StayAreasSouth Beach or Brickell: where should you stay in Miami?
- Brickell is cheaper: a mid-range double costs about $250 a night, against $280 in South Beach.
- Brickell is closer to 7 of the 12 big sights we timed; South Beach wins on 5.
- Brickell has quieter nights.
- Brickell has better transport links.
- From Miami International Airport (MIA), Brickell is quicker: 25 min against 50 min.
South BeachArt Deco, beach & nightlifePick South Beach if
- First-time visitors
- Nightlife lovers
- Beach lovers
BrickellSkyline, restaurants & the MetromoverPick Brickell if
- Business travellers
- Food lovers
- Young couples and groups
South Beach vs Brickell, side by side
The better one in each row is in green| What | South Beach | Brickell |
|---|---|---|
| What a night costs · typical double outside peak events, Oct 2026 | ||
| Budget double | $160 | $150 (better) |
| Mid-range double | $280 | $250 (better) |
| Luxury double | $650 | $550 (better) |
| Door to door · public transport or on foot, weekday morning | ||
| To Downtown Miami | 30 min | 10 min (better) |
| Ocean Drive | 5 min walk (better) | 42 min |
| Española Way | 12 min walk (better) | 44 min |
| Brickell City Centre | 45 min | 12 min walk (better) |
| Bayside Marketplace | 33 min | 15 min (better) |
| South Pointe Park | 19 min (better) | 45 min |
| Kaseya Center | 34 min | 21 min (better) |
| Arriving · weekday afternoon | ||
| From Miami International Airport (MIA) | 50 min | 25 min (better) |
| What it's like · our ratings | ||
| Sights on foot | Very good (better) | Limited |
| Nightlife | Excellent (better) | Very good |
| Quiet at night | Poor | Good (better) |
| Food | Very good | Excellent (better) |
| Families | Good | Good |
| Transport | Limited | Very good (better) |
Hotels in South Beach and Brickell
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South Beach or Brickell: questions
Is South Beach or Brickell better to stay in?
Brickell is cheaper: a mid-range double costs about $250 a night, against $280 in South Beach. Brickell is closer to 7 of the 12 big sights we timed; South Beach wins on 5. Brickell has quieter nights. Brickell has better transport links. From Miami International Airport (MIA), Brickell is quicker: 25 min against 50 min. South Beach suits first-time visitors and nightlife lovers; Brickell suits business travellers and food lovers.
Which is cheaper, South Beach or Brickell?
Typical doubles in South Beach: $160 budget, $280 mid-range, $650 luxury. In Brickell: $150, $250 and $550. Rates outside peak events, updated Oct 2026.
Which is closer to the sights, South Beach or Brickell?
Door to door: Ocean Drive is 5 min walk from South Beach and 42 min from Brickell; Española Way is 12 min walk from South Beach and 44 min from Brickell; Brickell City Centre is 45 min from South Beach and 12 min walk from Brickell; Bayside Marketplace is 33 min from South Beach and 15 min from Brickell.
How far is Miami International Airport (MIA) from South Beach and Brickell?
50 min to South Beach and 25 min to Brickell, door to door by public transport.