Wondering what Downtown Miami’s really like? Think palm-lined streets with ocean breezes, sleek towers watching over Biscayne Bay, and a rhythm that blends business with beachside cool. It’s where historic landmarks rub shoulders with modern art galleries, rooftop bars meet hole-in-the-wall Cuban cafés, and every corner has a story to tell.
Whether you’re here to walk the waterfront, explore cultural gems, or just eat your way through some of the best spots in the city, Downtown Miami’s got that perfect mix of old-school charm and next-level energy. And the best part? We are here to walk you through all of our favourite parts of the city.
where is Downtown Miami
Right in the heart of the city, Downtown Miami is where the city's energy is at its most electric. It is also bordered by some of Miami’s most iconic neighbourhoods like Wynwood, Little Havana, and Brickell. Whether you're here for waterfront views, culture, or nightlife, Downtown Miami puts you in the centre of it all. For the ultimate stay, check into citizenM Miami Worldcenter hotel—just steps from the Kaseya Center and the best things to do in Downtown Miami. Ready to explore? Let’s dive in!
getting into Downtown Miami
Landing at Miami International Airport (MIA)? Getting to Downtown Miami is quick and easy. Hop in a taxi, Uber, or Lyft for a direct ride to the city centre, or go budget-friendly with Miami-Dade Transit’s Metrorail, which takes you straight into the heart of Downtown. If you're coming from Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL), the Brightline high-speed train is a stress-free way to travel in style. No matter how you arrive, you’ll be soaking up Miami’s skyline in no time.
safety in Downtown Miami
Is Downtown Miami safe?" The answer is yes—but with a bit of city smarts. This lively district is home to well-lit streets, popular tourist areas, and a visible police presence, making it generally safe for visitors. We would recommend sticking to bustling spots like Bayfront Park, Kaseya Center, and the Miami Riverwalk, and you’ll feel right at home. Like in any major city, keep an eye on your belongings, be mindful after dark, and trust your instincts.
things to do in Downtown Miami
Looking for the best things to do in Downtown Miami? We suggest starting at Bayside — it’s a lively spot we always enjoy, with waterfront views, open-air shopping, and boat tours that give you a fresh perspective of the city.
If you’re a sports fan, catching a Miami Heat game at the Kaseya Center is a real highlight — the energy in the arena is something else. And for a slower pace, we loved spending time in the nearby museums, where you’ll find everything from cutting-edge art to stories that bring Miami’s history to life.
Whether you’re here for culture, food, or just a warm breeze off the bay, Downtown keeps things exciting with something new around every corner.
fun things to do around Bayside
shop 'til you drop at Bayside Marketplace
After wandering through Bayside Marketplace more than a few times - we see why it’s a go-to for both locals and tourists. With over 150 shops, you’ll find everything from big-name staples like Guess and Gap to smaller, local boutiques where you can score something more unique (we’ve found some great gifts here ourselves).
Looking for a souvenir that’s actually worth packing? This is one of our favorite spots to grab something that feels Miami without the tourist trap vibe.
set sail on Biscayne Bay
Craving some time on the water? We totally get it — there’s nothing like catching a breeze out on Biscayne Bay. Bayside Bay makes it super easy to hop aboard a speedboat, book a Jet Ski session, or join a laid-back sunset cruise (we’ve tried them — worth every minute).
We recommend checking out Miami Aqua Tours or Island Queen Cruises for unforgettable views of the skyline — especially golden hour. Trust us, Miami looks even better from the water.
stroll through Bayfront Park
If you’re looking for a breather away from the city buzz, we’ve always found Bayfront Park to be the perfect little pause. Just a short walk from Bayside, this 32-acre green space gives you room to stretch out, sip a coffee by the water, or just take in the skyline under some shady palms. Have yourself a midday picnic or catch some of the biggest music festivals, like Ultra Music Festival, here at Bayfront Park. No matter what you decide to do, this park has it all.
take a spin on the Skyviews Miami Observation Wheel
We’ve taken a ride on the Skyviews Miami Wheel — and trust us, the views don’t disappoint. Whether you’re spinning during golden hour or catching the city lights at night, the 360° view over Biscayne Bay and the skyline is something you’ll want to snap (yep, we definitely spammed ours all over our stories).
It’s one of those quick but memorable moments that adds a little magic to your day — and makes for a great breather between exploring Downtown!
dive into underwater adventures
When in Miami, it’s only natural to swap the city streets for sea life! We’ve kicked off some of our favorite snorkeling and scuba adventures right from the Bayside area — and trust us, there’s nothing like seeing Miami’s vibrant marine world up close.
We felt that exploring the waters around the city is an unforgettable way to add a little thrill (and a lot of wow) to your trip.
feel the Heat - literally
If you’ve been to Miami but haven’t been to a Miami Heat basketball game, what are you even doing? We’ve been lucky enough to catch a game at the Kaseya Center - and let’s just say, the energy is on fire. If you’re staying with us at the citizenM Miami Worldcenter hotel, then you’ve basically scored courtside convenience, too. The arena is right outside your room window, so you can scope out the buzz before even grabbing your ticket.
The arena is also home to some of the biggest names in music, comedy, and other special events. Think reggaeton artist Rauw Alejandro, iconic pop star Katy Perry, and the queen Lady Gaga herself. So whether it’s a slam dunk or a sold-out concert, something exciting is always happening right across the street from your ultra-cosy bed.
Miami's best museums
Although Miami is known for its crazy nightlife and delicious cultural food, the city loves to wind down with some more mind-expanding excursions. Downtown Miami’s museum scene always delivers, whether you’re into cutting-edge art, hands-on science fun, or are a history buff looking for some of Miami’s local history. From all the museums we visited in the city, here are our favourites that we thoroughly enjoyed:
Pérez Art Museum Miami (PAMM)
A must-visit for contemporary art lovers, PAMM showcases 20th and 21st-century works in a stunning waterfront building with unbeatable Biscayne Bay views.
Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science
Explore an aquarium, planetarium, and interactive exhibits in this state-of-the-art science museum—perfect for families, curious minds, and space enthusiasts.
Museum of Art and Design (MOAD)
Experience a unique mix of art, design, and social engagement at MOAD, where exhibitions and public programs spark dialogue and creativity.
HistoryMiami Museum
Step back in time at South Florida’s largest history museum, covering 10,000 years of Miami’s past—from the Tequesta tribe to today’s vibrant metropolis. No matter your passion—art, history, or science—Downtown Miami’s museums promise an enlightening, immersive journey through time, culture, and ideas. Explore more museums here!
cocktail o'clock
Speaking of Miami’s crazy nightlife, it’s time to get into the bar scene in Downtown Miami. After spending a few days in the city ourselves, we can confirm: the hype is real. If you want an in-depth look into our experience with Miami’s nightlife, take a look at our list of the best rooftop bars in Miami.
To start off cosy and (semi) calm, Over Under is a great cocktail bar and restaurant offering strong, delicious cocktails and a laid-back atmosphere. And if you ask us, the Oystershell-infused martini is a must try. If you’re looking for those starry, sky-high city views, Night Swim at our citizenM Miami Worldcenter hotel is your spot. Who wouldn’t want to sit above the clouds, poolside and with a $7 Happy Hour special (we did, and you should too). And for us, we were searching for the best wine bar, and we stumbled upon Lagniappe House. Here, you’re able to pick out a bottle yourself from their extensive wine collection, go into their fridges and choose all the munchies your heart desires, from cheese, meats, tinned fish, and more. Maybe you’ll catch a live band performance like we did!
Miami's best nightclubs
Next to visit on our checklist of Downtown Miami was definitely their nightclubs and music scene. Trust us, there are so many options in the city that we didn’t know where to start. But luckily for you, citizens, we are here to breakdown the clubs that we busted our moves in the most, and where you should too.
The iconic Club Space is still a must-visit for a reason. Their world class DJs and endless beats had us dancing until sunrise on the terrace, surrounded by fellow music lovers (no seriously, we were there until the sunrise - it was worth it). Moving to a more intimate setting, Floyd Miami has a cosy lounge with quality sounds and eclectic music selections - not just EDM. We appreciated their sophisticated ambiance allowing us to enjoy the deep beats in a calm, relaxed environment. You like jazz? Well, so do we. And that’s why we went to MODE Downtown Miami, where live jazz and expertly crafted yummy cocktails mingle to create the perfect spot for enjoying the music, the people, and the environment. And lastly, moving downstairs, is Jolene Sound Room. The historic basement offers that snug, underground vibe with rumors of once being Al Capone’s illegal liquor stock tunnel. Get that 70’s mafioso vibe at Jolene’s and come back to us with your thoughts.
where to eat in Downtown Miami
Miami is known for the array of food options from around the world, including the most notable being Cuban food. But there’s more to the city than that. We searched (and ate) throughout the city, from award-winning establishments to local favourites, to give you our must-munch restaurants in Downtown Miami. Hungry for more? Check out our full Miami food guide for an even more in-depth review of the foody hub in Miami.
best restaurants in Downtown Miami
seafood with a view
Being by the beautiful Atlantic waters, it’s pretty easy to find a good seafood spot. For us, Klaw Restaurant & Rooftop Bar checked off all our boxes. Offering both surf and turf with the panoramic views of Biscayne Bay really made the evening special.
steakhouse perfection
Love a classic steakhouse but want a modern twist? Then you need to visit Sunny’s Steakhouse. We were craving some delicious dry-aged steaks with a side of stylish cocktails, and they delivered that and more. The relaxed ambiance and attentive service really made our dining experience memorable.
a taste of Peru
Although Cuban cuisine runs the streets here in Downtown Miami, other latin cuisines are just as good. La Mar by Gastón Acurio, an upscale Peruvian restaurant, offers the country’s rich culinary heritage. We couldn’t stop eating their signature ceviches, fresh fish dishes, and the most delicious classic dishes of Peru like lomo saltado and anticuchos.
Italian comfort food
After trying all types of cuisine, Italian food was next on the roster to try. Boia De is a hidden gem in Downtown Miami, where classic Italian dishes meet modern touches. The menu is limited but trust us, you will like almost everything they have to offer. Delve into their desserts too - our favourite was the lemon olive oil cake (we can’t stop thinking about it).
where to stay in Downtown Miami
Exploring Downtown Miami has never been easier with citizenM. We have the perfect home base all over Miami - Wynwood, Downtown Miami, and South Beach. Think cloud-like beds, bold hotel design, and rooftop pools made for golden-hour selfies. The best part? Our hotels are walking distance from everything. Whether you’re in town for work or for play (for us it was both), this is where comfort meets style without the fuss. With citizenM, your Miami story starts here.
Welcome to Miami Brickell, a neighbourhood bursting with zest and vibrancy, where every corner unveils a new adventure. Come along, explorer, as we uncover the gems of Brickell, the heart of Miami. It's time to embrace the Miami heat and sizzling hotspots!
With its seductive blend of art, food, brews and beats, Miami Wynwood is a show-stopping scene-stealer - and trust us, it steals the show. Time to strap on those adventure shoes and dive in, shall we?
Let's paint you a picture: imagine a glamorous cityscape overlooking the breathtaking Biscayne Bay, where modern high-rises touch the sky and an irresistible urban rhythm fills the air. Let's dive into the Downtown Miami neighbourhood!
Hola, amigos and amigas! Get ready for a spicy adventure as we dive into the lively streets of Little Havana. This neighbourhood is a fiesta of Cuban culture, vibrant energy and mouthwatering delights. Start this journey with our guide to Little Havana!
Welcome to Miami Brickell, a neighbourhood bursting with zest and vibrancy, where every corner unveils a new adventure. Come along, explorer, as we uncover the gems of Brickell, the heart of Miami. It's time to embrace the Miami heat and sizzling hotspots!
With its seductive blend of art, food, brews and beats, Miami Wynwood is a show-stopping scene-stealer - and trust us, it steals the show. Time to strap on those adventure shoes and dive in, shall we?
Let's paint you a picture: imagine a glamorous cityscape overlooking the breathtaking Biscayne Bay, where modern high-rises touch the sky and an irresistible urban rhythm fills the air. Let's dive into the Downtown Miami neighbourhood!
Hola, amigos and amigas! Get ready for a spicy adventure as we dive into the lively streets of Little Havana. This neighbourhood is a fiesta of Cuban culture, vibrant energy and mouthwatering delights. Start this journey with our guide to Little Havana!
Welcome to Miami Brickell, a neighbourhood bursting with zest and vibrancy, where every corner unveils a new adventure. Come along, explorer, as we uncover the gems of Brickell, the heart of Miami. It's time to embrace the Miami heat and sizzling hotspots!
With its seductive blend of art, food, brews and beats, Miami Wynwood is a show-stopping scene-stealer - and trust us, it steals the show. Time to strap on those adventure shoes and dive in, shall we?
Let's paint you a picture: imagine a glamorous cityscape overlooking the breathtaking Biscayne Bay, where modern high-rises touch the sky and an irresistible urban rhythm fills the air. Let's dive into the Downtown Miami neighbourhood!
Hola, amigos and amigas! Get ready for a spicy adventure as we dive into the lively streets of Little Havana. This neighbourhood is a fiesta of Cuban culture, vibrant energy and mouthwatering delights. Start this journey with our guide to Little Havana!