10 things to do in Little Havana: your guide to experiencing Cuban culture in Miami

Miami is distinguished by its neighborhoods as diverse as the multicultural population residing in this subtropical metropolis. From South Beach to the Design District, each area has its own identity and charms. However, to truly immerse yourself in the heart of the Magic City, there’s nothing like following the aroma of freshly brewed Cuban coffee and the rhythms of pachanga to Little Havana.

“To understand the true essence of Miami, visiting Little Havana is essential,” says Julio Cabrera, the expert bartender and co-founder of Café La Trova, a retro Cuban meeting spot in the heart of this iconic neighborhood.

Recognized as the gateway to Miami for immigrants, starting with Cuban exiles in the 1960s and 70s, Little Havana is a working-class neighborhood located west of downtown Miami. Its layout features low-rise houses, apartments, cafés, music clubs, and outdoor fruit markets, spanning 27 and 24 blocks respectively, with Calle Ocho serving as its vital artery.

Although Central and South American communities have established themselves in recent decades, Cuban influence remains predominant, evident on every corner of this neighborhood and throughout Miami-Dade County, where a quarter of its 2.7 million residents are either born in Cuba or of Cuban descent.

In the heart of Little Havana, where cigars are made, dominoes are played, and salsa is danced, Spanish dominates the conversations, roosters are common pets, and even the local McDonald's offers croquetas and McCafecito. Declared a "national treasure" by the National Trust for Historic Preservation, Little Havana stands out for its historical, political, culinary, and artistic contributions, as well as its valuable collection of early 20th-century residential and commercial buildings.

Are you planning to explore the Cuban culture in Miami? Don't miss these 10 essential activities in Little Havana:

• Have a little coffee.In the little cafés of Little Havana, enjoy a sweet and strong Cuban coffee served in tiny cups. You can order it with a bit of milk (a colada) or in its larger version, café con leche.
• Strolling down Calle Ocho:Start at the Little Havana Visitor Center and explore the Walk of Fame on Calle Ocho, where pink marble stars pay tribute to famous Latin figures.
• Watching a game of dominoes:At Maximo Gomez Park, also known as Domino Park, you can spend time watching locals play dominoes for hours.
• Taking a selfie with the rooster statues.These figures, which embellish various spots in the neighborhood, celebrate its vibrant culture. Notably, those located in front of the Casa Juancho restaurant and La Carreta stand out.
• Explore the cigar shops.Visit stores like El Titan de Bronze and Cuban Crafters, where you can watch expert cigar rollers in action.
• Savoring a Cuban shake:El Palacio de los Jugos is the perfect place to enjoy a tropical fruit smoothie, such as mango, mamey, or papaya.
• Dining at a Cuban restaurant:Versailles and La Carreta are must-stop places where you can try everything from a Cuban sandwich to ropa vieja.
• Watching a movie at the Tower Theater:This historic cinema offers a blend of films and cultural activities, many of which focus on the Cuban experience.
• Enjoy a Cuban cocktail:At Café La Trova, experience the creativity of Julio Cabrera, renowned as one of the best bartenders in America.
• Explore Cuban art and music.From the Cubaocho Museum & Performing Arts Center to the regular events on Calle Ocho, immerse yourself in the rich artistic and musical heritage of Cuba.

Every third Friday of the month, Cultural Fridays transform Calle Ocho into a vibrant celebration of local culture and art, making it a perfect opportunity to experience the authenticity of Little Havana and its people.

This article is inspired by the original published on VisitFlorida.

Frequently Asked Questions about Little Havana and Cuban Culture in Miami