Well-known for its beaches, nightlife, and vibrant cityscape, it’s not surprising that Miami is one of the most popular places to visit in the U.S. Nestled on the south-eastern coast of Florida, this coastal city is home to a thriving business district, glittering arts scene and on-trend entertainment sector, but how much do you know really know about the city?
Here, we take a look at Miami’s Brickell neighbourhood and tell you everything you need to know about this growing commercial, residential and entertainment hub. Read on to discover where to stay, what to do and what not to miss in Brickell, Miami…
Where is Brickell, Miami?
Situated in Greater Downtown Miami, Brickell lies on Biscayne Bay and borders Coconut Grove, The Roads and Downtown. Running from the Miami River at the north of the neighbourhood to the Rickenbacker Causeway, Brickell covers just 3.1km2 but its many skyscrapers and high-rise buildings maximise living, commercial and entertainment spaces.
Once known for its sprawling mansions, today Brickell is still associated with luxury living. To the south of Broadway, you’ll find low and mid-rise homes, while decadent high-rise residential properties are typically located to the east of Brickell Avenue. Often referred to as ‘Millionaire’s Row’, this part of the neighbourhood is home to some of most luxurious residences in the entire city, including a selection of UpperKey’s Miami vacation rental properties.
A short drive across the Bay via Brickell Key Driveway takes you to the exclusive gated community of Brickell Key. Sometimes known as Claughton Island, this private idyll mainly features luxury homes and apartments, along with a selection of restaurants, shops and world-class hotels.
As one of Miami’s fastest-growing areas, Brickell has seen significant development in recent years. Now, approximately 32,000 people live and work in the neighbourhood, with many global brands and businesses choosing Brickell as the home of their HQs too.
Visiting Brickell, Miami
In addition to being a popular location for Miami vacation rentals, Brickell’s reputation as a leading financial and commerce hub means it’s a prime destination for business travellers too. For professionals who are visiting clients, exploring new opportunities, or starting new roles, spending time in Brickell is a savvy way to climb the career ladder.
Of course, one of the most important decisions you’ll make when visiting Brickell is where to stay. Although there are many luxurious hotels in the area, these aren’t always suited to business travellers or vacationers, particularly if you want to enjoy your independence and experience authentic Miami.
Fortunately, UpperKey has a variety of properties available in Brickell and the surrounding areas and our reputation as a leading iRenting company means you can rent upscale apartments and condos easily and efficiently. From online booking and seamless residence matching to digitised guidebooks and digital smart locks, our AI-driven approach makes renting a vacation property easier than ever. Whether you’re in town for a few days, weeks, or months, our UpperKey Miami properties are the perfect place to stay.
Things to Do in Brickell
As Brickell’s financial district has grown, so too has its entertainment, retail, arts, and cultural centres. In fact, there’s so much going on in the neighbourhood that you’ll always find something to pique your interest. To start planning your itinerary, take a look at our top picks of things to do in Brickell:
Shopping and Retail
If you want to treat yourself to a little retail therapy, there are numerous places to shop in the neighbourhood. Brickell City Center is a sprawling shopping and leisure complex, which covers 107,000ft2 and is home to a mix of contemporary and premium stores, including apparel, jewellery, beauty, and home décor. At the Brickell City Center complex, you’ll also find a wide range of restaurants and eateries, as well as entertainment venues.
For a more relaxed shopping environment, be sure to check out Mary Brickell Village. Named after one of the area’s founders and foremost developers, the Village is an ‘urban oasis in downtown Miami’. With almost 30 stores and 17 restaurants, Mary Brickell Village is one of the most popular places to shop, eat and relax in the area. Whether you grab a bite to eat between purchases, spend the day picking up vacation souvenirs or simply sit and take in your surroundings, Mary Brickell Village is one place you won’t want to miss while you’re spending time in Brickell.
Culture and Places of Interest
Despite its significant redevelopment, Brickell is still home to many cultural sites and places of interest. You’ll see a variety of architecture as you make your way around the city but there are some sites that are worth adding to your agenda.
You might not expect to see an ancient archeologic site as one of the largest financial districts in the U.S., but that’s exactly what The Miami Circle is. Sometimes known as Brickell Point or the Miami River Circle, it is the only known evidence of a permanent prehistoric structure in the whole of the Eastern United States. A waterfront park surrounds the site, with audio tours available and visual panels telling you more about the history of The Miami Circle.
If you’re interested in learning more about the area, the Dade Heritage Trust is a great place to start. Situated close to the water on SE 12th Terrace, the Trust runs a variety of interesting exhibits and events, including walking tours, archaeological tours, and bike tours.
Eating and Drinking in Brickell
In a city as vibrant as Brickell, you won’t be surprised to learn that there are spectacular restaurants, cafes, and bars to enjoy. From fine dining at The Capital Grille or Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse and Wine Bar to waterfront cocktails at Crazy About You or ice cream at KONOS Gelato, you won’t struggle to find somewhere to enjoy great-tasting food drink in Brickell.
Notable eateries in the area include Caviar Russe Miami, LPM Restaurant and Bar, Nusr-Et Steakhouse, Truluck’s Ocean Finest Seafood and Crab, NAOE and La Mar by Gaston Acurio on Brickell Key, but there are endless places to dine in Brickell. Of course, when you’re staying in an UpperKey Miami rental, you can take advantage of your fully equipped kitchen and prepare spectacular meals with locally sourced produce too.
Parks and Outdoor Activities
Whether you’re a fan of the city skyline or you love looking out over the Bay, you’ll want to spend as much time as you can outdoors when you’re in Brickell. Take a stroll across Brickell Avenue Bridge, enjoy waterfront views at Brickell Park or explore the 7.8 urban retreat, Simpson Park Hammock.
For sports fans, there are a wide range of activities to enjoy. Many of the local parks feature outdoor gym equipment, while the Soccer Rooftop at 444 Brickell Ave lets you enjoy a kickaround on a professional lighted turf and fully netted courts which just happen to be situated atop an 11-storey building!
The Alice Wainwright Park in South Brickell offers uninterrupted views across Biscayne Bay, playgrounds, walking routes and lush green spaces, which makes it the perfect place to wind down and relax. Just a short drive along the nearby Rickenbacker Causeway takes you to Hobie Island Beach Park, where you can try your hand at windsurfing, jet skiing, kayaking, and surfing or simply kick back and relax in the sun.
Local Tours and Excursions
No matter how long you’re iRenting in Brickell, you’ll want to make the most of your time in this spectacular location and experience authentic Miami at its finest. One of the best ways to do this is to sign up for local tours and excursions.
As well as getting to see the best of Brickell, you can partake in local tours that include Downtown and Coconut Grove, so you’ll really get to experience everything on offer in Greater Downtown Miami. From guided bike tours and walking tours to luxury yachting excursions and guided night tours of the city, there are a fantastic range of options that enable you to see the area in your own way.
Getting Around Brickell
Although Brickell is a thriving city, its relatively small footprint means that it’s easy to get around. In fact, many of the most popular sites are situated fairly close together, so you won’t need to travel far into order to visit the best attractions, particularly if you choose a Miami vacation rental that’s located in the heart of the city.
While you could hire a car to help you get around, Brickell has a great public transportation system, so why not jump on a tram at one of the city’s many Metromover stations, take the Metrorail or even grab a water-taxi?
Making the Most of Your Time in Brickell, Miami
Whether you’re heading to Miami for business or enjoying a vacation, there’s no doubt you’ll enjoy your time in Brickell. With UpperKey Miami rentals, finding the best accommodation is easier than ever, so all you need to do is decide which attractions you want to ex