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Downtown Miami and neighboring Brickell form the city's skyline: glass towers along Biscayne Bay, big museums, concert venues and some of Miami's best restaurants and rooftop bars. It is a good base for business travelers and for visitors who want city energy rather than a beach hotel.
What to see
On the bayfront in Museum Park, the Pérez Art Museum Miami (PAMM) shows modern and contemporary art, and the Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science has an aquarium and planetarium. See our Miami museum guide for what to prioritise. Bayside Marketplace is the starting point for many Biscayne Bay boat tours. In Brickell, Brickell City Centre mixes shopping and dining, and the surrounding streets are full of restaurants and rooftop bars.
Our Downtown Miami & Brickell guide covers things to do, food and shopping in more detail.
Getting around
The Metromover, an automated elevated train, loops through Downtown, Brickell and the Omni area and connects to Metrorail. It has long been free to ride, though the county has discussed introducing fares and upgrade work sometimes shortens its hours, so check before you rely on it. The Brightline train to Fort Lauderdale, West Palm Beach and Orlando leaves from MiamiCentral in Downtown.
Where to stay
Brickell has the widest choice of modern hotels and serviced apartments, and the liveliest restaurant scene. Downtown near the bay is convenient for museums, events at Kaseya Center and cruise departures from PortMiami. Miami Beach is 15 to 25 minutes away by car.
