The world-famous port of Miami is a centre for finance, commerce, culture, entertainment and international trade. It is the fourth- largest urban area in the United States and its metro area alone has a population of around 5.5 million.
Sleeping
Near the city’s airport options include Hilton Miami Airport Blue Lagoon, Embassy Suites Miami and EB Hotel Miami. Closer to the beach are numerous art deco and boutique options. Some of the more popular choices with business travellers include The National, The Delano, Circa 39, Sense Beach House, The Fontainebleau and Eden Roc.
Eating
The iconic 1930s nightclub Ball & Chain is a popular choice for live music and Cuban cuisine. Chic New York restaurant Upland has a branch in Miami, which is great for pizzas and pastas. Tasty Mexican street eats can be found at Lolo’s Surf Cantina, and for top- end Michelin-star French dining head to Palme d’Or at The Biltmore Hotel in Coral Gables.
After Hours
Anywhere along Ocean Drive will be lively or try The Broken Shaker for creative cocktails, KUSH Wynwood for beer, or No. 3 Social for hipster vibes, also in Wynwood.
Getting there
American Airlines, British Airways and Virgin Atlantic all operate daily services from London Heathrow to Miami. Air Europa also operates a daily service from London Gatwick via its Madrid hub, while Aer Lingus flies three times a week from Dublin to Miami and passengers benefit from clearing US customs and immigration at the airline’s Irish hub.
The details
For details on meetings and events and visiting Miami, see miamiandbeaches.com, email conservices@gmcvb.com or call +1 1800 933 8448.
Must-see sights
Head for the iconic art deco buildings on South Beach’s Ocean Drive if you want to update your Instagram with classic Miami. Check out Little Havana and Wynwood for culture, food and music, the PAMM for art and design, and Thriller Miami for an adrenaline fix. Further afield, venture into the Everglades Safari Park for a swamp tour.
Getting Downtown
Avoid hustlers inside the airport terminals and head to the designated taxi and shuttle stands on the ground level of the airport outside the baggage claim areas. Public transportation options including the MIA Mover, Metrorail, Miami Beach Bus, Tri-Rail and the Metrobus. MIA Rental Car Centre (RCC) features most international car hire brands.
