Miami was the final destination of our transatlantic cruise from Barcelona — and after 17 days at sea, stepping off the ship in November felt like arriving somewhere genuinely special. We stayed for five days, and Miami delivered exactly the kind of contrast a cruise ending needs: warm sunshine, loud streets, and enough to do that we barely stopped moving.
This guide covers everything we did — South Beach, Wynwood, the Everglades, and a day trip to Key West — with real prices from November 2023 so you can plan your own budget.
Getting Around Miami
The Port of Miami is one of the busiest cruise ports in the world, and getting from the terminal into the city is straightforward. There are plenty of taxis and buses waiting outside for cruise passengers heading to the airport or hotels.
We were heading to a rented apartment on South Beach, so we looked for a public bus. It’s a fair walk to the nearest stop, but we got lucky — at the time of our visit, Miami’s public transport was temporarily free (the mayor was running for US president, which made for an entertaining introduction to American politics).
Free Transport Worth Knowing
Even when fares apply, Miami has two free options that are genuinely useful for visitors. The Miami Trolley covers most major tourist areas and runs frequently — we used it several times. The Metromover is a free elevated train that loops through downtown and connects to the main metro lines. Neither replaces a car for everything, but for getting between South Beach and the city centre, they work well.
One warning: Miami traffic is serious. If you’re renting a car, factor in extra time for any journey across the city, especially during rush hour.
South Beach: Where to Base Yourself
We booked an Airbnb apartment on South Beach for five nights, and it was the right call. South Beach puts you within walking distance of the beach, Ocean Drive, and the main restaurant strip — and the energy here is unlike anywhere else we’ve visited.
The main street never really sleeps. One evening we ate at an upmarket Italian restaurant; the next night we found a Chinese place next door for $20 per person. That range is typical of South Beach — it caters to every budget if you’re willing to look past the obvious tourist traps.
One thing that surprised us: Spanish is spoken everywhere in Miami — in shops, bars, on the street. Miami has a strong Latin American identity, and locals will tell you that Americans don’t really consider it a typical US city. That cultural mix is part of what makes it interesting.
The Beach Itself
We dedicated one full day entirely to the beach, and in November it was perfect. The water was still warm enough for swimming — we went in without hesitation, though the locals thought we were mad. The beach was quieter than it would be in peak summer season, which made it far more enjoyable.
One activity we’d recommend to anyone: rent a bike and ride along the coastal path. At $15 per hour or $45 for the full day, it’s one of the better-value things to do in Miami. The smooth, palm-lined road with blue skies overhead genuinely felt like being inside an American film — we’d seen it so many times and suddenly we were living it.
If you prefer a quieter beach experience, head north. Mid-Beach and North Beach are significantly calmer than South Beach, with more families and less noise. South Beach is the right choice for energy and convenience; North Beach is better for a peaceful day in the sun.
Wynwood: The Only Part of Downtown Worth Your Time
We spent a morning in Wynwood, Miami’s arts district, and it was one of the highlights of the trip. The Wynwood Walls is an open-air mural gallery where every surface tells a story — political, surreal, abstract, and everything in between. Walking through the streets, we kept stopping to photograph walls we hadn’t even noticed from a distance.
Honest opinion: Wynwood was the only part of downtown Miami that felt worth visiting. The rest of the city centre is largely high-rises and office buildings. If you have limited time, skip downtown and spend it at South Beach or head out of the city entirely.
Everglades National Park: Don’t Skip This
The Everglades was the excursion we almost didn’t book, and it turned out to be one of the best decisions of the trip. We booked through GetYourGuide — the bus picked us up near our apartment and the journey took about 40 minutes each way.
The highlight is the airboat ride through the swamps. You skim across the water at speed, floating above the lily pads, and the alligators are very much present and very much real. We saw several up close — not through glass, not on a screen. It’s the kind of thing that stays with you.
If you’ve come as far as Miami, the Everglades is worth the half-day and the cost. It’s a completely different side of Florida from the beaches and nightlife, and it’s genuinely unlike anywhere else we’ve been.
Key West: A Day Trip That Deserves More Time
We rented a car for two days and used one of those days to drive to Key West. The drive itself is part of the experience — you cross a series of bridges connecting small islands, with ocean on both sides. It’s one of those roads where you keep pulling over to take photographs.
Key West is where Americans go to relax. It has a completely different character from Miami — slower, more colourful, less concerned with impressing anyone. We visited Sloppy Joe’s Bar (the oldest bar in Key West, famously connected to Ernest Hemingway) and walked through Hemingway’s House, which was more interesting than we expected.
The roosters are real, by the way. They roam freely through the streets and parks, treated as local residents rather than nuisances. It’s one of those details that makes Key West feel like somewhere that’s entirely on its own terms.
We did Key West as a day trip, but we’d stay overnight next time. There’s more to it than a single day allows, and the evening atmosphere looked like something we missed.
Navigation Warning
We used TomTom navigation for the drive, which struggled with Miami’s traffic and road layout. We went off-route more than once. Use Google Maps or Waze instead — they handle Miami’s dynamic traffic considerably better. US road signs also take some getting used to: text-based instructions rather than symbols, yellow centre lines, and the right-turn-on-red rule that catches European drivers off guard.
Tipping in Miami: Budget for It
This caught us slightly off guard on the first day. In the US, tipping is not optional in the way it might feel in Europe — it’s expected in restaurants, sometimes in hotels, and occasionally in other contexts. The standard is 15–20% of the bill.
In one restaurant, the tip was already included in the bill without being clearly marked. Check your receipt before paying to avoid double-tipping.
Miami: Real Costs from November 2023
All prices are per person unless otherwise noted.
| Expense | Cost | Notes |
| Airbnb South Beach (5 nights) | €644 | Total for 2 people |
| Everglades tour (GetYourGuide) | €45–€55 pp | Incl. airboat ride |
| Car rental 2 days (SUV, SIXT) | $221 | Total for 2 people |
| Bike rental | $15/hr or $45/day | Per bike |
| Burgers + cola, roadside diner | $20 pp | Near Key West |
| Grocery store (apple, potato each) | $1 each | Miami prices are high |
| Bread / tea / coffee | ~$5 | Supermarket |
| Petrol per gallon (3.7 L) | $3.56 | Nov 2023 |
| Flight Miami → Riga | €352 pp | Nov 2023 |
| Public transport (trolley, Metromover) | Free | At time of visit |
FAQ: Miami for Cruise Passengers
Is Miami worth visiting after a cruise?
Yes, especially if you extend your stay by 3–5 days. The port is convenient, the city has genuine variety, and day trips to the Everglades and Key West are easy to organise. Miami works well as a cruise end-point precisely because there’s enough to do that the transition from ship to land feels seamless.
What is the best time to visit Miami?
November through April is the most comfortable period — warm but not oppressively hot, and less humid than summer. November in particular is a sweet spot: quieter than peak season, still warm enough to swim, and prices for accommodation tend to be lower.
How do you get from the Miami cruise port to South Beach?
Taxi or rideshare (Uber/Lyft) is the easiest option and takes about 15–20 minutes. Public buses also run from the port area, though they require a short walk to the nearest stop. The free Miami Trolley doesn’t serve the port directly but connects well once you’re in the South Beach area.
Is Key West worth a day trip from Miami?
Yes, but be aware it’s a long day — roughly 3.5 hours each way by car. The drive along the Overseas Highway is genuinely beautiful, and Key West itself has a unique character unlike anywhere else in Florida. If your schedule allows an overnight stay, it’s worth it.
How much should I budget per day in Miami?
Budget travellers can manage on $80–$100 per day by using free transport, cooking some meals, and avoiding the most expensive restaurants. Mid-range, expect $150–$200 per day including accommodation, one paid activity, and dining out. The Everglades tour and Key West car rental are the two biggest single expenses to plan for.
Do I need a car in Miami?
Not for South Beach and central Miami — the free trolley and Metromover cover most tourist areas well. You do need a car for Key West and the Everglades (unless you book a guided tour, which we’d recommend for the Everglades). SIXT has several offices in Miami; we found the one closest to our apartment convenient.
Is Miami Worth It After a Cruise?
Without hesitation, yes. Miami is one of the few cruise end-points where we’d actively recommend extending your stay rather than flying home the same day. South Beach, the Everglades, and Key West together give you three completely different experiences within easy reach of the port.
The honest caveats: Miami is expensive, the traffic is frustrating, and downtown outside Wynwood is not particularly interesting. But the beaches, the Latin energy, the wildlife, and the drive to Key West more than compensate. We left wanting more time, which is generally a good sign.
Featured photo from Pexels