Downtown Miami
Published On: Dec 08, 2006

Combine wide-eyed tourists, business executives and lifelong residents with a vast cultural presence and you've got Downtown Miami. A barrage of skyscrapers tower throughout, and in the midst of them are a frenzy of shopping opportunities, fine dining, galleries and whistle stops.

Where to Shop
Two of the main shopping locales are the Bayside Marketplace and the Downtown Miami Shopping District. If you're looking to shop, eat and booze, the Bayside Marketplace, with over 150 stores, restaurants and bars, offers a full day of fun in Downtown Miami, from the moment you purchase that snazzy Miami Beach magnet down to your end-of-the-night martini. If you're looking to shop, eat and explore the arts, the Downtown Miami District is your best bet.

Where to Eat
With so many fine dining selections to choose from, here are a few restaurants to consider first. The Blue Water Café offers a varied menu, along with spectacular views of Biscayne Bay.  Azul combines a blend of Asian and Mediterranean influences with a five-star dining experience. Abokado intertwines Japanese and Latin American dishes with relaxing and unpretentious environs. Then there's the Mendoza Miami Restaurant - the perfect spot for dinner and a couple of margaritas overlooking the Biscayne Bay.

Where the Arts Are
Some of South Florida's finest museums and galleries are right here in Downtown Miami. The Miami Art Museum features International art from 20th and 21st centuries. For a stellar glimpse of contemporary art, the Wolfson Galleries are just the place. For the youngster's, the Miami Children's Museum (included with the Go Miami Card) is always a great time. For those who enjoy the theatre, the Carnival Center for the Performing Arts presents Broadway shows, comedy, jazz and much more.