Miami, Florida Hotels and City Guide

Miami Travel Guide

Situated on the southeastern tip of the United States, Miami is the most populated city in the state of Florida. This idyllic setting is amplified by the fact that Miami is bordered by the Atlantic Ocean to the east, the Gulf of Mexico to the west and the neighboring states of Alabama and Georgia to the north.

As well as urban attraction of the affluent and cosmopolitan city of Miami, many visitors, of course, visit the area to take advantage of the world-famous Miami Beach, an entirely separate town. Miami is on the mainland, while the city of Miami Beach is on a thin barrier island about 4 miles (6 kilometers) east.

Miami may be the retirement capital of the United States, but there is nothing old fashioned about this bright, brash playground city that shines under the sunny Florida skies. This coastal city was a sleepy holiday town until the 1920s, when the 'in crowd' decided to make it their own. The town bloomed into a fun seaside capital and was blessed with a legacy of Art Deco architecture, particularly along South Beach, which has been carefully preserved. During World War II the forces came to town when Miami was an important military base. Today, apart from being a favourite holiday Mecca and sunny spot for retirees, it is also the gateway to the Caribbean and Latin America. 

Miami's large Cuban community add to the atmosphere in the sultry neighbourhood of Little Havana. Trendsetters hang out in Coconut Grove, while sunlovers strew the miles of white sandy beaches. For families there are entertaining attractions like the Seaquarium and Metrozoo. The nightlife is sophisticated and varied. The city also gives easy access to Florida's popular Gold Coast resorts and attractions, as well as the natural wonder of the Florida Everglades.   

No wonder Miami is America's favourite holiday destination and the hub of a vibrant cruise ship industry, its port jammed constantly with sleek passenger liners. North of the city, miles of beautiful sandy beaches of the Gold Coast are hemmed in by southeast Florida's major tourist resorts: Fort Lauderdale, Hollywood, Pompano Beach and Palm Beach.

Travelling Around Florida?

We also have full city guides for Fort Lauderdale, Orlando and Tampa.

Miami City Facts

Miami Population: 5,380,000 (Source: UN Population Estimate Revision 2003)
USA Population: 300,038,000 (Source: UN Population Estimate Revision 2003)
Currency: US Dollar ($, USD)
Time Zone: GMT -5 (Daylight SavingTime is observed)
Language: English
Electricity: 120 volts, 60Hz. Plugs are mainly the two, flat-pin type, though three-pin plugs are also widely used. European appliances without dual-voltage capabilities will require an adapter, which can be purchased in most major departure airports.
Communications: The international country dialling code for the United States is +1. The outgoing code is 011, followed by the relevant country code (e.g. 01144 for the United Kingdom). The US has numerous area/city codes, which must be dialled before the local number required (e.g. New York Manhattan, 212, and Washington DC, 202).

Hotels in Miami, Florida