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What to Pack for a Daytime Walking Tour in Miami

Updated: October 12, 2021
 By Nichole

Known for its art deco architecture, sun-kissed beaches, and awesome nightlife, there are few places that make such a convincing vacation destination as Miami. 

One of the most popular ways to see Miami is with a walking tour. Whether you take one with Free Tours by Foot, or choose yourself as your guide, you’ll learn more about the city and see the best it has to offer. 

In this post, we’ll take a look at the essentials you need for a walking tour in Miami. Hopefully, it’ll make it easier to plan for your tour and ensure you’re comfortable during it. Not only that, but you’ll come away with great memories too! 

Sneakers

Possibly the most important thing you can have for a walking tour is a pair of comfortable walking shoes (here's a list of the best). Hiking or walking boots is probably going a bit overboard, but use sneakers (ideally with a cushion) and that should be enough to avoid blisters and sore feet. Of course, when you’re not walking, you’re still likely to be standing which is uncomfortable anyway. Make sure to avoid anything that will make walking any more difficult. Heels are a definite no, and flip flops should be saved for the beach. 

Water to stay hydrated

This one goes without saying really. Stay hydrated on your walking tour to avoid headaches and just generally feeling unwell. It’s best in an insulated flask as this will keep the water cool as you navigate through the streets of Miami!

Lightweight, waterproof clothing

If you’re on a walking tour that takes somewhere between two and four hours, you’re probably going to start sweating a bit. Especially in a city that gets as hot and humid as Miami! Although cotton tops and denim shorts are comfortable and look good, you’ll need to make sure there’s somewhere at your accommodation to wash and dry them out in the event of rain. Be sure that your clothes are dry when you get dressed too, as chafing during a walking tour is especially uncomfortable. Pro tip- have a waterproof bag or phone case (here's one of our favorites) in the event it downpours!

The best material to look for is quick-dry clothing and having a jacket or a windbreaker is always a good idea, just in case the weather changes quickly. 

Cash

While free walking tours are a great way to see the city on a budget, remember that your guide has to earn a living. If you’ve enjoyed the tour, a generous tip is always welcomed. Aside from that, it’s good to have cash in case you see somewhere you’d like to eat or a shop selling something cool.

Guidebook/Map

Especially handy on a self-guided tour. A guidebook and/or map will help keep you on the right track should you get lost. In terms of a guidebook, it’ll also be useful in finding things to do in the area - especially if it’s been written by those with local knowledge. However, make sure not to rely on it too much as you may not finish your guided tour!

Phone / Camera

The first thing you’re going to need in a city as pretty as Miami is your camera. Whether that’s just your smartphone or an SLR camera is up to you. Across the whole of Miami, there is beautiful architecture and colourful street art. And it’s not all in the same style - each piece reflects its surroundings and the district. Head to Ocean Drive on Miami Beach where there are several buildings in the historic Art Deco District. Not only are the buildings spectacular from the outside, but some also have statues and fountains inside!

Sun Protection

As we’ve already mentioned, Miami is a hot, humid, and sunny city. Be sure to pack sunscreen of a factor that is appropriate for your skin and to keep reapplying at regular intervals. Not only that, you should also have a baseball cap/visor and a pair of sunglasses - both of which do a great job of protecting the eyes. 

Appetite!

For those who do a tour of Downtown Miami and its waterfront, one of the top attractions is the Bayside Marketplace. Here, you’ll be able to get a bite to eat and do some shopping if you so wish. 

 

Now that you know exactly what to bring on your walking tour in Miami, it’s time to find the one that perfectly suits you. Check out our list of top Miami tours now!

About The Author

Nichole

Nichole's love for Miami began when she chose the Magic City as her future home, after living overseas in Singapore. She cannot get enough the city's food scene, culture and 'multiple boroughs,' each unique in their own way. She is an avid worldwide traveler and thrives on learning about new cultures in each place her feet land. She joined the Free Tours by Foot team in 2017, first as a part of administration and then later as a writer. She's a chiropractor and yoga teacher with a full-time business in Miami. Her motto is "Peace, Love, & Travel.”
Updated: October 12th, 2021
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