Top tips and tricks

Our local expert's pointers for exploring the Magic City

Noteworthy for: This is an expensive town. There are often hefty cover charges on the door, high prices for spirits and bottle service, which charges you to so much as sit at a table. Prepare your credit card.
Word to the wise: Hurricane season runs June to November so keep an eye on the forecast.

1. Don't fear the red rope. Hold your head high, and power strut past the fickle security guards. That aside, there are plenty of less pretentious clubs, and who wants to see Paris Hilton anyway?
2. Unlike many other cities, hotels here have the upper hand when it comes to bar life with DJs in the lobby and pool parties.

3. Pick up local arts weekly Miami New Times for local events, or free monthly Miami Living.

4. Take care wandering alone around Little Havana, Little Haiti, and Wynwood after dark.

5. Get discounts at 43 attractions with the Go Miami Card.

6. If you want to venture further than South Beach you'll need a car, or a lot of patience for public transport. Parking passes are available from Publix supermarkets.

7. A six percent state tax plus one percent local tax is added to all goods and services purchased in Miami. Hotels typically levy additional taxes.

8. High season is during the fall and winter when temperatures are bearable. In Spring the whole town turns party crazy, by summer you'll have the place to yourself.