Miami - The Capital of Latin America

Little Havana, Miami, FL

Did you know that there is a well-known city where you are as likely to hear Spanish and Haitian Creole spoken as you are English?

Welcome to Miami, or should we say, bienvenidos.

Before we continue with this blog, we should correct one very big misconception that Miami folks are very quick to point out. Miami and Miami Beach are not the same place.

Miami itself is a functioning, and somewhat thriving, city full of high rises, office blocks, good shopping and sunshine. Head away from downtown to find the true Miami. Little Havana is the beating heart of the Cuban community. Apart from the restaurants, bars and cafes booming Latino music, and the smell of incredible Caribbean food, this city also boasts places to visit that you don't find in most North American cities. There is a park where people gather to play dominoes. There is also a memorial to the Cuban lives lost in the Bay of Pigs Invasion of 1961 - an aborted attempt to overthrow Fidel Castro.

This place for us was a real treat and definitely worth a visit.

Bayfront Marketplace is also a brilliant place to visit. Always busy, it's a great location to eat and watch all the fun going on in the bay.

Miami Beach is where people go to party. There are art deco hotels right on the beachfront, parks that have sunrise and sunset views, restaurants and bars lining the famous Ocean Drive, young people at play in the park during the day, and also late into the night. It's loud and it's fun.

We wouldn't advise a long stay in Miami, or Miami Beach. Both can be quite expensive. However, if you are heading out on a cruise from Port Miami, it would be a shame not to see at least something of the city.

How to Get There

Bay of Pigs Memorial, Little Havana, Miami, FL

Miami International Airport is very well connected, with frequent flights to many parts of Europe and North America. A short, and free, People Mover ride will take you to the train and bus station, from which there are connections downtown and within the immediate area, as far as Fort Lauderdale. These aren't free and aren't necessarily so dependable, especially at weekends, but they are a lot cheaper than a taxi and you avoid downtown traffic.

Little Havana, Miami, FL

How We Did It

We flew into Miami on a Delta flight from New York. Apart from our original plane having mechanical issues, arriving over an hour late, getting lost in the airport and waiting what seemed like forever for a bus to Miami Beach, it went well! We travelled around Miami on the local trains and free trolleys. These are not dependable on a Sunday - the trolleys in particular. If you're sailing out on a Sunday as we were, we recommend having a back-up plan in case the transport doesn't work so well. We also recommend staying closer to the transport hub at Brickell or Bayside Park.

Little Havana, Miami, FL

Our Top Tips

• Visit Little Havana on the number 11 bus from Bayside Marketplace. This was our big highlight of Miami.

• Ocean Drive in Miami Beach is a magnet for anyone looking to feel the Miami vibe. However, it isn't Miami (Miami Beach is an entirely different place with a totally different vibe). It's also a lot more expensive than Miami, and sometimes even than just a few blocks away. Also, be very wary of the restaurants here as they are very good at trying to steer you away from the better deals on their menus.

• Don't stay in Miami for too long. Unlike cities like New York, there isn't a lot to see. Use it to shop or to grab a little Cuban culture before you cruise out.