Tourist guide: what to do and see in Miami

If you feel like escaping from the “madding crowd” of the city for a few hours, head for the Ancient Spanish Monastery, a relaxing and spiritual building from the twelfth century. Stop there, how could a monastery built between 1133 and 1141 possibly exist in Miami, if Columbus hadn't discovered America until 1492? And that is precisely the nub of the question and what is truly astonishing about this place. This monastery was actually built in the twelfth century, but not in the United States, but in Spain – in Segovia to be precise. It was inhabited by monks for 700 years, then fell into disuse for a period and then, in 1925, the north-American press magnate William Randolph Hearst bought it, dismantled it stone by stone and shipped it to this country. Unbelievable but true. In America it was sold again to some businessmen and the monastery was erected, an enormous jigsaw puzzle, and it was then opened to the public, both for the celebration of church services and weddings, and as a site of interest for tourists. As you go into the small chapel, stroll through the peaceful walkways and rooms, wander around the gardens and admire the architecture, you will find it even harder to believe the incredible history of this place.

If you want to visit the Museum of Contemporary Art you will have to go to the north of Miami. This museum opened in 1996, as an extension and expansion of the Centre of Contemporary Art which had been open since 1981. MOCA, as it is popularly known, specializes in exhibiting contemporary art, so it shows the work of up-and-coming artists as well as the work of the great masters of the discipline. Its permanent collection includes works by local and international artists, but, as well, it regularly hosts temporary exhibitions which have included such great names as Roy Lichtenstein and Louise Bourgeois. As if the delicious artistic menu weren’t enough, this gallery also has an interesting cultural programme, with talks, debates and on the last Friday of every month free, open-air jazz concerts.

Miami is a city with great artistic potential and, if places such as the Design District or Wynwood Arts District are the most notable in this sense, Little Havana is not far behind. As well as visiting this neighbourhood for its authentic Latin flavour, its Cuban restaurants, its cigar shops and guayabera shops you should also visit its art galleries. Cultural Fridays is a good time to do this. If you are not in the city on the last Friday of the month to go to this open-door night, then you can go anytime to browse around the galleries. Located throughout Little Havana, but particularly in Calle Ocho, they include contemporary and traditional art, normally Latin-American. To mention a few, you will see the gallery of Marta G. Ismail, Molina Fine Art, Cremata Fine Art, the galleries of Ramón Unzueta, Agustín Ganzo, Midreny Gillot and many, many others.

Another of the heavyweights of Miami Beach, as far as shopping is concerned, is Washington Avenue, which runs parallel (separated by Collins Court) to its neighbour Collins Avenue. Like Collins, it is one of the highlights of the Art Deco District and with Collins, it is the avenue where the largest number of international shops is found. Perpendicular to Washington Avenue you will find Española Way, a small pedestrian street with a personality all of its own. Amid the hustle and bustle of the beach area, this small street has art galleries, restaurants, small shops and even a hotel (The Clay) where they have recorded videos, series and a certain film. Española Way has a lively atmosphere with a lot of charm, don’t miss it. And, on Sundays there is an open-air market.

For a more peaceful shopping trip than Miami Beach, we suggest that you visit Coconut Grove. This neighbourhood of Miami, which was originally a small, separate city, is a quiet, pleasant place which was traditionally the home of artists and writers. Here the shopping experience on offer is a huge number of small and enchanting boutiques. You will be able to buy artisanal teas and soaps, flowers, books, hand-made headdresses, jewellery, wine... Sprinkled among the shops are many cafes and restaurants where you can sit down and have a snack before continuing with your shopping. Your next stop should be CocoWalk. This small open-air shopping mall has a small but tempting number of shops which you should also visit.

If your body needs a rest, it would be a good idea to come to the Coral Gables neighbourhood to visit the Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden. Opened in 1938, this huge garden, the largest in the United States, is really luxuriant, thanks to the hundreds of palms, exotic flowers, fruit trees, vines and tropical plants which live there. You will see plants you had never even dreamed of! Just go for a quiet walk around the garden and soak up its fragrance and its great beauty. It is a pure delight. If you are after something more educational, then there are self-guided tours and, if you prefer to be taken around, there is also a free tourist train which you can board and it will take you around the park. By the way, before you leave, don’t forget to visit the butterfly exhibition (www.fairchildgarden.com).

If you are lucky enough to have visited different cities around the world, you must have realized that a reliable indication of the popularity and importance of a street is, in many cases, the presence of Zara. If you hadn’t realized, check it out from now on, you’ll see it never fails. Well, one of the very many branches that Amancio Ortega’s emporium has overseas is right here in this avenue. Collins Avenue is, undoubtedly, one of the main up-market shopping streets in Miami. Next to stylish bars and restaurants or luxury hotels, like the Fontainebleau or Delano, you will see boutiques and swanky shops like Armani, Tommy Hilfiger, Nine West... Have your credit card ready when you are there. You’ll need it.

The multitude of shops on this popular avenue are officially grouped together under the name of Lincoln Road Mall, but don’t worry, it is nothing like a shopping centre. Lincoln Road is a really lively pedestrian street full of individual shops and chain stores of all types, like Lush, Kiehl’s, Geox, American Apparel, Quicksilver, Scotch&Soda and H&M, to name a few. Alongside these are a multitude of cafes, bars and restaurants which serve sushi, hamburgers, pizza... The majority of them have terraces outside in the middle of the street, so that it has become impossible not to sit down and watch the world go by. If you carry on down Lincoln Road almost to the beach, you will get to a section open to traffic, where there are some huge shops where you can buy all the knick-knacks and beach kit imaginable and the tackiest souvenirs on the planet.

This central neighbourhood is the financial district par excellence and, in recent times has become one of the most sought-after areas in the city. Wherever you look, you must lift your eyes up to gaze at the impressive skyscrapers, which house the headquarters of offices and bank, restaurants and bars, as well as flats with the best views in the city. Among these giants, there are some which stand out because of their design, their size or their history... The Icon Brickell, designed by Philippe Starck, is one of these, with its unusual columns and a spectacular lobby. It is design at its purest. The hotel Four Seasons is also hard to miss, it is the tallest building in Miami, or the Atlantis from which rises a huge cube-shaped hole in the middle of the building. If it looks familiar, it may be because it appeared in the credits of the legendary television series of the eighties, Miami Vice. A classic.

There is a lot of art in Miami. Proof of this is the contemporary art fair, Art Basel, the existence of art and design neighbourhoods like the Design District and Wynwood Arts District, not forgetting the events which take place there on every second Saturday of the month. The Art + Design Night (in the Design District) and the Art Walk (in Wynwood) offer you the opportunity to spend a Saturday night with a difference, a very cool and very creative evening. If you find yourself in the city, add this to your list. In both neighbourhoods, on this night the art galleries stay open to show their exhibitions, with music in the background, a glass of wine and nibbles. Other venues in the area do their own thing, for the enjoyment of artists, art lovers and the various visitors who find their way there.

When you are in the United States, do the trendy thing and sign up for a good Sunday brunch. To do this in style, visit the Soho Beach House Hotel and go to its fabulous restaurant Cecconi’s. It specializes in Italian cuisine and on its menu you will find the most famous Italian dishes, such as pasta, risotto, pizza, carpaccio, Italian cheeses, panna cotta, tiramisu and classic cocktails like the Bellini. If you are going to fall in love with something, as well as the beautiful and extremely romantic terrace, it's got to be the brunch. It’s likely that the enormous variety of choice will make your mouth water while you decide whether to order Spanish omelette, scrambled eggs, shellfish, fish, meat, salad, rolls, pancakes, waffles, fruit... You will want to try the lot (www.sohobeachhouse.com).

The Art Deco district is one of the jewels of this city. Although there are other examples of this style of architecture in different parts of the city, most of it is here in Miami Beach, especially along Washington Avenue, Collins Avenue and, above all, Ocean Drive. These building were constructed in the twenties and thirties, when Miami was marketing itself and showing itself off to the world as a tropical destination. If you look carefully, you will see that time seems to have stood still for these buildings. This is due to painting and restoration work, which means that they their facades still wear those pastel shades of blue and green, peach or candy floss pink as radiant as the day they were first painted. Currently, the majority of them are nightclubs, restaurants and hotels that have become a byword for South Beach.

If you are in the South Beach area, whether you are a fashionista or not, there is one place that could be of interest. As you walk along Ocean Drive, you will know you have found it when you see a group of tourists taking photos by a large, iron gate. On this very spot, number 1116 Ocean Drive, you will be in front of the mansion that used to belong to the designer Gianni Versace. The fact that the fashion designer used to live there, and that he was killed just outside its gates, gives the place such a morbid fascination that few people can resist having a photograph taken in front of its gates. The mansion, Mediterranean style and built in 1930, was bought by the Italian creator in the nineties. After a top to bottom renovation, he made it into a living illustration of opulence. The mansion lost is links with the Versace family some years ago and used to house a supremely luxurious boutique hotel and restaurant called The Villa by Barton B. Currently (2013) it is closed to the public... and for sale.

As Miami is a seaside city, it’s obvious that one of its strong points is going to be watersports. The beaches and especially Miami Beach, have all sorts of places where you can rent the equipment you need for whichever water sport takes your fancy, and there are also lessons available for beginners. The possibilities are endless: sea scooter, sailing boat, catamaran, surfing, windsurfing, kitesurfing, parasailing, banana boat, kayak, jetski, paddleboard... Whatever activity you think of, you will find it here. One place to go for these activities is Miami Beach Ocean Watersports, located close to the beach of South Beach, near Lincoln Road. If you want to get your own equipment, go to Island Water Sport Miami in Biscayne Boulevard. This long-established shop which specializes in “board” sports has everything you could possibly need.

According to the popular saying, “One can never know too much”. For this reason, particularly if you are travelling with your family, a visit to the Miami Science Museum, which offers an educational and informative experience, comes highly-recommended. The building consists of several rooms with interactive displays, a marine exhibition with all sorts of coral and fish, a wildlife centre with indigenous birds of prey... The most popular areas tend to be the observatory with its telescopes and the planetarium, where you can take a seta and enjoy the sky, the stars, the planets, explanations on astronomy and the programmed laser shows which are an amazing sight and really entertaining especially for the youngsters. At the moment, the museum is in the process of being renovated. New, more up-to-date, more impressive facilities are being created for this renovation which is expected to be ready in 2015 (www.miamisci.org).

Although Miami Zoo is excellent it is quite a long way from downtown Miami, so Jungle Island could be a choice if you prefer somewhere a little closer. Like Miami Zoo, Jungle Island is an area devoted to the animal world but it is centrally located on Watson Island, one of the small islands between Miami and Miami Beach. It is a quiet place and despite being an island you won’t have to take a boat as you can get there by road. This exuberant place, with over 75 years history, started life as a place for exhibiting exotic birds, although over time many other species have been included. Today, in the midst of all the trees and tropical plants, you will come across reptiles, amphibians, macaques, lemurs, orangutans, lions, tigers and even kangaroos (www.jungleisland.com) .

If there is one typical tourist excursion to do in this city, it is the boat tours around the islands of the rich and famous. Miami has several artificial islands where actors, singers, artists, business men live. Their enormous houses arouse such curiosity, that a multitude of operators have boat trips around Biscayne Bay which pass these islands, including, of course, Star Island. If you are keen to go on one of these trips, you will see that there are all sorts of options for a gentle trip out to sea, from a sailing boat or a cruise ship (you can do this with www.miamiaquatours.com), or if you prefer excitement and speed, an inflatable Zodiac boat or a motorboat (for example with www.thrillermiami.com) Many of these aqua tours leave from Bayside Marketplace and usually have commentary in both English and Spanish so that all visitors can discover the juiciest bits of gossip.

Among the many possibilities on offer for a night out in Miami, there is no lack of venues with live music. There are some quite famous venues, such as Bardot, one of the favourites with the locals. A good atmosphere and even better music recommend this elegant night club. Although the front of the venue is found on a busy street, you have to go to the back door, which looks out onto a car park, to gain entry into the club. Looking a little like someone’s front room, with leather sofas, standard lamps, photographs on the walls and a snooker table, when night falls, the lights go down and the decibels go up, courtesy of some of the best groups in Florida and the rest of the country. As you will see, there is no stage, so you will see the performance from very, very close up. (www.bardotmiami.com).

Although Miami is often identified by beaches, sun, bronzed bodies and other similar characteristics, this great metropolis has many other sides to it. For example, the artistic side. To immerse yourself in this, it’s best to go to the Design District and Wynwood Arts District. Separated by 36th Street, these two neighbourhoods are the most trendy and avant-guard on the contemporary scene. In the first, design, architecture and fashion reign supreme, it is full of galleries, areas of interior decoration and cutting-edge design, shops of the best designers in the world and state-of-the-art restaurants. Wynwood is the epitome of artistic innovation. The neighbourhood is notable for its art galleries, housed in the old warehouses in what was, at the time, a dismal area of the city. Don’t miss Wynwood Walls, the exterior of many of these factories have been covered with graffiti painted by some of the best street artists in the world.

Just opposite the port of Miami and the Miami Heat basketball arena, this building with its traditional architecture will catch your eye. And as with the Biltmore Hotel, it will definitely remind you of the Giralda in Seville. It is also inspired by this bell tower, and as well as being a building of great beauty it is iconic because of its history. It was built in 1925 to house the editorial department and printing presses of the newspaper, the Miami Daily News – which was there until 1957 – which was why it came to be called the Miami Daily News Tower. Following its newspaper period came a political period. It was the time of the Cuban revolution and the building was used to take in exiles arriving in the city. Taking the tower as a symbol of liberty for all, its name was changed to Freedom Tower. In the seventies it stopped being used as a refuge and was empty until, in recent times, it has been used for other purposes, for example, hosting exhibitions of various kinds.

If you are travelling with children you will definitely have a specific place in mind where they can have a good time. However, it’s no bad thing if they learn something as well as enjoying themselves, so one place to bear in mind is the Miami Children’s Museum. Opened in 1983, this children’s museum was designed so that youngsters could enjoy themselves and learn new things in a fun way. More than 10 rooms are full of colourful creations, like bilingual and interactive displays and activities relating to art, communication and culture, and full of elements purposefully designed so that children can experiment with them and touch them – and they won't be told off! In one of the rooms they will be able to dress up as different grown-up professions; in another, they can learn how to look after a pet; in the next room, they can give free rein to their creativity and feel like Da Vinci himself... (www.miamichildrenmuseum.org).

Among the architectural jewels of Miami this mansion is one you have to visit. This place, which is considered by some to be the best attraction in the city, is a winter holiday-home commissioned by a wealthy industrialist right on the shores of Biscayne Bay, at the beginning of the twentieth century. Designed as an old Italian mansion, the house has been buffeted by at least one hurricane over the course of its history. Rebuilt on several occasions, today it shines more brightly than ever. In the fifties it was donated to the county by the heirs of the original owner on the condition that it be converted into a museum. Don’t miss the opportunity to check out the more than 30 rooms decorated with luxurious fifteenth and sixteenth-century furniture. When you leave the house, have a gentle stroll around the gardens and take it all in - the sculptures, the plants and trees, the stone fountains and the lake, as well as the magnificent views of the bay.

If you would like to track down some attractive bargains during your visit to the city, but you don’t have the time and/or the inclination to go to Sawgrass Mills Mall – the outlet shopping centre par excellence – there is another attractive alternative along the same lines, but a little closer. To get to Dolphin Mall you just have to go to 12th Street. To look at, it is just like any other large shopping centre. However, what is interesting is that among its over 200 shops, there are certain outlet shops which you will definitely fancy going into to have a look. Among them, sports brands like Nike and Volcom; fashion companies like Calvin Klein, Ralph Lauren, GAP and Levis; electronic companies like Sony and even, the famous department store Bloomingdale’s. You will also find Victoria’s Secret, Kipling, Forever 21 and even the official shop of the local basket ball team, Miami Heat.

A beach without a beach bar is like a garden without flowers. So, on one of the most famous beaches in the whole world, South Beach (Miami Beach), there has to be one of these lively beach bars, but this one is super chic. With branches in other famous coastal cities such as Saint Tropez, Marrakech or Ibiza, the trademarks of this beach club are its music, its style and, of course, its white-linen deck chairs and sun loungers lined up by the sea. Far too tempting. To keep yourself cool while you sunbathe, you can opt for a glass of champagne or a cocktail and, if you are hungry, you can order a sandwich, some sushi or even fresh seafood. By the way, on Sunday mornings, a fabulous, full brunch is on offer which is not to be missed.

A museum devoted to erotic art is the perfect match for a sexy city like Miami. Situated in the middle of Miami Beach, the World Erotic Art Museum (WEAM), which opened in 2005, is the work of the American Naomi Wilzig, an extremely natural and uninhibited seventy-year-old art collector. At nearly 80, Wilzig is the director of the largest museum of erotic art – in its strictest sense – in the country. The 4,000 paintings, sculptures, photographs and tapestries come from all around the world and, for this reason, there are themed rooms on the erotic art of Indian, Mexico and pre-Colombia, Europe, China and Japan... It also welcomes visiting exhibitions devoted to different artistic currents, for instance, Art Deco or Art Nouveau, as well as sexual trends and fetishes. In this gallery you can see pieces which are suggestive, appealing, surprising, sensual or even amusing. Each and every one is a work of art (www.weam.com).

It’s time for a dose of mystery. To find it, head for this intriguing place. Coral Castle is, essentially, a collection of huge sculptures carved out of coral rock. And ‘Why is this a mystery?' I hear you say... Because these blocks of stone – each one weighing several tons – were brought here and sculpted, apparently, without machinery and single-handedly by one man: Edward Leedskalnin. Nobody knows exactly how he did it and this is a large part of the mystery and what makes a visit here so interesting, as well as the figures themselves. These were built by Ed between 1923 and 1951, and were included in the National Register of Historic Places in 1984. When you go in, you will see a doorway, a moon, a throne, a sundial, a small house... Study them well and see if you can work out how he did it (www.coralcastle.com).

In this city, as in many other parts of the world, there is a monument to remember the Jews who were killed in Nazi Germany. This one was instigated by a group of Holocaust survivors, who, in 1984, decided to set up a committee with the aim of building something to pay homage to the millions of Jews who were killed. The monument in question, which opened to the public in 1990, is quite large and is made up of several sections. When you have walked through the Garden of Meditation, the dome and the affecting walkway illuminated by natural light shining through slits in the wall, you arrive at the central, most moving part. Here you will see, in a sort of open air square, a giant bronze sculpture of an enormous hand towering above and emerging from dozens of human figures with expressions of pain and suffering on their faces who appear to be holding on to or climbing up the arm. The sculpture is extremely realistic.

Although it’s true to say that all of Miami has a very Latin feel, and that you can try out your Spanish almost everywhere and be understood, there is one place that beats them all: Little Havana. Little Havana (La Pequeña Habana) is the name given to the neighbourhood where the majority of Cuban exiles have gathered since the early sixties. This is where its name comes from, although the community of the neighbourhood today is a mix including people from other Latin American countries, not just Cuba. As well as experiencing its atmosphere, you must walk along the main avenue. This is Calle Ocho, the central hub of Little Havana where all the most famous cigar and guayabera shops, bars, restaurants and art galleries are found. As you walk down this avenue, don’t forget to take a look, for example, at the historic and beautiful Art Deco building of Tower Theatre, built in 1926; at the Máximo Gómez Park, where many retired people meet up to play dominoes and put the world to rights; or, cast your eyes down to the ground, to its very own Walk of Fame – of Latin celebrities, of course.

The United States is the country of shopping centres par excellence. This is no idle boast, it has shopping centres of all sorts, sizes and styles imaginable. Bal Harbour Shops, for instance, is proof of this, a shopping mall devoted only, totally and exclusively to luxury goods. To the finest luxury goods. To LUXURY GOODS in capital letters. This shop opened its doors in 1965 offering something different to what the other large shopping centres had previously offered. It specialized in designer brands and jewellery of the very highest quality. Today, almost half a century on, this open-air shopping centre has not lost even an iota of its exclusivity and continues to offer an ‘elevated’ shopping experience, including important international businesses such as Balenciaga, Salvatore Ferragamo, Alexander McQueen, Valentino, Stella McCartney, Lanvin, Jimmy Choo, Tiffany & Co, Bulgary, Cartier... If you feel like a snack while shopping (or while window shopping) it also has some cafes and restaurants, just as ritzy as everything else. (www.balharbourshops.com)

If you shut your eyes and think of Miami, the image that comes into your head is probably one of low, pastel-coloured buildings, facing the beach, surrounded by palm trees, lots of palm trees. Well, this is exactly what Ocean Drive looks like, the most characteristic image of Miami, the one on all the fridge magnets and postcards. The original. This is the avenue you will find in front of the beach at South Beach and it is definitely the place with the most atmosphere in all Miami Beach, whatever time of day or night. On one side are the pale-coloured Art Deco buildings, the majority of which are hotels, for example Park Central, Boulevard, Starlite or Colony, and bars which are always crowded. On the other side, just by the beach, is Lummus Park, an area of lawn and palm trees, with a promenade where you will see a procession of all sorts of sportsmen and women, rollerbladers, walkers or just the plain curious. If you shut your eyes and think of Miami, the image that comes into your head is probably one of low, pastel-coloured buildings, facing towards the beach and surrounded by palm trees, lots of palm trees. Well, this is exactly what Ocean Drive looks like, the most characteristic image of the city, the one on all the fridge magnets and postcards of Miami. The original. This is the avenue you will find in front of the beach at South Beach and it is definitely the place with the most atmosphere in all Miami Beach, whatever time of day or night. On one side are those pale-coloured Art Deco buildings, the majority of which are hotels, for example Park Central, Boulevard, Starlite or Colony, and bars which are always crowded. On the other side, just before the beach, is Lummus Park, an area of lawn and palm trees, with a promenade where you will see a procession of all sorts of sportsmen and women, rollerbladers, walkers or just the plain curious.

If you are looking for real Latin roots here in Miami the best place to visit is Little Havana. In this little bit of Cuba you will find a wide range of businesses, restaurants and bars with real Cuban flavour. This is true of the iconic Hoy Como Ayer. In this bar and auditorium you can dance while listening to great live music from Cuban and international artists, from jazz to traditional ballads, as well as Afro-Cuban rhythms. The walls are covered in old photographs, newspaper cuttings and messages – and an unmistakable atmosphere of Cuba of yesteryear – here you can have typical Cuban snacks like tamales or a Cuban pork sandwich (pan con lechón), have a glass of rum, whisky, vodka or, of course, a delicious mojito. Cheers! (www.hoycomoayer.us).

Everyone knows of the Latin presence in Miami. So, it’s not surprising – even outside Little Havana – that there are many more establishments with a clear Latin influence throughout the city. One of the most famous is Mango’s Tropical Cafe, situated in the South Beach area (Miami Beach). This place opened in 1991 as a Caribbean and Reggae cafe, but, as the city developed and the Latin influence grew, this club leaned more towards the hot rhythms of salsa, meringue, samba... In this cafe, you can eat, but what you must do is try a Caipirinha, a Margarita or a Daiquiri while swinging your hips to the rhythm of the dancing, live music and various shows which usually liven up the evenings. A place which is famous among the locals for its entertaining, colourful atmosphere... the hottest place in town!

Would you like to find out what Florida was like before the arrival of the first explorers? If so, head for this incredibly interesting park, not far from the financial district of Brickell. It’s hard to believe but just set foot in the park and it will take you, in the blink of an eye, from the noise and the asphalt of the city to the wildest regions of a tropical forest. The park was created in 1913, at the request of a group of citizens and ecologists who wanted to rescue a natural area and show there the original flora and fauna of the area. Simpson Park Hammock is a stretch of woodland that recreates what this land was like hundreds of years ago. So you don't get lost amidst the trees and other plants, there is a footpath which you have to follow (be careful! It is quite labyrinthine!). Each tree has a sign giving information about the tree, making the visit more educational and, en route, there are several benches where you can sit down and enjoy the purity of nature.... in the centre of the city.

At some distance from the city centre is the Zoo, one of the largest and some say the best in the whole country. With over three decades of history behind it, it has over 500 different species and more than 2,000 animals living in its spacious grounds. Lions, koalas, pelicans, black-necked swans, hippopotamuses, rhinoceroses, monkeys, flamingos and many other exotic species, are spread out in the beautifully presented grounds with a profusion of trees, palms and plants. Given the considerable size of the place, a good way of getting around, particularly if you have children with you, is by using its different methods of transport: the monorail (a train which travels on overhead rails and which stops at different places inside the Zoo itself), bikes which you can rent there or on one of the various tourist train tours. If you prefer walking, there are also guided walking tours. Whichever you choose, you’ll definitely have a wild time (www.miamimetrozoo.com).

As far as shopping is concerned, these department stores are an obligatory stop when you set foot in the United States. Macy’s, for anyone who doesn’t know, is an American version of Selfridges. On its different floors it brings together a huge range of multi-brand items from a wide range of sectors. With generous opening times, you will find there everything from decorating equipment and household items, to toiletries, beauty products and cosmetics, a wide range of jewellery and costume jewellery, clothing, bags, shoes and other accessories. It caters for women, men and children. Macy’s is a very popular chain in the country and in Miami alone there are seven department stores (in South Beach, downtown, in Dadeland...) It won’t be hard to find one of them during your visit (www1.macys.com).

As always, the exchange rate at the time of your trip affects your ability to go on a "spending spree". However, whether the dollar exchange rate is good or not, there is a place where you can give your credit/debit card free rein. Even if you think that shopping centres are not your thing and even if this is in the outskirts of Miami, it is really worthwhile going shopping at Sawgrass Mills Mall. This enormous shopping centre, one of the largest in the country, is the outlet of repute. It is recommended both by those who live in Miami, as well as those who have only been there once. You will find here the official boutiques of brands like Tommy Hilfiger, Ralph Lauren, Hugo Boss, Guess, Escada, Giorgio Armani, Elizabeth Arden, Samsonite, Nike, Vans, Nine West... with prices which are just amazing. For instance, can you buy a pair of brand new authentic Levis for only 20 dollars? Yes you can.

It’s true to say that most of the apartments and hotels in this hot metropolis tend to have their own pool, but, if you fancy a swim somewhere different and special, head for the Venetian Pool. Situated in the residential neighbourhood of Coral Gables, this natural pool, excavated from coral rock, is truly beautiful. Originally created as part of the Venetian Casino, it was opened to the public at the beginning of the twentieth century and is currently included in the National Register of Historic Places (this is the only swimming pool which can boast of such recognition). In addition to the surrounding architecture , the waterfalls and even a small grotto, its spring waters are encircled by lush palm trees and other native vegetation. Just to give you an idea, it could be described as a sort of lagoon in the middle of a flowery, tropical garden. A total delight (www.coralgables.com).

Of course, this museum of contemporary art which was opened in 1963, is, in itself, a highly-recommended place for art lovers to visit because of its fine collection of paintings, photography, sculpture, drawings, tapestries... But that’s not all. On the first Friday of every month they put on a really dazzling evening programme: Beats after Sunset. On these days the gallery opens at sunset (between 20.00 and 23.00), and offers you a super-modern, super-cool evening art event, with drinks and music, which attracts hipsters, culture lovers and various visitors. If you are in the city on the first Friday of the month, don't miss it. During the event, you will be able to enjoy various exhibitions, with cocktails and designer snacks and with background music from the DJ of the night (www.bassmuseum.org/calendar).

Miami is a huge city so you will find an inviting bar on almost every corner. However, if you want to know the night-time hot spots, put these two places on your list: Miami Beach and Brickell. The beach area, naturally, is the centre of a huge selection of bars and night clubs. Finding a bar is not a problem as there are bars everywhere. Of all of them, LIV is the “in-place”, a designer nightclub in the legendary Fontainebleau Hotel, where celebrities and the beautiful people of Miami gather, to see and be seen. For somewhere a little quieter another possibility for a night out is Brickell. The financial centre of the city has been gaining in popularity over the last few years and, as well as the skyscrapers with their offices and flats, there are lots of bars and restaurants where you can have a drink. For instance, drop into Barú, Segafredo or Tobacco Road, which is conspicuous amidst the modernity of the area. Open since the beginning of the twentieth century, it is the oldest bar in the city. Call in and have a drink, to the rhythm of jazz, in the very place where Al Capone also used to drink.

Whoever said that Miami Beach is just noisy and chaotic? At just a short walk from the beachfront, anyone who wishes to escape from the hustle and bustle of South Beach will find a peaceful haven in this hotel. With over 40 years history as a hydrotherapy centre, it was renovated in 2006 and opened as it is today, a spa hotel which combines beautiful design with fully-equipped facilities with retro touches from Florida of the fifties. Even if you don't stay, we suggest you visit and enjoy the spa. Outside you can take a dip in the swimming pool or in the sea water of Biscayne Bay, as well as trying out a selection of different mud wraps. Inside is the gym and a whole floor devoted to well-being with a thermal circuit comprising hamam, salt treatment baths, Finnish sauna, cold showers, steam room… Also, a yoga studio, a room for massage and other treatments such as manicures, pedicures and beauty treatments, to add the finishing touches to your day. You won't want to leave (www.standardhotels.com).

When you are walking around the Coral Gables neighbourhood, if you suddenly come across the Giralda, the famous bell tower in Seville, then have arrived at the Biltmore, an iconic hotel, whose style is inspired by the historical buildings in Seville. From its beautiful Spanish-style facade with Arabic and Italian details, rises a tower, almost 30 metres high, which bears a striking resemblance to the bell tower in Seville. This building, opened in 1926, is one of the oldest in Miami and in 1996, was designated a National Historic Landmark. Having been opened and closed several times and even used as a hospital during the Second World War, today its 150 acres are a pure delight. Stroll in the gardens among palm trees and other tropical plants, walk around the enormous swimming pool, relax on the patio and go into the majestic lobby to admire the architecture and the frescos on the ceiling. If you are not staying in the hotel, perhaps, at least, treat yourself to something in the bar or in one of the restaurants. You won't regret it. Out of interest, several celebrities, presidents of the United States and even the gangster, Al Capone have all stayed in the presidential suite. Also, a scene from the film Bad Boys starring Will Smith, was shot in this room. (www.biltmorehotel.com).

Everyone who has been to Cuba (and even those who haven't) know that one of the greatest classics of Cuban clothing is the guayabera, the traditional linen shirt with pockets at the top and the bottom. And naturally, in Miami's Little Havana there has to be a shop selling such a popular item of clothing. Definitely the most famous is the Casa de las Guayaberas, a real legend in this area and the rest of the city, because of the design of the shirts and the quality of the fabric. For both men and women, short-sleeved or long-sleeved, in white, blue, brown… The possibilities are endless. Actors, singers and even presidents have bought one of these famous shirts from this shop. The huge sign in Calle Ocho tells you that you have found the place you were looking for (www.ramonpuig.com).

Because it is practically a sin to go to the United States and not to eat a hamburger, we "serve up" this recommendation, so that you can enjoy one of the best burgers in all Miami. Located in the South Beach area (a new restaurant has recently been opened in the financial district of Brickell), Burger & Beer Joint is a restaurant with real American flavour. The furniture, the brick walls, the low lighting and the background music give it a rock and roll/biker feel, perfect for sitting down and tucking into one of the XXL burgers from the menu. There are beef burgers (Aberdeen Angus), chicken burgers or tuna burgers, all accompanied by a good portion of chips and, depending on your order, unexpected ingredients like avocado, jalapeño peppers, Cajun lobster, chilli peppers… And to drink? Soft drinks and a wide range of national and imported beers. Once your order has been taken, you will be keen to sink your teeth into your burger, so the tables are covered with recycled paper and crayons are supplied so you can keep yourself busy doodling until your awesome hamburger is served (www.bnbjoint.com).

An area with a good atmosphere to go hang out is the Bayside Marketplace. Located on Biscayne Boulevard, it is an open-air shopping center built on the Biscayne Bay docks, with magnificent views of the bay and the boats docked there. Bayside Marketplace is full of shops and restaurants. For example, there is the Hard Rock Cafe in Miami and the famous Bubba Gump Shrimp.co chain. Right in front of his door, there is a bench with the suitcase and the famous Forrest Gump sneakers (in which, by the way, you can put your feet in to take a picture), in a clear nod to the movie starring Tom Hanks. . This mall is usually very lively, both by local people and by visitors who come to it for a walk or take one of the boat tours that leave from there for the island of celebrities and the rest of the Miami islands ( www.baysidemarketplace.com).

There are many beaches on offer in Miami, so there are lots of different ones to choose from. Among the most highly recommended and/or famous, is South Beach, the crème de la crème of Miami beaches. Because it is in the city, located right in the heart of Miami Beach, it’s the most convenient beach so it is normally full of people... of all shapes and sizes! Don’t miss the lifeguard huts, each one painted differently. Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park, in Key Biscayne, to the south of Miami Beach, is a more relaxing option. Although it is a natural, more remote beach, it still has showers, hammocks and all the other paraphernalia needed for a stylish day in the sun. And, if you are a person with no inhibitions, don’t think twice, spend the day at Haulover Beach, to the north of Miami Beach. Situated in beautiful natural surroundings, it is a quiet beach, with soft, white sand, where it's your choice whether you wear clothes or not.

As it is a little far from the city, to be precise in the extreme south of Key Biscayne, the Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park is a great idea, particularly on a sunny day, to spend the day breathing in the clean air and doing activities out in the open air. As well as the beach, which is always a great choice, you can walk around the area, go out on bikes or try some invigorating watersports. When you feel hungry, take advantage of the authorized picnic areas to have a delicious meal. When you are inside this state park, you will see a lighthouse. The Cape Florida Lighthouse dates back to 1825, which makes it the oldest building in southern Florida. As well as its long history, it is an interesting place to visit and there are tours which visit the lighthouse-keeper’s house and the lighthouse itself. Take your courage in both hands and climb up the 109 steps which will take you to the top. From there, the views of the bay are astonishing.

Everyone likes to be kept informed of interesting activities which are also affordable, so note this one down. Cultural Fridays is a type of arts festival which takes place on the last Friday of every month (between 7pm and 11pm) in Little Havana. Its purpose is to put together a good-quality programme of activities in the open air which are normally cheap or even free. Although the actual programme changes every Friday, the activities are always related to the world of culture, art and music. So, all along Calle Ocho (between 13th and 17th Avenue) you will see the work of artists, musicians, dancers, actors... always, of course, with an unmistakable Latin flavour – it’s what Little Havana was made for! One of the most important parts of these Cultural Fridays is the free guided tour around Little Havana. The guide, an expert on the area, will keep you up-to-date with the juiciest anecdotes and show you the most attractive hidden corners of this most unique neighbourhood of Miami.

Anyone who lives in Miami or who has spent time there recently will certainly be aware of how trendy these Miami Food Trucks have become. The Miami Food Trucks are, literally, restaurants on wheels which move around the whole city. It works like this: there are about 30 trucks specializing in different types of food, which travel all around Miami. Each truck does its own thing, although at weekends or when there are celebrations or special events, some or all of them tend to meet up at place where it’s all happening. Pasta and pizzas, seafood, dim sum, tacos, hamburgers, cupcakes, artisanal ice creams... The possibilities are endless! Track them down and don’t leave the city without trying at least one of the foods on offer from this new, beautifully-prepared, mobile version of fast food.

If you are visiting Miami with all the family, you must include on your list of places to visit some places that will keep both adults and children happy, for example, the Miami Seaquarium. In the spacious grounds devoted to the marine world, you will find all sorts of aquatic animals, from goldfish, dolphins and turtles, up to seals, sea lions and rays, and not forgetting the sharks, crocodiles and even a killer whale! As well as all these underwater dwellers, throughout the park you will be able to enjoy games, activities and the dance and acrobatic shows - which, every day, make visitors roar with laughter. And although a visit to the Miami Seaquarium is not exactly cheap, it is definitely a good way for children to have a good time and, at the same time, get to know life below the sea a little better. (www.miamiseaquarium.com)

Take a break from days at the beach or from visiting the city sights and go to the south of Florida to immerse yourself in the wildest and most untamed area in the state. The Everglades are a huge area of sub-tropical, marshy land, a unique landscape as most of it is submerged under water. Rushes and other vegetation emerge from the water. Part of this land is protected by the Everglades National Park. What will really grab your attention, besides the landscape, is the huge number of living creatures and indigenous species that live there, the most remarkable, perhaps, being the alligators. Would you like to see them? If so, go into one of the many places that offer tours of the wetlands, for example, Coopertown, a long-established company that has been operating since 1945. Travelling on what they call airboats, boats which have a sort of huge fan at the back and which skate over the water at full pelt, you will be able to greet these enormous reptiles from close up.

It’s true that there are botanical gardens in many cities around the world, but it’s also true that, with a gem like the Miami Botanical Gardens, a visit there is of particular interest. As its name indicates, the Miami Beach Botanical Garden is found in the beach area, an area you are certain to visit, so you’ll find yourself close by on more than one occasion. As entry is free, go in and have a wander round! Miami Beach Botanical Garden was originally the 'Garden Center', an urban garden created in the early sixties which, after various coming and goings, in 1996, became what it is today. As is to be expected, visiting the garden is a relaxing, educational, colourful and extremely green experience. If you prefer to be independent and don’t want to join one of the guided walks that are available, take the opportunity simply to walk around, breathe deeply and admire the beauty of the plants. (www.mbgarden.org)

If there is one Cuban artist who is famous for having made her home in Miami (excluding, of course, the late Celia Cruz, widely-recognized as the 'Queen of Salsa') it is Gloria Estefan who has spent all her life in this city. As most people know, thanks to magazines and arts programmes, the singer is married to the music producer, Emilio Estefan who is also Cuban. In 1992, with him, she opened a restaurant in the middle of Ocean Drive, the best location ever. Lario’s on the Beach is located right by the beach. It is a restaurant and night club where they have tried to recreate some of the atmosphere and aesthetics of Cuba of the fifties. It goes without saying that their speciality is, of course, Cuban cuisine. If you feel like a quiet night out, this is not the place for you, as the dinners are livened up (a lot!) by a band which sings live all the greatest Latin hits you can think of (www.bongoscubancafe.com).

This museum, along with the bookshop and the research centre, belongs to The Wolfsonian Florida International University (better known as Wolfsonian-FIU), and is dedicated to the world of modern international design and its differing forms and interpretations. The museum was officially opened in 1995 although it had already shown some exhibitions before that date. Housed in a brightly-lit, Mediterranean-style building from the early twentieth century, Wolfsonian has a permanent collection on show made up of hundreds of objects, paintings, posters, glasses, industrial-design artefacts and propaganda material from between 1885 and 1945. What it seeks to convey is how each of the pieces reflects the political and social changes of the age in which they were created and, at the same time, how they themselves and their respective designs have also contributed to the world. As well as the permanent collection, there are several interesting, temporary exhibitions, every year, so if you are in the Miami Beach area, go and have a look (www.wilfsonian.org).

Would you like to go on a great culinary journey, away from hamburgers and the other classic American dishes? If the answer is yes, take a walk to the Upper East Side area and discover the elegant Michy’s. This restaurant is owned by a husband and wife and it is the wife, the famous chef Michelle Bernstein, who calls the shots in the kitchen. Michy’s is what would be called “seasonal cuisine”, as the dishes on the menu are created depending on the products that are in season. To give you an idea, they are international recipes with a personal touch, which range from tuna tartar, fish ceviche or a portion of oysters to duck confit or mushroom risotto. All of them, delicately and tastefully presented. As is their wine list. Michy’s is a great, attractive but not particularly cheap place, in short, the perfect place to treat yourself. (www.michysmiami.com)

Now it’s time for some sporting action. Although you probably know this already, let us remind you that Miami has three great local teams: the Miami Marlins, baseball; the Miami Dolphins, American football and, of course, the Miami Heat, basketball. The most central stadium of the three is the American Airlines Arena (in the port of Miami), where the Heat play, captained by the superstar Lebron James. Go and buy yourself a ticket for a match, you will find the atmosphere really fascinating. As well as being able to buy food and drink inside the stadium, there is also a shop selling merchandise of the local team where you can buy yourself a shirt or something else to remind you of your visit. If basketball is not your thing, another possibility is to go to one of the concerts or other events which also take place in the home of the Miami Heat. If this does not appeal, simply take a walk around outside. The stadium itself is impressive.

Southern cooking with its easily recognizable, classic recipes is one of the most characteristic of the whole United States. Yardbird Southern Table & Bar was set up in 2011 specifically to honour this cuisine. The prizewinning television chef Jeff Mcinnis (a participant in the cookery programme Top Chef, a format which has been borrowed for Master Chef) is in charge of the kitchen and is responsible for preparing the typical Southern dishes in his own inimitable style. In the restaurant, which is rustic with modern, industrial touches, dishes come and go – dishes such as fried green tomatoes (just like the film of the same name!), ribs, sweetcorn, five-cheese macaroni, mashed potato, sweet potato cakes, strawberry cakes, carrot cake... We recommend that you don’t leave without trying one of their own chicken recipes, a speciality of the house. (www.runchickenrun.com)

Everyone knows of the existence of Little Havana in Miami, but you should also know that there is a Little Haiti in the northern area of Miami, a reflection of the considerable Haitian immigrant community in the city. In fact, it is the largest Haitian population outside Haiti. As well as Little Haiti, evidence of this substantial presence is, for instance, the restaurant on Miami Beach, devoted heart and soul, since 1994, to cooking Haitian and Caribbean dishes. The cheery and colourful decor, both on the walls and on the tables themselves, the paintings, the occasional live music make Tap Tap the perfect place to soak up the atmosphere and culture of this Caribbean country – the music, the colour, the smells and of course, the flavours!

Considering that Miami is a coastal city, the very long list of culinary recommendations just has to include a restaurant where you can tuck into a plate of fresh seafood. The most famous, most legendary and the oldest is Joe’s Stone Crab. This family-run restaurant is located in Miami Beach, where it was originally founded in 1913. Before going, a word of advice: be prepared to wait. They don’t take bookings, so, although it’s not cheap, it is so busy that you normally have to wait a while for a table. Once you get a table, expect a truly authentic seafood menu. You can choose between lobster, oysters, mussels, salmon, squid, prawns, sword fish, scallops... Having said that, the most traditional thing to order is a plate of stone crabs (the crabs after which the restaurant is named) which comprises a serving of several crab claws (that’s right, they only serve the claws). The claws come from crabs which live in the waters around the Florida Keys and the Gulf of Mexico. On your marks, get set, go! Licking your fingers is allowed. (www.joesstonecrab.com)

If there is one Cuban restaurant which is famous outside Little Havana it is, without a shadow of a doubt, Versailles. Opened in 1971, in Little Havana’s Calle Ocho, this eating place is renowned for producing the classic dishes of Cuban cuisine, and also for being the most important gathering place for discussions and political meetings for the Cuban dissidents in Miami. As well as Cubans, presidents of the United States such as Ronald Reagan, George W. Bush and Bill Clinton, not to mention all sorts of celebrities and, of course, locals and tourists from around the world drop into this restaurant, a true symbol of Cuban exile, every day. The restaurant is decorated in the style of Versailles with large mirrors and chandeliers and through its rooms pass a succession of succulent and generous traditional dishes such as la ropa vieja (shredded beef), el lechón asado (roast suckling pig), la vaca frita (crispy beef), los tostones (fried plantains), el arroz con pollo (chicken with rice) or el sándwich cubano (a sandwich of ham, pork, cheese, pickle and mustard), and not forgetting tropical fruit juices and, naturally, the mojito.

As you walk down Collins Avenue, when you come across a two-storey building painted pink, you will know that you have arrived at Big Pink. Inspired by the old diners, this informal and fun restaurant has screens where you can watch basketball or football matches and a comprehensive menu which has every dish imaginable in a typical American restaurant. To drink there is beer, soft drinks, milk shakes or smoothies and to eat, from fajitas and tacos to enormous salads, hamburgers and sandwiches of all types, wraps, quesadillas... You may also decide to order one of their buckets, small, tin buckets full of chips, onion rings, chicken wings or even prawns. Although the portions are super generous, you must save a space for pudding, because it would be a sin to leave without trying the key lime pie – the classic Florida pudding – the brownie, the cheesecake or the famous red velvet cake. Treat yourself, and most important of all, don’t count the calories.