Little Havana – A Taste of Cuba in the Heart of Miami

Getting to Little Havana

While walking, Little Havana is the best way to soak it up, getting there is easy.

For the most comfortable experience, contact Driven Miami and get a chauffeur service from anywhere in the Miami metro area, Miami International Airport (MIA), Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL), or Palm Beach International Airport (PBI). Our local experts will guide you through the neighborhood at your pace, point-to-point or hourly chauffeur service.

If you’re taking public transport, several bus routes serve the area, and you can get there from all over Miami. If you’re driving yourself, be aware that parking can be tough, especially on weekends and during events. Look for public parking garages or lots just off Calle Ocho.

Exploring Calle Ocho: The Heart of Little Havana

Start your adventure on Calle Ocho (Eighth Street), the main street of Little Havana. This street is a sensory overload, with art galleries, cozy cafes, restaurants, and souvenir shops. As you walk, you’ll see street art and murals that tell the story of Cuban heritage.

After you’ve had a Cuban sandwich or empanada, keep an ear out for the music. Calle Ocho is full of live music venues; it’s a paradise for salsa and merengue fans. You’ll often find impromptu street performances and the sound of Rumba in the air.

Don’t miss the Calle Ocho Walk of Fame, with stars dedicated to Latin American legends like Gloria Estefan and Celia Cruz. It’s a popular spot, along with the neighborhood’s nightlife and Carnaval Miami. And Carnaval Miami if you’re visiting in March you’re in luck! This week-long celebration of Latin American culture takes over Calle Ocho with live music, dance performances, a beauty competition, and a street market. It’s the best time to experience Little Havana’s energy and Latin American traditions.

Go Deeper into Little Havana’s Culture

Beyond the main street Little Havana has plenty of cultural treasures:

• Cuba Ocho Art Museum: Located in the heart of Little Havana, this unique cultural attraction is housed in a renovated historic cigar factory. It has over 1,000 works by Cuban artists from the 1800s to the present, including paintings, sculptures, and photographs.
• Domino Park (Maximo Gomez Park): This tiny, iconic park is where Little Havana’s elders gather daily to play dominoes. There’s not much to “do” here, but it’s an authentic Cuban experience to watch. Grab a seat, observe the intense concentration and friendly banter and soak up the local atmosphere.
• Bay of Pigs Museum and Library: For a deeper understanding of Cuban history, visit the Bay of Pigs Museum and Library. Learn about the 1961 military operation through a collection of weapons, uniforms and personal items from the troops. The museum also has a library with over 10,000 books and documents on Cuban history and politics.
• Cigar Shops and Factories: Little Havana is famous for its hand-rolled cigars. Step into one of the many cigar shops like El Titan de Bronze and watch the artisans roll cigars right before your eyes. It’s a fascinating process and a great place to buy an authentic souvenir.
• Cuban Coffee Culture: No visit to Little Havana is complete without experiencing the Cuban coffee ritual. Go to a “ventanita” (little window) at a local cafe and order a cafecito (a strong, sweet espresso shot) or a colada (a larger portion meant for sharing). It’s a quick, social and essential part of the local daily routine. 
• Botanicas: You’ll see shops called botanicas. These stores sell herbs, religious artifacts and spiritual items associated with Santeria, a syncretic religion with West African and Catholic influences deeply rooted in Cuban culture.

Authentic Cuban Food

Little Havana is a foodie’s paradise with countless restaurants serving up authentic Cuban dishes. Here’s a list of must-visit places for Cuban sandwiches, ropa vieja, roasted pork, and more:

• El Cristo Restaurant: 1543 SW 8th St, Miami, FL 33135
• Versailles Restaurant: 3555 SW 8th St, Miami, FL 33135 (A classic and highly recommended spot!)
• Doce Provisions: 541 SW 12th Ave, Miami, FL 33130
• La Carreta: 3632 SW 8th St, Miami, FL 33135
• La Segunda Bakery: 401 SW 12th Ave, Miami, FL 33130 (Perfect for pastries and coffee)
• Old’s Havana Cuban Bar & Cocina: 1442 SW 8th St, Miami, FL 33135
• Havana 1957: 1451 S Miami Ave, Miami, FL 33130
• Azucar Ice Cream Company: 1503 SW 8th St, Miami, FL 33135 (Don’t miss their unique Cuban-inspired ice cream flavors!)

Little Havana After Dark: Nightlife

As the sun sets, Little Havana comes alive.

• Cubaocho Museum & Performing Arts Center: This unique venue is a museum, art gallery, and nightclub. A local institution you must visit.
• Ball & Chain: A historic bar with live music, creative cocktails and great atmosphere.
• Hoy Como Ayer: Live Cuban music and dancing, an authentic experience.
• The Ballroom at the Cuban Civic Club: Often hosts special events and performances.
• Cafe La Trova: Incredible live music, delicious cocktails, and fantastic ambiance, often with bartenders who double as performers.
• The Corner: Late-night bites and drinks. Bars, restaurants, and nightclubs are everywhere in Little Havana. Whether you like lively Latino music, Caribbean cocktails, historic venues, or an intimate atmosphere, you’ll find it here.

Plan Your Visit & Bonus Tips

• Best Time to Visit: Little Havana is good year-round. Mornings are less crowded for sightseeing, and evenings are lively. Be aware of Miami’s hot and humid summers (June-September), though indoor attractions will be a respite.
• Walkability: Once you’re on Calle Ocho everything is walkable.
• Budget: Little Havana has options for all budgets. You can enjoy affordable and delicious Cuban coffee and pastries or splurge on a full meal and cocktails. Souvenirs vary in price.
• Language: While English is widely spoken, knowing a few basic Spanish phrases will be appreciated by locals and will enhance your experience.
• Dress Code: Casual attire is fine for Little Havana.
• Safety: Little Havana is safe for tourists. As with any urban area, be aware of your surroundings, especially at night, and keep an eye on your belongings.

The easiest and most comfortable way to explore Little Havana or even get from Miami to Palm Beach is with Driven Miami. Hire a local driver who is an area expert and choose between point-to-point rides or hourly chauffeur service to explore at your own pace.