Miami Destination Guide Contents Contents 2 Quick Facts 3 About 4 Events & Nightlife 5 Top Destinations 11 Tours & Activities 16 Food & Dining Out 18 Shopping 21 Best Time To Visit 22 Travel Tips 23 Quick Facts

Flying Time: 8 hours 30 minutes Currency: United States Dollar Language: English Time Zone: GMT-5 Visit For: Great Beaches, Safari & Wildlife, Arts, Nightlife, Shopping, Festivals

3 About Miami

Miami is almost more Latin American than simply American - famed for its sunny weather, savoir faire, legendary party scene and super-cool style. Miami and its neighbouring city Miami Beach are cities of emotion, colour and texture. Much of Miami's appeal is due to its diverse neighbourhoods, which range from towering, contemporary skyscrapers in Downtown Miami (the commercial heart of the city) to , home to its thriving Cuban community. Meanwhile, the Port of Miami is the world's largest cruise port. Miami Beach is world-renowned for its 'gold coast' hotel strip, palatial properties and exceptional outdoor recreational facilities. Its glamorous, see-and-be-seen South Beach neighbourhood is instantly recognisable, with its candy-coloured art deco buildings set against a pure South backdrop of cloudless skies, dazzling blue ocean, pale sandy beaches and swaying palm trees. Beautiful, tanned bodies parade the sands and everyone dresses - or dresses down - to impress. This is a city where sporting speedos on Ocean Drive – and little else – will barely raise an eyebrow. Throw in plenty of celebrity kudos – the likes of Will Smith and P Diddy are regular visitors – and the city’s glittering reputation is sealed. It started in the 1990s when tv cop show Miami Vice helped to glamorise the city; in essence, the growth of many of its swanky nightclubs and condos were bankrolled by the illegal drug trade and criminal underworld. Today, the city’s exclusive bars and clubs draw a host of Hollywood A-listers, jet-setters, models and wannabes. But there is much more to the city that its superficial trappings of sun, sand and heat. It is fast becoming one of the most exciting cultural cities in the United States. The Arts District and are thriving hubs for the arts. Meanwhile, 2013 will see the Miami Art Museum move to new premises in the middle of a sprawling at Biscayne Bay. In 2014, it will be joined by a new science museum harnessing energy from the water, sun and wind, and featuring a 600,000 gallon acquarium and a 3D planetarium. In 2011, the Frank Gehry-created New World Center created waves of excitement thanks to its show- stopping, post-modernist design that offers something else to gawp at in Miami Beach. In addition, the Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA) has recently benefitted from a multi- million dollar refurb that has tripled its gallery space. Meanwhile, for food aficionados, the city’s dining scene offers an eclectic mix. Of course, it pays to try some Cuban food; arroz con pollo (baked chicken with saffron rice) or the ubiquitous platanos (fried plantains) are ubiquitous, as is yuca, a potato-like vegetable. But there’s something for every palate, including steakhouses, Japanese, Italian, and New World cuisine, a mouth-watering blend of local produce, Latin American and Caribbean fare. If you want to explore beyond Miami, then head west to the Everglades, a sprawling flooded wetland and home to wild alligators. Alternatively, seek out classy Fort Lauderdale to the north; bohemian Florida Keys to the south or for some manatee-spotting, snorkelling, diving or canoeing. All this only serves to underline the one ethos that Miami locals abide by: life here is not about work but plenty of play.

4 Events & Nightlife

See the list of exciting Events taking place in Miami, as well as the varied Nightlife on offer Events Miami Sailing Week From: 03-03-2013 To: 09-03-2013 The most anticipated multi-class regatta in Miami features teams from countries all over the world competing at Biscayne Bay for the celebrated Bacardi Cup and the BMSW regatta trophy. Hispanic Heritage Festival From: 01-10-2013 To: 31-10-2013 The oldest Hispanic cultural festival in America, with food fair and entertainment for a month, leading up to a street party called Festival of the Americas. Venue Name: Various venues Junior Orange Bowl Festival From: 30-11-2014 To: 30-11-2014 The world's largest arts, culture and sports festival for youth; an accompanying parade takes place between Christmas and New Year. Venue Name: Various venues. King Mango Strut Parade From: 28-12-2014 To: 28-12-2014 A quarter-century old tradition, this festive parade parodies traditional holiday parades and spoofs national figures and current events. Venue Name: . Discover Orange Bowl From: 31-12-2014 To: 31-12-2014 Two of the top US football teams compete for Orange Bowl title. Venue Name: Pro Player Stadium. Art Deco Weekend From: 16-01-2015 To: 18-01-2015

5 Miami Beach's colourful art deco district is the place to hang out during this event. Celebrate the fantastic architecture of the 1920s and 1930s with everything from jazz to classic cars and a celebratory procession. The whole weekend is a tribute to the area's architecture and the period from which it grew. Auctions offer the opportunity to purchase memorabilia and collectable items salvaged from recent renovation. Annual Homestead Championship Rodeo From: 23-01-2015 To: 25-01-2015 'The Southernmost Rodeo in the United States' has a proud reputation both locally and further afield, standing as a pillar of the Homestead community. This seven event rodeo promises all manner of exciting All-American entertainments including horse displays, bucking broncos and skilled cowboy's demonstrating their abilities with lassos. Venue Name: Homestead. Coconut Grove Arts Festival From: 14-02-2015 To: 16-02-2015 Starting in 1963, with just a handful of artists and a few thousand onlookers, has now turned into 's most successful arts festival. Today, the event attracts around 120,000 people and showcases the works of 360 internationally recognized artists ranging from painting, photography, digital art, printmaking & drawing to watercolours, claywork and sculptures. Venue Name: Coconut Grove. South Beach Wine and Food Festival From: 19-02-2015 To: 22-02-2015 Attracting 60,000 visitors in 2012, this is the largest event of its kind in the country. There are tons of events, featuring over 150 celebrated chefs and over 250 wineries and producers. Venue Name: Miami Beach. Miami International Film Festival From: 06-03-2015 To: 15-03-2015 Varies. A 10-day festival featuring Hollywood and international independent films and celebrity parties. Venue Name: Various venues. Calle Ocho Festival/Carnival Miami From: 15-03-2015 To: 15-03-2015 Free. 6 The largest, one-day, Cuban-American festival and street party in America. The event sprawls across 23 blocks, and is filled with musical stages, youth sites, folkloric sites and food stalls. Venue Name: Little Havana. Fourth of July From: 04-07-2015 To: 04-07-2015 Rides, parade, food stalls and fireworks to celebrate Independence Day. Venue Name: and Key Biscayne. Miami/Bahamas Goombay Festival From: 01-08-2015 To: 31-08-2015 Three-day Caribbean entertainment and food festival commemorating the early settlers in Miami fom the Bahamas. Music, food, arts and crafts are offered accompanied by a colourful parade of brightly costumed people dancing to the rhythmic sounds of cowbells, drums, and whistles. Venue Name: Coconut Grove. Festival Miami From: 02-10-2015 To: 04-11-2015 Four-week international music festival featuring world premieres, concerts, chamber music and jazz. Venue Name: Various venues. Nightlife Miami never sleeps. The main nightlife scene in Miami is around South Beach where neon-lit, art deco buildings provide a suitable backdrop to hedonistic crowds. Bars close around 0100 and nightclubs around 0600. The minimum age for admission to all clubs in Miami Beach (including South Beach) is 21 years, the minimum drinking age in Florida. It is advisable to carry ID and dress codes often require chic attire. Culture in Miami is very much alive and kicking. The local newspapers are a good way for visitors to find out what is on: the New Times or the Friday edition of the Miami Herald are best. An excellent online events calendar also gives daily listings of special events.

Tickets can be bought at the various venues or from Ticketmaster (tel: (305) 358 5885; ). New World Center

7 Home to the New World Symphony, the Frank Gehry-designed New World Center is the newest addition to Miami's cultural scene. It offers more than 60 annual performances, some of them free to the public. The building itself, featuring exciting contours, natural light and a dramatic rooftop garden with sea views, can be toured on Tuesday and Thursdays at 4pm, and Friday and Saturdays at noon. 500 17th Street Miami (305) 673 3331. Jackie Gleason Theatre of the Performing Arts The Fillmore Miami Beach at the Jackie Gleason Theatre of the Performing Arts is Miami Beach's top artistic venue, showcasing Broadway shows, concerts and dance from the Florida Philharmonic, the , the Concert Association of Florida and other celebrated productions. 1700 Washington Avenue Miami (305) 673 7300. Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts The Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts is home to the Concert Association of Florida, , Miami City Ballet and the New World Symphony, with three separate performance facilities to present ballet, opera, theatre and symphonic music. 1300 Biscayne Boulevard Miami (305) 949 6722. BED This watering hole is named from the abbreviation for beverages, entertainment and dining, but also offers pillow-covered king-size beds in place of tables and chairs. A stylish Miami nightspot. 929 Washington Avenue Miami (305) 532 9070. The Laundry Bar For a real change of pace, try The Laundry Bar, in a league of its own in the Miami nightlife scene. Its motto is 'where your clothes get washed while you get sloshed,' and it offers full bar and dance floor as well as wash/dry/fold and dry-cleaning services. 721 North Lincoln Lane, Miami Beach Miami Larios on the Beach Also known as SoBe Bongos Cafe, Larios on the Beach is owned by singer Gloria Estefan, and serves lethal after-dinner mojitos (fresh mint, sugar and rum cocktails) alongside nightly funky Cuban music. 820 Ocean Drive Miami (305) 532 9577. Nikki Beach

8 Legendary Nikki Beach is an international brand with a loyal Miami following. Located right on a glorious stretch of silica, it has an indoor/outdoor dance floor, fabulous cabanas and lounges which attracts a young, supermodel crowd. 1 Ocean Drive Miami (305) 538 1111. Mansion Usher and Paris Hilton have been spotted in Mansion, an old movie house and now a massive Miami clubbing venue reminiscent of New York's Studio 54. 235 Washington Avenue Miami (305) 695 8411. Cameo Cameo is considered a cut above the rest on South Beach when it comes to nightlife in Miami, with world-class DJs, outstanding live concerts and a VIP clientele. 1445 Washington Avenue Miami (786) 235 5800. Mynt Lounge Actors, models and pop stars frequent the futuristic Mynt Lounge for its cool music and outrageously expensive drinks. 1921 Miami (305) 532 0727. Kaffe Krystal For the latest Latin rhythms, try Kaffe Krystal, which has a large dancefloor and hosts live bands and DJs playing authentic salsa music. 72nd Street Miami Mango's Tropical Café This has flamboyant South Beach salsa with dancing on the tables and in the street. 900 Ocean Drive Miami (305) 673 4422. Jazid This upmarket jazz club offers live jazz and blues nightly. 1342 Washington Avenue Miami (305) 673 9372. Lincoln Theatre The New World Symphony, America's unique orchestral academy, plays from late September to early May in the historic Lincoln Theatre. The only symphony orchestra of its kind in the world, the New World Symphony has been training gifted graduates for careers in music since 1987.

9 541 Miami (305) 673 3331. Gusman Center for the Performing Arts The historic Gusman Center for the Performing Arts, a renovated 1920s movie palace, now stages a huge variety of arts events, including the annual Miami Film Festival. 174 East Miami (305) 372 0925.

10 Top Destinations

Little Havana After Fidel Castro took power in 1959, refugees fleeing Cuba settled just west of downtown Miami, in a neighbourhood known as Little Havana. Today, with its 800,000-strong Cuban-American community, this colourful district has a distinctly Latin atmosphere with its Spanish signs, Cuban coffee bars and restaurants, small cigar factories and street-side food stalls, selling such delicacies as baho (Cuban stew) and freshly squeezed juices. Monuments to anti-Castro Cubans line the streets, especially around Calle Ocho (Eighth Street), the liveliest part of Little Havana and the venue for the Calle Ocho Festival, a famous annual spring carnival - America's largest street party. Disabled Access: No Address: Miami Miami is a state-of-the-art cageless zoo, with over animals from more than 310 species roaming the 116-hectare (290-acre) grounds, separated by moats from spectators. Wildlife shows, a petting zoo, tram tours, monorail, gift shops, food courts and a playground provide fun for all the family. Other include Monkey Jungle, where the humans are kept in caged walkways while the primates roam freely and , a unique bird sanctuary-cum-botanical garden with more than 1,100 birds and 100 plant varieties, together with alligators, giant tortoises and apes. Opening Times: Daily 0930-1730. Admission Fees: Yes Disabled Access: Yes Address: 1 Zoo Boulevard Richmond Heights Wolfsonian Museum The Wolfsonian Museum, affiliated with the Florida International University, was founded by an eccentric world-traveller and Miami native from his own collection of modern design and 'propaganda arts.' One-of-a-kind exhibits address 19th- and 20th-century political themes, displaying the arts and crafts that were created to persuade, nationalise or rally citizens. Other museums in the city include the Miami Art Museum primarily displays international art since WWII and the Bass Museum, which focuses on European art from the 15th to 18th centuries. Opening Times: Sat & Sun 1200-1800, Thurs & Fri 1200-2100. Admission Fees: Yes Disabled Access: Yes Address: 1001 Washington Avenue Miami Miami Museum of Science and Planetarium

11 This nationally renowned museum, associated with the Smithsonian Institute, features interactive scientific exhibits on physics, electricity, light, sound and anatomy, as well as daily astronomy and laser shows in the adjacent planetarium. It also boasts South Florida's largest natural history collection and a wildlife centre that rehabilitates injured birds of prey and reptiles, and displays more than 175 live animals. Opening Times: Daily 1000-1800. Admission Fees: Yes Disabled Access: Yes Address: 3280 South Miami HistoryMiami This museum offers a fascinating insight into the region's past. It has a small but impressive collection of hands-on displays, archive material, historical objects and multimedia presentations, which covers 10,000 years of Florida history from the first settlers to the present day. Opening Times: Tues-Fri 1000-1700; Sat & Sun 1200-1700; closed Mon. Admission Fees: Yes Disabled Access: No Address: 101 West Flagler Street Downtown Miami Coral Gables This elegant Mediterranean-style residential district, 16km (10 miles) southwest of downtown Miami, was created by local developer George Merrick during the boom years of the 1920s. Coral Gables is best known for its art galleries, the exclusive Miracle Mile shopping street, its golf courses, fine hotels and restaurants. It also contains some of the city's finest architecture, set amid broad boulevards, canals and parkland. Some buildings are preserved as historic landmarks, including the stunning Biltmore Hotel, and the Venetian Pool, at 2701 De Soto Boulevard - the only swimming pool on the National Register of Historic Places, transformed from a mere rock quarry in 1923. Disabled Access: No Address: Miami Coconut Grove Located on the edge of Biscayne Bay, south of downtown Miami, Coconut Grove is one of the city's oldest neighbourhoods, with bohemian roots. Settled by a multicultural group of Bahamians and New Englanders, the neighbourhood drew artists and intellectuals, who set up summer homes here. Today, it is a trendy district with a bustling village atmosphere, full of colourful galleries, theatres, nightclubs, fine restaurants, hip sidewalk cafés and shops. Disabled Access: No Address: Miami

12 Located on beautiful Biscayne Bay, the Miami Seaquarium has over 10,000 aquatic creatures on display - including crocodiles, alligators and seals, as well as fish of every imaginable shape, size and colour. Star acts include Lolita, a 7,000-pound killer whale, Salty the sea lion and TV superstar Flipper the dolphin. The in-house Marine Mammal Rescue Team also strives to preserve and protect stranded or injured manatees, dolphins and whales in the waters of South Florida. See their work in the mangrove habitat of Discovery Bay - used to rehabilitate rescued sea turtles; and the Manatee Exhibit where manatees are nursed back to health, ready for release into the wild. Opening Times: Daily 0930-1800. Admission Fees: Yes Disabled Access: Yes Address: 4400 Miami Key Biscayne Linked to the mainland by the Rickenbacker Causeway, Key Biscayne combines traditional Florida- style houses with ostentatious mansions belonging to some of Miami's wealthiest residents. The beaches here rank among Florida's best - their fine sand and relatively calm seas make them a popular choice for families. Other top attractions include two beautiful parks (Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park and ) both with magnificent beaches, bike trails and nature walks. Bill Baggs is home to the Cape Florida Lighthouse, built in 1825. The small Crandon Family Amusement Center in the park has an old-time carousel, playground and outdoor roller rink. Disabled Access: No Address: Miami Miami Beach Miami Beach is located on a long slender island connected to mainland Miami by four main causeways. It comprises various coastal towns, each with its own personality - including Surfside, the upscale shopping district of Bal Harbour, Sunny Isles Beach, South Beach and Golden Beach. Miami Beach's white sands extend from Lincoln Road Mall northwards to 87th Street, with a scenic boardwalk popular with joggers and strollers, and pastel-coloured art deco lifeguard stations dotting the shoreline. A variety of watersports are available, including windsurfing, sailing, jet-skiing and parasailing. Little Havana After Fidel Castro took power in 1959, refugees fleeing Cuba settled just west of downtown Miami, in a neighbourhood known as Little Havana. Today, with its 800,000-strong Cuban-American community, this colourful district has a distinctly Latin atmosphere with its Spanish signs, Cuban coffee bars and restaurants, small cigar factories and street-side food stalls, selling such delicacies as baho (Cuban stew) and freshly squeezed juices. Monuments to anti-Castro Cubans line the streets, especially around Calle Ocho (Eighth Street), the liveliest part of Little Havana and the venue for the Calle Ocho Festival, a famous annual spring carnival - America's largest street party. Disabled Access: No Address: Miami South Beach

13 Glitzy, glamorous South Beach (known locally as SoBe) is the trendiest part of town and a magnet for celebrities, wannabes and fun-lovers who thrive on its cosmopolitan atmosphere, designer shopping, upbeat restaurants and fast-paced nightlife. By day, a young, hip crowd cruise Ocean Drive; by night, exotic latino beats flow from the many famed dance clubs onto the busy streets. South Beach itself boasts white sands, palm trees and dazzling blue sea. However, the most striking feature here is the famous art deco historic district - over 800 buildings within 1.5 sq km (1 sq mile), all in the same streamlined architectural style, painted in pastel shades and lit with brilliantly coloured neon lights. Tours of the district are offered every morning (except Thursdays) or Thursday evening. Self-guided tour maps are also available from the Art Deco Welcome Center, 1200 Ocean Drive (at 12th Street), South Beach. Disabled Access: No Address: Miami Downtown Miami Downtown Miami is the the commercial heart of the city, distinguished by sleek skyscrapers, impressive government buildings and cultural centres, and edged by the Port of Miami, the world's largest cruise port. From the , several boat excursions tour Miami Bay and exclusive Fisher Island, the address for celebrities in Miami. Disabled Access: No Vizcaya Museum and Gardens Vizcaya is a beautiful Italian Renaissance-style palace set in four hectares (10 acres) of picturesque formal gardens, south of downtown Miami on Biscayne Bay. Built as a winter residence for the Chicago industrialist James Deering in 1916, the mansion is modelled on neo-classical designs and its 70 rooms are filled with antique furnishings spanning the 15th to 19th centuries. Tours are available. Opening Times: Daily 0930-1630 (closed Tues). Admission Fees: Yes Disabled Access: Yes Address: 3251 South Miami Avenue Miami Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden This magnificent 33-hectare (83-acre) botanical garden is located just south of Coconut Grove. It contains extensive collections of rare tropical plants, a 1,440-sq-m (16,000-sq-ft) conservatory, 11 lakes and lily ponds, and a rainforest exhibit, set among a waterfall and stream. A variety of educational programmes and narrated tram tours are available. Opening Times: Mon-Fri 0930-1630, Sat & Sun 0730-1630. Admission Fees: Yes Disabled Access: Yes Address: 10901 Miami Perez Art Museum Miami (PAMM)

14 The Perez Art Museum is the city's newest cultural beacon, which opened in Decemeber 2013 in the newly-developed Museum Park district. Formerly known as the Miami Art Museum, the new $131 million building is key to stamping the city's cultural assets firmly on the map and will be joined by the neighbouring Patricia and Phillip Frost Museum of Science in 2015. Focusing on international contemporary art from the 20th and 21st century, the museum features six galleries offering permanent collections, as well as temporary exhibitions. Admission Fees: Yes Disabled Access: Yes Address: 1103 Biscayne Boulevard Miami

15 Tours & Activities

Everglades South of Miami, the is the second largest national park in America, with its 6,070 sq km (2,344 sq miles) of marshes, mangrove forests, freshwater and saltwater areas and open grass prairies. Gator-spotting is one of the main attractions in this vast subtropical wilderness, which is also home to an abundance of rare plants, birds and animals - including wild orchids, Florida panthers, ospreys, manatees, giant loggerhead turtles, the Everglades mink, the Florida black bear and the only saltwater crocodiles in America. Telephone: (305) 242 7700. The Keys and Key West This chain of small coral-and-limestone islands (known as 'keys') south of Miami, stretches 202km (126 miles) out across Florida Bay and is linked by just one highway, the US-1. The Keys offer some of the best sport fishing, scuba diving, boating, swimming and snorkelling in the world. Key West is the quaint and festive jewel at the end offering a myriad fascinating museums, Caribbean-influenced restaurants and art galleries. Check out its Old Town featuring quaint narrow streets lined with beautifully restored Victorian shotgun cottages or follow in the footsteps of author Ernest Hemingway to his house where the famous six-toed cats still lounge lazily. Telephone: (305) 294 2587. Key Largo First stop on the Florida Keys is Key Largo, home to Dolphins Plus, where visitors of all ages can swim with dolphins in a variety of hands-on experiences. Learn about these friendly and highly intelligent marine mammals while swimming and playing with them. Sign on for Dolphin Blast or the Trainer for a Day programme, or one of the natural or structured swims. Telephone: (305) 451 1993 or 1 866 860 7946. Fort Lauderdale Only 40km (25 miles) north of Miami, this smart east coast resort and international yachting centre is often described as the 'Venice of America' because of its many canals and waterways. Easily accessible by train from Miami, it boasts magnificent sandy beaches, as well as excellent shopping and nightlife. Attractions include the contemporary collections of the Museum of Art, the Museum of Discovery and Science and the spectacular Hugh Taylor Birch State Park and Recreation Area. Telephone: (954) 765 4466. Walking tours The Miami Design Preservation League conducts daily, 90-minute walking tours of South Beach's art deco historic district departing from its Art Deco Welcome Center. Self-guided audio tours are available here daily. Telephone: (305) 673 2217. Bus tours Dragonfly Expeditions and Dade Heritage Trust operate the 'Miami Magic City Bus Tour,' which takes in the city's most famous and historic neighbourhoods in a four-hour tour. 16 Telephone: (305) 774 9019 ; (305) 358 9572. Boat tours Island Queen Cruises offers tours of Miami Bay in one and a half hours, travelling past the Port and exclusive Millionaire's Row - home to such celebrities as Gloria Estefan, the Bee Gees, Oprah Winfrey, Boris Becker and Paul Newman. The tours depart from Bayside Marketplace daily 1100- 1900. Telephone: (305) 379 5119. Kayak tours The Blue Moon Outdoor Center offers a unique way to see Miami and outlying natural areas by kayak and bike. Self-guided tours and expedition packages of varying length and difficulty are offered. Rates vary, call or visit website for information. It is located in at the northern end of Biscayne Bay. Telephone: (305) 957 3040. Amphibious tours Duck Tours Miami is a zany 90-minute land and sea tour by amphibious boat. The tour begins in the South Beach art deco district, then splash launches into Biscayne Bay and cruises past Millionaire's Row and homes of the rich and famous on Star, Hibiscus, Palm and Fisher islands. It is a fun way to learn many fascinating titbits about Miami's wealthiest residents. Telephone: (305) 673 2217. Surfing Miami Beach and South Beach provide a year-round mecca for surfers of all levels. Surfing lessons are available from the beach and the waters are gloriously warm. Diving With its close proximity to the Gulf Stream, Miami's warm waters are wonderful for divers. Thanks to an artificial reef programme, there are 75 wrecks scattered offshore, including two Vietnamese army tanks. Kayaking An hour's drive from Miami is Biscayne National Park, a must for outdoor-lovers. Kayaking or canoeing offers the best way to enjoy the park's mangrove-fringed shores, with guided trips available from January to April. Shallow Jones Lagoon is the place to spot sharks, large wading birds and schools of fish whilst Hurricane Creek teems with crabs and anemones.

17 Food & Dining Out

Restaurants: Restaurants in Miami cater to all tastes and pockets. As well as a 7% state sales tax, the municipality of Miami Beach levies an additional 2% on restaurants (to help the homeless). These taxes are not included in menu prices but are added to the bill at the end. A few places also include a service charge in the bill but this is not common. It is normal to leave a tip of 15- 20% for service.

The restaurants below have been grouped in three different price categories: Expensive (over US$35) Moderate (US$20 to US$34 Cheap (under US$20) These prices are for an average three-course meal for one person with a bottle of house wine or cheapest equivalent; they do not include taxes, service charge or tip. Big Pink Category: Cheap At the heart of the South Beach hustle, this upscale, modern diner and sports bar serves classic all- American fare to a young, hip crowd. Living up to its name, everything is pink - the bar stools, the lamps, the Plexiglas tables... even the menu, which consists predominantly of pizzas, burgers, pasta and salads, all served in hearty, value-for-money portions. The real speciality here, however, is the TV dinner - a six-compartment metal tray loaded with satisfying comfort food. Telephone: (305) 532 4700. Address: 157 Collins Avenue Miami Beach Shorty's Bar-B-Q Category: Cheap Located in a log cabin in South Miami and decorated with mounted boar and caribou heads, saddles and cowboy hats, this barbecue house is a veritable institution. The informal, fun menu is served at long wooden picnic tables, with specialities including barbecued ribs (slow-cooked over hickory logs and smothered in Shorty's own spicy barbecue sauce) accompanied by fries, coleslaw, corn on the cob and chilled, thirst-quenching beers. Telephone: (305) 670 7732. Address: 9200 South Dixie Highway South Miami Little Havana Category: Cheap Proof positive that there is authentic Cuban food outside Calle Ocho, witness Little Havana in North Miami, a friendly, popular choice with locals. Open daily for lunch and supper, enjoy such menu items as lobster-stuffed yucca pastry or the masas de puerco, a tender, crispy fried pork dish that is a favourite among patrons.

18 Telephone: (305) 899 9069. Address: 12727 Biscayne Boulevard North Miami Cascade Restaurant Category: Moderate Expect casual poolside dining at the 61-hectare (150-acre) Biltmore Hotel estate. The restaurant overlooks the largest pool in the US, surrounded by rows of statues, palms, waterfalls and Italianate buildings. The menu focuses on fresh seafood, Caribbean dishes and healthy, organic spa cuisine. Highlights include the Caribbean-style bisque, Florida stone crabs and char-grilled churrasco steaks. Telephone: (855) 311 6903. Address: Biltmore Hotel Coral Gables Aaria Category: Moderate The stylish lounge bar of the ultra-luxurious Acqualina Resort, Aaria offers both indoor and outdoor dining overlooking tropical gardens to the turquoise Atlantic beyond. Delectable fresh Mediterranean- influenced filled flatbreads, tapas dishes and salads, are served alfresco on the verandah. There are also complimentary delicacies for those sipping at the 6m (20ft) bar and, for dinner, a sushi menu. Telephone: (305) 918 8000 Address: 17875 Collins Avenue Miami Morada Bay Beach Café Category: Expensive Experience the laid-back atmosphere of the Keys and a perfect tropical sunset at the romantic Morada Bay beach cafe, with its wide shady verandahs and plantation-style shutters. Sit barefoot at tables, sipping exotic cocktails while the children play on the white sandy beach. The American- Caribbean menu offers some of the best seafood in the Keys. The renowned monthly full moon parties draw revellers from far and wide to enjoy the live bands on the beach, DJ, firewalkers and jugglers. Telephone: (305) 664 0604. Address: 81600 Overseas Highway Miami Joe's Stone Crabs Category: Expensive From humble origins as a beachside seafood stand in 1913, Joe's Stone Crab is today a veritable Miami institution, made famous by its copious quantities of stone crab claws - Florida's greatest seafood delicacy - served with their signature mustard sauce. The menu also offers other seafood dishes, steaks, ribs and chicken, accompanied by such sides as coleslaw and hash browns. The restaurant is only open during stone crab season (mid October-mid May). Telephone: (305) 673 0365 Address: 11 Washington Avenue Miami Beach

19 A Fish Called Avalon Category: Expensive In the heart of South Beach's art deco district, this streetside patio restaurant is ideal for people- watching along bustling, palm-lined Ocean Drive. Latin-Caribbean music adds to the festive and romantic atmosphere. Fresh seafood is delivered daily and the award-winning dishes often feature sensuous, tropical textures and flavours. Try the Caribbean spice grilled grouper or the Florida snapper au poivre with mango relish. Telephone: (305) 532 1727 Address: 700 Ocean Drive Miami Beach

20 Shopping

Shopping in Miami abounds with opportunities, with a broad assortment of sophisticated malls to small specialist boutiques. As the city is quite sprawling, it pays to know beforehand which district to head for. Key Areas: The Miami Design District is a hub for designer fashion from Marni to Louis Vuitton. Miracle Mile in Coral Gables has quality galleries, boutiques and department stores, while the 6.4- hectare (16-acre) waterfront Bayside Marketplace, in downtown Miami, offers an unusual mix of retail shops and local artisan stalls. Other key areas include the funky boutiques of South Beach (most notably the Lincoln Road shopping district), The Gallery at CocoWalk and the exclusive Streets of Mayfair shopping centres in Coconut Grove and the numerous malls scattered about Greater Miami. A stretch of Collins Avenue, between Sixth and Eighth Streets, in South Beach, has a handful of local boutiques and medium-price chain stores like Banana Republic and Urban Outfitters. Ocean Drive is lined with designer shops. Markets: Miami has a plethora of farmers' markes, including Coconut Grove every Saturday between 10am-7pm and Lincoln Road close to Miami Beach every Sunday between 9am-630pm. Both are open year-round. Shopping Centres: , 19501 Biscayne Boulevard, Aventura, is one of the most popular malls, featuring Macy's, Bloomingdale's, Sears, JC Penney and over 200 smaller shops. Bal Harbour, 9700 Collins Avenue, is renowned for its high-end designer boutiques, such as Gucci and Tiffany. , 12801 West Sunrise Boulevard, in Fort Lauderdale, is the world's largest outlet mall with more than 350 discounted brand-name stores. Times: For chic interiors and objects for the home, nothing surpasses the Miami Design District where high-end décor and furniture shops are open to the public. Souvenirs: Look out for arts, crafts, jewellery, fashion and trendy homeware. Tax Info: Sales taxes are 7% on all goods - and there is no system for claiming this back. Credit cards are widely accepted.

21 Best Time To Visit

Miami has year-round warm weather, with temperatures typically around 20°C-30°C (70°F- 80°F). The busiest time to visit Miami is between January and April; beaches are crowded and hotels are well booked in advance. June to September are quieter in comparision but it's still busy with visitors. June is the wettest month and humidity can be oppresively high in the summer months. Between June and November, there is a risk of hurricanes and tropical storms.

22 Travel Tips

Public Transport: Getting around Greater Miami can be difficult due to the size of the city. Nevertheless, Miami- Dade Transit Service (MDT) (tel: (305) 770 3131; provides a variety of useful public transport options, including Metrorail, Metrobus and . The Metrorail is the longest elevated rapid transit system in America. At 34km (21 miles), it runs from Kendall northwards through South Miami, Coral Gables, downtown Miami and then northwest to the Hialeah district. There are 22 stations and the entire journey takes 42 minutes. Trains run approximately every 10-20 minutes and more frequently at peak hours. Exact change only is placed in the slot at the entrance turnstiles.

The trains connect to the Metrobus and Tri-Rail. Transfers to the Metrobus, at the Government Center station or station, must be purchased at the original boarding station. Metrobus operates a comprehensive bus service with 94 routes, some running 24 hours. Blue and green bus-stop signs list the routes and destinations. Exact change is required.

Downtown Miami is served by the futuristic, driverless Metromover, an elevated, three-loop, fully automated monorail. It operates daily from about 0500 to midnight, with the outer Loop serving Brickell and Omni operating as one continuous loop from about 1900 until midnight. The Metromover is free to all travellers. It is safe, air-conditioned and it also provides unparalleled views. The South Beach Local makes getting around South Beach a breeze. The bus runs every 10-15 minutes and is very cheap.

A monthly Metropass allows for unlimited travel on the Metrobus, Metrorail and Metromover. This pass is available for purchase from the Transit Information Center on the second level of the Government Center Metrorail station, online and at designated outlets. The Easy Ticket enables 60 days of unlimited rides on the Metrobus and Metrorail. Buy the pass from the airport (Mercado Miami store, Concourse F), Welcome Centers and other select locations. Taxis: Taxis are plentiful but it is not the norm to hail one in the street. They are easily available from taxi stands outside most hotels and shopping malls, although it is more common to telephone for one. Driving:

23 Greater Miami comprises 30 municipalities but Miami is divided into quadrants. Flagler Street runs east-west, thus dividing the city into north and south sections, while Miami Avenue runs north-south, splitting the city into east and west sections. Most Miami addresses refer to these quadrants. Greater Miami traffic can be terrible; cars can come to an absolute standstill along Ocean Drive and Collins Avenue in South Beach during weekday rush hour and weekend nights.

There is plenty of metered parking available in Miami but not elsewhere. Visitors should check displayed information for rates and hours of operation. The average rates for parking meters range from US$0.75 to US$1.50 per hour. Some newer meters accept Visa and Mastercard as well as cash. On weekends, parking garages fill up with shoppers during the day and clubbers during the night. Further information on locations of car parks, hours and rates is available from the Miami Parking Authority, 190 NE Third Street (tel: (305) 373 6789. Car Hire: Hiring a car is relatively straightforward. Drivers must be over 25 years old, possess a valid national driving licence and a credit card to hold a deposit of at least US$500. When arranging car hire, visitors should enquire about an all-inclusive rate and ask how this compares to the regular daily rate. An all-inclusive rate should include all taxes, airport fees and car-handling fees. CWD (also known as LDW), which makes the hire company, rather than the driver, responsible for damage to the car, and SLI (supplementary liability insurance), also sometimes called top-up liability insurance or EP (extended protection), increases third-party liability coverage. All-inclusive rates may also include a tank of petrol and additional drivers. There is usually an extra charge for child seats. Bike Hire: Most hire outlets are in bike-friendly Miami Beach. They include the Miami Beach Bicycle Center, 601 Fifth Street (tel: (305) 674 0150; ) and Mangrove Cycles, 260 Crandon Boulevard, Key Biscayne (tel: (305) 361 5555; ). Miami occasionally holds car-free, bike-and-stroll days in and around downtown Miami, Brickell and the . Look out for details in the local press. Sightseeing: Passes: The Go Miami Card grants admission to over 36 attractions, activities, and tours. Cards range from one to seven day passes . A new Museum Mile Cultural Pass was added in 2013 offering free admission to the World Erotic Art Museum, Wolfsonian FUI, the Bass Museum and the , as well as a 15% savings at selected restaurants. Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau

Opening Times: Mon-Fri 0830-1800. Address: 701 , Suite 2700 Miami Miami Beach Visitor Center Address: Miami Beach Visitors Center Miami Beach Fl 33139 24 Dialing Code: 305 Population: 409714

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