The 17 best things to do in Brickell, from coffee to culture to cocktails

This futuristic outdoor retail complex makes it easy to spend a day shopping and eating your way into bankruptcy. Architecturally, Brickell City Centre is impressive and deserving of a stroll whether or not you want to buy anything. The crown jewel of Brickell, the mall is home to not only top-notch shopping but some great food as well.

Time Out tip: Check out Motek for Mediterranean, Pubbelly for sushi, Tacology for Mexican, or the newly opened Black Tap for some indulgent burgers and shakes.

Coffee lovers, this one’s for you. In a fast-paced city like Miami, it’s no surprise people take the term “coffee run” literally—never quite stopping to smell the roses—ahem, coffee beans. True Barista, on the other hand, will stop you in your tracks thanks to its charming vintage truck parked right off of Brickell Ave. It will make you romanticize your cup of Joe, and encourage you to appreciate every last sip.

Similar to New York’s High Line or Chicago’s 606 Trail except on the ground, Miami’s Underline utilizes the path carved by its legacy public transportation lines to create an innovative urban park and trail. Opening in phases through 2025, visitors can already enjoy completed sections in Brickell like The Urban Gym, The Promenade and The Oolite Room, plus amenities like a free Thursday evening yoga series, a dog run and separated biking and walking paths along the Miami River.

Miami’s first proper hand roll bar recently opened in Brickell, and it’s an absolute game changer. With bar seating only and no reservations, it’s the perfect spot to pop in for a quick and casual bite, happy hour, or a lowkey date night. You can order your favorite hand rolls a la carte or you can go with one of the set menus which start as low as $15.

Time Out tip: If you want to level up a bit, the scallop truffle, toro miso or wagyu hand rolls are well worth it. Add your favorite sake and voila, the ideal meal.

In a neighborhood defined by its constant construction and towering luxury condos, you wouldn’t exactly expect to find an archaeological site, let alone the oldest known permanent settlement on the U.S. East Coast. Yet here it is, a perfect, 38-foot circle of 24 holes cut into the limestone bedrock on coastal Brickell Point. Believed to have been the location of a structure built by the Tequesta Indians, the Miami Circle is estimated to be somewhere between 1,700 and 2,000 years old.

The best French fare outside of France can be found at LPM in Brickell. This classy spot known for its expertly crafted cocktails and escargots may not fall within everyone’s budget, but fear not—there’s a new happy hour in town! LPM recently introduced Cinq à Sept, its new aperitif hour where you can enjoy cocktails and bites for $12 every Monday through Friday from 5 to 7pm at the bar or on the terrace. Talk about ballin’ on a budget.

I never met a speakeasy I didn’t like, and this new kid on the block is sure to surprise you. Reminiscent of some of the best cocktail bars I’ve experienced around the world, Panamericano Bar brings a level of mixology to Miami that will transport you far from Brickell. Not only are the vibes immaculate, but the drinks tell a story, with special cocktail ceremonies that will take you on a journey. Just trust me and go along for the ride.

Time Out tip: Find the hidden entrance behind Novecento in Mary Brickell Village and press the buzzer to be allowed inside.

Brickell is home to Miami’s tallest skyscrapers, consequently making it home to the city’s best rooftop bars with incredible views. Sugar is a lush, eye-catching space where (fair warning) nothing is cheap. But the view from the 40th floor is very worth it.

Don't miss: You can also venture right around the corner on the same floor to check out Tea Room, which has sweeping views of Brickell’s skyline.

For a bit of Miami history, stop by Dade Heritage Trust, Miami-Dade’s largest preservation organization located in the original 1905 office of Dr. James Jackson, Miami’s first physician. With a mission to preserve the county’s architectural, environmental and cultural heritage through education and advocacy efforts, The building itself is surrounded by beautiful native landscaping curated by Fairchild Tropical Garden.

Don't miss: Dade Heritage Trust hosts popular bike and walking tours throughout the city as well as special, seasonal events. 

Lar Mar is, in our humble opinion, one of Miami’s best restaurants. Famed chef Gastón Acurio and his protege Diego Oka serve up creative Peruvian that combines imagination with local and seasonal ingredients. In addition to the delicious food and waterfront view, La Mar gives you a chance to check out Brickell Key, a tiny island just a short bridge away from the edge of Brickell. And we’ll take any excuse to go to an island, no matter how small.

Don't miss: For a truly bespoke meal, book a seat at Oka's new magnum opus, Amano, a tasting experience located within La Mar where every course is served on artful earthenware handcrafted by the chef himself.

The plush leather seats at this luxury dine-in movie theater are so comfy you just might not make it to the third act. Better order a craft cocktail and a cappuccino (both available for purchase from the comfort of your recliner) to ensure you see the final scene. Is a $15+ movie ticket worth it? When you consider the menu of not-half-bad food and drinks and full service during the show, it all makes for a pretty sweet night out at the movies.

Just over the bridge from Brickell Ave, you’ll find Brickell Key, a little island secluded from the hustle and bustle while still in arm’s reach of everything the neighborhood has to offer. While there is some serious construction underway behind the Mandarin Oriental, Miami, you can still enjoy one of the loveliest walks along the water to forget about your woes. After all, is there any better therapy than putting in your AirPods and getting your steps in as you watch boats pass by along the bay?

Dom’s is the quintessential neighborhood bar for Brickell locals, and while there’s never a bad time to stop by for a cold one, there’s no better time than their fan-fav Karaoke night. Whether you’re looking to sing your heart out, watch as others make a fool of themselves, or simply get your drink on and then soak it up with some pizza, this is your spot.

Don't miss: If you’ve never experienced Karaoke Night at Dom’s on a Thursday, what are you even doing?! 

The Metromover is the smallest of Miami's three train lines with 21 stops, but it's also the most efficient and convenient, especially if you're looking to hop around Brickell and downtown, or even just take in the city from a new vantage point. With cars arriving every 90 seconds during rush hours and every three minutes during off-peak hours, the elevated, electric monorail runs three very short loops around Downtown: Omni Loop, Inner Loop and Brickell Loop (daily 5am–midnight).

Time Out tip: The Metromover is free and can help you bypass Downtown and Brickell's absolutely horrific traffic, boasting direct stops at the Brickell City Centre and Bayfront Park.

Baby Jane is a Brickell classic, always serving up stiff drinks, good tunes, and crave-able eats. Whether you’ve got a classy date on deck or you’re looking to drink your bodyweight in tequila then eat your bodyweight in ramen, you can do it all at this local watering hole. Open late for the night owls, there’s no better place to cap off your evening before crawling home.

La Sandwicherie is a Miami institution, helmed by founders Franz and Elise since 1988. Though the French sandwich shop and its addictive vinaigrette have expanded throughout Miami, its original location remains on Miami Beach, as well as its second-oldest location in Brickell. Just across the street from Brickell City Centre, La Sandwicherie is open daily from 9am to 5am. The crusty French bread, pillowy croissants and piles of fresh ingredients like ham, brie and crunchy cornichons are just as effective in drawing corporate lunch crowds as they are post-club crowds.