travel like a local in Miami

Miami beach packed with swimmers and sunbathers

welcome to the 305

Trying to blend in as a local can be hard. But do not fret, fellow citizens. Estamos aqui - we are here! Forget those cookie-cutter recommendations that scream "I just Googled this five minutes ago" – we are serving up the real deal, straight from someone who knows every hidden beach, underground restaurant, and shortcut that'll make you look and speak like a Miami native (or at least help you fake it convincingly). Grab your cafecito and a beach lounger, let’s get this fiesta started. Dale!

safety in Miami

Miami beckons travelers with its vibrant energy, but safety is always the burning question. Fear not, these bustling neighborhoods are generally safe, with well-lit streets and a robust police presence that keeps the city's pulse steady all day and night. While no major city is without its risks, Miami offers a welcoming environment for tourists willing to stay street-smart and respectful of their home away from home.

Miami locals enjoying the sunset on the intercoastal

spill the cafecito

We are ready to spill the cafecito on all cheap things to do here in Miami. From a city with a lot of character and culture, there are plenty of things to do in nature and in the community. Follow along to unlock all the secrets of the city!

sunny beaches

lifeguard station at Miami Beach on a sunny day

South Beach

Miami South Beach isn’t just about glamorous resorts and expensive clubs – it’s packed with cheap thrills for the savvy traveller. Take a leisurely stroll down Ocean Drive, or simply kick back on the iconic South Beach sand, both totally free. So, if you’re after a budget-friendly beach escape, South Beach has you covered without breaking the bank.

Haulover Beach

Haulover Beach is a dream for budget-savvy travellers looking for a sunny escape. Famous for its pristine sand and crystal-clear waters – perfect for swimming or sunbathing without spending a penny. Pack a picnic and enjoy the shady spots under the trees, or grab a frisbee for a game in the park nearby. The beach also has a popular (and free) clothing-optional section if you’re feeling loca. Whether you’re a sun-seeker, swimmer, or just love a good view, Haulover Beach makes it easy to soak up the Miami vibes on the low.

Nikki Beach

Although Nikki Beach is known for its luxurious reputation, you can always experience luxury on a budget (am I right citizens). Pack your own snacks and drinks, and you’ve got a picnic with million-dollar views at no extra cost. Wander along the shoreline and enjoy the buzzing atmosphere and bumping music without opening your wallet. For a touch of Miami’s chic vibes on a budget, Nikki Beach delivers in style.

public parks

Local men in Miami playing dominos together

Domino Park

Wander over to the culture-filled neighbourhood of Little Havana for budget-friendly and even free adventures. Experience the true Cuban history by gathering for the lively domino games while sipping on that freshly brewed colada. It’s also a great starting point to explore Little Havana’s vibrant street art and shops on foot.

Biscayne National Park

Entrance into the Biscayne National Park is free, so let’s explore! The park showcases the stunning marine landscapes for snorkeling, kayaking, or simply sitting back and relaxing the view. Nature is right before your eyes with wildlife spotting like manatees and sea turtles. For those who want to dive deeper, affordable guided boat tours take you closer to the coral reefs.

Everglades

The Florida Everglades National Park is your budget-friendly adventure fix, bringing you face-to-face with wildlife - alligators and birds, oh my! Take a self-guided walking tour, rent a bike, or hop on a kayak for an up-close and personal experience with the wetlands. If you want to be truly free of charges, the ranger-led programmes are often free while giving you fascinating insights into this special ecosystem.

mercados locales

Wynwood Walls

Who thought that being an art lover can also be easy on your wallet. Wynwood Walls in Miami is an open-air museum packed with massive, vibrant murals by world-famous street artists for a small entrance fee. All over the main road, NW 2nd Street, you can find the local colourful creations on the walls, browse through the indie boutiques, or grab a treat at a nearby cafe. If you’re after Miami’s coolest art scene without the price tag, Wynwood Walls is the perfect spot.

Bayside Marketplace

Bayside Marketplace is a buzzing waterfront spot perfect for tourists on a budget. Entry is free, and the lively atmosphere comes with live music, beautiful marina views, and plenty of people-watching. Stroll along the docks, peeking at boats while munching on some food from the food carts, or hop on a low-cost boat tour to see the city from the water!

Lincoln Road Farmers Market

Looking for a more local and versatile market? Lincoln Road Farmers Market is the place for you, citizen! Every Sunday, this market offers fresh produce, handmade goods, and local treats without spending a fortune. The buzzing marketplace and outdoor vibe make it a perfect spot for a leisurely morning or afternoon walk about.

Miami locals enjoying their dinner under an umbrella covered patio

tesoros escondidos

Finding the hidden gems, or tesoros escondidos, can be tricky in a new city. From local munchies, vintage thrift shopping, day trips, and even secret gardens, Miami has it all. Don’t know where to start? No te preocupes, we will guide you!

If you have an itch for shopping for vintage goodies, then Dragonfly Thrift Boutique is the place for you. Their fully curated collection of designer pieces, home decor, and accessories will keep you busy enough throughout the day before your colada (think espresso but Cuban) wears off. Tienes hambre? El Palacio de los Jugos is a MUST visit if you’re looking for a taste into true Cuban bites. As they have in their name, they have fresh juices from exotic fruits, traditional Cuban sandwiches and pastelitos, and entrees that will make you miss your abuelita’s best dishes. To burn off all those delicious calories, head to Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden. Their exhibitions include aquatic, flower, succulent, and even butterfly gardens. Each little secret escape connects you with the beautiful nature of Florida, highlighting the lush greenery away from the usual tourist paths.

Blue and red LED lights fill the street of Ocean Drive in Miami at night

Miami slang

It is known that in Miami, the preferred language is “Span-glish,” the combination of Spanish and English. To get around, it might be essential to get some of their lingo under your belt. ¿Necesitas practicar? Here are some tips and tricks to seem like Spanish is your second language. Vamos!

25 Miami Span-glish slang words you should know

¡Dale! - Let’s go!
¿Qué bolá? - What’s up?
¡Ya tu sabes! - translates to “you already know!” or “you know it!”
¡Oye! - Listen!
¡Mira! - Look!
Cafe con leche - the Cuban specialty of coffee with milk and sugar
Porfa - short for “por favor” which means “please”
Bueno… - is translated to “good,” but is really used as “well…”
Yeah, no - no
No, yeah - yes
Fuácata - used when describing a punch or a sudden hit
Asere - buddy, pal, mate
Bro - used to as a nickname to call your friends
Jit - used to call someone a kid or immature
Chancleta - flip flops (usually experienced when getting scolded - ouch)
Fuego - “fire” in Spanish, meaning something cool
Tiki-tiki music - used to describe techno or house music
Qué cute! - when describing how cute or adorable someone is
Pero like… - translates to “but like”
Pata sucia - translates to “dirty feet,” used when describing someone dirty or doing something nasty (you don’t want to be called this, bro)
Leeterally - it’s literally just literally, but with the Spanglish dialect
Irregardless - it’s the same as “regardless” but with a little Miami oomph involved
Supposably - Miami’s version of “supposedly”
Super - this gets put in front of every word to make it even more exaggerated (ex: that bar last night was super lit!)
A mission - describing something that takes a long time

The Miami Heat Kaseya Center arena is the perfect view at the citizenM Miami Worldcenter hotel

vamos a dormir

Now that you’re able to walk and talk like a Miami local, it’s time to sleep like one. With locations in Brickell, Worldcenter, and South Beach, we have that XL king-sized bed reserved for you. Irregardless if you’re here to relax on the beach, party all night, or eat your way through the city, citizenM Miami hotels are the perfect place to rest.

book Miami

aerial view of citizenM Miami Brickell hotel with a colourful mural on the side surrounded by skyscrapers — new

a citizen's guide to Miami Brickell

Welcome to Miami Brickell, a neighbourhood bursting with zest and vibrancy, where every corner unveils a new adventure. Come along, explorer, as we uncover the gems of Brickell, the heart of Miami. It's time to embrace the Miami heat and sizzling hotspots!

beautiful street art in the middle of the art district in Miami Wynwood

a citizen's guide to Miami Wynwood

With its seductive blend of art, food, brews and beats, Miami Wynwood is a show-stopping scene-stealer - and trust us, it steals the show. Time to strap on those adventure shoes and dive in, shall we?

a couple riding a jet ski throughout the intercoastal in Downtown Miami

a citizen's guide to Downtown Miami

Let's paint you a picture: imagine a glamorous cityscape overlooking the breathtaking Biscayne Bay, where modern high-rises touch the sky and an irresistible urban rhythm fills the air. Let's dive into the Downtown Miami neighbourhood!

Miami travel tips from a local