More Reasons to Meet in Miami: Downtown

Downtown Miami is many things to many people: an international financial center, a bayside paradise, and an intersection of arts, culture, language, and cuisine. To meeting planners, it’s the ideal destination to host any event. Just a short drive from the airport, downtown Miami is the definition of a metropolitan cultural hub that delivers a wide array of work fun-and-function options. Set next to the picturesque scenes of Biscayne Bay, downtown Miami welcomes meeting attendees with world-class attractions and accommodations. Skyscrapers dominate the horizon and house more than 35 hotels with 280 meeting rooms and 555,426 square feet of meeting space. Rooftop hot spots are everywhere, perfect for taking in majestic views of the bay and city and giving the area a larger-than-life feeling. Down below, bars, lounges, clubs, and restaurants cover the streets and attract a diverse blend of tourists and locals, making for a memorable experience. Downtown Miami is also very pedestrian-friendly, with many opting to walk from place to place. They can also hop aboard the free Metromover for a quick tour of the area. In just a short time, you’ll find countless options to keep you occupied.

Shop

Downtown Miami’s skyline is unrivaled in terms of stature and beauty, and its shopping scene is no different. It continues to evolve, with an abundance of retail locations, both long-standing and brand new. For traditional shopping, hit Flagler Street and Mary Brickell Village, which are famous for their department stores, curbside shops, and individual boutiques. Then there’s an open-air shopping center and marina at Bayside Marketplace, a tourist favorite.

Dine

Downtown Miami’s food scene is a complex mix of new and old. From high-end restaurants to hidden gems and old standby classics that have withstood the test of time, you won’t be disappointed eating in downtown Miami. Start at Boulud Sud, where French chef Daniel Boulud brings a Mediterranean twist to his classical French cuisine, which emphasizes regional flavors and features an abundance of fresh vegetables, seafood, grains, and herbs. Meanwhile, at the go-to date spot, Soya y Pomodoro, experience authentic Italian alongside live jazz music in a romantic setting. Though situated in the heart of downtown Miami, the restaurant will immediately transport you to old-world Italy inside the building's historic Beaux-Arts architecture. Finally, check out La Mar in the Mandarin hotel. It has it all — sights, smells, and South American fare with a twist. This creation of world-famous chef Gaston Acurio brings upscale Peruvian food to new levels. Located on posh Brickell Key, La Mar is one of Miami’s most prized eateries, treating guests to a special dining experience with gorgeous views of Biscayne Bay and the downtown Miami skyline.

Nightlife

For one of the best views in the city, check out the Epic Hotel’s Area 31 rooftop, where DJs spin for locals. The Langford Hotel also offers another great view of the dynamic skyline at its famous Bloom Skybar. Other notable downtown Miami nightlife staples include Blue Martini , Club E11even, and Club Space. With so much to do and experience, downtown Miami is a premier meetings location on the world stage. Planning your next meeting will not only be fun, but also easy, with the help of the GMCVB Meetings & Convention Sales team, who will ensure you are perfectly accommodated. For any inquiries or general information contact our sales team: Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau 701 Brickell Avenue, Suite 2700 Miami, FL 33131 Contact: Barry Moskowitz, Vice President, Sales barry@gmcvb.com Phone: 305-539-3042 Fax: 305-530-4276 MiamiMeetings.com For more information on planning your next meeting in Downtown Miami, click here. For information on accommodations, visit our participating downtown Miami hotel partners: InterContinental Kimpton Epic Mandarin Oriental JW Marriott Marquis JW Marriott Miami Hyatt Regency Conrad Miami Courtyard Marriott Miami Miami Marriott Biscayne Bay SLS Brickell