OVERVIEW
Downtown is Miami’s central business, cultural, and financial district. Bordered by NE 6th Street to the North, Biscayne Bay to the East and the Miami River to the West and South, this is Miami’s most historical neighborhood.
LANDMARKS
Amongst the most notable cultural institutions, find the Pérez Art Museum Miami, a contemporary art museum; the Freedom Tower, a designated landmark that functions as both a museum and a central office for the Miami Dade College; and the Downtown Miami Historic District, which encompasses 60 historic buildings.
The American Airlines Arena, home of pro basketball team Miami Heat, is a 20,000-seat space found just over a pedestrian bridge that connects it to the Bayside Marketplace.
SHOPPING
The most important shopping street in Downtown is Flagler Street, where you’ll find Florida’s flagship Macy’s, in addition to La Epoca and a variety of local jewelers.
ASTORIA
Other major shopping areas include the Bayside Marketplace, an outdoor mall overlooking Biscayne Bay and Bayfront Park, and Mary Brickell Village, also a popular nightlife destination.
ART
The Pérez Art Museum Miami and the Miami City Ballet are the two main artistic outlets in the area. Founded back in 1984, the museum is the city’s cultural hubbub, serving thousands of visitors each month. The Miami City Ballet, led by artistic director Lourdes Lopez, features an international ensemble of over 45 dancers.
DINING
Downtown’s proximity to Brickell, one of the funkiest and most up-and-coming neighborhoods in the city, make it the ideal location for incredible dining options. Must-try restaurants include Rosa Mexicano, an eatery with outposts across the country; Cipriani Downtown Miami, a popular foodie destination in other cities as well; and The Capital Grille, one of the most upscale and renowned steakhouses around.
NIGHTLIFE
Brickell, an area just South of the river, is the neighborhood’s main after-hours destination. A slew of upscale hotels, including the Mandarin Oriental and the Four Seasons, can be found here. Within Brickell, amongst the most popular nightlife spots are Blue Martini, a cocktail lounge playing live music, and The Corner, a gastropub that also happens to serve some of the best cocktails in town.