Typically, the city center of any major metropolis is right in the middle, surrounded by its most prominent neighborhoods. Here in
Miami, however, it's a little different. Downtown Miami serves as the city center, located right on the coast of the Florida mainland. Yes, this major city's main business and commercial center is also a waterfront district with amazing sea views and surprisingly plenty of fresh air, despite its busy nature. This unique mix of urban liveliness and Florida's signature tropical appeal gives it a vibe unlike any other, so you truly have to see it to believe it!
Where is Downtown Miami?
Despite being the city center, Downtown Miami isn't exactly at the heart of the city. Rather, the district lies along the coast of Florida's mainland, making it one of the very few waterfront downtown areas in any major American city. Nevertheless, it's still surrounded by many of
Miami's central neighborhoods, namely the Miami Design District to its north, Overtown to its northwest, Riverside and Little Havana to its West, and Coral Way to its south. Thanks to its proximity to these prominent areas, Downtown Miami maintains its city center reputation.
Is it Safe in Downtown Miami?
Generally speaking, yes, Downtown Miami remains a safe neighborhood. While it's not exactly the safest part of town, it's not the crime-ridden urban district that downtown areas tend to be, either. It helps that it's also a tourist-friendly district, so it maintains a level of security that helps visitors explore the city with little to no worry at all. There's also
Miami's crime rate to consider, which is currently at 59.02%. This means it's only moderate, further disproving that Miami truly isn't that dangerous a city. And with a 65% safety rate during the day, this further proves that Downtown Miami is a safe place overall.
What's The Vibe in Downtown Miami?
Much like the downtown areas in metropolises, Downtown Miami has a lively and urban vibe that keeps up the excitement in the big city. But since it's also a coastal district, the area also boasts a uniquely tropical vibe you won't find in other major cities. Skyscrapers and other big buildings give a startling contrast to the palm tree-lined white sandy beaches and aquamarine waters, sprinkled with the hottest spots in the hottest city in Florida. It's no wonder many who've
moved to Miami often prefer to settle down here rather than in other neighborhoods.
Is it Expensive in Downtown Miami?
Without a doubt! Don't forget that Downtown Miami also consists of the city's main business hub, financial district, and the like. While it doesn’t exactly have the highest
living costs in Miami, it remains an upscale neighborhood with high-end homes, luxury shopping, and the like. The average rent here is already at around $3,500.00 per month, considerably higher than the city-wide average, which is $2,800.00 per month. At the same time, eating out in Downtown Miami typically costs around $15.00 to $40.00 per meal in inexpensive to mid-range restaurants. Do you think you can afford all that?
What to See in Downtown Miami
Downtown Miami, as a whole, is more of a notable sight to see in this part of town. Its urban liveliness and tall skyscrapers uphold the city's reputation as a major metropolis, drawing both locals and tourists alike. As for specific landmarks worth seeing, the famous Freedom Tower in Miami Dade College stands out as among the most historic in the area. Built in 1925, its Spanish-Renaissance style is a beautiful contrast to the more chromatic skyscrapers in the Downtown Area. Bayfront Park is also worth checking out for its coastal scenery and natural beauty.
What to Do in Downtown Miami
Live the quintessential cosmopolitan lifestyle in Downtown Miami, the most urban part of the city. This is arguably the best place to eat out, go shopping, luxuriate in the five-star hotels & spas, and enjoy Miami's nightlife at night. You can also get some culture at either Pérez Art Museum Miami or HistoryMiami Museum, both of which boast the best displays of art and artifacts in the city. And if you want to take a break, you can always relax at the much-beloved Bayfront Park and enjoy all the waterfront scenery. Sounds like a great
day in Miami, doesn't it?
The Best Restaurants in Downtown Miami
Unsurprisingly, Downtown Miami boasts some of the best places to eat in the entire city. It helps that the area itself is diverse, which means its culinary scene also features all sorts of cuisines, vibes, and, of course, price ranges. Many hotspots here, like Komodo Miami on Brickell Avenue and Niu Kitchen on NE 2nd Avenue, serve as perfect restaurants for a business lunch or an anniversary date with your spouse. While more humble favorites like Bistro Cafe on NE 1st Avenue have the best brunch this side of Florida. What more could you ask for?
Downtown Miami’s awesome treasure trove of hotspots includes:
- Bistro Cafe on NE 1st Avenue
- Café Bastille Downtown Miami in The Atrium on SE 1st Street
- Crazy About You on Brickell Bay Drive
- Dolores But You Can Call Me Lolita on S Miami Avenue
- Fiore Caffee Miami on SE 1st Street
- Komodo Miami on Brickell Avenue
- Naked Farmer on S Biscayne Boulevard
- Niu Kitchen on NE 2nd Avenue
- Pollos & Jarras on NE 3rd Avenue
- The Capital Grille on Brickell Avenue
What to Know About Renting in Downtown Miami
As already mentioned, renting in Downtown Miami is pretty expensive. The average rent here is about $3,500.00 per month, which is even for a typical major American city. And even if you go for a smaller
luxury apartment to rent in Miami, it will still cost you as much as $1,500.00 to $2,800.00 per month. Naturally, this comes as no surprise considering that downtown areas, which tend to be city centers, are often some of the most expensive parts of any major city. It also doesn't help that most of the rentals here are high-end properties.
Get lost in all the urban craziness and hustle and bustle in Downtown Miami, the very center of Miami. More than just the heart of the metropolis, the Downtown area also has the big money, high glamour, and never-ending luxury the city is known for.
