighttime attacks cockroaches, that is, big cockroaches typical of Miami.
South Beach
What could be better than starting the day by recharging with a jog or a brisk walk (depending on your athletic preparation) on the promenade of South Beach? This very long road of pink asphalt surrounded by palm trees and surrounded by numerous luxury hotels, it suddenly gives way to an even more impressive wooden pier. Especially early in the morning or in the evening before sunset, the promenade is frequented by people of all ages who travel along it in skates, skates or bikes.
After the run you deserve a moment of sweetness in one of the many Cuban bars of which South Beach is full. You will recognize them by the style, apparently less refined but in reality much more fascinating. The price is lower than the big chains of American coffee shops and the much more authentic atmosphere. I recommend getting away from the busiest streets and venturing out in search of more hidden places frequented by locals. Don't miss to try the "cuban coffee“, Very sweet blend of ground coffee and brown sugar.
At this point, take the opportunity to give yourself a moment of relaxation on the long and white beach of South Beach. beaches they are for the most part libere, then equip yourself with a towel and possibly an umbrella (wind permitting). Alternatively, it is possible to use hotel beds for a fee, but it is not the most convenient solution. Beware of sunburn because the Miami sun it is particularly strong. For lunch, if you don't want to spend a lot and are willing to adapt you can take a piece of pizza. In recent years, many pizza by the slice have opened, mostly by Italians and some even make decent pizzas (my favorite is Pizza Rustica, on Lincoln Road).
Ocean Drive
After the beach you can spend the afternoon of your first day exploring South Beach and its colorful Art Decò style. Stroll through the trendy shops, restaurants and art galleries of the crowded Lincoln Road to then reach Collins Avenue and from there Ocean Drive, which runs along the ocean.
The atmosphere there is colorful and lively. They take turns restaurants, bars, clothing and souvenir shops. The music that will accompany you ranges from the Mango salsa to the evergreen Italian melodic music, up to the house music of the youngest clubs. Short obligatory stop: Casuarina House, or the residence purchased by Gianni Versace at number 1114 in 1193 and where the designer was murdered four years later. Watch out for your wallet: Ocean Drive is a long tourist trap and the prices for food and drink are very high. Rather choose the Collins Avenue or a restaurant on Washington if you don't have a big budget.
After dinner Miami offers a very varied night view and every day of the week there are nightclub open to go dancing or just for a drink. Some offer free admission, but the price of the drink inside is around (and sometimes exceeds) dollars 20. Among the places I prefer, there are the Mansion (Washington Ave 1235): a very large room with several rooms with different music and spectacular entertainment and the Set (Lincoln 320): a smaller place but with a very chic decor and a select clientele. However, remember that in Miami it is not possible to consume alcohol on the street as we do in Italy, under penalty of a large fine! Often there are promoters on the street who dispense bracelets for free entry to clubs: if you want to enter, take advantage of it.
The second day of your stay could be dedicated to aexcursion. Travel agencies and hotels themselves offer different types and prices. Compare a little to choose the most convenient one and ask for a discount if you want to do more than one excursion. I found the prices at the Wallgreens supermarket on Lincoln particularly affordable (there is a special desk near the tills dedicated to excursions).
If you have a few days to spare, I definitely recommend one organized trip to Key West, the southernmost island of the United States, about 3 and a half hours from Miami by bus (cost of the trip between 50 and 75 euros, but it's worth it). If you want to know more about this destination, read my article dedicated to it: Key West, a low cost trip in 12 hours in Florida
On the last day of your stay you will certainly have to give the finishing touches to your tan. Walking on the beach towards the first street (or walking directly on Ocean Drive) you will find yourself at some point the Nikki Beach (trendy place, present in the most chic places in the world). It is a club on the beach, with white sofas lying on the sand, music and entertainment. Often frequented by celebrities and models, a patrol stop is a must. Ladmission is free. There is an outdoor brunch every Sunday, but the price is over $ 40.
A visit to Miami would not be complete without visiting Miami Downtown, a residential area and economic center of Miami, where skyscrapers and offices are the masters. From South Beach you can reach this part of the city with thebus S or C (ticket cost around 2 dollars - to be paid directly on the bus). I recommend visiting the mall Bayside marketplace. Its location, on Biscayne Bay, from where mini cruises also depart, offers a beautiful view.
The center is half outdoors and half indoors and often there are events free evening events and concertsThe prices of the shops, thanks to the positive exchange rate of the dollar and the frequent balances, are competitive with Italy, especially as regards clothing and shoes (especially sports brands). There is also another point of interest nearby: theAmerican Airlines Arena, which hosts home games for the Miami Heat basketball team as well as concerts by international stars.
For dinner you can stop in one of the many restaurant chains, perhaps with a table overlooking the bay and enjoy the sunset from there. On the other hand, you will not wrong your desire for typicality: i fast food and big chains they are in full American tradition. If we have intrigued you and you can't wait to leave, look for flights Milan-Miami on Jetcost.
