Downtown Miami - Miami, FL

Thousands of years ago, the Tequesta Indians lived on the land that currently comprises Downtown Miami. Spanish settlers took over the area in the 1500s. The first small settlement in the neighborhood was founded in the 1800s, and the town was incorporated in 1896. The Great Depression took a significant toll on the neighborhood, but it bounced back to become a diverse, booming business center.

Today, many of the city's most important cultural institutions reside in Downtown Miami, including HistoryMiami and the Miami Art Museum. At the Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts of Miami-Dade County, the Sanford and Dolores Ziff Ballet Opera House and the Carnival Studio Theater present touring Broadway shows, opera performances and ballet productions. Each year, Downtown Miami hosts a variety of events, including DWNTWN Art Days and the Miami Downtown Riverwalk Festival.

Restaurants in Downtown Miami cater to all tastes and budgets, so you're sure to find the perfect spot for any craving. The bulk of restaurants sit between 1st Street and 2nd Street, and the nearby Metromover makes it easy to reach your reservation on time.

At NIU Kitchen, dig into the Llamantol, a dish that features thick strips of lobster over avocado and egg. Locals love the Pa amb Tomaquet starter and the Jamón Ibérico at this Catalan restaurant, which serves its tapas-style dishes to share. For an Indonesian treat, try the authentic Soto Betawi, a dish that features beef, tomato and potato, at Bali Cafe. Other local favorites include the Gado Gado and the Lumpia. The restaurant does not take cards, so bring cash.

Experience the upper echelon of Miami cuisine at Tuyo, an American fusion restaurant headed by Executive Chef Victor Santos. Sip on a passion fruit and jalapeno martini while you decide between the House Smoked Magret of Duck and Seared Foie Gras or the Pan Roasted Breast of Squab appetizers. Situated on top of the Miami Culinary Institute, Tuyo provides stunning views over the city's rooftops.

Many of the nightlife options in Downtown Miami have a "see and be seen" vibe, and many party-goers dress in their clubbing finest. Whether you're in the mood for a wild night of dancing or quiet conversation in a posh lounge, the neighborhood has a bar or club to suit. A night out in Downtown Miami is not complete without a visit to a rooftop bar like Touché Rooftop Lounge, which features cozy seating options and great views of the city. The bar hosts a regular lineup of live musicians in its outdoor bandshell.

Dance all night at Club Space, which opens at 11 p.m. and doesn't close until 2 p.m. the following afternoon. The club regularly hosts some of the country's best-known DJs, so get in line early to ensure that you get in. If you're looking for a more down-to-earth experience, join the locals at Pub One, a cleaner version of a classic dive bar. Chat with the friendly bartenders and enjoy the dark atmosphere.

Whether you prefer to walk, bike, drive or ride, Downtown Miami has the facilities to meet your needs. The neighborhood features wide sidewalks and clearly marked streets, so you can walk safely for work or errands. With a bike score of 72, Downtown Miami is suitable and safe for biking, but not perfect. Major roads feature bike lanes, but you may need to ride in traffic on side streets.

The Green and Orange lines of the Metrorail run through the neighborhood, as well as numerous bus lines. Residents often take advantage of the free Metromover, an electric rail system that circles through Downtown Miami. If you prefer to catch a ride, hailing a cab from the street takes only a few minutes, and Uber is available if you want to schedule a ride in advance thorugh its convenient phone app.

Drivers in Downtown Miami can take advantage of the neighborhood's many street parking spots and parking garages. Long-term street parking costs just $50 per month, and you can also rent a night and weekend spot in a Miami Parking Authority garage for $70 per month. Expect to pay considerably more for a full-time spot in a private parking garage.

Interstates 95 and 395 run along the west and north sides of the neighborhood, enabling you to get out of town quickly.

Even with its urban setting, Downtown Miami provides several parks for residents. Watson Island Park is popular among locals for its fishing and beautiful skyline views. Families enjoy the multiple play structures, slides and beach access at Lummus Park. Local fitness fans visit the park for the park's upper body equipment.

Museum Park, which opened with a new renovation in mid-2014, features shaded walking paths, open space for sports and excellent city views. The park also hosts events throughout the year, including the Ultra Music Festival. A few blocks south sits Bayfront Park, which offers a kid-friendly playground and a sand beach. The park holds an annual ball-drop celebration on New Year's Eve and an America's Birthday Bash on the 4th of July. The path that connects the two parks hosts runners and bikers on most days of the year. Residents enjoy all parks free of charge. Dogs on leashes are welcome, though you should check for posted restrictions at beaches.

As with many downtown neighborhoods, the cost of living in Downtown Miami sits higher than the citywide Miami average, but the disparity is not significant. One-bedroom apartments in the neighborhood rent for an average of $2,100, while residents in the rest of the city pay about $1,960 monthly for a similar property.

Everyday costs in Downtown Miami differ based on your preferences. At a neighborhood bar like the Mojito Bar, you might pay $5 for a beer and $25 for a champagne cocktail. The neighborhood gas average sits about equal with the nationwide average.

Downtown Miami overflows with shopping options, which mainly consist of department store anchors and popular national chains. You'll also find several unique Miami boutiques that carry a variety of specialty products. Many stores in the neighborhood gather in the blocks between East Flagler Street and NE 2nd Street.

At the beautifully styled Shoe Gallery on NE 1st Avenue, you'll find the latest limited-edition shoe releases and a small selection of clothing. The store targets men but carries a few options for women as well. Crafty residents of Downtown Miami frequent La Casa de las Viejas, a small fabric store with a large selection of high-end lace and fabric. Beginners shouldn't feel intimidated, as the knowledgeable staff members always offer advice or suggestions.

Indulge yourself at Albert's Fine Jewelers, a family-owned local business. This upscale jewelry store carries pieces from designers like Buddha Mama and Story, and it also offers custom design services.

Downtown Miami houses a few small corner stores, but for big grocery-shopping trips, most residents head to the Publix on Biscayne Boulevard or the Winn-Dixie on NW 11th Street. Locals love the Publix for its excellent produce section, while the Winn-Dixie offers wide aisles and great sales. Whole Foods Market in downtown provides healthier food options and organic produce. For locally grown products, check out the farmers market at Museum Park Farmers Market or the Adrienne Arsht Center Farmers Market.