Fact: Miami’s celeb-studded nightlife and waterfront real estate don’t come cheap. You just might find these 15 free things to do in Miami get to the heart of what really makes the Magic City so magical — while keeping your budget intact.
For many, a game of Cuban Dominos is a daily social event in Little Havana
Become a competitive domino spectator
At Maximo Gomez Park, the neighborhood’s older Cuban residents put on their best game face and gather to outwit each other over an intense game of dominoes. The players are passionate, and the action is fast, making this Little Havana landmark a favorite among visitors and local spectators alike. ‘Domino Park,’ as it’s frequently called, is open from 9am-6pm daily. 801 SW 15th Ave, Miami
Wander around the Wynwood Walls
Miami’s Wynwood neighborhood is ground-zero for the city’s street art scene, and the epicenter of that action is the Wynwood Walls. Work from over 50 of the world’s greatest street and graffiti artists — including Shepard Fairey and Kenny Scharf — are splashed over 80,000-square-feet of warehouse walls. Entrance (and the obligatory selfies) are free. 2520 NW 2nd Ave, Miami
The art deco buildings along Ocean Drive in Miami Beach are among the most recognizable images of the region
Art Deco architecture on South Beach
Miami Beach is home to some of the best examples of Art Deco architecture in the world, thanks in part to the work of the Miami Design Preservation League. Incidentally, the Art Deco Welcome Center is a great first stop on any self-guided Art Deco tour. Talk to one of the knowledgeable concierges and pick up a few brochures before pounding the pavement in search of Art Deco darlings like the Essex House Hotel, National Hotel and Delano South Beach. 1001 Ocean Dr, Miami Beach
Refuel on tacos at Wood Tavern
Budget-savvy Miamians know that on Tuesdays from 6-9pm, you head to Wood Tavern for its laid-back-and-local scene, an eclectic soundtrack and, oh yeah, free tacos. Grab a stack of them at the open-air bar and watch as a microcosm of the city comes together in the name of good times and tortilla-stuffed glory. 2531 NW 2nd Ave, Miami
The Ball & Chain bar is one of the most historic watering holes in the city
Learn to salsa at Ball & Chain
Opened in 1935, Ball & Chain has seen its fair share of action throughout its history, including performances by jazz greats like Billie Holiday and an illicit gambling deal or two. Today, its soaring Dade Pine roof is home to local bands, Cuban-inspired comestibles and ‘Little Havana Under the Stars,’ a weekly Thursday night event featuring free salsa dancing classes set to live music. Beginners and singles are encouraged to join. 1513 SW 8th St, Miami
A bustling Latin street party
On the last Friday of the month, Viernes Culturales takes over Little Havana. This monthly multicultural street party has been going strong for 20 years and features local arts and crafts, domino games, live music and plenty of dancing. If you have kids in tow, bring them along — all of the festivities are family friendly. 8th St, between 13th and 17th Ave, Miami
Beach breezes and soaring skyscrapers exemplify ‘Miami’ and don’t cost a dime
Cool off at South Pointe Park
South Pointe Park is the site of countless photo spreads and selfies for a reason — the views of its resident pier jutting into the turquoise waves of the Atlantic are simply breathtaking. Because of its location, the park is home to some deliciously cool breezes, perfect for laying out on a blanket or pairing it with a refreshing dip in the water. 1 Washington Ave, Miami Beach
Concerto al fresco at Soundscape Park
From October to May, the sprawling grounds of the Frank Gehry-designed SoundScape Park play host to the New World Symphony’s Wallcast concert series. Find a spot under one of the park’s tropical palms and settle in for an evening of live classical music performances and projections on a 7,000-square-foot wall. 400 17th St, Miami Beach
The Perez Art Museum is just one place to catch a glimpse of world-class art in Miami
Glimpse Miami’s great art collections
Miami is quickly coming into its own as an arbiter of world-class art (see: Art Basel) worth checking out. On the second Saturday of the month, the Perez Art Museum Miami welcomes adults and children for free hands-on activities, guided tours and artist meet-and-greets. The Wolfsonian offers free admission every Friday from 6-9pm and on the last Sunday of the month, Miami Beach’s The Bass waves admission to all visitors from 10am-5pm.
Downward dog along the bay
The 32-acre Bayfront Park offers free yoga classes along the glittering waters of Biscayne Bay at 6pm from Monday to Thursday and Saturday. Yogis of all abilities are welcome to participate, but space is available on a first-come, first-served basis — and don’t forget to bring your own towel or mat. 301 North Biscayne Blvd., Miami
From celebrities to Capone, the Biltmore Hotel has seen it all
Explore the Biltmore’s wild historic past
Built in 1926, the Biltmore Hotel’s storied past includes stints as a World War II hospital, celebrity sanctuary and hideout for Al Capone. You can explore this national historic landmark’s fascinating history during one of their free 55-minute Sunday walking tours. Tours depart at 1:30pm and 2:30pm. 1200 Anastasia Ave, Coral Gables
A night of jazz and art at MOCA
Rain or shine, locals love the Museum of Contemporary Art North Miami’s popular Jazz at MOCA series, held on the last Friday of every month. The free concert features a double-whammy of culture, with both local and national jazz acts performing on the outdoor stage and free admission to the museum from 7-10pm. Donations, however, are encouraged in lieu of ticket purchase. 770 NE 125th St, North Miami
The Palm Court at the Design District holds free musical performances
Catch a Grammy-Award winner’s musical production
Head to the Design District’s Palm Court on Friday nights to catch a free musical performance produced by Grammy-Award winner Emilio Estefan (of Miami Sound Machine fame). Created in collaboration with maestro Eduardo Marturet of the Miami Symphony Orchestra, the Miami Design District Performance Series kicks off at 6pm and features happy hour specials at the neighboring Estefan Kitchen. 140 NE 39th St, Miami
Go backstage at the Arsht
Missed ticket sales to one of the Adrienne Arsht Center’s Broadway shows or local acts? A free tour of the venue might be the next best thing. You’ll get the lowdown on the building’s architecture, the stars that have graced its stage and the public art found beneath its soaring ceilings. Tours are offered Mondays and Saturdays at noon. 1300 Biscayne Blvd, Miami
