How long does it take to walk through Brickell?

A standard walking route through Brickell takes about 60 to 90 minutes. This includes time to stop at the Miami Circle and explore the different levels of Brickell City Centre.

Is the Miami Circle worth visiting?

Yes, the Miami Circle is a National Historic Landmark and a must-see for history buffs. It is a 2,000-year-old archaeological site located right at the mouth of the Miami River, offering a stark contrast to the surrounding skyscrapers.

Can I walk to Brickell Key?

Yes, you can walk across the Brickell Key Bridge. It offers some of the best views of the Miami skyline and is a popular path for local walkers and joggers.

Is Brickell a walkable neighborhood?

Brickell is one of the most walkable neighborhoods in Miami. It features wide sidewalks, the Underline linear park, and a free Metromover system that connects different parts of the district.

What is the Climate Ribbon in Miami?

The Climate Ribbon is a massive glass and steel trellis at Brickell City Centre. It is designed to capture sea breezes and cool the outdoor shopping areas naturally, making it a landmark of sustainable urban design.

When is the best time to explore Brickell?

The best time to explore is late afternoon. You can enjoy the waterfront views as the sun sets and then see the skyscrapers light up as the neighborhood transitions into its vibrant nightlife.

Are there public restrooms in Brickell?

Yes, you can find clean public restrooms inside the Brickell City Centre and Mary Brickell Village shopping complexes along the walking route.

Zigway - The Guide Follows You

About This Tour

Experience the pulse of Miami’s financial heart and its surprising historical depths on this self-guided walk through Brickell. Often referred to as the 'Manhattan of the South,' Brickell is a dazzling forest of glass and steel that hides 2,000-year-old secrets. This walking route takes you from the sparkling waters of Biscayne Bay to the innovative urban parks redefining the city today. You will begin at the gateway to Brickell Key, where the skyline reflects off the water, offering one of the most photographed views in Florida. As you explore independently, you will transition from the hyper-modern luxury of the financial district to the Miami Circle National Historic Landmark, a site that predates the skyscrapers by millennia. What makes this neighborhood stroll unique is the constant dialogue between the past and the future. You will see how pioneer Mary Brickell’s legacy lives on amidst high-end boutiques and how a former dead space under the Metrorail has been transformed into a vibrant linear park. This walking tour Miami provides an opportunity to witness the 'Climate Ribbon' at Brickell City Centre, a masterpiece of sustainable architecture that keeps the city cool while looking like something out of a sci-fi film. Whether you are interested in the archaeology of the Tequesta people or the latest trends in urban design, this route offers a comprehensive look at Miami’s evolution. Discover at your own pace, stopping for a coffee in a Mediterranean-style village or simply soaking in the views of the Miami River. It is a perfect way to travel through time without ever leaving the city’s most energetic district.

Highlights

Panoramic views of the Miami skyline from the Brickell Key Bridge

The 2,000-year-old Tequesta archaeological site at Miami Circle

The 'Climate Ribbon' architectural marvel at Brickell City Centre

Historic charm and dining at Mary Brickell Village

The innovative urban transformation of The Underline linear park

Waterfront vistas where the Miami River meets Biscayne Bay

Tour Stops (6)

Brickell Key Bridge

Start your self-guided adventure at the entrance to Brickell Key. This bridge connects the mainland to a man-made island that was once just a patch of sand and mangroves. In the 1970s, it was transformed into one of the most exclusive residential enclaves in the city. As you stand here, look back toward the mainland to see the dense wall of skyscrapers that defines the Brickell skyline. The bridge is a favorite spot for locals to jog and for photographers to capture the sunset reflecting off the glass towers. The water beneath you is where the Miami River flows into Biscayne Bay, a historic junction that has been the lifeblood of this region for centuries.

Fortune Christie's International Real Estate

Located at the foot of the bridge, this location serves as a symbol of the massive real estate boom that transformed Brickell from a quiet residential street into an international financial hub. In the early 20th century, this area was known as 'Millionaire’s Row,' lined with grand estates and mansions. Today, the mansions are gone, replaced by these soaring towers. This specific corner marks the transition into the high-density urban core. Observe the sleek lines of the surrounding buildings; many were designed by world-renowned architects, turning this neighborhood into an outdoor gallery of modern vertical design.

Miami Circle National Historic Landmark

Tucked away at the mouth of the Miami River is one of the most significant archaeological sites in North America. Discovered in 1998 during a routine pre-construction survey, the Miami Circle is a 38-foot wide arrangement of 24 holes cut into the limestone bedrock. Archaeologists believe it was the foundation for a structure built by the Tequesta people roughly 2,000 years ago. It is a humbling experience to stand at an ancient site that predates the skyscrapers surrounding it. This park offers a rare moment of peace and a chance to reflect on the indigenous history that existed long before the modern city was born.

Brickell City Centre

Walk toward the heart of the district to find Brickell City Centre, a $1 billion mixed-use development that redefined the neighborhood. The most striking feature here is the 'Climate Ribbon,' an elevated trellis of steel, fabric, and glass that spans 150,000 square feet. It isn't just for show; it is an environmental management system that harnesses sea breezes to keep the outdoor walkways cool without air conditioning. This site represents the future of Miami—luxurious, high-tech, and designed with the tropical climate in mind. Feel free to wander through the open-air levels to appreciate the scale of this engineering feat.

Mary Brickell Village

Named after the 'Mother of Miami,' Mary Brickell, this area offers a more intimate, village-like atmosphere compared to the nearby glass towers. Mary Brickell was a savvy real estate developer who, along with Julia Tuttle, helped establish the city in the late 1800s. Today, the village is a hub for dining and social life. The architecture here leans toward Mediterranean styles, providing a warm contrast to the surrounding steel. It is a great place to observe the local 'Brickellite' lifestyle—professionals meeting for lunch or friends gathering for happy hour as the workday ends in the financial district.

The Underline

Your walking route concludes at The Underline, an ambitious project that is transforming the land beneath Miami’s Metrorail into a 10-mile linear park and urban trail. Inspired by New York’s High Line, the first phase, known as the 'Brickell Backyard,' features native vegetation, public art, and community spaces like outdoor gyms and gaming tables. It is a prime example of adaptive reuse, turning transit infrastructure into a green sanctuary. As you explore this final stop, notice how the park creates a safe, shaded path for pedestrians and cyclists, offering a glimpse into a more walkable, sustainable Miami.

Frequently Asked Questions

The best way to see Brickell is a self-guided walk that covers both the modern skyline and historical sites like the Miami Circle. This route allows you to see the Brickell Key Bridge, Brickell City Centre, and The Underline at your own pace.