Gazing out across the vast Atlantic Ocean, sunrise illuminates the sky and casts a kaleidoscope of pink across the water. The silence is broken only by waves lapping the shore, and birdsong floating on the breeze down the southeast coast of the US. I’m standing on Miami Beach, one of the most iconic places in Florida — if not the entire country. It’s the picture of serenity, but beyond the white sand and envy-inducing physiques of the people who walk on it lies a city bursting with history and culture like nowhere else in North America.
![[8AM TUES: I visited New York's sunnier southern twin ? another city that never sleeps]](https://metro.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/SEI_234630567-c003.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&w=646)
New York may be the city that never sleeps, but Miami, with its thumping nightclubs, vibrant street art and eclectic Cuban cuisine certainly gives it a run for its money (plus year-round sun and a world-class beach on the doorstep). Miami has a reputation for bling, but getting there doesn’t have to break the bank. A nine-hour flight on Norse Atlantic Airways’ new route from London Gatwick to Miami International runs up to five times a week during the winter season and every day in summer.
![[It looks absolutely stunning by night]](https://metro.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/It-looks-absolutely-stunning-by-night-48d3.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&w=646)
With large reclining seats, ample leg room, dedicated cabin crew plus free food and drink, it’s hard to fault value for money when fares start at just over £400. As a budget traveller, I had no idea this level of comfort was possible without coughing up serious cash.
![[Messi Mania has gripped Miami since the Argentine arrived stateside and this stunning huge mural adorns a wall in Wynwood]](https://metro.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Messi-Mania-has-gripped-Miami-since-the-Argentine-arrived-stateside-and-this-stunning-huge-mural-adorns-a-wall-in-Wynwood-2c2f.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&w=646)
