Miami Essentials

Miami Essentials & Tourist Information

Miami Tourist Attractions
Exciting things to do are aplenty during a short break in Miami and every visitor should experience the stunning Everglades. A thrilling air boat ride will encounter exotic species such as the crocodile and leatherback turtle in a spectacular wetland habitat. It is open every day and admission is $10 per car or $5 per person. Miami is also home to several impressive museums such as the Miami Science Center and Wolfsonian Museum featuring interactive exhibits and priceless art. Both offer free entry for holders of the GoMiami tourist card available at numerous outlets and hotels throughout the city and costs $8.

Miami Opening Hours
Visitors in Miami can enjoy shopping until late in the evening seven days a week with boutiques, general stores and department stores open until at least 8pm. Many will stay open later, especially on Thursdays and Fridays, often until 10pm. In the South Beach tourist area there are dozens of all night stores and convenience shops open around the clock. In less touristy downtown Miami, shopping is less flexible with retail stores closing around 6pm and many closed on Sundays. Miami banks are open from 9am - 5pm Monday to Friday.   

Miami Food & Drink
Miami cuisine is unique, even for the United States and is known as simply as 'Floribbean' - a blend of all American, Latin and Caribbean flavours. Exotic seafood is unsurprisingly popular in city restaurants with grouper, snapper and pompano often served grilled with mango salsa. Cuban sandwiches, smoked fish pate and Ropa Vieja are all quintessential specialities from South Florida that deserve sampling. The climate of Miami enables many tropical fruits are easily available such as famous Florida oranges and grapefruit which come in a myriad of varieties, mangoes and avocado. Renowned desserts include Key Lime Pie and Miami cocktail bars are sure to have refreshing Cuba Libre and Mojito on the menu.     

Tipping & Etiquette in Miami
For a satisfactory meal in a Miami eatery it is customary to tip 15% of the total cost, although this is not compulsory. A similar figure is normal for taxi journeys and for room service. Gratuities for car valet services, hairdressing salons and in cocktail bars are gratefully received and should amount to just a few dollars.

Miami Useful Numbers
• Calling the UK from Miami – 0044 + area code minus zero + number
• Police – 911
• Ambulance – 911
• Fire - 911

Disabled Access in Miami
Accessibility in Miami is relatively wide ranging with the city bus network completely wheelchair accessible with only a few exceptions. For long journeys or tours of the city, step free minivans are available and many taxis are wheelchair friendly. Beach wheelchairs are free to hire at city beaches. Most hotels have some wheelchair friendly accommodation, although in the art deco South Beach district, some smaller hotels are not suitable due to the unmodernised historic nature of these buildings.

USA Embassies
• British Consulate - FL Brickell Bay Office Tower 1001 South Bayshore Drive , Suite 2800. Miami, FL 33131. Tel: (305) 374-1522
• USA Embassy - 224 Grosvenor Square London, W1A 1AE Tel: 020 7499-9000