Miami is distinguished by its neighborhoods as diverse as the multicultural population that resides in this subtropical metropolis. From South Beach to the Design District, each sector has its own identity and charms. However, to immerse yourself in the heart of the Magic City, there is nothing like following the aroma of freshly brewed Cuban coffee and the rhythms of pachanga to Little Havana.
“To understand the real Miami, it is essential to visit Little Havana”says Julio Cabrera, the expert bartender and co-founder of Café La Trova, a retro Cuban meeting point in the heart of this emblematic neighborhood.
Recognized as the gateway to Miami for immigrants, starting with Cuban exiles in the 60s and 70s, Little Havana is a working-class neighborhood located west of downtown Miami. Its structure is made up of low houses, apartments, coffee shops, music clubs and open-air fruit markets, extending the length and width of 27 and 24 blocks respectively, with Calle Ocho as its vital artery.
Although communities from Central and South America have been established in recent decades, the Cuban influence remains predominant, evident in every corner of this neighborhood and throughout Miami-Dade County, where a quarter of its 2.7 million residents are born in Cuba or of Cuban descent.
In the nerve center of Little Havana, where cigars are made, dominoes are played and salsa is danced, Spanish dominates conversations, roosters are common pets and even the local McDonald's offers croquettes and McCafecito. Declared a "national treasure" by the National Trust for Historic Preservation, Little Havana is noted for its historical, political, culinary and artistic contributions, as well as its valuable collection of residential and commercial buildings from the early 20th century.
Are you planning to explore the Cuban culture of Miami? Don't miss these 10 essential activities in Little Havana:
- Drink a coffee: At the little windows of Little Havana, enjoy a sweet and strong Cuban coffee, served in tiny cups. You can order it with a little milk (a colada) or in its larger version, café con leche.
- Stroll along Calle Ocho: Start at the Little Havana Visitor Center and explore the Calle Ocho Walk of Fame, where pink marble stars honor famous Latin figures.
- Watch a game of dominoes: At Maximo Gomez Park, known as Domino Park, spend time watching locals play dominoes for hours.
- Take a selfie with the rooster statues: These figures, which adorn various parts of the neighborhood, celebrate its vibrant culture. The ones located in front of the Casa Juancho and La Carreta restaurants stand out especially.
- Explore Cigar Stores: Visit stores like El Titan de Bronze and Cuban Crafters, where you can see expert twisters in action.
- Savor a Cuban smoothie: The Palacio de los Jugos is the ideal place to enjoy a tropical fruit smoothie such as mango, mamey or papaya.
- Eat in a Cuban restaurant: Versailles and La Carreta are obligatory stops where you can try everything from a Cuban sandwich to a ropa Vieja.
- Watch a movie at the Tower Theater: This historic cinema offers a mix of films and cultural activities, many of them focused on the Cuban experience.
- Enjoy a Cuban cocktail: At Café La Trova, experience the creativity of Julio Cabrera, recognized as one of the best bartenders in America.
- Explore Cuban art and music: From the Cubaocho Museum & Performing Arts Center to regular events on Calle Ocho, immerse yourself in Cuba's rich artistic and musical heritage.
Every third Friday of the month, Cultural Fridays transform Calle Ocho into a vibrant celebration of local culture and art, perfect for experiencing the authenticity of Little Havana and its people.
This article is inspired by the original published inVisitFlorida
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