Brickell, Miami guide

Taking its cue from projects like New York City’s High Line, Miami’s Underline will eventually be a 16-kilometre urban trail running through the city. The first section to open, in 2021, is a stretch called the Brickell Backyard. Located underneath the Metromover, the park features public art, pollinator gardens, a yoga stage, table tennis equipment and more.

Brickell is a hub for celebrity sightings. You might spot an A-list star passing through at one of the neighbourhood’s luxury hotels or even one who calls the area home. Current or former residents include Jennifer Lopez, singer Luis Miguel and recording artist Pharell Williams. At lounges and restaurants it’s not unusual to see a Kardashian or a pro athlete.

Brickell is one of the easiest areas in Miami to navigate without a car. The neighbourhood is dense and walkable, and you can take in the bay views while getting your steps in. For longer distances, there are grab-and-go Citi Bikes and the Metromover, an air-conditioned people mover. It loops around Brickell and even connects to Miami Metrorail. And best of all, it’s free!

Like many financial districts, Brickell used to be quiet after hours. Not so much anymore. These days, nightlife in Brickell is high-end — literally. The towering skyscrapers that dot the neighbourhood have some of the best rooftop bars in the city. And a handful of Brickell hotels also boast on-site cocktail bars and lounges that keep the party going way past sundown.

At the southern tip of the neighbourhood, on the way to Key Biscayne, you’ll find Hobie Island Beach Park. This mellow beach has free parking, plenty of shade, and is popular with dog owners and sailboarders. Nearby, check out Historic Virginia Key Beach Park, a stretch of sand with a children’s carousel and beachfront cabins you can rent for the day.

There are few museums in Brickell itself, but many of Miami’s best cultural attractions are just minutes away. The Vizcaya Museum & Gardens in nearby Coconut Grove is a must-see. And in Downtown Miami, don’t miss the Pérez Art Museum, with modern and contemporary art, the Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science and even the Museum of Ice Cream.

Brickell has always been a great place to enjoy a juicy steak while closing a business deal. But lately, the food scene has started to rival South Beach. Some of the best restaurants in Brickell are local outposts of world-renowned global eateries imported from Dubai, Lima and elsewhere. Expect tropical flavours and loads of fresh seafood, with Latin, Asian and Middle Eastern influences.

Brickell City Center is a four-level luxury shopping centre with international retailers, top Miami brands, dining and a cinema. For an outdoor, pedestrianised shopping experience, head to the low-key Mary Brickell Village, home to more than a dozen designer shops and beauty boutiques, plus dining options ranging from casual to upscale.

More than 20,000 runners fill the streets of Brickell and Downtown during the Miami Marathon on the last weekend in January or the first weekend of February. And you can get a taste of the neighbourhood’s dining scene during Miami Spice. From August through September, many restaurants offer specially priced set menus and other signature dining experiences.