Glamour reigns supreme in the
Miami Design District, the city's premier artistic hub. Art galleries, high-end boutiques, and of course, upscale restaurants make up the neighborhood's commercial scene, luring locals and tourists alike with all sorts of luscious offerings. Even the area's sleek architecture conveys its artistic leanings, further proving that creativity has a place in Miami. As the rest of the world mostly regards the city for its bustling business and electric party scene, modern artistry is still alive and well here, too. Albeit a different vibe, the Miami Design District is fairly reminiscent of such areas in New York, Paris, London, and the like.
Where is the Miami Design District?
Despite how famous an area it is, the Miami Design District is fairly small. It's only a cluster of six blocks located right by Florida State Road 112, placing it right at the heart of North Miami. The place itself is even surrounded by many of
Miami's central neighborhoods, specifically with Buena Vista to its north, Wynwood to its southwest, and Edgewater to its east, among many others. Considering it's still a fairly urban area, it's easy enough to get to from the Miami Design District, which is another reason why it's a highly coveted neighborhood.
Is it Safe in the Miami Design District?
You'd think that such a small urban area would be among the rowdiest parts of town, right? Well, this couldn't be further from the truth with the Miami Design District. The neighborhood is fairly safe, especially compared to Downtown Miami and other, equally urban districts. Since it's such an upscale cluster of high-end stores, chic art galleries, refined restaurants, and the like, it also has a level of security that is more than able to maintain maximum safety. Hence, despite how crowded and busy it tends to get, the Design District also has some of the lowest
crime rates in Miami.
What's the Vibe in the Miami Design District?
Chic, cosmopolitan glamour defines Miami's Design District. The city is unique in that it boasts different types of glamour within its many neighborhoods. Ocean Drive is nightlife central, while the likes of Coconut Grove and Coral Gables show off historic, old-money appeal. The Design District, on the other hand, is urban glam all the way. This is where you shop for designer brands, browse through modern art in the trendy galleries, and clink glasses of champagne or cocktails during happy hour in its coolest bars. Those who want to live like Carrie Bradshaw as they
move to Miami will want to stay here.
Is it Expensive in the Miami Design District?
You don't even need to ask this question! The Miami Design District is undoubtedly one of the most expensive neighborhoods in Miami, right up there with the likes of Bal Harbour, Coconut Grove, and Coral Gables, among many others. High fashion and luxury shopping are what the area is known for, and as such, it has some of the highest
living costs in Miami. The average rent here, for instance, is $4,000.00 per month, which is already expensive in the grand scheme of things, much less in Miami. And if you want to eat in any of its mid-range restaurants, it'll still cost you as much as $20.00 to $50.00 per meal.
What to See in the Miami Design District
Admittedly, the Miami Design District doesn't have any of the city's most iconic sights. What it has, however, is a treasure trove of luxury shopping, chic art galleries, and the like. One that's fairly notable is the Institute of Contemporary Art on NE 41st Street. The place itself is a man-made marvel of modern architecture, housing one of the best collections of contemporary pieces in the city. There's also the famous Buckminster Fuller's Fly's Eye Dome right at the heart of the district, a striking sphere that practically symbolizes the neighborhood itself. No visit to the Miami Design District is complete without seeing it in person at least once!
What to Do in the Miami Design District
If you could treat yourself to a full-on shopping
day in Miami, the Design District is the place for you! The entire neighborhood features shops and flagship stores of the world's most beloved luxury brands, including Louis Vuitton, Bottega Veneta, Gucci, Christian Dior, Maison Martin Margiela, Fendi, Celine, Burberry, and more. If the sky's the limit for your wallet or bank account, you can get your hands on the finest things on earth here. Afterwards, you can take a break in any of the area's upscale restaurants, some of which are even Michelin-starred hotspots.
The Best Restaurants in the Miami Design District
Speaking of Miami Design District's culinary scene, it's not exactly surprising that the place boasts some of the
best restaurants in Miami. L’Atelier de Joël Robuchon on NE 41st Street is a particular standout as it's one of the very rare Michelin-starred eateries in the city. That alone is worth every cent you pay for your meal here! There's also Michael's Genuine on NE 40th Street, a heavenly hotspot where you can dine on new spins on American cuisine in a sunny courtyard area. It's a great place to enjoy brunch!
Discover Miami Design District’s awesome foodie scene, especially:
- Sofia Italian Restaurant Miami in Inside Palm Court Dome
- Pura Vida Miami on NE 1st Avenue
- Michael's Genuine on NE 40th Street
- Mia Market Food Hall on NE 39th Street
- Mandolin Aegean Bistro on NE 2nd Avenue
- Le Jardinier on NE 41st Street
- L’Atelier de Joël Robuchon on NE 41st Street
- EL Turco Design District on NE 39th Street
- COTE Miami on NE 2nd Avenue
- Contessa Miami on NE 41st Street
What to Know About Renting in the Miami Design District
As already mentioned, rent in the Miami Design District is expensive. It's at an average $4,000.00 per month, already much higher than the city-wide average, which is $2,800.00 per month.
Renting a luxury apartment in Miami isn't exactly cheap no matter where you are, but it's especially pricey in places like the Miami Design District. Fortunately, this is only the median average, which means it's still possible to get a rental that costs much less. But studio flats and one-bedroom homes already cost as much as $2,075.00 per month here, still expensive in the grand scheme of things.
Experience Miami’s unique creativity and signature glamour in its Design District! Home to fabulous art galleries and chic boutiques, this is where luxury meets art in a city that flourishes in its diversity.
