Each downtown district—Brickell, historic Flagler Street, Park West and the Art & Entertainment District—boasts a unique identity. Against the backdrop of Biscayne Bay, Downtown Miami has dramatically changed over the years, with the exponential growth of residential projects, retailers, restaurants and attractions. Today, Downtown Miami and Brickell are marked by open-air malls, mom-and-pop businesses and internationally renowned boutiques. Suddenly, there's a bit more to see and do especially if in the mood for a shopping spree.
Brickell City Centre
After four years of construction, the $1.05 billion, 5.4 million-square foot mixed-use development, Brickell City Centre (BCC)—conceived by Hong Kong-based Swire Properties, Whitman Family Development and Simon Property Group—is open for business, bringing with it a luxurious and contemporary touch to the fashion landscape.
Home to EAST, Miami, a cutting-edge lifestyle hotel, a Uruguayan eatery Quinto La Huella, rooftop lounge Sugar, mid-rise office buildings and residential towers, the Centre is hailed as the city's latest landmark and first-of-its-kind retail destination.
"Brickell City Centre is certainly a first for Miami and will inevitably solidify the city as a true world-class destination," said Stephen Owens, president of Swire Properties. "We have carefully created a ... shopping experience ... with many firsts and many internationally recognized retailers," he added.
Anchored by Miami's first new Saks Fifth Avenue in 30 years and the country's first Cinemex theater—the sixth largest cinema chain in the world, BCC will continue to rollout new retailers and amenities throughout 2017.
In the meantime, customers can choose among 100 stores, Agent Provocateur, Porsche Design, Cole Haan, Diptyque, Giuseppe Zanotti, Lululemon Athletica, Ted Baker and Victoria's Secret to name a few, to spend their hard-earned cash.
Bayside Marketplace
Soak in the crisp, salty air from this open-air mall located between Bayfront Park and the AmericanAirlines Arena. A popular destination for locals and visitors alike, Bayside Marketplace offers glorious Biscayne Bay views from every seat.
Spend the day shopping at over 140 specialty stores including only in Miami retailers, dining at your pick of Latin, seafood, Caribbean and American-style restaurants and bars, or enjoying live music daily from the band shell. Book either a thrilling boat ride, scenic boat tour or dinner cruise from Bayside’s dock for a picture-perfect day.
Take the Metromover, Miami’s light rail, free of charge to the Bayside station or use the free trolley service with stops from Brickell to Biscayne Boulevard that run every 15 minutes for added convenience.
Historic Flagler Street
Flagler Street is Miami's historic retail area, dating back to the late 1800s, when railroad tycoon Henry Flagler inaugurated the city's first hotel and the first Burdines department store opened. Through the decades this once stylish and vibrant area lost its allure and in the '70s many tenants left the neighborhood for suburban malls.
Fast forward to the present to find Flagler Street home to well-known shops such as Macy's, Marshalls, Ross Dress for Less and The Children's Place, plus hundreds of small businesses selling quirky souvenirs, electronics, luggage and budget-friendly apparel and accessories.
Venture a block north from Flagler Street if you want to splurge on jewelry at the Miami Jewelry District (NE First Street and Flagler Street)—one of the largest jewelry centers in the U.S.
The Seybold Building brims with 10 floors of diamonds, gold, silver and precious gems ranging from $100 to millions of dollars. Valet parking, armored car services and shipping services on premises are some of the amenities shoppers will find here.
Beware, a multimillion dollar revitalization project to upgrade a half-mile stretch of Flagler Street with landscaped pedestrian-friendly sidewalks is underway. Expect to navigate construction crews through 2017 and beyond.
Shops at Mary Brickell Village
The first mall to open in the Brickell neighborhood, Mary Brickell Village (901 S. Miami Ave., 305.381.6130), named after Miami founder, William Brickell's wife, is separated into two plazas set amid towering oak and mahogany trees.
This part of Brickell is known for its restaurants, bars and lively nightlife scene that attracts the young professionals and millennials living in the surrounding condominiums. Mary Brickell Village is the locals go-to shopping center to pick up contemporary finds, shiny baubles, fitness gear, stylish eyewear, sweets and groceries.
To keep energized during the shopping adventure, dining experiences abound. Burger and Beer Joint, Brother Jimmy's BBQ, Rosa Mexicano, Blue Martini, Fadó Irish Pub and Baru Latin Bar are a few of the 13 restaurants and bars at Mary Brickell.
