We’re exploring Miami’s neighborhoods, and today it’s the turn of downtown, the city center across the famous South Beach from Biscayne Bay. Downtown is not only the financial, business, and governmental hub, it is also an area with museums, stores, hotels, shows, and sporting events. Condominiums and palm trees overlook the bay and, as we enter the heart of the city, the skyline shows off the silhouettes of skyscrapers created by famous and emerging architects.
We have begun to create a panoramic picture of this city that knows how to attract visitors, starting with Miami’s beaches, the sophisticated neighborhoods of Coconut Grove and Coral Gables, the cafes, restaurants, stores, art galleries, clubs, and art deco buildings of Miami South Beach and the sparkling Cuban reality of the city Little Havana.
Maybe Downtown won’t have the same charm as the mentioned neighborhoods, but those in search of events, science, and art won’t be able to avoid passing through here, and if you’re short on time, there’s always the Metromover, the elevated transportation system from where you can enjoy a nice panoramic view and get a concise idea of downtown without too much effort.
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What to see in Downtown Miami
The area of downtown, looks like an area in constant development; until 15 years ago it was very unsafe to visit but now has assumed an important role in social aggregation, tourism, and the economy.
Bayfront Park
We like to start our exploration from Bayfront Park (301 Biscayne Blvd.) a green area near the Bayside Marketplace Mall and the American Airlines Arena. The park overlooks Biscayne Bay; we immediately head for the sandy beach embellished with swaying palm trees, a presence that seems taken for granted here in Florida, but is always appreciated, especially for taking a relaxing break in the shade of the shady fronds moved by the breeze.
And speaking of relaxing: here you will probably see some locals intent on doing yoga, just 2 steps from the location where events and concerts are also held. After resuming our walk inside the park we notice an amphitheater, an outdoor pavilion, and a children’s play area with a sculpture that captures our attention: it represents Miami’s typical sea creatures: a sea turtle, a dolphin, and a manatee going into a wave. It is located in the Lee & Tina Hills playground area southeast of the park.
Freedom Tower
We continue on to the Freedom Tower (600 Biscayne Blvd.), an octagonal-shaped tower that soars from a historic classical-style building with a richly decorated facade. The tower’s design took inspiration, perhaps not too happily, from the bell tower of the Giralda, Seville’s cathedral.
We are in the “Ellis Island of the South,” an obvious reference to New York City, since, after being the headquarters of the Miami News newspaper, the building was a refuge center for Cuban immigrants from 1962 to 1974. The whole ensemble occupies a space that stands out against Miami‘s blue sky while the other modern skyscrapers of downtown cluster a bit further away.
The building houses the Museum of Art & Design (MOAD), which exhibits works of visual arts and design along with cultural, historical, and educational exhibitions. Inside, don’t miss the spectacular mural (36 x 18 feet) depicting the two hemispheres: the New World Mural.
The museum is open from Wednesday to Saturday from 1 pm to 6 pm and on Sunday from 1 pm to 8 pm (official website), if you pass by in the evening you will notice the illuminated structure.
FTX Arena
With its large frontal windows that at night take on various colors, the large white silhouette of the FTX Arena (601 Biscayne Blvd.) does not go unnoticed next to the Freedom Tower, near the waterfront.
The building is the home of the NBA’s Miami Heat but also hosts events and shows all year round. Inside there are restaurants, small dining areas and the ever-present gift shop.
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At a reasonable distance, there are parking spaces, especially near Bayside Marketplace and the nearby Freedom Tower, or you can use the Metrorail and Metromover service, two forms of public transportation that we told you about in our article on how to get around Miami.
Get Close to the HEAT is the highly successful promotion that allows ticket holders for a home game to watch their favorite players during warm-ups from the time they open to the public until 15 minutes before the match.
Frost Science Museum
There’s plenty to see at the Frost Science Museum (1101 Biscayne Blvd.), a large, modern white structure. In this harmonious building, learn more about the solar system, the universe, the mind, the human body, ecosystems, flight, and technological innovations.
After that, must-see stops on the six levels are the 250-seat planetarium with its large dome and the futuristic three-story aquarium that studies South Florida’s marine ecosystem, from life on the water’s surface to the deepest depths.
We must point out the Laser Fridays which, as the name already suggests, are laser shows that take place on Friday nights at a cost of $10 for adults and $8 for children.
Perez Art Museum – PAMM
Of a completely different kind, the Perez Art Museum – PAMM (1103 Biscayne Blvd.) established in 1996 for lovers of modern and contemporary art, is dedicated to organizing international exhibitions and collecting 20th and 21st-century works, including many by Cuban artists. Even before climbing the stairs, the “green falls”, an original welcome with plants that descend from the ceiling of the outside porch, catch your eye.
The museum is spread over three floors where there are separate galleries housing both permanent and temporary works of art. We suggest everyone should visit it, admirers or not, because beyond the artistic preferences it would be difficult not to appreciate the chromatic and emotional impact of the works.
The daily tours lasting 45 minutes included in the ticket and managed by the guides of the museum at certain times are also very welcome. Overall, the outdoor plaza is worth visiting for its tropical vegetation and remarkable view of Biscayne Bay. At the time of our visit, the museum had the following hours: closed Wednesdays, open Thursdays from 10 am to 9 pm and on other days from 10 am to 6 pm.
Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts
The Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts (1300 Biscayne Blvd.) is a large multi-purpose center where many events take place. The complex, which externally shows its modern style, was built thanks to the benevolence of Adrienne Arsht, a businesswoman and great philanthropist who has consistently supported the artistic growth of Miami and two other cities: Washington D.C. and New York City.
The facility consists of several buildings, for example, the headquarters of the Florida Grand Opera Miami, the New World Symphony, and the Miami City Ballet. Parts of the complex such as the Ziff Ballet Opera House and Knight Concert Hall are rented out for weddings, meetings, conferences, and performances.
In this lofty venue, don’t forget the more intimate Carnival Studio Theater with theater, dance, comedy, and cabaret performances. There are free tours of about an hour on Mondays and Saturdays at 12 noon for up to ten people. Some parking in the area for this location are Omni Garage (453 NE 15th ST.), Lot C (1201 NE 2nd Ave.), and Melody Tower (corner of NE 14th St. and NE 2nd Ave.). Still, it is also conveniently accessible by Metromover.
HistoryMiami
To learn about local history we recommend HistoryMiami (until 2010 it was the Historical Museum of Southern Florida, 101 W. Flagler St.), a museum created to help people understand the importance of Miami’s past, and for this reason, it specializes in the preservation and study of historical and archaeological artifacts from all of Southeast Florida, including the Keys and the Everglades. In the museum, there is also a folklore center with the aim of keeping alive music and dance traditions.
In the building, a visit to the outdoor plaza that resembles a Spanish fortress is also worth a visit. Worth mentioning are the weekend gallery tours, 40-minute guided tours that take place both on Saturdays and Sundays at 1 pm and 3 pm.
Olympia Theatre
The Olympia Theatre (174 E. Flagler St.) is one of the jewels in the crown of this downtown already full of pleasant discoveries. Opened in 1926, it’s a gorgeous historic Mediterranean Revival-style theater with a room of stunning architecture that’s a must-see. Thanks to the establishment of the Olympia Center, this heritage is preserved allowing thousands of spectators to enjoy quality performances and free events open to all in a scenario that should be seen, rather than described.
Alfred I DuPont Building
The Alfred I DuPont Building (169 E. Flagler St.) is a 17-story art deco-style black marble and granite building with beautiful rooms, and ballrooms, all with elegant details, opulent decor, superlative wooden ceilings, and exclusive penthouse offices. Events of different kinds are held here: birthdays, company debuts, engagements, and weddings, as well as exhibitions, parties, and meetings.
Those of us who don’t attend an event can admire the building from the outside at night when the lights give a few glimpses of the interior, but can also do much more: call 001-305-777-1602 and book a tour (why not take part in the one about ghosts in October?).
Gesu Catholic Church
Our downtown visit concludes at Gesu Catholic Church (118 N-E 2nd St.), with its delicate pinkish exterior, the oldest Catholic church in South Florida built in 1896. The structure soars tapering upwards and the frontal arches invite us to enter. Inside, we immediately notice the brightly colored stained glass windows, but the wide vaulted ceiling also catches our eye. This is the church where, during the Second World War, soldiers who came to Miami for training received the sacraments.
Downtown Miami Events
Between May and June, Miami Fashion Week, a paid fashion event where the collections of Caribbean and Latin American designers are presented, takes place in various locations in the city. This occasion include the exclusive and expensive gala that honorary president Antonio Banderas holds at the Alfred I DuPont Building (169 E. Flagler St.) in favor of his foundation Lagrimas y Favores and that of a children’s hospital.
On July 4, American Independence Day, there is a free American Birthday Bash at Bayfront Park (301 Biscayne Blvd). There are a variety of activities going on throughout the day, many of which begin in the early afternoon. Around 9 p.m. the fireworks then start, so it goes without saying that we strongly recommend arriving on time.
At the beginning of December, Art Miami takes place. This is a large and much-anticipated event featuring artwork from the 20th and 21st centuries at the location at One Miami Herald Plaza @ N-E 14th Street, on Biscayne Bay between the Venetian & MacArthur Causeway. The works are top notch and the wide variety of styles and forms makes for an enjoyable visit. Opening hours are 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday and until 6 p.m. on Sundays.
Shopping in Downtown Miami
Downtown is not the best place to go shopping in Miami, especially for those who are looking for something quaint; large chains and malls are in fact the main resources for those looking for boutiques or souvenirs. If you like the genre, you can still find something to suit: overlooking the Biscayne Bay, Bayside Marketplace (401 Biscayne Blvd.) is a lively, airy mall with indoor and outdoor areas, spread over two floors with stores, music, and food; a place that exudes color, energy, and worldliness.
There is also a large concentration of stores along Flagler Street, for example, the famous Macy’s department store (22 E. Flagler St.), along with many jewelry stores, including Richard’s Gem & Jewelry (33 Flagler St.) seems particularly popular. Moving south to the neighboring Brickell area is Mary Brickell Village (901 S Miami Ave), a pleasant open-air shopping center with bars, restaurants, and upscale boutiques in the heart of the financial district.
Downtown Miami Restaurants
If you want to stay in the Bayside Marketplace area (401 Biscayne Blvd.) you will find mostly chains, and this does not necessarily mean low quality, on the contrary, if only for the particular “themed atmosphere”. Here are 2 to think about:
- At Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. the restaurant inspired by the movie Forrest Gump, the main ingredient is of course shrimp, which is found in many dishes, for example with the cut of steak sirloin, the puree, and fried onion rings, but there are also the classic burger with chips and the caesar salad. One tip: be sure to try the brownie with vanilla ice cream garnished with espresso sauce and whipped cream, it’s worth it! The restaurant has a relaxing outdoor patio, while the inside is decorated in a nautical style, with the usual”Run, Forrest Run” signs.
- The Hard Rock Cafe in Miami is striking for its imposing structure, which stands out against the profile of the entire commercial area, but also for the classic memorabilia hanging on the walls and scattered everywhere (for lovers of the genre, note Eddie Van Halen’s historic guitar). The restaurant offers live music, a very popular gift shop, and classic American cuisine, including burgers, grilled salmon, mac’n cheese with chicken, jumbo combo (a combination of the most popular appetizers), and cheesecake with pieces of Oreo cookies.
If you are tired of the usual chains but do not want to move away from Bayside Marketplace, you could go to The Knife, an Argentine steakhouse that offers buffet with appetizers, vegetables, desserts, and the inevitable typical meat cooked on the grill.
Also in the area, those looking for a special moment can opt for Tuyo (415 N-E 2nd Ave.), a romantic location where you can appreciate the panoramic views of the city and Biscayne Bay while enjoying contemporary American cuisine. Meat lovers should also try Sparky’s Roadside Barbecue, a typical American diner that serves ribs, pulled pork, and various cuts of meat (we talked about it in our article about where to eat in Miami). Getting there is easy, just take the Metromover and get off at First Street Metromover Station.
At the South East Financial Center, you will find Zest (200 S. Biscayne Blvd.) which offers global cuisine following the seasonality of the ingredients. The restaurant organizes popular events, such as live music on Thursdays and a DJ in the courtyard on Fridays. Monday through Friday from 3 pm to 6 pm there’s an air of celebration with happy hour. Zest Market is open from 7 am to 4 pm and offers snacks, sandwiches, soups, and salads.
Places to stay in Downtown Miami
Here are some suggestions for accommodations. In the heart of downtown near the Frost Science Museum, the Perez Art Museum and at the gateway to the financial district of Brickell there is the JW Marriot Marquis (255 Biscayne Blvd. Way) a sleek, modern hotel of sophisticated design and technology, with a high-sounding name but often costs lower or similar to many other hotels in the area. Contemporary-style rooms and suites have views of Biscayne Bay. The hotel has restaurants, a spa, fitness center, pool, and meeting rooms.
The sophisticated rooms and suites at the Hilton Miami Downtown (1601 Biscayne Blvd.) also have panoramic views of Biscayne Bay at an affordable cost. The hotel also provides valet parking ($28), a business center, concierge desk, gift shop, pool, and restaurants. Two pets are allowed per room with a maximum weight of 34 pounds.
A short distance from downtown stores, the financial district, and the Metromover is the Holiday Inn Port of Miami-Downtown (340 Biscayne Blvd.) overlooking Biscayne Bay. Rooms and spacious suites have free wi-fi and coffee makers. The hotel has restaurants, a business center, an outdoor pool, a fitness center, a concierge desk, laundry facilities, and parking also with valet ($27).
Near the harbor, the Miami Sun Hotels (226 N-E 1st Ave.) is a hotel that combines minimal and modern styles with a hint of art deco. Rates are low, rooms are embellished with distinctive bedheads, wi-fi is free and the views are of the city. The property has a restaurant, laundry facilities, and a computer area in the lobby.
Search all Downtown Miami hotels
If you want some more advice on other hotels in Miami Downtown and have a more general idea about the other neighborhoods of the city, you can read our article on where to sleep in Miami.
We’re taking the time to explore all of Miami’s neighborhoods showing us their diversity and facets, but it’s clear that the energy and desire to grow are common denominators. Now we also know the downtown and its many faces, the one dedicated to business, the cultural one, the interest in the arts, sports, events, and forms of entertainment without neglecting shopping, good food, the desire to relax, and, last but not least, to experience the outdoors, something that we could not miss since we are in Florida!
