9 great things to do in Miami for free

16.04.2024 - 10:59 / lonelyplanet.com / Art

It’s easy to get lost in the glitz and glam of Miami.

After all, the city draws in people from all over with the lure of gorgeous beachfront hotels, award-winning restaurants and bars, and high art and fashion. But even budget-conscious travelers can find plenty to do in the Magic City if they know where to look. Whether you're on a strict monetary diet or just looking to save some dollars in this metropolitan wonderland, here are the best Miami activities that won't cost you a thing. 

While some beaches require an entry fee (looking at you, Bill Baggs) or passing through a toll (ahem, Crandon Park), Miami Beach is free to enter. The costliest and trickiest part? Parking. Circumvent this by riding the free Miami Beach Trolley, which can take you from South Beach to North Beach in minutes. Next, pack a picnic in a cooler along with some beach towels and sunscreen and be on your way. Make sure to find a proper entry point into the beach – while most of South Beach is easily accessible by foot, some stretches of Mid-Beach feature condos and hotels with little public beach access. You can easily spend all day at the beach without spending a red cent.

Want more beach inspiration? These are Miami's best

Located next to the Pérez Art Museum, Maurice A Ferré Park in Downtown Miami features numerous works of art. From sculptures by Costa Rican artist Jorge Jiménez Deredia to the Dogs and Cats Walkway and Sculpture Gardens featuring delightful pieces by several local artists, there’s plenty of creative energy throughout the park. And if that isn’t enough, the park also features the longest waterfront promenade lined with palm trees, offering views of sparkling Biscayne Bay.

If you’re searching for free nighttime experiences in Miami, look no further than Viernes Culturales (aka “Cultural Fridays”). For over two decades, locals and visitors alike have been gathering on the streets of Little Havana to enjoy this celebration of Cuban and Cuban-American culture. Stroll down the infamous Calle Ocho (SW 8th St) and pop in and out of the local art galleries (as well as various shops selling everything from Cuban cigars to souvenirs). If you’re open to spending a few dollars, there are plenty of great, affordable dining options throughout the event as well. You’ll also hear plenty of music from salsa to mambo to rumba, including out of Ball & Chain – a popular bar and lounge known for live bands and stellar dance nights.

One of Miami’s busiest open-air malls, you never know what you’ll find on Miami Beach’s Lincoln Rd. Open since 1962, this stretch of shops, bars, restaurants and more has changed a lot over time but continues to attract tourists and locals daily. Browse art books at Taschen, pop into Oolite or any of