Why everybody hates the city branded the world’s worst for UK tourists

Travellers hoping for a cheap and cheerful break may want to avoid one of the US’s most popular destinations – Miami. The sunny Floridian spot just placed last in the latest Which? world city survey, which asked more than 1,500 UK tourists to rate their experiences of cities outside of Europe over the past year. Almost 2,500 destinations were assessed across seven categories, including the quality of cultural attractions, accommodation, and food and drink.

And, of the 35 listed, Miami came in last, with an overall customer score of 56% – a stark contrast to Cape Town, which topped the list with an impressive 91%. Visitors dismissed it as ‘overrated’, and the destination scored pretty dismally across all categories, finishing up with two stars for food and drink, accommodation, ease of getting around and lack of crowds. Meanwhile, Miami’s cultural attractions and value for money were rated even lower, earning just one star each. One particularly unimpressed Which? member even described it as a ‘total rip off’.

The city’s only saving grace? Its shopping options, which earned a three-star rating – the highest of all categories. Many criticised the city’s high prices, but it’s certainly possible to keep costs down on a trip to South Florida. According to budgetyourtrip.com, travellers spend between $106 (£85) and $597 (£482) per day in Miami, so it all depends on how extravagant you wish to be. A one-week trip to the city – including accommodation, food, local transportation and sightseeing – usually costs $1,806 (£1,458) for one person and $3,612 (£2,916) for two people.

Prices for a one-night stay at a three-star hotel on Booking.com start at £76.44 for one night, based on two adults sharing one room. However, if you’re looking for centrally-located hotels, you can expect to pay over £100 per night. The cost of food in Miami can also vary depending on what you eat. Street food is a more affordable option costing around $8-15 (£6-12), while meals at mid-range restaurants typically range between $15-35 (£12-28) per person.

The price of beer varies depending on the venue too. In casual bars, a domestic beer typically costs between $5-8 (£4-9), while craft beers can set you back between $7-12 (£5-£9.60) range between $5-15 (£4-12). Cocktails tend to be pricier, ranging between $12-$20 (£9-16) at casual bars. While in high-end venues such as rooftop bars prices can climb to $25-30 (£20-£24). Metro’s Alice Giddings visited the Floridian city last year in search of the best (and cheapest) experiences she could find, and ventured to the TikTok famous La LeGGenda Pizzeria for ‘the best pizza in the world’.

The ‘unbelievably tasty’ Salame & Bell Peppers Pizza cost around $23 (£18.50). And while it may not be cheap as such, according to Alice, ‘it was worth every penny’. And when it comes to purse-friendly retail therapy, she says: ‘For an amazing boutique to shop in that won’t break the bank, head to the Wynwood Shop. From artwork to jewellery and clothing to sunnies, the cost of the items will set you back just $20, rather than the hundreds I got used to seeing on price tags.’.

For getting around, Alice recommends avoiding Ubers, which can quickly add up, commenting: ‘The Metrorail and Metrobus have a £4.44 ($5.65) daily fare cap, no matter how many times you ride.’. Known for its white-sand beaches, Art Deco architecture, vibrant nightlife scene and year-round sunshine, Miami is undoubtedly an attractive destination to tourists. Yet it also has a reputation for being one of the most expensive cities in the US.

A recent study by real estate company Redfin declared it the second most unaffordable city in America after Providence in Rhode Island. According to Redfin, an annual income of $84,920 (£68,450) is required to pay the average rent price of $2,373 (£1,912) per month, yet the estimated median income in the city last year was $57,157 (£46,070), nearly 40% lower. Sky-high rent prices and the cost of living are just a few reasons why Miami is often criticised, according to a recent Reddit thread.

One user, AdviceHistorical7057, asked in the Miami subreddit: ‘Why does everyone hate it here?’ to which WrongLeadership5351 replied: ‘The cost to living ratio is terrible.’. Another, MyCatHasCats, commented: ‘There are a million people, traffic is the worst and houses are unaffordable $2,800 for a 1,000 sqft 3 bedroom apartment is absolutely bonkers.’. ‘For me, it’s the s*** pay, insane cost of living and perpetual traffic,’ Keepinitoldskool said, while another added: ‘The drivers are horrible, the people are shallow and superficial, and everything is expensive as hell.’.

In another Reddit thread, one user asked: ‘Does anyone have any positive experiences living in Miami?’. While the question prompted varied responses, people continued to cite its unaffordability as a major downside. ‘Nope. The worst city in the US,’ wrote No_Target7407. ‘Unless you enjoy constant noise, highly rude people, materialism, vanity, insane traffic and people who think they’re superior.’.