How to Spend 48 Hours in Miami

Two days may not seem like enough time to delve into this bucket list city, but if you’ve got 48 hours in Miami, it’s all about using your time wisely.

Here’s our guide on the very best things to do in Miami.

Getting around Miami

First off, Miami is rated in the top 15 cities in America for public transport, so if you’re looking to get around Miami without a car, you’ll have loads of options.

From the Metrobus, through to Metrorail, trolleys, taxis, and more, you’ll be able to get around quickly, efficiently, and cheaply. Plan your routes in advance, as you can save with day or mutli-trip passes.

Start your day off fancy and grab breakfast in one of Miami’s plushest areas. Miami is the home of fashion, art, and design, and that is truly evident in its creative neighbourhood, the Design District.

On your first day, head straight to the Design District and get ready to do some window shopping. There are numerous multi-floored, open-air shopping plazas and complexes in the district, so there’s a little something for everyone. The Palm Court and Paradise Plaza are two of the famous malls here, featuring a mix of high-end luxury and local brands.

Aside from shopping, there’s art at the galleries, free museums, and public displays around here (which are a lot more budget-friendly for those of us who have just finished summer camp.

Once you’ve had your morning food and fashion fix, visit the Wynwood Walls, an open-air outdoor museum just 5 minutes drive from the Design District.

This is the world’s largest art installation covering an area of almost 80,000 square feet. It was created in early 2009 when abandoned warehouse walls were painted by many artists from around the world. The walls and the doors are filled with colourful, enchanting street art and doodles, making it a very Instagrammable place to visit. Outside these walls are almost 70 galleries and various other shops and restaurants for you to explore.

Grab lunch here before heading on to your next thing to do in Miami.

Superblue is where you can spend your whole afternoon getting lost in its engaging approach, as it’s a futuristic and light-based art display.

It is a massive area of about 50,000 square feet dedicated to experimental art mediums, featuring exclusive artworks of reputed artists worldwide. It is a roller coaster for your senses with its thoughtfully curated exhibitions and interactive pieces.

It’s another place where the camera will constantly be in your hand snapping away, so take as many pictures as possible for social media.

Your evening is all about a stroll at the famous South Beach in Miami.

Many people travel to Miami solely to visit this place – and the busy hustle and bustle show it. While the pristine beaches and party vibes of South Beach are the major draws, the surrounding neighbourhood is full of stores, architecture, and some of the best restaurants and cafes. After spending an hour or two relaxing at the beach, you can head to the shopping street (or for those who want to see the night out in style, one of the numerous beach bars may be for you).

If you’ve a bit of cash to enjoy, think about ending your day with a delightful dine-in experience at the Baires Grill Restaurant at South Beach. Their seafood and sushi are mouthwatering– so although it’s a little pricey, you won’t regret it.

Whether you’re feeling fresh or nursing a sore head, it’s time to get up early and make the most of your second day in Miami.

First, it’s time to visit Little Havana, a perfect blend of art, culture, and nature. Located in the western part of Downtown Miami, this place is called the symbolic and cultural capital of Cubans in Miami. This town gets millions of visitors for its vibrant atmosphere and delicious food, so it’s worth checking out.

The centre’s activity here is the Calle Ocho, known for huge murals, vibrant cultural scenes, and authentic Latin food. Next door to Calle Ocho is Domino park, perfect for a morning stroll with a coffee.

Apart from its obvious visual appeal, there are also lots of music festivals and carnivals held here around the year, and it’s packed with restaurants and cafes. The most recommended one is EI Pub, where you can dive into authentic, tasty Cuban food.

It’s a bit of a travel (approx 40-minute drive), but one of the things to do in Miami is definitely an Everglades safari tour.

This wild part of nature is home to an abundance of wildlife, from exotic birds to massive crocs. There are loads of different tour companies that offer safaris, and often it’s on an airboat, skimming across the everglades.

It’s a sub-tropical wetland like very little elsewhere, so if you’re a nature and wildlife lover, it’s worth ticking off during your 48 hours in Miami.

It’s been a hectic 48 hours in Miami, so head back into the city for a relaxing trip to the Venetian Pool.

This village theme pool park has a very relaxing environment, perfect for unwinding after days of walking. The best thing about this pool is that no chemical water is used to clean the water; instead, fresh water is used from artesian wells.

They also have a small cafe offering delicious pizzas, nachos, and other fast food to munch on.

Sign off your 48 hours in Miami at Bayside Marketplace, an excellent place for souvenir shopping and a meal with a sea view.

This place is between the Bayfront Park, Miamarina, and PortMiami cruise ship terminal, so it’s relatively easy to get to with transport. There are loads of things to do here, whether you jump on the Skyview’s Observation Wheel to overlook the bay, or party whilst you eat at Hard Rock Cafe.

This area is also loaded with international brands and small street shops and stalls, with a little something for everyone. The marketplace also features live music from local bands in the evenings, providing the perfect atmosphere to wrap up your trip.

So, with two days, there’s an endless amount of things to do in Miami, and with the right plan, you can see a lot of it. If you’ve got a little longer in this lively city, here are some other places you could visit. Or, if you have a spare hour or two, you can even squeeze some of these places into the above itinerary:

• Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium
• Snorkel at Key Largo National Marine Sanctuary
• Jungle Island eco-park
• Vizcaya Museum & Gardens
• Miami Seaquarium
• Area 31 rooftop bar
• Zoological Wildlife Foundation
• Museum of Illusions