Miami Unveiled: A Useful Traveller’s guide

Also known as the Magic City, Miami is a vibrant and dynamic city that seamlessly blends postal card-like beaches and sizzling night life. Whether you're seeking the pulse of South Beach, the artistic vibes of Wynwood Walls, or the tranquility of Key Biscayne, our guide takes you on a journey through the Magic City, offering essential tips on what to see, where to go for mouthwatering food experiences, and which areas best suit different travellers plans.

Miami has a vibrant cultural scene and a variety of attractions to explore, so visitors can enjoy more than just stunning beaches.

Everglades National Park – If you are an animal lover, you will enjoy seeing wild and endangered species. One of the best and fastest ways to explore this vast subtropical wilderness is by airboat, which will take you across open waters and narrow channels.

Miami Seaquarium – One of the highlights of America's longest running aquarium is the dolphin show. If you watched Flipper when it was on TV, you might find it interesting to know that all the episodes were filmed on location here. In addition to seeing dolphins and other marine animals, visitors can also come into close contact with several species such as penguins, dolphins, sharks and seals, and also have the chance to interact with them.

Waterparks – The beaches in Miami are very inviting option for relaxing and cooling off. But, if you want to skip the sand while having fun with the entire family, water parks are a great way to keep cool. Some of the most popular and coolest waterparks in Miami are Rapids Water Park, Venetian Pool, Grapeland Waterpark, Paradise Cove, and Castaway Island Water Park.

Museums – Miami has more than a dozen museums. Among the most famous are the Vizcaya Museum and Gardens, which displays more than 2,500  art objects and antique furniture. The Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science has an aquarium, planetarium and two science galleries. The Museum of Illusions features more than 40 illusions, including ones where it as if you’re walking on the edge of a skyscraper. The Gold Coast Railway Museum houses more than 40 different types of train cars. The Wings Over Miami Museum features a number of military and vintage aircraft.

Ancient Spanish Monastery – Considered Florida’s oldest building, this 882-year-old enclave of medieval European history and architecture will take you back in time. Walk through the pathways lit by lanterns and explore the statues, fountains, stained glass windows, and carved walls and ceilings. The monastery was originally built in the town of Sacramenia in Segovia, Spain in the early 1100s. In the early 20^th century, a newspaper mogul purchased, dismantled, and shipped it in 11,000 crates to the US, where it was reassembled in North Miami Beach.  

Jungle Island – Built in the 1930s, this island is home to some of the rarest and most exotic animals in the world. Young and old will have fun discovering the jungle flora and fauna, the shows and the different encounters with animals. Another popular attraction located in the same area is Tree Top Trekking. Immerse yourself in adventure as you move from tree to tree via suspension bridges, swinging logs, Tarzan swings, zip lines and cable passes.

From authentic Cuban dishes to creative fusion cuisine, Miami is a vibrant and diverse mecca for food.

Cuban Food – Since 34% of the city's population is of Cuban origin, the country's culture permeates Miami's culinary scene. With so many options to choose from, here we highlight Versailles restaurant for having the best upscale atmosphere and Cuban food in town. Havana 1957, a local favorite that showcases vintage décor and cozy vinyl booths, is considered one of the best Cuban food joints.  El Palacio de Los Jugos serves a selection of hot foods and fresh juices in an outdoor marketplace-like setting.

Rooftop Bars – From bohemian vibes to ultra-chic beachfront spots, Miami is home to dazzling rooftops designed for sipping cocktails and taking in iconic views of the Magic City. Among the trendy spots are The Sugar, a tiki-style lounge bar located on the 40th floor, which rewards guests with 360-degree views of the city skyline. For a luxurious experience with incredible ocean views and Polynesian vibe,  Warts is where you can delight your palate with Peruvian-influenced Japanese cuisine and well-crafted cocktails. If you're downtown, Area 31 is a popular destination for happy hour drinks and seafood-inspired meals and with a sleek, modern atmosphere and stunning views of Miami’s central neighbourhood. For those looking for fusion cuisine and refreshing drinks, Dolores But You Can Call Me Lolita is a garden-style rooftop dining spot surrounded by palm trees and offering very cool views of the South Miami skyline.

Celebrity-chef eateries – Miami is home to a number of famous television culinary stars, and foodies will be delighted to see them work wonders in the kitchen in real life. An icon of the local culinary scene for decades, chef Michelle Berstein showcases her culinary expertise at Café La Trova, a MICHELIN recommended restaurant located in the heart of Little Havana. Another famous TV face is Lorena Garcia, a Venezuelan-born chef who owns CHICA, a restaurant specializing in Latin American cuisine. At Michael’s Genuine Food & Drink, chef Michael Schwartz focuse on locally-sourced ingredients while reinventing classic dishes through his inventive takes.

Consider the characteristics of Miami's various neighborhoods to determine which one best suits your needs.

For Business Travellers – Downtown is a convenient location packed with shops, boutiques and entertainment venues. Another area is Brickell, home to various financial and commercial enterprises. It attracts young professionals especially because of its vibrant nightclubs and rooftop bars.

For on-a-budget travellers –North Miami Beach and Fort Lauderdale, both north of the big city, boast affordable accommodations.

For partygoers – South beach is a renowned neighbourhood dedicated to nightlife. With plenty of posh restaurants, classy bars, vibrant clubs, and hip hangouts, this is the perfect area to stay in for those looking for world-class night parties.

For Families with Kids – Key Biscayne is known for its pristine beaches, lush nature and quiet atmosphere. The area has plenty of attractions tailored to families, such as the Miami Seaquarium, Marjory Stoneman Douglas Biscayne Nature Center, and Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park.

For beach-goers – North Beach is a perfect location for travellers looking for a relaxing beach-side vacation away from the crowds. This quiet area features small resorts lined with sandy shores, with limited nightlife, if any.

Dreaming of a beach and sunny getaway? Don’t forget to consider   travel insurance. Trip insurance is invaluable for your Miami trip, it may protect you in case of flight delays, lost luggage and medical emergencies. Find the plan that’s right for you!

Travel insurance is underwritten by CUMIS General Insurance Company, a member of The Co-operators group of companies and administered by Allianz Global Assistance. Allianz Global Assistance is a registered business name of AZGA Service Canada Inc. and AZGA Insurance Agency Canada Ltd.