Downtown Miami: The Culture Guide

When most people plan a trip to Miami, they have the beach in mind, and for good reason. South Beach is a mecca for the chic, bespoke designed hotels, inventive restaurants, a happening nightlife, and of course stunning beaches. But there’s more to this city than the sun, surf, and sand. If you head to downtown Miami, a world of culture awaits.

Recently I spent a day touring around downtown Miami with my parents. The area has changed so much over the past few years. Everywhere you look, there’s development, with high-rise glass condos sprouting up at record speed. With additions like the iconic Pérez and Frost Museums, architectural gems in their own right, you can understand the buzz.

So, when you plan your next trip to Miami, make sure to include a day to take in the art, architecture, and flavor of downtown. It was certainly an eye-opening experience for us. We came for the art but left with a desire to explore even more of the downtown Miami culture scene.

Pssst…Looking for more warm weather getaways? Check out my Cartagena Travel Guide.

Downtown Miami: The Museums

Our first stop was Museum Park, home to the recently built Pérez Art Museum and the Philip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science. Situated right on Biscayne Bay, the two buildings are architectural wonders.

The Pérez Museum, founded in 1984 as the Center of the Fine Arts, was relocated to this park in 2013. Its new home was designed by the architects Herzog and de Meuron. I was honestly so captivated by the building and its surroundings, I almost didn’t make it inside!

The Frost Museum of Science was completed in 2017 by Grimshaw Architects. It rivals the Pérez in its stature and beauty. The museum is divided into four buildings, the aquarium, planetarium, north and west wings.

The beauty of both of these museums being situated next to each other is that there’s something for everyone. My mom and I opted for contemporary art at the Pérez. My dad explored the science exhibits at the Frost.

Other Museums in downtown Miami that might be of interest are the HistoryMiami Museum, which celebrates Miami’s history, the Miami Dade College Museum of Art and Design, (Going through a renovation now but reopening in April 2018), and the American Museum of the Cuban Diaspora, which exhibits the work of Cuban artists in the South Florida area. Also, worth noting, is the Institute of Contemporary Art, recently opened a bit further north, in the Design District of Miami.

Downtown Miami: The Art Galleries

When it comes to Miami and the art scene, people automatically think of Art Basel. But there are a few permanent art galleries that you should definitely add to your sightseeing list.

Nina Johnson in Little Haiti showcases Miami based artists, and the Frederic Snitzer Gallery is one of the only Miami based galleries to show at the prestigious Miami Beach Art Basel. A bit further afield are Spinello Projects, a gallery space for experimental art and the de la Cruz Collection, an art gallery owned by Cuban-born, American businessman Carlo de la Cruz and his wife, Rosa.

 The Wynwood Arts District: The Scene and Vibe

When the taxi dropped us off across the street from Wynwood Walls, a unique outdoor destination celebrating graffiti artists from around the world, I immediately felt like I was transported back to Bushwick or Williamsburg (pre-development), hip, industrial neighborhoods in Brooklyn that have been a magnet for artists and creative types.

The Wynwood Arts District is just north of downtown Miami. It’s home to over 70 galleries and museums and has seen a huge wave of revitalization in recent years. When we visited, the gritty neighborhood – half of which is under construction –  was bustling with tourists and locals alike, popping in and out of industrial and rustic styled shops and cafes.

But for me, the real highlight was exploring Wynwood Walls. I love photographing graffiti and street art around the world, so imagine my delight upon seeing so many colorful and graphic murals in one place. It was also hilarious watching everyone pose in front of the murals, no doubt so they could get a great shot to post on Instagram. (And I admit it, I did the same!)

There are two other places worth visiting in the Wynwood Arts District of Miami. First is The Margulies Collection at the Warehouse. The institution exhibits a rotating display of artwork, all from the private collection of a renowned art collector, Martin Z. Margulies. The second is the Rubell Family Collection, which displays contemporary art in a repurposed warehouse and comprises one of the biggest private contemporary art collections in North America.

Downtown Miami: The Food Scene

After all of this touring around, we were feeling peckish, so we headed to Komodo in Brickell, an Asian-fusion restaurant that had been recommended to us by a local. Inside had the sleek feel of a nightclub, typical of many Miami restaurants. We chose to eat outside in the large, open and airy garden, surrounded by greenery and terraced balconies. The menu is family style. I highly recommend the Kurobata Pork Dumplings, the Sweet Soy Salmon, and the Komodo fried chicken.

Downtown Miami is full of other chic, trendy restaurants that are culinary winners. La Mar, in Brickell at the Mandarin Oriental, serves up Peruvian-influenced dishes focusing on fresh seafood. STK, a modern steakhouse in the ME Miami Hotel, is great if you’re looking for a scene, and head to Pizzarium for reasonably priced, flat-crusted pizza. Fooq’s has a unique spin on Persian-French food, and Niu Kitchen is a go-to for Catalan-styled Tapas from a Barcelona Native. Lastly, head to the tiny, 8-seat NAOE, for arguably the best sushi experience in Miami.

Downtown Miami: Worth the Visit!

Now that I got a taste of downtown Miami, I can’t wait to head back and explore some more. That’s what I love about travel. Every time I visit somewhere new, I feel so inspired and can’t wait to share my recommendations and experiences with all of you.

What about you? Have you been to downtown Miami? If so, what are your favorite spots? Please share in the comments below! And if Miami is a destination on your list to visit soon, I hope these recommendations serve you well.

Looking for other travel guides? You can check out more of my posts here.

Happy Travels!