Miami has long been a premier tourist destination, acclaimed for its physical beauty and its excellent climate. Year round, the fabled white-sand beaches and clear blue waters lapping Miami Beach have beckoned visitors to America's ‘Riviera.' Others are lured by Miami's world-class shopping and cosmopolitan dining, its international culture and legendary nightlife.

Miami's diverse neighbourhoods offer a range of activities, from cultural to sporting. Residential Coral Gables is known for its examples of architectural elegance, including the Biltmore Hotel, Fairchild Tropical Garden and the incomparable Venetian Pool, while the bustling Bayside Harbour complex in Downtown Miami offers boat excursions.

The distinctly Latin district of Little Havana, home to the city's huge Cuban population, has cigar-making shops and is the place to be in March for the lively Calle Ocho Festival.

Over in Miami Beach, South Beach is one of the most-visited neighbourhoods, famed for its pastel and stainless steel art deco buildings, where the legendary Ocean Drive boulevard is fringed by Miami's trendiest sidewalk boutiques, bars and restaurants - the favourite haunts of such local celebrities as Gloria Estefan, Madonna, Ricky Martin and Donatella Versace.

Perhaps Miami's biggest crowd-puller is its rich multicultural flavour, which gives the city an undeniably unique atmosphere. Just as the rest of America has embraced the rhythms of heart-throbs Ricky Martin, Enrique Iglesias, Shakira and other Hispanic music sensations, Miami has long been swaying to a Latin remix of sensuality, salsa and South Beach style, making it one of the most exciting cities in the USA.

Visitors should note that Miami is divided into quadrants. Flagler Street runs east-west, thus dividing the city into north and south sections, while Miami Avenue runs north-south, splitting the city into east and west sections. Most Miami addresses refer to these quadrants.

Greater Miami and the Beaches Convention and Visitors Bureau
Suite 2700, 701 Brickell Avenue
Tel: (305) 539 3000.
Website: www.miamiandbeaches.com
Opening hours: Mon-Fri 0830-1800.

There are also Visitor Centres at Aventura Mall, 19501 Biscayne Boulevard, Aventura, and Bayside Marketplace, 401 Biscayne Boulevard, Miami, and elsewhere.

The Miami Visitor Pass offers up to 15% discount at 85 participating businesses and tour operators (website: www.miamibeach411.com/discount_card.htm). The Go Miami Card grants admission to over 40 attractions, activities, and tours. Cards range from one to seven day passes (website: www.gomiamicard.com). Visitors can also contact the Visitors Bureau for promotions, specials and money-saving coupons.