The sunny city of Miami is a dream vacation destination for many and servicing this dream vacation destination is Florida’s busiest airport – Miami Airport. Affectionately nicknamed ‘Gateway to Latin America and the Caribbean’, it is said to handle flights from more than 150 destinations around the globe. While being stuck at an airport is not the ideal scenario for any traveller, spending a long layover or a short transit period at Miami Airport may not be such a bad idea. The lively airport offers a multitude of services and amenities to keep you fed, entertained, relaxed, and occupied for hours on end. It has a variety of restaurants and bars serving up authentic flavors, spas to de-stress your tired body, plenty of shops to indulge in retail therapy, trained therapy dogs to calm your frayed nerves, and more. For stays, while there is an in-house hotel inside the airport, exploring other nearby hotels is an open option for travellers. You can also book one of the Airbnb vacation rentals around the airport if you need a homey place to stay. To maximize your time here, continue reading to delve into the top things to do in Miami Airport, Florida.
1. Grab some snacks at Icebox Café
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
At Icebox Cafe in Miami International Airport, travelers can savour a delicious array of snacks and meals to suit their cravings and dietary preferences. The cafe offers an assortment of packed snacks and healthy meal options, making it easy for passengers to grab a bite before their flight.
Icebox Cafe caters to diverse tastes, serving piping hot slices of pizza, fresh and satisfying wraps, and healthy choices crafted with whole grains. Their to-go food options are perfect for jet-setters, ensuring that you can enjoy a satisfying meal or snack even inside the plane. For those looking to add a healthy touch, they also offer refreshing fruit cups.
Icebox Café
Address: Miami International Airport, Terminal D, Gate D-8, Miami, FL 33126, United States
Website: Icebox Café
Opening hours: 6am - 10pm (daily)
2. Satisfy your pizza cravings at 305 Pizza
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
305 Pizza at Miami International Airport is a culinary journey through Miami’s most iconic neighbourhoods and attractions, all in the form of delicious pizzas. Each pie is thoughtfully named after some of the city’s best spots, offering a taste of Miami’s diverse culture.
Try the Wynwood cheese pizza for a classic cheesy delight, or opt for the Lincoln Road mushroom pizza that highlights the earthy flavours of Miami Beach. The Everglades vegetarian pizza is a hit with plant-based food lovers, while the Biscayne Bay Hawaiian pizza brings a tropical twist to your taste buds.
Not in the mood for pizza? 305 Pizza also offers a variety of paninis, as well as intriguing pizza dough-wrapped hot dogs, blending American and Italian flavours into a delightful fusion. It’s the ideal spot to savour the diverse and exciting flavours of Miami, even during your layover.
305 Pizza
Address: Miami International Airport Concourse D, Gate 27, 2100 NW 42nd Ave, Miami, FL 33142, United States
Website: 305 Pizza
Opening hours: 7.30am - 10pm (daily)
3. Enjoy Duty Free shopping in North Terminal
One of the easiest ways to pass the time when you are stuck at the airport is to go shopping. Most airports these days have a multitude of shops to suit every traveller’s taste. Miami Airport is no different. In fact, if you are flying out of the international North Terminal, you would be spoilt for choice with the dizzying array of Duty Free shopping options at the Duty Free Americas shop. To begin with, there are two Duty Free Americas shops located in the North Terminal. They stock a complete range of cigarettes, spirits, jewellery, cosmetics, fashion, luxury goods, etc. And the best part is, it’s all tax-free! You will even find luxury shops like Coach, Michael Kors, Emporio Armani, etc. straight from The Shoppes at Ocean Drive in Miami. And once you are done shopping, your products will be delivered directly to you at the boarding gate. So go ahead and enjoy hands-free shopping at Miami Airport!
Duty Free Americas
Address: North Terminal After Checkpoint, Terminal D East and West, Miami International Airport
Website: Duty Free Americas
Opening hours: 6am - 11pm (daily)
4. Savour delicious Cuban food at Cafe Versailles and Cafe La Carreta airport outposts
Airport food has hardly ever been described as delicious, savory, or even appetising. But that is surely not the case with the drool-worthy Cuban food served up at Café Versailles and Café Carreta in Miami Airport. Both the outlets had their origins in Miami’s very own Cuban neighbourhoods and offer the same authentic Cuban delicacies at the airport too. Café Versailles even has multiple locations across Terminals D, E and F. It is famed for its pastelitos (Cuban pastries), hot sandwiches and of course, fresh Cuban coffee. Must-try items at Café La Carreta include its croquettes, coffees, variety of homemade dishes, sandwiches, and many other classic Cuban favourites. Both the outlets have to-go meals and coffees, too.
Cafe La Carreta
Address: Concourse D-37, Miami International Airport, Miami
Website: Cafe La Carreta
Opening hours: 5am - 12am (daily)
Cafe Versailles
Address: Multiple locations at terminals D, E and F, Miami International Airport, Miami
Website: Cafe Versailles
Opening hours: Check each location for exact timings
5. Get over your jet lag by relaxing in a spa
Beating jet lag can be quite a challenge and we can do with all the help we can get to overcome it. Miami Airport offers you two spas that are a sanctuary of tranquility and relaxation amidst the hectic atmosphere of the airport. At the Xpress Spa, you can book a relaxing massage, pamper yourself with a luxurious facial or style your tips and toes to arrive in style at your destination. Blow-outs and waxing services are also offered here. At the Jetsetter Spa, experienced massage therapists and aestheticians will groom your mane; give you an express manicure or pedicure and calm your nerves with soothing reflexology treatments. You could even get a spray tan at this spa or indulge in a full body massage. Melt all your stress and worries away at the spas of Miami Airport!
Xpress Spa
Address: North Terminal After Checkpoint, Terminal D East, Miami Airport, Miami
Website: Xpress Spa
Opening hours: 7am - 10pm (daily)
Jetsetter Spa
Address: South Terminal Before Checkpoint, Terminal H, Miami Airport, Miami
Website: Jetsetter Spa
Opening hours: 8am - 9pm (daily)
6. Get your beauty sleep in the airport hotel
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
After a hectic trip or during a long layover, all you want to do is sink into a comfortable bed and catch up on some sleep. At the MIA Hotel at Miami International Airport, you can do exactly that! The hotel is conveniently situated right on the airport premises so you have easy access to departure gates, ticket counters, airport restaurants, shops, rental cars, etc. The hotel has 252 rooms and seven suites that are soundproofed and well-appointed to ensure a comfortable stay. Room service, baggage service, complimentary WiFi and conference centre facilities are also available at the hotel. A farm-to-table dining restaurant, Viena, is located within the hotel, too.
Miami International Airport Hotel
Address: Level 2, Terminal E, Miami International Airport, Miami
Website: Miami International Airport Hotel
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
Price: from 139 USD
7. Soothe your soul by watching the Instagram-worthy artworks at several art galleries and exhibits
Just like the colourful and vibrant city of Miami, Miami International Airport also has plenty of eclectic artwork exhibited across all of its terminals. Created in conjunction with artists from across the world and part of the ‘Miami-Dade County Art in Public Places’ program, the art aims to spread the message of culture, peace, and love that is reflective of the spirit of Miami.
One of the most prominently displayed artworks in this attraction in Miami International Airport is the silk and floral ‘Peace & Love’ and the ‘All we need is love’ signs by Argentinian architects Roberto Behar and Rosario Marquardt.
At the South terminal, visitors can admire the colourful murals by Brazilian artist Carybé. There are numerous art galleries and photography exhibits scattered across the airport. And all of the artwork is soothing and makes for great Instagram shots.
8. For ultimate relaxation, head to the Yoga Room in Terminal H (Pre-Security)
If you’re keen to engage in worthwhile things to do in Miami Airport while waiting for a flight, why not treat yourself to a relaxing reward in the Yoga Room? Located in Terminal H, this one-of-a-kind tranquil space is dedicated to practicing yoga and meditation. Amidst the hustle and bustle of airport travel, the Yoga Room can be a peaceful space to practice some asanas (poses), stretch out and find your Zen.
Yoga mats are sometimes available at the Yoga Room but you could always bring in your own mat too. Silence your phone, gather your thoughts, and zone out at the Yoga Room at Miami International Airport!
Yoga Room
Address: First floor, Terminal H, Miami International Airport, Miami
Opening hours: 9am - 9pm (daily)
Price: Free
9. Splurge on a lounge for some quality time for yourself
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Miami International Airport has many airline-operated lounges scattered across its many terminals. Most of these lounges require the purchase of a day pass but some may provide free access if you are a business class or first class traveller. Nevertheless, splurging on lounge access is a good idea if you want to grab a bite, take a shower, read a newspaper or generally lounge about until it is time to board your flight. Miami Airport has lounges in terminals D, E, F, G, H and J belonging to various American and international airlines, as well as a Military Hospitality Lounge for armed forces personnel.
MIA VIP Clubs & Lounges
Address: Across various terminals, Miami International Airport, Miami
Website: MIA VIP Clubs & Lounges
Opening hours: Check each location for exact timings
Price: From 38 USD
10. Dog lovers can spend some time with the airport’s trained therapy dogs
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
An extraordinary initiative by Miami International Airport is the ‘Miami Hound Machine’ program that aims to relieve the stress of travellers by allowing them to pet and interact with trained therapy dogs. Most passengers report elevated levels of stress and anxiety during airport travel, especially those travelling in large groups or with kids. The airport has deployed the services of a bunch of cute, cuddly, and well-trained dogs in various shapes, sizes, and breeds to help passengers manage their travel-related stress. Along with their handlers, these therapy dogs can be seen roaming the airport a couple of times in a week and passengers are encouraged to hug them or snuggle with them. This initiative seems to be a hit idea with kids and adults alike!
11. Enjoy retail therapy at Coco Bay
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Amongst the many retail therapy options at Miami International Airport, Coco Bay at Terminal D enjoys much popularity with female customers. It is a resort-themed women’s retail concept store tailored towards beach-bound tourists. Colorful beach cover-ups and tunics, swimwear, straw hats, sandals, beach bags, sunglasses, and many other luxurious products are displayed at this vibrant store. Besides the high-end apparel and accessories, this boutique also stocks fragrances and tropical home accessories that are sure to add a bohemian flair to your vacation!
COCO BAY
Address: North Terminal After Checkpoint, Terminal D West, Miami International Airport, Miami
Website: COCO BAY
Opening hours: 6am - 10:30pm (daily)
12. Sip a mojito at Bongos Cuban Café for the full Miami experience
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
A great restaurant in Miami International Airport to unwind over a few drinks is Bongos Cuban Café. Located in the food court of the South terminal, it features a vivacious bar, creating the perfect Latin American ambiance with its lively music and cheerful staff.
The bar has a fun drinks menu featuring a variety of cocktails and beers, including the crowd-favorite mojitos. The bartenders at Bongos are known to mix up a mean mojito ideal to give you a slight buzz along with a taste of Cuba! Also try their famous Cuban sandwiches, lechon asado, and croquetas.
Bongos Cuban Café
Address: South Terminal Food Court, Miami International Airport, Miami
Website: Bongos Cuban Café
Opening hours: 11am - 8pm (daily)
So much to see and do at Miami Airport
There is truly no dearth of things to see and do at Miami Airport, Florida – from petting therapy dogs, doing yoga at the Yoga Room, relaxing at spas to sipping mojitos, Miami Airport offers a plethora of options to passengers. Not to mention the many places to visit near Miami Airport before retiring to your room in the Element Miami Airport Hotel, only some eight minutes away.
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