Miami Beach, which is about 5 miles east of the City of Miami, is truly one of the world’s great cities to relax during the day and party at night. Nearly left for dead a few decades ago, Miami Beach, and particularly its South Beach district, has been revived into an international nightlife capital with great beaches and plenty to keep visitors busy.

In general Miami Beach is more expensive than most other cities in the United States, and it’s more expensive than the City of Miami as well, but budget travelers can actually have an easy time of things if they plan well. Between all the new and refurbished hotels there are places that have yet to be updated, so you get a great location at a reasonable price. The attractions can also be pricey, but our review of the Go Miami Card reveals that it can save you money, especially if they are offering a discount at the moment.

The top restaurants along Ocean Drive are all quite expensive, but walking a block or two to Collins or Washington will get you to some places that have more modest prices, including some good Cuban places.

And those who plan to sit on the beach during the day can get by on a backpacker’s budget as long as they watch expenses once the sun goes down.