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

Miami is famous for many things, including Art Deco architecture, beautiful beaches, sunny weather, pool parties, cruises, nightlife, food, and Everglades. This time we’ll focus on the city’s cultural heritage, more precisely the Cuban culture of the Miami neighborhood of Little Havana, where you can discover the culture, food, art, and music.

Contact Driven Miami and get a chauffeur service from any part of the Miami metro area to Little Havana. Here are some of the most interesting places you should visit:

Calle Ocho

Start from the main street in the neighborhood, Calle Ocho, also known as Eight Street. You’ll find everything from art galleries, cafes, restaurants, souvenirs, clothes, and authentic Cuban food. After finishing your delicious Cuban sandwich or empanada, take a little walk and check out the nearby street art installations and murals. Calle Ocho is packed with live music venues, so if you love salsa or merengue, you’ll have plenty of fun.

Calle Ocho’s Walk of Fame is probably one of the most popular local attractions besides the local nightlife and Carnival Miami. You’ll find many Latin American celebrities, like Gloria Estefan and Celia Cruz. 

The Carnaval Miami, a week-long celebration of Latin American culture, is held every March on Calle Ocho. Live music, dancing performances, a beauty competition, and a street market are all part of the event. It’s a fantastic time to take in Little Havana’s energy and Latin American culture.

Cuba Ocho Art Museum

In the center of Little Havana, there is a special cultural attraction called the Cuba Ocho Art Museum. The museum is located in a renovated historic structure that was formerly a cigar factory and now houses the creations of Cuban artists. Over 1,000 works of art, from the 1800s to the present, including paintings, sculptures, and photos, are housed in the museum’s collection.

Hire a private car service from Miami Airport, FLL, or PBI, and explore Little Havana with local area experts.

Domino Park

This tiny park is a favorite meeting point for Little Havana’s elders who enjoy playing dominos. The place is also known as Maximo Gomez Park. There’s not much to do there, but you can experience an authentic Cuban pastime seeing locals enjoying another hot Miami day, and then check out countless local cafes, cigar shops, and restaurants.

Local Nightlife

The Cubaocho Museum & Performing Arts Center is a distinctive place that combines a museum, art gallery, and nightclub. You have to stop by this iconic local spot. Other must-visit places in the area are Ball & Chain, Hoy Como Ayer, The Ballroom at the Cuban Civic Club, Cafe La Trova, and The Corner. Bars, restaurants, and nightclubs are on every corner, and whether you’re into Latino music, Caribbean cocktails, historic venues, or an intimate atmosphere, you’ll find it in Little Havana.

Bay of Pigs Museum and Library

Another interesting cultural landmark in Little Havana is the Bay of Pigs Museum and Library. Learn about the Bay of Pigs invasion, a failed military operation that attempted to bring down the Cuban government in 1961. Weapons, uniforms, and other military accessories from the invasion, as well as the troops’ private items, are available for visitors to see. A library with more than 10,000 books and documents about Cuban history and politics is another centerpiece of the museum.

Cuban Food

There are plenty of restaurants in Little Havana that serve authentic Cuban food. Driven Miami provided the list of must-visit places for Cuban sandwiches, ropa vieja, roasted pork, and other delicious dishes. Check it out:

      – El Cristo Restaurant: 1543 SW 8th St, Miami, FL 33135

      – Versailles Restaurant: 3555 SW 8th St, Miami, FL 33135

      – 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

      – Old’s Havana Cuban Bar & Cocina: 1442 SW 8th St, Miami, FL 33135

      – Havana 1957: 1451 S Miami Ave, Miami, FL 33130

Bonus Tip

The easiest and the most comfortable transportation service from Miami to Palm Beach is Driven Miami. This private car service allows you to hire a local driver who’s a local area expert. You can choose between point-to-point rides and hourly chauffeur service and explore Little Havana at your pace.