Miami in 3 Days: tips, what to see, and much more

Miami is not a huge city compared to other major American cities. However, its vibrant mixed culture and beautiful beaches will captivate you. And if you want to go beyond the beach and want to explore it in 3 days, it is possible to do so. In this article I propose an itinerary to get the most out of the city. You won't see everything, but you will see the essential things to fall in love with this Florida city and want to come back to explore it 100%.

It's hard to land in Miami and resist exploring it starting with the busiest, most famous and vibrant area. That's why you'll devote your first day to strolling along its most mythical part, Miami Beach, a city in itself that's home to everything from the city's best-known landmarks to its stunning beaches.

See Art Deco at its best

Although Miami is known for its skyscrapers, it has an interesting Art Deco heritage, the architectural style of the early decades of the 20th century, recognisable by its geometric and ornate aesthetic.

Its façades are often very striking and colourful, so you'll be able to take some of your best photos of the city. If you want to know more about what's in store for you, check out our article on Miami's Art Deco.

If you're passionate about this style, you can immerse yourself in it by booking an Art Deco tour of Miami or a visit to the Art Deco Welcome Center. A museum space dedicated to Art Deco and other styles derived from it, such as Miami Modern. Tickets start at $5.

Explore Ocean Drive in depth

Ocean Drive is one of South Beach's busiest thoroughfares. If you've already enjoyed Art Deco, I suggest you simply let yourself be captivated by its urban vibe. Ocean Drive is much more than just art, as there are interesting shops to browse.

If fashion is your thing, then you can't miss the views from the Villa Casuarina, the famous home of the legendary designer Versace. In fact, it was on the very stairs of the foyer where he was assassinated. Today it is a luxury hotel, although it is fully visible from Ocean Drive. It is undoubtedly one of the most iconic buildings on this emblematic avenue.

A very comfortable way to tour this legendary avenue is on foot or with a Segway tour of Ocean Drive. Have fun while a guide explains every detail of the tour.

Relax in Lummus Park

Once you've visited Ocean Drive, just a 10-minute walk away is Lummus Park, a 30-hectare space with everything from volleyball courts to beautiful fountains and even outdoor fitness machines.

This park runs along the east coast of Miami Beach and directly at the most popular beaches. So it's time to get out your towel and sunscreen.

Enjoy the sun on South Beach

A 10-minute walk from Lummus Park will take you to the famous South Beach. Miami's iconic landmark, with its boardwalk crowded with people showing off their palms, gym bodies, impressive cars, huge beaches and the occasional 'beach vigilante'. A sight you 've seen dozens of times in the movies and well worth experiencing in person.

Of course, there's plenty of things to do besides watching. You can book a yoga session on South Beach, go for a spot of beachcombing, play volleyball and much more. To expand your options, it's best to check out this article on what to see and do in South Beach Miami.

Of course, South Beach is also a very nice place to visit at night. It's not the only interesting place to see once the sun goes down, you'll find more information on what to see in Miami at night here. My advice, and this is what I have planned for you, is to stay close to Miami Beach so you can see South Beach at night in all its glory.

Stroll and dine on the legendary Española Way

Since Miami Beach is a must on your visit and you're likely to be tired from being out and about all day, it's best to end the day by taking advantage of the extraordinary dining and nightlife on offer.

Any other alternative would involve crossing the sea into the city, which, after all that walking and beachcombing, can be a bit tiring (it can take more than 45 minutes by public transport).

I recommend booking a food tour of South Beach to get a taste of the local cuisine or head to Española Way, located about a 13-minute walk from South Beach. It's not just for shopping, but also for sampling excellent Cuban-inspired cuisine.

End the day with a drink on Lincoln Road

South Beach is postcard-perfect when the sun goes down. Its lights and neon are one of those sights that, I assure you, are unlikely to disappoint. So it's worth the 10-minute walk from Española Way to Lincoln Road. A place where you can enjoy beautiful nighttime views while you have a drink.

The best thing about this area is that it is very busy, so the establishments close well into the night. It's a great way to end your first day in Miami on a high note.

We've already seen Miami's most iconic sights, but that doesn't mean that's all this Florida city is about. So on your second day you'll head to the most interesting places in Downtown, the centre of the city. And finally, there's nothing like a concert or a good NBA game at the FTX Arena. And, above all, say goodbye to the day with a good view of the skyscrapers of the financial district.

Stroll along Biscayne Boulevard to Bayfront Park

The best place to start is on Biscayne Boulevard. It's a very long street, so I recommend walking south-north (i.e. from the part closest to the Miami River). This way, you can reach Bayfront Park in a 15-minute walk. A chance to see the sea and enjoy the 13 square kilometres of the park.

This park is home to everything from events to fountains and monuments such as the Challenger Memorial. The Torch of Liberty, a monument erected to commemorate the brotherhood of the USA with the Spanish-American countries, is also worth a visit.

If you're not (so) young anymore, you might be instantly reminded of Corruption in Miami! If you want to optimise your time, one option is to book a Miami sightseeing bus tour- you'll see it all in comfort!

Eat and relax at Bayside Marketplace

A five-minute walk from the north gate of Bayfront Park is the Bayside Marketplace, a perfect place to take in Miami's waterfront and also spend time shopping or just browsing.

In addition to more than 150 shops, restaurants and bars, the area also offers street perform ers and regularly scheduled events. And all this without neglecting the extraordinary views of the bay and marina.

Visit the Freedom Tower

Five minutes from Bayside Marketplace is the Freedom Tower, one of Miami's most famous landmarks. It is also one of the most representative since it was erected to pay homage to the Cuban émigrés, one of the groups with the greatest presence in Miami and whose cultural presence is more than visible.

It is a monument of great interest, given that it is built in a neo-baroque style that tries to imitate the exuberance and colour of Spanish colonial architecture. If you are interested in architecture, don't hesitate to book an architecture tour of Miami. And if you're interested in delving deeper into the history of Cuban emigration in Miami, you can always visit the Cultural Legacy Gallery. It is located inside the Freedom Tower and you can visit it between 1pm and 6pm from 10 dollars.

Catch an NBA game or event at FTX Arena

By the way, if you're a sports fan, right next to the Freedom Tower you'll find the FTX Arena, the home arena of the Miami Heat, the legendary basketball team. There may be a game or concert going on during your stay.

Prices, as usual for these types of shows, depend on availability and location, so the range is wide. However, expect that if you buy tickets to a Miami Heat game you can expect to spend anywhere between €50 and €200 per ticket.

End the day with a spectacular view of the financial district

Just a 15-minute walk from the stadium is the Downtown business district. Here you'll find the buildings of such iconic companies as Morgan Stanley, Ernest & Young and JP Morgan.

The best thing about visiting at night is that you'll see the skyscrapers lit up. A view that you will have seen in many films but which, I assure you, is worth seeing in person.

It is also a place full of dining options, so it can be a great idea to choose this place for dinner to end the day. A spectacular spot for a cinematic view is the Brickell Key Bridge. A very convenient option if you find yourself tired from the day is to book a night bus tour of Miami.

So far you've explored the more touristy and trendy side of Miami, so you'll spend the third day exploring the cultural side. You'll start in the legendary Design District and continue on to the equally famous Waywood Walls. Finally, you'll finish off the day by captivating the little ones (or having fun with your friends) playing in the FunDivision.

Curiosity in the Design District

There's no better way to start the day with an active and colourful plan: a visit to the Design District.

Depending on where you're staying, it might be a good idea to take one of Miami's many tour buses. Without a doubt, booking a Miami sightseeing bus tour is a convenient way to get around Miami while enjoying the urban atmosphere.

But what awaits you in the Design District? Well, nothing more and nothing less than approximately 120 boutiques, art galleries and restaurants. As one of the places with the most architects and graphic designers per square metre, you can imagine that everything in this neighbourhood is very cool.

See the Moore Building, one of the most iconic buildings in the city

If you're planning to linger a while in this area, you can't miss one of the most famous buildings in the city. This is the Moore Building. Its architecture is very organic and exhibitions and events often take place inside.

Most of them, of course, have to do with art. Here is a useful link if you want to know which exhibitions in the Moore Building will coincide with your visit to Miami.

After feeding the spirit, it's time to feed the stomach, right? It would therefore be a good idea to think about where to do it. It's not difficult at all, as this area is full of restaurants. They'll just be on your doorstep. But if you want to delve deeper into the local art, you can book a food and art deco tour of Miami.

Take the food down and recharge your batteries at Roberto Clemente Park

Approximately 14 minutes from the Design District is Roberto Clemente Park, a great place to stop and relax after you've finished your meal. There you can lie down or watch the locals playing basketball, ping pong, chess...

All in all, a great stop to get a closer look at local life while you get your strength back for your next visit: the Wynwood Walls.

Discover the graffiti Mecca at Wynwood Walls

An 11-minute walk from Roberto Clemente Park is one of those must-see sights: the Wynwood Walls. This is an urban space where you can see up to 40 graffiti murals. The tour will take you about an hour and you have to buy a ticket for about $10 (just over €9). The opening hours are from 1pm to 7pm, so you'll have plenty of time.

This place was, in fact, one of the first museums of this type of artistic expression, so it's not surprising that some of the world's most famous graffiti artists have been on its walls. Not to mention the emerging artists who make themselves known through exhibitions that are constantly being renewed. If you don't want to miss out, book a street art tour of Miami.

Complete the day like a champ playing at FunDimension

An 11-minute walk from Wynwood Walls is a place that will delight the younger crowd: the FunDimension. After so much culture, it doesn't hurt to have a bit of fun. In this sense, the FunDimension is the best place to do it.

There are games for all ages: bumper cars for the little ones and laser battles, virtual reality, climbing and obstacle courses for teenagers. The not so young (and very nostalgic) can have fun with arcade machines.

FunDimension has a restaurant. Considering that it takes two to three hours to enjoy the rides, it can be a good place to dine. In addition, the game centre is open from 4pm to 10pm, so it is more than viable. Prices vary depending on the attraction, although you can enjoy them from $8 each (just over €7). It's sure to be a fun time with family or friends to round off a great three days in Miami.

Here is your three-day plan for Miami. However, if you would like more information, I recommend you take a look at this article on what to see and do in Miami.