For your next stay in Florida, you are wondering if there are dangerous neighborhoods in Miami. Indeed, you want to book a hotel or apartment in one of the best areas to stay in Miami. To do this, you need to know how to identify the neighborhoods to avoid or the red light districts of Miami.
That's the goal of this Miami neighborhood guide. The information used in this article has been gathered from various business media, local press, and statistical rankings and studies. It is therefore a synthesis of data that does not involve any judgment or discrimination.
Now discover this guide and map that will help you identify areas that have a reputation for being dangerous neighborhoods in Miami.
Is Miami a safe city for tourists?
Miami's crime rate, which was among the highest in the United States in the 80s and 90s, had fallen sharply in the 2000s. See the article " Miami, from drugs to tourism: a successful balancing act ".
However, Miami is still not one of the safest cities in the United States.
This is confirmed by the latest Numbeo ranking of the most crime-ridden cities in North America . Miami is ranked 38th out of the 100 most crime-ridden cities, with a crime index that falls within the upper range. See the map on the Numbeo website:
Globally , Miami is not considered one of the most dangerous cities. Its crime rate is average.
In comparison, it is less crime-ridden than cities like Cancun , Milan , Rome , London or Paris.
Most dangerous neighborhoods in Miami
The city of Miami is divided into 13 large districts which are themselves made up of sub-districts. Among the best known are Downtown Miami (downtown and the business district), Overtown just above Downtown and Midtown Miami even further north.
To better locate the best and worst neighborhoods in Miami, the map below can be enlarged: https://goo.gl/maps/UDfzoc7aigs4YehK8
Discover now the neighborhoods with the highest crime rates by the end of 2025:
Liberty city
This Miami neighborhood, also known as Model City, is notorious for its violent and drug-related crimes. Offenses are numerous and range from simple burglaries to settling of scores and even shootings. See Liberty City location
The crime rate continues to rise in this area of Miami. See the figures at Areaviles.com.
overtown
This neighborhood is the most vibrant in Miami. However, it is also plagued by drug-related violence. Statistics indicate it is one of the worst neighborhoods in Miami. See Overtown location
Little Haiti
Little Haiti is a neighborhood worth a daytime visit for its Caribbean atmosphere, restaurants, and Caribbean Marketplace. See Little Haiti location
However, this area should absolutely be avoided at night or late in the evening. Here's what Wikipedia says: " Little Haiti is one of the poorest neighborhoods in Miami. Crime is high there due to the presence of gangs and mafia networks ."
Little Havana
This neighborhood is a charming little slice of Cuba, but it's also a dangerous area of Miami. See Little Havana's location
Known to be dangerous, visitors are advised not to stray from tourist areas and not to walk there at night.
Wynwood
This area has always been one to avoid due to a high rate of theft and petty crime. See Wynwood location
However, in recent years the Wynwood area known for its street art has grown into a more fashionable area.
Allahabad
This neighborhood used to be very safe, but today it has become a rough area of Miami. See Allapattah location
Its crime rate is 125% higher than the national average even with a strong police presence. See the numbers at: https://www.areavibes.com/miami-fl/allapattah/crime/
Best Miami neighborhoods
The 3 most beautiful districts of Miami are of course also totally safe districts: Brickell , Coconut Grove and Miami Beach.
It is in these 3 districts that you will find the best 5-star hotels and other luxury hotels in the city.
Here are their characteristics and their interest according to your type of stay:
Upscale neighborhoods to stay in Miami
For a stay in a chic, trendy and ultra-modern area of Miami, I recommend the two wealthy districts of Miami: Brickell and Coconut Grove.
They are located on a long area on the edge of the Ocean which houses many offices, the largest banks but also the most beautiful luxury residences in the city. Biscayne Bay is one of Miami's trendiest areas with its rooftop bars, art galleries and beautiful luxury boutiques.
Here is one of the most beautiful hotels located on the island of Brickell Key with a breathtaking view of the Miami skyline and Biscayne Bay: The Mandarin Oriental.

Best area in Miami for tourists
To enjoy Miami during a tourist and beach stay, I recommend Miami Beach.
Here is a historic hotel in the heart of the Art Deco district of Miami Beach and all the entertainment of Ocean Boulevard: the Betsy Hotel.
Indeed, its location is simply ideal for tourists:

Cheap hotel Miami Beach
If you are on a tight budget like me, here is a very good hotel, well located and with excellent value for money: