Brickell, an urban neighborhood in Greater Downtown Miami, is South Florida’s central financial district and one of the country’s largest.
Originally planned out for mansions and large homes by Mary Brickell, the district earned the name “Millionaire’s Row” in the early 20th century after developing extravagant mansions along Brickell Avenue.
Mary and her husband, William Brickell, lent their names to the avenue.
By the 1970s, office buildings, hotels, and apartments replaced the mansions.
A large boom in business in the 1980s resulted in the widespread development of office towers.
Succeeding construction changed the neighborhood into a dense, urban, commercial, and residential area today.
Brickell’s character evolved throughout time as the city grew and became urbanized in the past decades.
Now, very little of Brickell’s original character remains.
Brickell is to Miami as Manhattan is to New York.
Skyscrapers, world-class restaurants, lavish bars, and excellent public transportation are just a few things to see in Brickell.
While this part of Miami may appear intimidating, Brickell has something for everyone.
Check out this list of the best things to do in Brickell.
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The Underline is a ten-mile linear park transforming 120 acres of land below the Miami Metrorail into a recreational park, urban trail, and public art destination.
The Brickell Backyard, the northernmost part, stretches half a mile from Miami River to Southwest 13th Street.
It features separate walking and biking paths for a safer stroll or bike, an area for dogs to run around and play, and green spaces with views of the riverfront.
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Other features include basketball and soccer courts, a running track, exercise equipment, an area for cultural, health, and wellness programs, and butterfly gardens.
More features are expected upon the completion of other project phases.
The Underline also features a ten-mile outdoor art gallery that will showcase artworks from established and new artists.
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Play an indoor soccer game at one of Miami’s iconic facilities, Soccer Rooftop.
Soccer Rooftop is a turf soccer field located on top of a building in the center of Brickell and Downtown Miami.
Soccer Rooftop features high-quality field turf, lighted fields, padded walls, and full-netted courts, all in a professional-style setting, to deliver a fast-paced, fun, and safe game for the players.
Lockers for men and women are available, as well as showers, for a more convenient experience.
Soccer Rooftop’s lounge and outer patio can be an ideal location for birthday parties, business events, and other special occasions.
Playing at the top of Miami’s skyline can be one of the most remarkable experiences any soccer player can have in Brickell.
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Simpson Park Hammock, also known as Simpson Park, is a rare natural reserve on the outskirts of Brickell’s business sector.
Simpson Park Hammock is a 7.8-acre urban park established in 1913, named for Charles Torrey Simpson, a botanist and naturalist.
He visited Miami in 1881 to study the local wildlife.
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The park aims to preserve 5.5 acres of Brickell hardwood hammock and is currently home to over 160 plant species, including 15 endangered plant species.
Simpson Park Hammock provides a quick and pleasant escape from the busy city center with its convenient location and size.
Cap off an afternoon of shopping or dining from nearby shops and restaurants, order to go and dine al fresco at one of the park’s shaded picnic tables, or take a breath of fresh air for a quick pick-me-up after work.
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Taste the best of Mexico from one of the most popular Mexican restaurants in Brickell – Tacology.
Tacology, located in Brickell City Centre, is famous for its “mercado style dining.”
Customers may select from various appetizers, salads, tacos, ceviches, tostadas, and drinks.
Tacology serves authentic Mexican food where everything is prepared from scratch.
They give a modern approach to the traditional Mexican Mercado taqueria, featuring vibrant and creative ways to savor every dish’s freshest ingredients.
Tacology is part of Grupo Cinbersol, Mexico’s largest hospitality and gastronomic company, which provides unique experiences by making a wide range of concepts available to its customers.
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Welcome to one of the most stylish and luxurious shopping districts in Miami.
The Brickell City Centre, located on South Miami Avenue, offers a 500,000-square foot vertical shopping experience.
This mixed-use project stretches up to five blocks to the south of the Miami River and the west of Brickell Avenue.
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Two residential towers, two mid-rise office buildings, and the EAST Miami Hotel loom over an advanced fashion and gastronomic experience.
The Brickell City Centre features a combination of luxury and contemporary stores filled with beauty, fashion, home decor, jewelry, and more.
Five stories of unrivaled shopping, dining, and entertainment, accompany the designer store chain Saks Fifth Avenue and CMX, the VIP Cinema Experience.
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Have you ever heard of a selfie museum?
It may sound strange, but you can find one inside the Brickell City Centre called the Social Club.
The Social Club is a 3,500-square foot attraction that doubles as a picture studio and a location for content creation.
It’s quickly become one of the most popular locations for Instagram photos, TikTok transitions, music videos, and professional photoshoots!
The Social Club offers guests props, battery-operated LED ring lights, and colorfully produced sets in 20 different themed studios.
Guests can stroll around, change into numerous looks and outfits, and take the perfect pictures.
If you’re looking to spice up your selfie game, the Social Hub is the perfect place!
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The Miami Circle National Historic Landmark is a historic site in Downtown Miami.
It goes with many names, including the Miami Circle, Miami River Circle, and Miami Circle at Brickell Point Site.
The Miami Circle National Historic Landmark is a 38-foot diameter perfect circle with 24 holes carved into the limestone bedrock, surrounded by smaller holes.
Dr. Robert S. Carr discovered the site in 1998.
He excavated the area as an archaeological field survey routine for a luxury condominium project.
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The excavation has uncovered numerous ancient artifacts, ranging from shell tools, and charcoal from fires, to human teeth.
Experts believe the site was once the capital of the Tequesta Indians, who lived there between 1,700 and 2,000 years ago.
To preserve the historic site, the State of Florida Preservation land acquisition program purchased the site from the property developer using state funds and donations from foundations and citizens.
The National Register of Historic Places added the site to its record in 2002.
Then, it became a National Historic Landmark in 2009.
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The Dade Heritage Trust is the largest historic preservation organization in Miami-Dade County, dedicated to preserving, educating, and advocating the community’s cultural, architectural, and environmental history.
The Dade Heritage Trust, founded in 1972, allows visitors to engage in its mission through tours, permanent displays, seminars, and special events.
The organization is on Southeast 12th Terrace, in the 1905 office of Dr. James Jackson, the first physician in Miami.
Some of the organization’s activities include permanent exhibits about community resources, field trips to historic places and green spaces, and rescue and restoration efforts on landmark sites throughout Miami-Dade County.
Dade Heritage Trust hosts various fun and educational events throughout the year, open to the public.
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Brickell Avenue is fantastic for some sightseeing and dining.
Known as Florida’s Park Avenue, it is the main road running through Brickell’s business district, bordered by high-rise office buildings, residential condominiums, banks, and bars and restaurants.
Brickell Avenue is a bustling area filled with architecture, culture, arts, food, and entertainment.
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It’s also known as “Millionaires’ Row,” home to Miami’s most opulent homes.
Dine at Komodo, Novecento, Truluck’s Ocean’s Finest Seafood and Crab, Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse, and Wine Bar.
Prominent bars such as Baby Jane Cocktail House and Noodle Bar, Barsecco, Better Days, and The Bar at Level 5 keep the city alive from dusk to dawn.
Enjoy city life at its finest with the many things to see and explore on Brickell Avenue.
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Along Brickell Avenue, you’ll find True Baristas, Brickell’s first and only coffee shop that brews and serves coffee from a vintage truck!
True Baristas is a sister company to Café Demetrio in Coral Gables, Florida, which serves specialty coffee and baked goods.
This shop is a coffee truck with roadside seating that’s pleasant to look at and satisfies other senses.
True Baristas has received positive feedback online for their coffee and pastries, friendly staff, and great atmosphere.
Stop by True Baristas for an authentic coffee experience if you’re in the area for work or just passing through Brickell Avenue.
Feeling fancy with the gang?
Visit Sugar, one of Miami’s most hip and plentiful bars, where Miami flair meets the quintessential Hong Kong cocktail vibe.
Sitting on the 40th floor of EAST Miami Hotel, Sugar takes lounging and happy hour to new heights.
Sugar is a beautiful place to unwind with panoramic views of Downtown Miami and Biscayne Bay, featuring a soothing rooftop garden and a stylish lounge.
This award-winning bar, which serves creative Asian-inspired cocktails and tapas, boasts the greatest sunset views in the city.
As a popular bar, the wait can be very long, so come in early to avoid the line.
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This lovely little park is on the southern edge of Brickell Key, an artificial island located off the coast of Miami.
This 44-acre, triangle-shaped island is also known as Claughton Island, situated east of Downtown Miami and linked to Brickell Avenue at the mouth of the Miami River.
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Walk or run around Brickell Key and enjoy diverse and spectacular views of the city along the waters.
The triangle is a 1.2-mile route, and a relaxed stroll should take about an hour.
Stop by Brickell Key Park to catch the sunset and take in the stunning panorama of the Brickell skyline.
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La Mar by Gastón Acurio, an elite waterfront restaurant in the Mandarin Oriental Hotel on Brickell Key, serves authentic and eclectic Peruvian cuisine.
La Mar features culinary star Gastón Acurio’s well-acclaimed menu of contemporary Andean cuisine, Asian-Peruvian fusion, and enhanced versions of traditional Peruvian favorites.
The restaurant’s sleek and modern design gives the perfect backdrop for La Mar’s signature dishes.
Start with various ceviches, freshly-grilled anticuchos ranging from wagyu beef, chicken, prawns, octopus, causa dishes to a comprehensive selection of cocktails.
La Mar by Gastón Acurio indeed gives one of the best gastronomic experiencesin a scenic indoor and outdoor seating location, overlooking Biscayne Bay and the Miami cityscape.
Miami has a culturally diverse multilingual population, and it shows through art, music, food, and even places.
One of these is the American Museum of the Cuban Diaspora, a cultural museum committed to presenting and documenting the Cuban Diaspora community’s culture, contributions, and history through exhibits and programs in humanities and arts.
The American Museum of the Cuban Diaspora tells the story of the Cuban exile population through its greatest artists, creators, and intellectuals.
These artists, born outside of Cuba or exiled from the country, have come from faraway places to become some of the most influential artists.
The museum provides a platform and a voice for people who have struggled to find a better life in the States.
RedBike Studios offer spin classes with locations in Brickell and Midtown for the fitness fanatics out there.
Albert Ghitis, a Miami local and fitness enthusiast, left his job in the hospitality business to become an instructor after witnessing the indoor cycling trend in New York City.
RedBike Studios was born, raised, and inspired by Miami’s high energy and laid-back attitude.
They’ve taken Miami’s culture, sounds, and flavors and blended them into everything they do with their signature, Latin-style spin classes.
Experience a full-body, intense bike party at RedBike Studios, where the only person you’re racing against is yourself.
Standard 45-minute classes welcome all fitness levels, with 60-minute champion classes for a more advanced experience.
Cycling shoes that clip into bikes are included; don’t forget to bring socks!
If you want to catch the latest cinema previews, plan a movie night atCMX Cinemas.
This upscale movie theater is on South Miami Avenue, housed in Brickell City Centre.
You’ll feel like a true VIP with excellent lounge seats, modern theater screens, and a quality surround sound system for your viewing pleasure.
To add to your superb experience, you can grab local beers and cocktails, and hors d’oeuvres like shrimp and special king crab rolls while you enjoy the movies.
Check out what’s showing, schedules, and time slots, or book tickets at their website.
Moviegoers can also mingle in the lounge area for some drinks before the screening.
Have a great viewing experience at CMX Cinemas.
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The Wharf Miami is one of the busiest hot spots in Brickell.
The 30,000 square feet of open-air space sits alongside the historic Miami River with about 185 feet of dock space.
The venue is open from Thursday to Sunday, with a family and pet-friendly atmosphere by day and a vibrant al fresco party place by night.
Bring some company and sip your libations from seven different bars, or try unique food items from various restaurateurs.
Have a taste of Sake Room’s sushi samples and other original Japanese fusions.
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Craving for pizza? Grab flavorful slices of Spris Artisan Pizza made from high-quality ingredients.
Try delicious burger flavors from Knotty Burgers, or tickle your taste buds with original street tacos by Chef Omar Montero’s La Santa Taqueria.
And of course, there’s always time to indulge in your favorite desserts with Sweet River’s Gelato, Tiramisu, crepes, and other sweet treats.
You can also catch fun celebrations at The Wharf Miami like Oktoberfest, Halloween, and Christmas events.
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For chic and fashionable items, dining options, and special services, head out to Mary Brickell Village.
Located on South Miami Avenue, this open-air shopping complex houses several boutiques like the Miami-based Acqua de Luxe, a Brazilian swimwear brand with a wide selection of designs and styles.
Trendy outfits don’t need to be too expensive, that’s why Aktishop gives you an array of choices to help you update your fashion closet.
Be a trendsetter and find your jewelry style at KesleyBoutique, with fashionable pieces from classic and chic to sporty and fashionista.
For more swimwear, clothing, jewelry, and accessory choices, you can drop by Koral Boutique.
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Likewise, you can visit specialty stores like 305 Wireless, Edward Beiner for your eyewear needs, Total Nutrition for your quality nutrition products, and Village Humidor for premium cigars, specialty cigarettes, and accessories.
In case you get hungry, there are several food stops at the complex like North Italia, Shake Shack, Pepito’s Plaza, and more; you can also stop by for drinks at BARÚ Latin Bar, Blue Martini, the upscale casual Moxie’s, and much more.
You can also find specialty food shops at Mary Brickell Village like Vale Food Co., offering fresh and nutritious servings, RivaReno Gelato, which serves fresh authentic gelato daily, and RawJuce, with their refreshing beverages.
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Bring out your love for the arts and take time to browse the exhibits at Avant Gallery.
The gallery is located in the Brickell City Centre on South Miami Avenue and was launched in 2007.
It has four other venues in Hudson Yards, New York, in Aventura at Aventura Mall, The Square in West Palm Beach, and the Four Seasons Resort in Dubai.
View the modern, eccentric, and interesting art, photography, sculpture, and visual arts by contemporary artists and you’ll surely get immersed in each creative piece.
See the works of artists like Will Kurtz, Tyler Levitetz, Tim Tadder, and Tom Fruin, among others at Avant Gallery.
Burn that energy and punch the stress away atCKO Kickboxing.
Their venue is located at SouthWest 7th Street with expert trainers and instructors ready to guide first-timers, amateurs, and experienced kickboxers.
They offer classes for groups, co-eds, and kids; also, first-time guests get a free one-hour Trial Class just to get to try the sport.
Instructor-led classes include a combination of calisthenics and kickboxing techniques to help you shape up and tone your muscles.
Whether you want to go on a full-body workout or release those punches to relieve some stress, you’ll feel superb after sweating out.
You can also choose a class accompanied by upbeat music to keep you on your feet and let you have more fun with your workout.
Get active at CKO Kickboxing.
Brickell is Miami’s financial district, but you don’t need to spend a lot to enjoy this part of the city.
This diverse neighborhood is a mix of affordable and high-end spots, hosting vibrant arts and culture scenes, great restaurants, eateries, buzzing nightlife, indoor and outdoor shopping, and beautiful bayfront parks.
Whether you want to splurge or stick to a budget, Brickell offers a little something for everyone, all just waiting to be discovered.
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