Things to do in Downtown Miami and Brickell

From arts and culture to dining, nightlife, shopping and entertainment, there’s so much to do in Downtown Miami and Brickell.

Situated on the edge of sparkling Biscayne Bay, the area’s towering high rises offer stunning views at every turn. This is Miami’s financial district, but it’s also home to a thriving arts and culture scene, exciting restaurants, nightlife, outdoor shopping and picturesque bayfront parks.

Arts & Culture

Home to both the Pérez Art Museum Miami (PAMM) and the Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science, one of your first stops should be Maurice A. Ferré Park. The grounds overlook Biscayne Bay, making a walk in the park just as alluring as a visit to one of these stellar Miami museums. With thought-provoking contemporary art focused on the Americas, PAMM is also home to artsy outdoor spaces, like the architectural hanging gardens. At the Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science, you can marvel at the 500,000-gallon Gulf Stream Aquarium or travel to another galaxy inside the Frost Planetarium.

Next, learn about local history dating back 10,000 years at HistoryMiami Museum. This Smithsonian Affiliate institution celebrates Miami’s unique position at the crossroads of the Americas. Its permanent exhibit, Tropical Dreams: A People’s History of South Florida, is the perfect starting point to immerse yourself in Miami’s history. 

For live music and theater, check out the calendar at the Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts. This gleaming structure is home to the Ziff Ballet Opera House, Knight Concert Hall and Carnival Studio Theater. It stages touring Broadway shows and productions by local companies like Zoetic Stage, Miami City Ballet, New World Symphony and the Florida Grand Opera. 

Dining & Nightlife

From fine dining to hidden gems, the Downtown Miami and Brickell dining scene is dynamic. For an upscale evening out on the island of Brickell Key, head to the sweeping patio at La Mar by Gastón Acurio at the Mandarin Oriental, Miami. As you take in dazzling views of Biscayne Bay and the city skyline, indulge in a variety of Peruvian specialties. 

Komodo offers Pan-Asian cuisine that mixes tried-and-true classics with innovative dishes. Sip handcrafted cocktails in the upstairs lounge space or sit in an elevated “bird’s nest” that’ll make you feel like you’re dining in a treehouse.

And for something unexpected, Soya & Pomodoro might just be Downtown Miami’s best-kept secret. Seek out this haunt for authentic Italian dishes inside a historic Beaux Arts building. Live music adds to its romantic atmosphere on Thursday nights.

Downtown Miami is also a hub for nightlife. Party all night at the E11EVEN Miami ultra-club with headliner DJs, live performances and trapeze dancers; or enjoy a laid-back evening out with locals at bars like Lost Boy, Mama Tried and The Corner.

Shopping & Entertainment

When it comes to shopping, Brickell City Centre has it all. This upscale open-air shopping, dining and entertainment complex is home to everything from Saks Fifth Avenue to Apple and Sephora, plus a CMX luxury movie theater and Puttshack mini golf. Feeling hungry? Try Pubbelly Sushi or EST. Thai Craft Brewery & Kitchen.

Located by Bayfront Park next to Biscayne Bay, Bayside Marketplace is home to more than 50 shops and nearly 30 restaurants. It’s also the starting point for boat tours like Thriller Miami Speedboat Adventures and Island Queen Cruises. Enjoy free live music performances at the outdoor mall and panoramic views from the Sky Views Miami observation wheel.

Mary Brickell Village is a charming open-air shopping and dining destination. It’s home a number of fine eateries, including two high-end Italian spots – North Italia and Novecento Brickell.

Situated along the picturesque Miami River, River Landing Miami offers a unique shopping experience. The expansive multi-level shopping mall not only houses national retailers such as Ross, TJ Maxx and Old Navy but also includes emerging brands, fitness options like Planet Fitness and CKO Kickboxing and beauty essentials from Ulta Beauty. Dining options abound, with modern Asian cuisine at Tanuki, locally sourced Mexican delights at Lime, the tempting fresh bread and pastries at Ficelle Boulangerie & Patisseries and more.