Discovering the multifaceted city of Little Havana is like unlocking a hidden treasure. With its bustling streets, spicy Cuban fare, and eclectic live music, there’s something to captivate everybody’s imagination.
Explore the top attractions, soak up the culture like a local, and unlock Little Havana’s magical charm.
Ready to explore? Keep reading to uncover the wonders of Little Havana.
What is Little Havana?
Havana, Cuba, is a place rich in culture and history. The “Little Havana” neighborhood is a great place to experience Cuban culture first-hand. Visitors can enjoy delicious Cuban cuisine, explore vibrant art galleries, and listen to live music.
Little Havana is also home to many famous cigar factories. A visit to one of these factories is a great way to learn about the process of making cigars. cigar-making is an art form that has been passed down through generations in Cuba.
What Is the History of Little Havana?
This vibrant community has a rich history dating back to the early 20th century when it was founded by Cuban immigrants fleeing the dictatorship of Fulgencio Batista.
Since then, Little Havana has grown into a bustling cultural hub known for its delicious food, lively music scene, and vibrant art scene.
Today, tourists from all over the world come to experience the unique flavor of Little Havana.
Best Things to do in Little Havana
Calle Ocho’s Walk of Fame
Experience the vibrant culture of Little Havana by exploring one of its most iconic landmarks: the Calle Ocho Walk of Fame.
Stretching along a colorful stretch of Southwest 8th Street, this walkway is lined with stars and plaques honoring some of Miami’s most influential figures in music, film, and television.
From salsa legends to Latin Grammy winners, visitors can explore the rich history that lies within each star as they meander through this historic neighborhood.
With its festive atmosphere and lively street performers, Calle Ocho is an essential stop for any visitor wanting to immerse themselves in Cuban culture.
Azúcar Ice Cream Company
Little Havana is home to many unique and vibrant attractions, but one of the best experiences you can have while visiting this historic district is a visit to Azucar Ice Cream Company.
This family-owned business serves up deliciously creamy homemade ice cream with flavors inspired by traditional Cuban recipes.
The cozy atmosphere makes it the perfect place for a leisurely afternoon snack or an after-dinner treat. Plus, their selection of vegan options ensures that everyone in your group can enjoy a scoop (or two!) of deliciousness!
Ball and Chain
Little Havana is bursting with energy and culture, and one of the best places to experience it all is Ball & Chain. This iconic venue has been a Miami staple since 1935, serving up live music, delicious cocktails and classic Cuban dishes.
The main attraction at this hotspot is its live music performances – everything from salsa to jazz can be heard here on any given night. The bar also serves up handcrafted drinks made with quality ingredients as well as classic Cuban food like empanadas and croquetas that are sure to satisfy your cravings.
Therefore, for those who want to take in Little Havana’s vibrant ambiance without spending a lot of money, there’s plenty of seating outside where you can relax under the stars while listening to some tunes from inside the club – free entry included!
Ball & Chain offers something unique in Little Havana: an atmosphere full of life that combines old-school charm with a modern vibrancy.
So if you’re looking for some fun during your trip to Miami make sure not to miss out on this historic hot spot!
Little Havana Food and Cultural Tour
Little Havana in Miami is an iconic destination that offers a variety of activities, food, and cultural experiences. One of the most popular attractions is the Little Havana Food & Cultural Tour.
This tour provides travelers with a unique opportunity to sample authentic Cuban cuisine while exploring some of Miami’s most vibrant neighborhoods.
Visitors will have the chance to visit local restaurants and bars as well as experience live music, art galleries, cigar factories, and more! Along their journey, they’ll learn about Cuba’s rich history and culture through interesting stories told by knowledgeable guides.
Whether you’re looking for an immersive experience or want to savor delicious dishes from around the world, this tour promises something for everyone!
Café La Trova
An experience in Little Havana would not be complete without a visit to Café La Trova. This Cuban-style café is a true treasure, offering an unparalleled atmosphere and delicious culinary masterpieces. From its vintage decor to its carefully crafted menu, Cafe La Trova offers something for everyone seeking an authentic Cuban experience.
The cafe is renowned for its live music performances, which feature traditional Latin rhythms and melodies that transport visitors back in time to the era of classic Cuban music. In addition to the live shows, guests can enjoy mouthwatering dishes like empanadas de carne or ropa vieja with their favorite tropical cocktail or beer at the bar.
For those looking for an unforgettable evening out on the town, Café La Trova provides one of Miami’s best options for entertainment and cuisine, all wrapped into one convenient package!
Viernes Cultural
Little Havana is home to a vibrant cultural experience known as Viernes Culturales. Every third Friday of the month, Calle Ocho comes alive with a lively celebration featuring live music and dancing, art displays, food vendors, and more. This event provides an opportunity for locals and visitors alike to engage in the culture of Little Havana in an exciting atmosphere.
As part of Viernes Culturales, visitors can enjoy performances from local artists such as musicians, dancers, and poets. There are also arts and crafts booths selling handmade goods by Cuban-American artisans. Additionally, there will be plenty of delicious Cuban cuisine available for purchase from various vendors throughout the night – so don’t forget to bring your appetite!
The best way to get into the groove at Viernes Culturales is by joining in on one or several traditional dances like salsa or rumba that take place throughout Calle Ocho during this eventful evening!
The Tower Theater
Nestled in the heart of Little Havana, Florida, Tower Theater is a beacon of culture and entertainment.
Opened in 1926 as a movie palace, this historic venue now offers an eclectic array of events ranging from live concerts to film screenings.
From award-winning films like Roma or The Godfather Part II to renowned performers such as Eddie Palmieri’s salsa band or Los Lobos’ rock en español group La Bamba de Cielo Azul –Tower Theatre provides something for everyone. Every performance at Tower Theatre pays homage to Cuban artists and movies from across Latin America with its elaborate decor showcasing vintage posters and unique props from decades past.
Moreover, visitors can also take part in special events such as art galleries featuring local artists or educational programs discussing Miami’s diverse Latino culture through music and dance workshops held by experts on the topic. Whether attending a show for fun or seeking an enlightening cultural experience—Tower Theatre is sure to provide an unforgettable evening out!
La Casa de los Trucos
La Casa de los Trucos is a must-see destination for tourists and locals alike. From handcrafted souvenirs to traditional cigars and even live music performances, there’s something here for everyone.
The shop itself is a cozy place full of unique trinkets that will remind you of Cuba no matter where you are from. The walls are adorned with colorful flags representing different provinces as well as picturesque scenes from across the country’s towns and cities. It’s easy to get lost wandering around admiring all the items on sale – handmade dolls, musical instruments, and religious artifacts among them – but that’s part of what makes La Casa de los Trucos so special!
Maximo Gomez Park
Máximo Gómez Park is a haven for locals and visitors alike. This vibrant spot offers a plethora of activities to enjoy, from lively cultural celebrations to leisurely strolls around its lush gardens.
At Máximo Gómez Park, there’s something for everyone. Visitors can explore the park’s many green spaces and engage with its colorful art installations while taking in views of downtown Miami across Biscayne Bay. Locals often gather at the park on weekends for dance classes and live music performances that showcase their Cuban heritage and celebrate their culture through song and dance.
The park also features plenty of recreational activities like basketball courts, playgrounds, picnic areas with grills perfect for barbecues or family gatherings, as well as a memorial honoring Cuban independence hero Máximo Gómez himself.
The Futurama 1637 Art Building
Futurama 1637 Art Building is a must-see destination for any visitor to the neighborhood.
Located on SW 8th Street, this art building houses dozens of galleries and studios where artists display their works.
The building’s unique architecture captures the spirit of its surroundings with colorful murals adorning its exterior walls.
Inside you’ll find displays from some of Miami’s most talented creatives as well as workshops hosted by local organizations aimed at educating visitors about Latin American culture through visual art forms, including photography and film screenings.
There are also regular events, such as live music performances held in the courtyard space outside, making it an ideal spot for people-watching or just taking a break from exploring all that Little Havana has to offer.
Manuel Artime Theater
A visit to Little Havana wouldn’t be complete without a stop at the Manuel Artime Theater. This historic theater is one of the city’s most popular attractions. With its grand stage, ornate ceiling, and captivating performances, it has become a favorite destination for locals and visitors alike.
The theater was built in 1927 by renowned Cuban-American architect Manuel Artime. Its classical design features marble columns, intricate stonework, and an impressive balcony with breathtaking views of downtown Miami and Biscayne Bay beyond.
The venue hosts some of South Florida’s best concerts as well as theatrical productions ranging from traditional Spanish dramas to contemporary musicals about Cuban culture and history.
Visitors can also enjoy lectures by prominent artists or sample classic Cuban dishes at the on-site restaurant before or after shows start rolling in this iconic landmark theatre from day into night.
Versailles
Little Havana’s Versailles restaurant is a must-visit for any traveler. This Cuban eatery has been serving up delicious dishes since 1971. With its elegant yet cozy atmosphere and authentic Cuban cuisine, Versailles offers guests an unforgettable experience they won’t soon forget.
The menu includes classic dishes like ropa vieja and arroz con Pollo, plus plenty of other traditional favorites that will tantalize your taste buds. And if you’re looking to enjoy some live entertainment with your meal, there are always musicians playing lively Latin tunes while you dine!
The Bay of Pigs Museum
Little Havana’s Bay of Pigs Museum is a must-see for anyone interested in learning about Cuba’s history.
Located on Calle Ocho, the museum offers visitors a glimpse into the failed 1961 US-backed attempt to overthrow Fidel Castro’s revolutionary government. The museum offers interactive displays, an immersive theater experience, and even an original B-26 bomber used during the invasion – all designed to help educate visitors about this pivotal piece of Cuban history.
See how cigars are made at El Titan de Bronze
Not only can visitors explore the traditional Cuban craftsmanship that goes into making premium cigars, but they can also witness the meticulous process of hand-rolling cigars from start to finish.
At El Titan de Bronze, guests are taken on an educational journey through each step in the creation of handcrafted tobacco products. From selecting quality wrappers and fillers to carefully rolling and aging finished cigars in cedar-lined cabinets.
The knowledgeable guides provide an immersive experience delving into Cuban culture and sharing stories about the history behind this unique art form.
After their tour, guests leave with a deeper appreciation for how skillfully made these signature smokes really are!
Catch a game at Marlins Park
For locals and visitors alike, Marlins Park in Little Havana is an ideal destination for a fun-filled day. This iconic baseball stadium, home to the Miami Marlins, offers various activities that bring crowds of people together each year.
The ballpark itself features state-of-the-art amenities such as spacious seating areas and high-definition video boards that show live game action from all angles. Plus, guests can visit the onsite concessions stands for snacks or grab a cold beer from one of several bars located throughout the venue.
When attending a game at Marlins Park, fans are treated to stunning views of downtown Miami’s skyline, which creates an unforgettable experience during night games, especially when fireworks go off after every home run!
For those looking for additional entertainment outside baseball games, there’s also plenty more to do within its confines, including visiting The Clemente Museum, where interactive exhibits allow visitors to explore Roberto Clemente’s life and legacy while also getting insight into Cuban culture through various artifacts dedicated by his family members over time .
In addition, Little Havana provides many other attractions close by, like historical sites such as Revolution Square or restaurants serving up delicious Cuban dishes like Ropa Vieja – making it easy to make your trip even more memorable!
Enjoy the city!
If you find yourself in Little Havana, there are a few things you should do to make the most of your experience.
While you’re in Little Havana, take some time to relax at one of the area’s many parks. Domino Park is a popular spot where locals gather to play dominoes and listen to music.
As you can see, there is a lot to do in Little Havana! Whether you want to learn about the history of the area or just enjoy some traditional Cuban food and culture, there’s something for everyone. So what are you waiting for?