If you’re facing a long layover, there are enough things to do at Miami Airport to stay occupied, fed, and reasonably comfortable. Miami International Airport is busy and sometimes chaotic, but it reflects the city’s mix of cultures and cuisines, and with a little planning, it’s a manageable place to spend a few extra hours between flights.
1. Eat Well
Miami’s food scene makes a strong showing at the airport, especially if you want a taste of the city without leaving the terminal. Cuban flavours are easy to find, with Café Versailles and Café La Carreta offering classics like Cuban sandwiches, empanadas, pastelitos, and strong cafecito. These are popular local names and tend to be more affordable than sit-down restaurants.
If you’re looking for lighter or health-focused options, Icebox Café and Fig & Fennel serve salads, baked goods, and grab-and-go meals that feel fresher than standard airport fare. Other Miami-based spots include Half Moon Empanadas, which is good for something quick and filling, Shula’s Bar & Grill for burgers and American comfort food, and Estefan Kitchen Express, inspired by the city’s Latin music and food culture. You’ll also find familiar chains and coffee counters throughout the terminals when you just need something fast.
2. Head to a lounge
Several lounges at Miami Airport sell day passes or accept common lounge memberships, even if you aren’t flying in a premium cabin. Access can be worthwhile for quieter seating, food, drinks, and a chance to recharge between flights. Full, up-to-date details are listed in our Miami Airport Guide.
3. Go shopping
Shopping at Miami Airport goes beyond basic travel essentials if you have time to explore. Alongside newsstands, electronics shops, and duty-free stores, there are several Miami-based retailers worth a look. Books & Books offers reading material from a well-known local bookstore, while Havana Collection focuses on lightweight tropical clothing and souvenirs with a South Florida feel. Prive Gourmet Market carries packaged foods and snacks that make easy gifts or plane-friendly treats.
For higher-end shopping, designer boutiques are mainly concentrated in the North Terminal. Since the terminals are connected airside, browsing can double as a way to stretch your legs between flights.
4. Relax in a spa
If you want to freshen up or unwind, in-airport spas offer services such as massages, manicures, pedicures, and basic beauty treatments. Availability and pricing vary by terminal.
5. Zen out
If you need a quiet break from the crowds, the Yoga Room provides a calm space to stretch, breathe, or simply sit in silence. Located in Terminal H, pre-security, the room is open to all travellers and includes yoga mats. It’s one of the few places in the airport designed specifically for relaxation rather than transit, making it a good reset during a long layover.
6. View some art
Miami Airport features rotating and permanent art installations throughout the terminals, reflecting the city’s cultural diversity. Exhibits are scattered both before and after security, making them easy to stumble upon while walking between gates rather than something you need to seek out deliberately.
7. Explore Miami
If your layover is long enough, leaving the airport to explore Miami is a realistic option. A minimum of six hours between flights gives you enough time to get out and back without rushing, though more time is always better. Transportation options include public transit, taxis, rideshares, and shuttles, with faster options often worth the extra cost if time is limited.
Popular choices for a short visit include South Beach, where you can walk along the sand and see the iconic Art Deco hotels, or Little Havana, the heart of Cuban culture in the city, centered around Calle Ocho. For something different, Wynwood Arts District is known for colourful street murals, cafés, and galleries rather than beaches.
Be sure to allow plenty of time to return to Miami International Airport, collect any stored luggage, and clear security again, as traffic delays are common in the area.
For more ideas on what to do, check out our Miami Airport Layover Sightseeing article or visit Tripadvisor for more things to do in Miami.
8. Get connected
Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the airport, though it requires viewing ads. A paid option offers ad-free access and faster speeds, which may be useful if you need to work or stream during a long wait.
9. Sleep
Many travellers manage to sleep at Miami Airport, but comfort is limited. Most seating has armrests, so stretching out usually means finding quieter corners or carpeted areas, particularly in parts of the North Terminal. During major delays or cancellations, airport staff sometimes distribute cots and blankets, though this is not guaranteed. Expect cool temperatures, bright lighting, and constant noise, so layers and earplugs help.
For better rest, the Miami International Airport Hotel is located inside the Central Terminal and offers day rooms during daytime hours. Several nearby hotels are a short drive away and often provide free shuttles. For details and locations, see our Miami Airport Guide.
Updated 08 January 2026
These are just a few things to do on a layover at Miami Airport. Visit our Miami Airport Guide for more information about the services and facilities available, such as food, WiFi, mobile charging, luggage storage, nearby airport hotels, and much more.