If you’re looking for a fun, beachy big city to learn English in, you can’t do much better than Miami. Even though you might feel like you’re in a playground for the rich and famous surrounded by exclusive nightclubs and ritzy high rises, there are also plenty of budget-friendly things to do in Miami that won’t break the bank. Take it from the local experts at EC Miami – you might not have enough time to see it all, but you’ll certainly have enough money!
1. Wynwood Art Walk
If you’re trying to find Miami’s hipster scene, this is it. Alternative, arty and the place to mingle with other young people, the Wynwood Art Walk takes place the second Saturday of every month starting from 6pm. With food trucks, craft beer, live music, clothing and jewellery sellers and plenty of art, there’s loads to keep you busy all night long!
2. Try a Cuban sandwich at Versailles
Miami is a city for serious eaters. It might seem like a contradiction, though, since on the one hand you see svelte silhouettes strutting along South Beach, while on the other, people are stuffing their faces with finger-licking good Cuban food! It’s forbidden to leave Miami without visiting Versailles, to pay homage to a classic restaurant and try the best Cuban sandwich in Miami.
3. Rent a Citibike
Take to Miami on two wheels! This is a fabulous way to explore Miami Beach from top to tip. You can pay by the hour or day, or if you’re going on a longer language stay, go for a monthly or yearly Citibike pass. South Pointe Park on the water and the Art Deco District are some great options for a ride!
4. Visit the Venetian Pool
So what if you’re not rich? You can feel like it for the day at the jaw-dropping Venetian Pool in the ritzy Coral Gables neighbourhood. This is one of those things to do in Miami that’s a true Florida experience. With day passes ranging from $15-$20 depending on the time of year, you can take a day to pamper yourself and feel like the rich and famous!
5. Take a free yoga class
There’s no better way to get that toned beach bod than by doing some yoga! There are plenty of yoga studios (3rd Street Beach Yoga, Green Monkey Yoga, etc.) that offer free or donation-based yoga classes in some of Miami’s stellar outdoor locations, like South Pointe Park or South Beach on the bay and ocean sides. Can you say “ommm”?
6. Check out the Pérez Art Museum – for free!
One of Miami’s most prestigious art museums opens its doors completely for free every 2nd Saturday and 1st Thursday of the month (admission is normally $16). Dedicated to showcasing the best art of the 21st and 20th centuries, the museum’s rotating exhibitions definitely won’t leave you cold. They also do movie nights, workshops, happy hours and other artsy performances. You couldn’t ask for a better free thing to do!
7. Head to Haulover Park for food truck Tuesdays
Venture away from South Beach to Haulover Park, set just back from Haulover Beach (one of the few nudist beaches in Florida!). Every Tuesday from 5:00 to 9:30pm, the park fills up with DJ’s and food trucks serving everything from grilled cheese to burgers, fresh Florida seafood, ice cream and everything in between. It’s the perfect way to liven up your Tuesday night!
8. See a film at one of Miami’s special cinemas
Of course, Miami has all the megaplexes you could dream of playing the latest blockbusters, but why not try catching a movie at one of the city’s charming indie theatres? The O Cinema Wynwood shows the latest and greatest indie films as well as cult classics from the past, while the Tower Theater in Little Havana showcases foreign films. Over in Coral Gables, the Art Cinema shows an eclectic mix of films from the past and present. Take your pic for movie night!
9. Get sporty at Flamingo Park
In the heart of South Beach, between 11th and 15th streets, you’ll find this mecca for sports lovers. With baseball, American football and soccer fields, tennis and volleyball courts and a track for runners, you can join an intramural team or just head to the park to cheer on the local athletes!
10. Indulge in Americana at the Burger Museum
It doesn’t get much more American than a museum dedicated to the hamburger, but that’s exactly what you’ll find in Little Havana! Full of vintage signs, menus and all kinds of fast food fun facts, don’t miss their monthly food truck events so you can enjoy the food that made the museum 😉
So, after hearing about all the cheap things to do in Miami, are you packing your bags for the famous Florida sun yet?
What do you think?