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Miami is widely famous for being a growing mosaic of cultures. And Little Havana is the perfect destination for travellers to understand the rich diversity that makes the city such a magical place.

In the past years, tourists from all over the world have been discovering this “national treasure neighborhood”, originally home to thousands of Cuban exiles, who infused it with vibrancy and joy, transforming it into a must-visit destination that today has evolved with influences from Central, South America, and other Caribbean nations.

Little Havana Tours® is the original tour operator to offer daily public and private tours to guide you in discovering its rich history and traditions. Led by a team of expert guides, join us on a variety of tours that touch on history, politics, food, art, music, cigars, coffee, and much more!

Choose our daily public tour in the heart of Calle Ocho for an introduction to the history and cultural traditions. Begin with a stroll down Memorial boulevard; visit a fresh fruit marketplace and Cuban bakery; enter a cigar shop to watch tobacco leaves hand rolled into fine cigars; sip Cuban coffee and savor flavorful food.

Discover even more by choosing a private tour with customizable à la carte options that cater to your preferences. Escape the tourist crowds and immerse yourself in engaging conversations with Bay of Pigs survivors. Treat yourself to authentic local dining experiences, delight in a variety of ethnic cuisines, savor a hand-rolled cigar if it sparks your interest, pair it with a selection of rums, or experience the best Cuban mojito in North America!

Something for Everyone

Little Havana Cultural Walking Tour *

Little havana cultural walking & food tour*.

* 10 am start time most popular for cooler temperatures in summer, less tourist crowds in winter, and most authentic experience

Specialty Tours

Starting at $75, cigar & rum tasting experience, starting at $120.

To inquire or book a specialty tour, please contact us directly via email [email protected] ‬ .

Celebrate with Us

Little Havana Tours offers boutique-style service for small and large groups. Whether you are celebrating a birthday, bachelor/bachelorette party, anniversary, family gathering, or planning a team building activity, corporate event, or academic experience, Little Havana Tours offers custom-tailored solutions for a memorable event.

Select from a diverse range of à la carte options to personalize and enhance your tour. Whether you require adjustments to the timeframe, have dietary restrictions, or any other specific needs, our dedicated support team will assist you in designing the perfect experience tailored precisely to your requirements.

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NewYorkGuy12

Miami, Florida: Little Havana Self-Guided Walking Tour

See the major cultural and historic sites on the main strip of calle ocho..

• United States

Miami, Florida 33135, United States

Created By: M-DCPS

Tour Information

Check out some of the more popular cultural and historic sites along the main strip of Calle Ocho (8th Street).

What You'll See on the Tour

Ball & chain, azucar ice cream company, cubaocho museum & performing arts center, the house of costumes / la casa de los trucos, bay of pigs monument, coral way k-8 center, pedro pan manument (monument location is approximate- it's in front of coral way k-8), walk of fame, maximo gomez park- domino park, tower theater, el exquisito, leave a comment, download the app, download the pocketsights tour guide mobile app to take this self-guided tour on your gps-enabled mobile device..

Updates and Corrections

Please send change requests to [email protected].

Little Havana Miami : The Perfect 1 Day Itinerary

Posted on Last updated: February 14, 2023

You can’t visit Miami without spending a day in the colorful and rich in culture latino dominated neighbourhood of Little Havana!

Located about a 25 minute drive from South Beach, Little Havana makes for the perfect day trip if you’re visiting the area.

It is definitely best to plan for a full day in Little Havana because there’s just so much to see and do here!

This historic neighbourhood will give you a glimpse into the heart of Cuba, from the culture, to the architecture, art, history, music and of course the food.

If you’re planning on visiting Miami soon and looking to spend a day in Little Havana, this guide is for you!

Before we get started, if you’re headed to Miami you might also want to check out these posts:

• Is Little Havana Safe for Tourists?
• Best things to do in Miami
• The Perfect 3 Days in Miami Itinerary
• The Perfect 4 Days in Miami Itinerary
• Where to stay in South Beach, Miami
• Best Restaurants in South Beach
• Most instagrammable places in Miami
• 13 Most Instagrammable Places in Palm Beach
• What to pack for a Florida vacation
• Disney World photography guide

And I’ve also created a free printable checklist for you with all of Miami’s top activities, attractions and sights so you can keep track and be sure you don’t miss anything during your trip!

Now, onto the guide of how to spend a perfect day in Little Havana, Miami!

Where is Little Havana in Miami?

Little Havana is located about a 25 minute drive from South Beach and just west of downtown Miami.

The neighborhood of Little Havana is bordered by Douglas street on the west side and SW 4th Ave and the Miami River to the east.

The northern part of Little Havana stops at NW 20th Street, and the southern side runs along SW 16th St and SW 11th St.

Location details for Little Havana, Miami here

However, although these are the parameters of the entire neighborhood of Little Havana, most tourists visiting Little Havana will stay along the famous strip of Calle Ocho and in the Cuban Quarter.

The Cuban Quarter (which is the main area of Calle Ocho) with the most things to see and do runs between 13th and 17th.

This is where you will spend more of your time!

How to Get Around Little Havana

Most of Little Havana is super walkable so you can easily get around on foot.

If it’s your first time visiting the area I definitely recommend booking a walking tour so you can really get the most out of your experience!

One of the highest rated walking tours you can do of Little Havana is  the Little Havana Food & Walking Tour  which is rated 5 stars and has almost 4000 people who have rated it!

You’ll quickly realize why this is such an amazing tour and totally worth it.

On the  Little Havana Food & Walking tour  you’ll get to not only learn all about Little Havana, it’s rich history and culture, but also get to stop at some of the best family-owned Cuban restaurants in the area!

You’ll get to try the most mouthwatering Cuban food including guava pastries, chicken plantain cups, flan cups, and many more!

This is the best way to really immerse yourself in everything that Little Havana has to offer.

Do you have to speak Spanish in Little Havana?

Although Little Havana is the Cuban area of Miami, and the locals here do speak Spanish with each other, you do not need to be able to speak Spanish to enjoy visiting Little Havana.

Many of the locals speak English, especially at the local restaurants, bars, and shops.

If you are concerned about not speaking Spanish in Little Havana I highly recommend booking yourself in for the Authentic Little Havana Food and Culture Tour so that you can tour the area with an english speaking guide.

Although this is not necessary, it will give you the chance to learn all the incredible history and about Cuban culture which really helps you get the most out of your visit.

Regardless though, we did not have any issues speaking only english when we visited, and found the locals to be very friendly!

Where to Stay When Visiting Little Havana

Since you only really need a day in Little Havana I don’t think it’s necessary to stay in a hotel nearby.

We stayed in at the Marriott Stanton South Beach (which we LOVED) and took an Uber here for the day which worked out perfectly.

I definitely recommend staying in South Beach to get the most out of your time in Miami, and you can see my South Beach hotel guide here!

The History of Miami’s Little Havana

First let’s start off with a little history about Little Havana.

Cubans began migrating to Miami in the 1950’s but the real surge started happening when Castro came into power.

By the 1960’s this area of Miami was dominated by the latino community and it therefore gained it’s name of Little Havana!

Today Miami has a large latino population, but it’s in Little Havana where you’ll get a real taste of latin culture.

If you’re wondering if Little Havana is safe check out this post. Hopefully it will answer all your questions about the safety of this neighborhood!

Best Things to do in 1 Day in Little Havana

Now onto the guide and 1 day itinerary for Little Havana!

Start your Day with Breakfast (or Lunch) at the Versailles Restaurant

Address: 3555 SW 8th St

There’s no better way to truly experience another culture than through the food!

If you’re not doing Authentic Little Havana Food and Culture Tour than I definitely recommend starting your day at the Versailles restaurant .

The Versailles cafe, restaurant, and bakery has been open since 1971 and is a well known spot in Little Havana for Cubans and tourists alike.

Whether you prefer starting your day early or late, I definitely recommend starting the day at Versailles.

At Versailles you’ll get a truly authentic Cuban cuisine experience that you definitely won’t regret.

Versailles was the #1 recommended Cuban restaurant in not only Little Havana but all of Miami, so we knew we couldn’t miss it.

When we asked locals because of just how authentic it is. When we got there we could definitely see why!

The large restaurant alone seats up to 370 people and gets PACKED at lunchtime.

We arrived at 11:30am and were lucky enough to get a seat right away. By noon the line went out the door and all the way down the parking lot!

An even better indicator though of what a fantastically authentic restaurant it is is the fact that the majority of the people dining were Cubans themselves.

You know a Cuban restaurant is good when it’s all Cubans eating there.

Then pop next door to La Ventanita, the bakery shop portion of Versailles!

On the side of the restaurant is La Ventanita, the little takeaway window and bakery shop of Versailles.

You’ll always see locals lingering around the counter here enjoying authentic café cubano, Versailles’ famous guava pastries, empanadas and other treats.

The neatest part about these takeaway windows? There are no seats and locals just stand at the counter enjoying their coffee!

By the way, urban legend has it that Versailles is where Cuban exiles used to go to plot against Fidel Castro.

For decades, Versailles has been a gathering point for anti-Castro protestors and for the press wanting to cover their opinions.

It’s also where many presidents, governors, legislators, mayors and the like have come to attempt to get the Cuban vote. Because of this it’s had a lot of political importance!

Location details for Versailles here

After brunching or lunching at Versailles it’s time to head back East to the heart of Calle Ocho… aka. the Cuban Quarter! This is by far the most famous street of Little Havana, Miami.

Explore Little Havana’s Walk of Fame on Calle Ocho

Address: SW 8th St

Calle Ocho (Eighth Street) is the centre of Cuban life & culture in Little Havana, Miami.

In fact, if you remember the song “I Know You Want Me” by Pitbull he sings about this very spot!

Calle Ocho itself is quite long. However, the Cuban Quarter (main area of Calle Ocho) with the most things to see and do runs between 13th and 17th.

Start by taking a walk along the Walk of Fame which is Little Havana’s version of the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

The Walk of Fame features many prominent and affluential celebrities in Latin Culture.. think musicians and telenovela stars!

Follow the pink stars and see if you can spot any names you recognize, including mr. Pitbull himself.

Learn how to make a hand rolled Cuban Cigar at one of Little Havana’s Cigar Shops

If you like to indulge in a cigar or two every now and then (or know someone who does!) pop into one of the Cuban Cigar shops.

There you can learn how to make a hand rolled Cuban Cigar yourself!

There are plenty of Cigar shops to visit along Calle Ocho but the #1 based on my research is Cuba Tobacco Cigar Co . Although here you will only be able to watch the cigars being made.

If you are booked into the Little Havana Food & Wine Tour you’ll get to visit one of the local cigar shops and learn how to make your own cigar!

Location details for Cuba Tobacco Cigar Co. here

Check out Domino Park

Address: 801 SW 15th Ave

Maximo Gomez Park, also known as Domino Park is an absolute must see while in Miami’s Little Havana.

The park was named after famous soldier Maximo Gomez who fought for Cuban independence from Spain.

Dominoes is a very popular game in Cuba, so of course it’s a major pass time in Little Havana.

At Domino park you’ll see groups of local and smartly dressed older men (mostly) and women playing intense games of dominoes and smoking on Cuban Cigars.

It’s such a sight to see and it’s packed every day of the week.

Watch some of the action or just enjoy a stroll around the area before heading for ice cream across the street at Azucar.

Location details for Maximo Gomez Park here

Stop for Ice Cream at Azucar Ice Cream

Address: 1503 SW 8th St

You’re probably feeling a little peckish after strolling around Calle Ocho so it’s the perfect time to stop for some authentic Cuban ice cream!

The incredibly popular Azucar is just across the street from Domino Park in Little Havana, Miami.

Rated 4.5 on Google, Azucar is arguably the best ice cream in Miami.

It features both traditional and modern ice cream in all sorts of flavours.

The facade of Azucar also happens to be super instagrammable.

How can you not want to stop here for a photo!

Location details for Azucar here

Head to Ball & Chain for Live Music and Cocktails

Address: 1513 SW 8th St

Next door to Azucar is Ball & Chain which is one of Calle Ocho’s most lively and energetic bars and lounges.

Catch some live latin music here performed on their outdoor stage (that’s shaped like a giant pineapple!) and sip on some cocktails while you soak up the sun or dance the night away.

This was by far one of my favourite stops in Little Havana. I could have spent all afternoon on their back patio listening to music!

Location details for Ball & Chain here

Catch a movie at Little Havana’s Iconic Tower Theatre

Address: 1508 SW 8th St

If you don’t feel like dancing the night away at Ball & Chain why not catch a film across the street at the historic Tower Theatre ?

Built in 1926 the Tower Theatre used to be where Cuban immigrants would gather to learn english by watching Spanish movies with subtitles.

To this day Tower Theatre still plays Spanish movies with English subtitles and you can check the Tower Theatre website here before you go to see what’s playing.

Location details for Tower Theatre here

What to keep in mind when visiting Little Havana in Miami…

It is important to keep in mind when visiting Little Havana that while it is really neat to see and experience the Latin culture there this is in fact many people’s homes.

We must always respect the places we visit, the people that inhabit them, and their culture and way of life.

Although Little Havana has become a highly visited tourist “attraction” it is more importantly the home of many and needs to be treated as such.

Final Thoughts

I hope you all enjoyed my 1 day itinerary for Little Havana in Miami!

It’s such a fun, colorful and vibrant place to visit that’s so full of culture.

Have you ever visited Little Havana?

Visiting Florida sometime soon? Check out these posts you might enjoy!

• Best Things to do in Miami – Miami Travel Guide
• Best Restaurants in South Beach – Restaurant Guide
• Where to Stay in South Beach – Miami Hotel Guide
• 21 Fun Things to do in Key West Florida
• Florida Packing Guide: What to pack for a trip to Florida
• Affordable & Flattering Swimsuits for any Beach Vacation
• Top Disney World Photo Spots: How to get the Perfect Photo at Disney

Be sure to keep up with me on Instagram , Pinterest , TikTok and Facebook if you aren’t already!

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Love Kirsten

Saturday 29th of May 2021

Love this list! Except you can’t make your own cigars (at least at Cuba Tobacco Cigar Co), you can only watch the staff.

Kirsten Wendlandt

Tuesday 8th of June 2021

Hi Leanne, Thank you so much for correcting that little detail for me! I will edit the post. Much appreciated :)

Arielle Kurtze

Sunday 21st of June 2020

Love this! I have friends going to visit Miami next year and will definitely forward your post to them. Thanks for sharing!

Saturday 20th of June 2020

This neighborhood looks so colorful! I love those kind of vibrant places! Thanks for all the tips Kirsten!

I love how colourful your photos are! Gorgeous!

I love this post! Learning how to make cigars is so cool, and your photos (and outfits) are beautiful ?

Little Havana Food and Cultural Tour

South beach, miami, food and art deco tour, wynwood food and street art tour, miami design district walking food tour.

• Corporate Groups
• Family & Friends
• Bachelorette Parties
• Birthday Parties

An Immersive Cuban Food Tour in Miami

Little Havana Food and Cultural Tour Highlights

¡Mojitos, Cubanos, and so much more! Our tasting menu serves a full meal, so come hungry!

• Taste the best Cubano — you won't find a better one!
• Enjoy a real Mojito cocktail.
• Take a bite out of a juicy and delicious picadillo empanada.
• Sip authentic Cuban coffee at a walk-up ventanita .
• Sample a delectable Cuban pastry like a pastelito de guayaba .
• Enjoy fresh-pressed guarapo juice at a generations-old frutería .
• Treat your taste buds to a crispy, fluffy churro .

Between food tastings, we make several stops to learn about the rich art, history, and culture of Miami’s famed Cuban comunidad - and visit a cigar factory to watch an expert tocedor roll the highest quality cigars.

Do you want the Little Havana Food and Cultural Tour experience on an exclusive basis for a private group, corporate event, or bachelorette party? Find out more about our private food tours in Miami!

Frequently Asked Questions

What restaurants do you visit.

The Little Havana food tour visits multiple top-rated restaurants and eateries from our partners list below. The stops may change as a result of repeat customers but all tastings served are enough for a full meal and are included in the ticket price.

El Pub Restaurant

Whether you're a fan of traditional Cuban cuisine or simply looking to explore new flavors, El Pub's empanadas are sure to please your palate. Their commitment to quality ingredients and authentic recipes ensures that each empanada delivers an explosion of flavor that will transport you straight to the streets of Havana.

Salao Restaurant

Salao restaurant, located in the vibrant neighborhood of Little Havana, offers a delightful culinary experience with its authentic and delectable cuisine. Nestled in the heart of Miami, Salao is a hidden gem that showcases the rich flavors and traditions of Cuban gastronomy.

In the 1980s, a young couple named Olga and Juan Montano discovered their true passion and embarked on a mission to create authentic Latin treats that would transport people back to their roots. Their commitment to quality ingredients and time-honored techniques quickly gained recognition within the local community.

Cubata Restaurant

The restaurant's cozy and welcoming atmosphere adds to the overall charm, making it a perfect spot for an unforgettable dining experience of authentic Cuban cuisine. Prepare your taste buds for a culinary journey that will transport you straight to the heart of Havana.

La Ventanita

La Ventanita, a gathering place for Café Cubano, holds a special place in the hearts of Cuban and Cuban-Americans. This iconic Cuban-style coffee, also known as colada, has become a beloved tradition passed down through the generations. La Ventanita serves as the perfect spot to indulge in this rich and flavorful beverage while soaking up the vibrant atmosphere.

Ball and Chain

As you step into the world-famous Ball & Chain, you are transported back in time to an era filled with vibrant music, lively dancing, and the spirit of old Havana. While savoring the delectable Cuban tapas, you can truly appreciate the stories that this establishment has witnessed over the years.

Los Pinarenos Fruteria

This neighborhood fruit stand is a vibrant hub for fresh produce and tropical-inspired handmade smoothies and fresh-squeezed juices. Not only does Los Pinarenos offer an opportunity to support local farmers and businesses, but it also allows you to experience authentic Cuban flavors without having to travel far.

La Churreria

The crispy exterior, generously dusted with cinnamon-sugar, gives way to a soft and doughy interior that is simply heavenly. Popular in Cuba, these cinnamon-sugar coated deep-fried pastries have become a beloved treat for Little Havana locals and beyond.

Meeting point and parking information?

Meeting Point: Tower Theater at 1508 SW 8th St; Miami, FL 33135

Parking: Behind Maximo Gomez Domino Park on SW 8th Street and 15th Ave. If the parking lot is full, additional metered parking can be found along SW 8th Street and at the nearby residential streets.

Do you accommodate food restrictions?

Our Public Tours Can Accommodate:

• Vegetarians
• No chicken 
• Lactose intolerant: Disclosure: Since Miami Culinary Tours does not control the food preparation at the restaurants, we cannot guarantee that cross-contamination won't occur.
• Gluten-free: We do our best to accommodate gluten-free diets but please note that some of the stops do not always have substitutions. Disclosure: Since Miami Culinary Tours does not control the food preparation at the restaurants, we cannot guarantee that cross-contamination won't occur. 

Our Public Tours Can't Accommodate:

• Food allergies: Let your guide know if you have any allergies so she/he can warn you about which foods to avoid. Our tours are not suitable for people with severe or life-threatening food allergies. Disclosure: Since Miami Culinary Tours does not control the food preparation at the restaurants, we cannot guarantee that cross-contamination won't occur. 
• Vegan diets.

Where can we store our luggage?

Our tours are conducted on foot, so we don't have a place to store luggage, and restaurants don't want to be responsible.

Check out Luggage Hero at https://luggagehero.com

What is your cancellation policy?

You can cancel and get a full refund up to 24 hours prior to the tour. We do not accept cancellations by phone, they must be in writing for our mutual records. No refunds are granted for cancellations within 24 hours from tour start time as your space is guaranteed at the tour.

How much walking there is and what should I wear?

The Little Havana walking tour is approximately half a mile with plenty of stops to rest. Wear comfortable shoes and clothing. 

What happens if it rains?

We tour rain or shine. Please have your group bring umbrellas or ponchos if it is announced to rain. Tour guides carry a few emergency ponchos. 

In the rare event that we must cancel the tour due to a tropical storm or severe weather conditions, you will receive a full refund.

OVER 20,000 5-STAR REVIEWS

The Original Little Havana Food and Cultural Tour

Over the years, our Little Havana food tour has received some amazing recognition, being named the #1 food tour in Miami, and winning a spot on TripAdvisor’s Top 10 Experiences in the World four years in a row. 

While the accolades are incredibly gratifying, the most rewarding part for me is the lasting partnerships and lifelong friends I’ve made among the wonderful people who run the local businesses and restaurants we feature on the tour. 

I can’t wait to introduce you to them, and to this singular community who make up the beating heart of this city I love so much.

Our most popular tour regularly sells out!

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Things to do in little havana: your guide for cuban miami.

By Jodi Mailander Farrell

Miami  neighborhoods are as different as the multicultural people who live in this subtropical metropolis, where waves of immigration and history leave their watermark street to street.

From South Beach, Wynwood and Coconut Grove to Little Haiti, Overtown and the Design District, Miami is an ethnic archipelago, with each island-like neighborhood possessing its own personality and pleasures.

But if you want to experience the Magic City’s syncopated heart then follow the aroma of fresh-brewed  café Cubano  and the rhythms of  pachanga  to  Little Havana .

“If you want to know the real Miami, you must go to Little Havana,” says Julio Cabrera, the classically-trained  cantinero , or bartender, who co-founded Café La Trova, a retro Cuban hot spot in the heart of Little Havana.

“When you come to Miami, if don’t have a guava  pastelito , a cigar and a mojito in Little Havana then you haven’t visited Miami.”

Long recognized as Miami’s welcome mat for immigrants, starting with Cuban exiles in the 1960s and ’70s, Little Havana is a storied working-class neighborhood just west of downtown Miami. Its low-rise homes and apartments, coffee windows, music clubs and open-air fruit markets stretch 27 blocks long and 24 blocks wide, with Southwest 8 th  Street – better known as Calle Ocho – as its hustling artery.

In recent decades, newcomers from Central and South America have settled in Little Havana, most notably Nicaraguans, who have established  fritangas  (cafeteria-style restaurants), and even named a street after Nicaraguan poet Ruben Dario. But the Cuban imprint remains strong – here and  throughout Miami-Dade County , where a quarter of the 2.7 million residents was born in Cuba and another 500,000 are of Cuban descent.

In the cigar-making, domino-playing, salsa-dancing hub of Little Havana, Spanish is the language of choice, roosters are pets, and the local McDonald’s serves  croquetas  and McCafecito. Declared a “national treasure” by the National Trust for Historic Preservation, Little Havana is known for its historical, political, culinary and artistic contributions, as well as its architecturally valuable collection of early 20th century homes and commercial buildings.

Want to explore Miami Cuban-ity? Incorporate at least a few of these experiences into a visit to Little Havana…

Drink a  Cafecito

Thimble-sized cups of Cuban coffee, sweet and strong, fuel Miami. Stop by one of Little Havana’s many walk-up windows, or  ventanitas,  to sip one from a small plastic cup or down it like a shot. Add a little milk by ordering a  colada  or go big with hot steamed milk in a  café con leche,  the Latin version of a  latte . Counter the caffeine buzz with warm  croquetas , Cuban bread or a classic guava-and-cheese  pastelito . The neighborhood’s most iconic coffee counter is at  Versailles Restaurant , a Cuban exile gathering spot since 1971. Exuberant crowds gathered outside here to bang pots and pans after Fidel Castro died in 2016. Other popular coffee stops include  Los Pinareños Fruteria , a family-run fruit market;  El Pub , where the statue of a six-foot rooster guards the entrance; and  La Carreta , a beloved local Cuban chain restaurant.

In Maximo Gomez Park, better known as Domino Park, watch older locals gather at tables to slap down dominoes all day.

- Patrick Farrell

Stroll Calle Ocho

Little Havana’s main drag is walkable. Start at the Little Havana Visitor Center, 1600 SW 8 th  St., where there are maps, a new self-guided tour and news about upcoming events. Look down between 12 th  and 17 th  avenues to see the Calle Ocho Walk of Fame, where more than 20 pink marble sidewalk stars recognize famous Latin figures with ties to South Florida, including Celia Cruz, Gloria Estefan, Thalia, Pablo Raúl Alarcón and Willy Chirino.  Cuban Memorial Plaza , at Southwest 13th Avenue, is home to a half-dozen monuments and an eternal flame for those who fought for Cuban independence. In Maximo Gomez Park, better known as  Domino Park , watch older locals gather at tables to slap down dominoes all day. Hire a local expert for insights via a Little Havana  cultural walking and food tour  or a HistoryMiami  Little Havana History & Culture Walk . Make sure you snag a selfie with one of the neighborhood’s fiberglass rooster statues, which started popping up in 2002 to celebrate Little Havana’s culture. Favorites include the one dressed as a bullfighter next to a hen in front of  Casa Juancho  restaurant, 2436 SW 8 th  St., and the one sporting a Cuban flag in front of  La Carreta , 3632 SW 8 th  St.

Calle Ocho is home to an array of family-owned cigar shops specializing in small batch, hand-rolled cigars, including El Titan de Bronze, Cuban Crafters, Cuba Tobacco Cigar Company and Little Havana Cigar Company.

Watch a cigar roller

Calle Ocho is home to an array of family-owned cigar shops specializing in small batch, hand-rolled cigars, including  El Titan de Bronze ,  Cuban Crafters ,  Cuba Tobacco Cigar Company  and  Little Havana Cigar Company . With the ongoing trade embargo with Cuba, the tobacco typically comes from Central America or elsewhere in the Caribbean, but the skilled, Cuban-trained rollers who sit and roll up to 125 cigars daily on site are the real deal. Cigar Aficionado magazine says every self-respecting cigar fan needs to make a pilgrimage to  El Credito Cigar Factory , where the non-Cuban La Gloria Cubana cigar was born. Ernesto Perez-Carrillo Sr. first rolled it here in 1968, and since 1980 the brand has been shepherded by his son, Ernesto Perez-Carrillo Jr. Most of the cigars are now made in the Dominican Republic, but La Gloria still has its original galleria here, where a dozen cigar-makers work in the main room, open to the public. Next to the rolling area is a posh cigar shop with a few chairs.

Slurp down a Cuban smoothie

Long before smoothie shops were the rage, Cubans and other islanders were turning mango, mamey, papaya and other tropical fruit into juices and shakes, or  batidos .  El Palacio de los Jugos , with 10 locations in Miami – including a Little Havana spot at 1545 SW 27 th  Ave. – is literally the city’s palace of juices. Bankers and politicians, migrant workers and moms, even culinary stars like Bobby Flay and Martha Stewart, have been known to sit elbow-to-elbow at the bustling market, enjoying shakes and meals from the Latin food stations. For the ultimate sugar rush, order the  guarapo  (sugar cane juice).

Watch a Marlins  béisbol  game

The  Miami Marlins  have landed two World Series championships since their inaugural season in 1993. The newly-named loanDepot park, 501 Marlins Way, is a retractable-roof ballpark in Little Havana where you can catch unobstructed views of Miami’s skyline – and the occasional foul ball, if you’re lucky. There’s a swimming pool in a South Beach-style nightclub in the outfield, and Cuban sandwiches and mojitos on the menu, among  other Miami-style features .

Eat at La Carreta, a beloved local Cuban chain restaurant.

Eat a classic Cuban lunch

Along with the legendary  Versailles , where waiters in white coats serve Cuban sandwiches,  palomilla  steaks,  maduros ,  ropa vieja  and other   gold standards of Cuban food on paper placemats in a mirrored hall,   check out  El Mago de Las Fritas  or  El Rey de Las Fritas  for slider-sized spicy Cuban burgers topped with matchstick potatoes. The  pan con   minuta  at  La Camaronera Seafood Joint & Fish Market  is a fresh boneless fried snapper sandwich on a Cuban bun. Or walk up to the window and order the  croqueta preparada , a croquette sandwich, at  Sanguich de Miami . Finish off lunch time with a sugar high at  Azucar! Ice Cream Company , an artisanal ice cream parlor with imaginative, Latin-inspired flavors, such as café con leche, sugarcane and pineapple, caramel flan, and fried plantain.

Catch a film at Tower Theater

Next to Domino Park, the  Tower Theater  is a historic, Art Deco movie theater built in 1926. It used to be a gathering spot where Cuban immigrants watched Spanish movies with English subtitles to learn English. Today, the Miami Dade College-owned art house hosts Cuban exhibitions and performances, free educational lectures by faculty, and Spanish- and English-language films.

Enjoy a Cuban cocktail

Find out why GQ magazine called  Café La Trova  co-owner Julio Cabrera “America’s most imaginative bartender.” Crowned American Bartender of the Year at the 2019 Spirited Awards, Cabrera and his team of Cantineros bring the café’s retro Cuba atmosphere to life with artisanal, handcrafted cocktails while James Beard Award Winning Chef Michelle Bernstein presides over a kitchen that turns out modern twists on Cuban dishes. Along with the classic Cuban mojito, the bar specializes in Cuba’s generous contribution to cocktail culture: the daiquiri.  Old’s Havana Cuban Bar & Cocina  is another spirited location that serves mojitos and daiquiris.

Spend a night exploring Cuban culture

Futurama 1637 Art Building  is a creative workspace that houses 12 artist studios and hosts monthly art openings, music productions and other events.  Cubaocho Museum & Performing Arts Center  is devoted to telling the story of Cuba through rotating art, a bar specializing in rum and music performances, from salsa bands to Latin jam sessions and Cuban jazz legends. It has a large collection of 19 th  century and early- to mid-20 th  century Cuban art. Café La Trova and other restaurants and clubs along Calle Ocho host live music starting around 7:30 p.m.

Time it right

Every third Friday of the month,   Viernes Culturales , or Cultural Fridays,   is an outdoor street party and gallery walk showcasing Little Havana’s arts scene between 13 th  and 17 th  avenues along Calle Ocho. A stage is set up in the street for live performances, and galleries keep their doors open until 11 p.m. In March, Calle Ocho – the massive street party that culminates the 10-day  Carnaval Miami  – winds its way down 23 blocks and attracts over 1 million people, with live Latin acts on eight stages, street performers, conga lines, salsa and Latin street food. It’s one of the largest Hispanic street festivals in the world.

More :  Things to do in Little Havana .

PLACES TO REMEMBER

Miami Beach

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Little Havana neighborhood guide

Get to know Little Havana, Miami’s famed Cuban 'hood, with our guide to the best restaurants, bars and sightseeing.

As the heart of Miami’s immigrant Latino community, Little Havana smells like tobacco, tastes like Cuban coffee and beats like a timbal. This is one ill of Miami’s most culturally rich, iconic and defining neighborhoods, a welcoming first stop for those seeking out the American dream—with a side of plantains. Get to know Miami's famed Cuban enclave, including the best things to do in Little Havana and where to find some of the city's best Cuban sandwiches and cafecito, with our handy guide.

First, a bit of history on Little Havana

In the 1960s, exiled Cubans flocked to the area, opening businesses and settling into the bungalows and mission revival-style apartments characteristic of the neighborhood’s architecture. And by the 1970s, this once Jewish stretch of Miami had become fully Cubanized; delis turned into panaderias with ventanitas , salsa music took over the airwaves and pork was officially put on the menu. Its nickname, "Little Havana,'' stuck.

In 2017, Little Havana was declared a National Treasure by the National Trust for Historic Preservation, an important step in safeguarding the area’s historical and cultural significance as developers swept in. And while much of the diaspora has moved onto greater pastures around Miami, Little Havana continues to be a vital launch point for immigrants from South and Central America who bring their flavors, rhythm and hardworking spirit to this vibrant community.

Yeah, sometimes Calle Ocho can feel a little fabricated and hokey, like a stereotypic sampler platter of Cuban culture, chewed up and spit out for those with only a few hours to spare. But stick with us and we’ll help you experience the neighborhood the right way—with a bit of sazón .

So where exactly is Little Havana, Miami?

Little Havana runs west of Downtown and Brickell all the way to Douglas Avenue. It’s flanked by the Miami River to the north and Coral Way to the south.

If you’re visiting, you’ll likely spend most of your time on Calle Ocho between SW 21st and SW 10th Avenues, though there are a few bars, restaurants and cultural hubs off the main drag that are worth the pull.

If you only do one thing…

If you’re visiting Little Havana, chances are you’re looking to immerse yourself in Cuban culture. Luckily for you, much of it is concentrated on Calle Ocho within four blocks. Between SW 13th and 17th Avenues, you’ll be able to find the cigar, guayabera, live salsa bands, café con leche and pastelito de guayaba you were imagining and then some. Start at the Visitor’s Center (1600 SW 8th St) to ground yourself, and don’t shy away from booking a walking tour, such as the long-running Miami Culinary Tours . Be sure to make a stop at Cubaocho for live music, mojitos and one of the largest collections of Cuban art outside of Cuba. 

Now, if you really want to immerse yourself, head to Little Havana on the third Friday of every month for Viernes Culturales (Cultural Fridays). This block party of Cuban culture that’s been running for 22 years features music, art, history, food and so much more.

Nearest public transport to Little Havana

Little Havana is street-parking only, so ride-sharing and public transportation are advised. We suggest setting your dropoff around SW 13th Avenue and SW 8th Street.

If you’re taking the bus, the 207 and 208 Little Havana Connecting lines will get you to where you need to go. You can catch them from both the Government Center and Brickell MetroRail/MetroMover Stations. Get off on SW 8 Street and 12 Avenue.

And finally, for those looking to take the long, scenic route, hop on the City of Miami Trolley. It runs counterclockwise from the Brickell Metrorail/Metromover Station and will take you through the South River Drive Historic District, down Flagler to the Magic City Casino and through all of Little Havana’s Calle Ocho. Hop off where your heart desires!

Get off the beaten track…

… and start where Miami started: The South River Drive Historic District. These two blocks along the Miami River between SW 1st and 2nd Streets boast some of Miami-Dade County’s oldest buildings, six of which were built before 1915, according to Historic Preservation Miami . This whole area is a true window into Miami’s origins that most locals don’t even know about, a slice of old Florida wedged into a city that hardly looks to the past.

While you’re there, duck into Casa Florida for an Instagram-worthy cocktail inside an old '60s liner and meander around the Selina Miami River compound.

What’s a perfect day in Little Havana?

Always, always, always start with Cuban coffee. That’s just how we do it in this city. Any ventanita will do, but for something special, we suggest La Colada Gourmet , the only coffee house in town that grinds real Cuban beans. Hold yourself over with pastelitos, but save room for lunch.

See some art. Calle Ocho is a hotbed for Latin American and Cuban art, as galleries and studios abound. Walk a block west from La Colada to Futurama , a community space with 12 artist studios and plenty of art to peruse. For fine Cuban and Latin American art, visit Latin Art Core across the street. And, if you’d like to visit longstanding neighborhood artists, check out Molina Fine Art and Agustin Gainza —both explore Cuban themes in their own colorful style.

Have a Cuban sandwich . For this, there is only one option: Sanguich de Miami . It is possible that this tiny little counter cafe makes the best Cuban sandwich in town (if not the world!), and it does other standards like a pan con bistec and croqueta preparada to perfection. Wash it all down with a guava and cream cheese milkshake.

Smoke a cigar. You can’t go wrong with any of the cigar shops or factories in Little Havana, so much so that Cigar Aficionado calls it “America’s Cigar Central.” El Titan de Bronze , Cuba Cigar Co. and Cigar Boutique of Little Havana are all icons of the neighborhood, but over a dozen shops, lounges and factories exist within a short stretch of Calle Ocho. Pick one, kick back and enjoy.

Check out Domino Park . Maximo Gomez Park, known by locals as Domino Park, is a neighborhood landmark where older Cubans converge for “friendly” rounds of dominos, conversation and. To play, you’ll need to be a member and 55+, but if you come bearing a colada and little thimble cups, you might find an in.

Sip some guarapo. Los Pinareños Fruteria is an iconic open-air, cash-only fruit market on Calle Ocho that’s like stepping into the Cuban countryside. Family-run since 1963, you can find fresh fruits, veggies, juices, coffee and more, but we recommend their spin on guarapo, which is fresh-pressed sugarcane juice with a little ginger and lime.

Learn the History of the Guayabera. Every culture’s got its signature attire and for Cubans, it’s a crisp white guayabera. No one can tell the history of this linen shirt quite like Big Papa at D' Asis Guayaberas, and ironically, he’s not even Cuban. Pop in to get a little history lesson and a new garment to wear out and about town.

Agarra tú pareja… and hit the dance floor! You didn’t come to Little Havana to sit down, did you?! Enjoy live salsa music every day from noon onwards at Ball & Chain , a storied venue with a history that dates back to the early 20th century. If you're rusty, they’ve got salsa, bachata and mambo lessons at 9pm Monday through Thursday—perfect for a date night. Another fantastic option for music and dancing is Cubaocho , which we mentioned above. Once you’ve got a few mojitos in your system, we promise you’ll be a star.

Enjoy some Azucar ! Nothing like a sweet scoop of ice cream to complement a sultry day exploring Little Havana. Azucar is a Miami-born artisanal ice cream shop that features unique Cuban and Florida flavors made with local ingredients. Think sweet plantain, key lime pie and cafe con leche, though the Abuela Maria, made with guava and Cuba’s most iconic cookie brand, is the shop’s greatest flex.

What’s a perfect night in Little Havana?

Catch the sunset at Terras . Are rooftop bars your jam? Pay a visit to Terras at the boutique Lifehouse Hotel. It boasts a quiet view of the Miami skyline, Latin American and Caribbean street fare and really good, refreshing cocktails in a chill, tropical setting.

Grab dinner at one of the World’s 50 Best bars.  Do not leave Miami without visiting Café La Trova , which climbed to number 21 on the coveted list in 2022. This is one of the city’s most essential Cuban dining experiences; the product of James Beard Award-winning chef Michelle Bernstein’s culinary magic and legendary cantinero Julio Cabrera’s elegant beverage savvy.

There’s live music and happy hour seven days a week, and it's standard practice to dance your heart out in between rounds of classic Cuban cocktails and fare done to the highest standards. Stick around after hours; the backroom turns into an '80s bar that recalls Miami’s glamorous, albeit shady, past.

Check out the bar scene . Lately, locals have been swapping late nights in Brickell and Wynwood for Little Havana, and why not? The music’s good, there’s enough variety and it’s less expensive.

If you’re feeling chill, catch a zombie flick over craft beers and natural wine at Union Beer . Want good cocktails? Venture west to Bar Nancy , a no-frills nautical-themed bar that’s popular with locals.

If you’re looking to party, light a candle and pray to avoid a hangover at El Santo , or check out the live music at Sala’o . 

On a rainy day in Little Havana...

Catch an indie or foreign flick at Tower Theater , a 1926 Art Deco landmark.

Where can I find the best Cuban food in Little Havana?

In one of Miami’s most wicked twists, it’s debatable whether you can find the best Cuban food in Little Havana. To dine at Versailles is practically a rite of passage for locals and tourists, and it really is the epicenter of the diaspora, but the food is just as good as you’ll find at many other Cuban restaurants in Miami . The experience is definitely worth a visit, but the fare is pretty standard.

Now, what you can find in Little Havana is some of the best Nicaraguan, Mexican and even Thai spots in Miami proper. (Remember when we said this was the hub of Miami’s Latin immigrant community?) For Nicaraguan fare, Selva Negra , El Guayacan and Pinolandia are fantastic options, but a trip to Yambo will leave you stuffed with food and memories of its bizarre, cowboy carnival surroundings.

When it comes to Mexican food, Miami foodies book it to Homestead—but one needs not be so exaggerated. Mi Rinconcito Mexicano , Taqueria Viva Mexico and Taqueria Los Chilangos (near LoanDepot Park ) offer affordability and authenticity all wrapped up in a warm corn tortilla.

And you can’t talk about Little Havana without mentioning Lung Yai Thai Tapas . This is a true favorite among locals, possibly the best Thai food in town, as judged by the throngs waiting to get in.

What else is nearby?

Dine along the Miami River to the north at Garcia’s or Casablanca for the freshest catches in Miami, or get glammed up for a rowdy brunch at Kiki on the River  or Seaspice . Coral Gables to the south is one of Miami’s most beautiful and more historic neighborhoods. Drive around and marvel at all the charming Mediterranean-revival style homes or spend an afternoon walking around Miracle Mile.

Guide to Little Havana

The 13 best Little Havana restaurants in Miami

Eat globally at the best restaurants in Little Havana, serving Mexican food, Cuban sandwiches and even authentic Thai

The best things to do in Little Havana to get immersed in Cuban culture

The best Little Havana bars

Take a closer look at the historic neighborhood and you’ll find the best Little Havana bars aren’t just shaking up mojitos.

The best Cuban restaurants in Miami

Get your fill of croquetas, media noches, cafecito and more at the best Cuban restaurants in Miami

Where to find the best Cuban sandwiches in Miami

Get your hands on the quintessential Miami dish.

The 24 best coffee shops in Miami

Where to find the famous Miami jet fuel.

See what’s happening in Little Havana

This is the only Miami bar to rank among the World’s 50 Best in 2022

This adorable Little Havana rooftop bar is finally reopening

Little Havana just got a trippy new tiki bar

The most Instagrammable floors in Miami

Little Havana unveils a new outdoor photo exhibit

El Jardin of Little Havana brings open-air dining and drinking to Calle Ocho

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• Little Havana Walking Tour

This 2-hour+ tour takes place in the heart of Little Havana on Calle Ocho. It is essentially the same as our Little Havana Cultural Walking & Food tour, minus the hot meal sit-down lunch and secret dessert. This tour goes beyond walking, offering tastings of guarapo juice, Cuban pastries, and freshly brewed Cuban coffee. Beginning at the Bay of Pigs monument, the tour starts with the history of Cuban exiles arriving in Miami and continues to explore the social, political and artistic contributions by Cubans in everyday Miami life.

Reserve your spot now by selecting a date from the calendar on your right, and get ready to embark on an unforgettable journey that will transform your perspective of Miami forever with our Little Havana Walking Tour!

• Start your tour at a historic park that embodies Cuba's struggles, triumphs, and deep connection with Miami, as well as serving as a spiritual and faith-based site. Just be careful not to step on any chickens along the way!
• Next, explore one of the most authentic and long standing venues in Little Havana. Learn about the founders' history and gain a new appreciation for a fruit shop that might otherwise go unnoticed, but you'll never forget after hearing its story.
• Time to experience the authentic flavors of Cuba! Indulge in delectable Cuban pastries and savor the refreshing taste of Cuban soda at one of North America's most esteemed… Cuban bakeries!
• Our knowledgeable local guide will illuminate the art of cigar-making, delve into the rich significance of cigars in Cuban culture, and introduce you to the essence of authentic Cuban coffee as you savor its distinctive flavor profile.
• Next, visit a Guayabera store and explore the traditional Cuban men's attire. Perhaps find the perfect hat to complement your next rum-tasting stop? Fidel, one of Little Havana's most respected personalities, will ensure you choose the ideal Cuban fit!
• To conclude your tour on a perfect note, we will end at the iconic Domino Park, an essential cultural landmark of Little Havana that you simply cannot miss. Here, our guide will impart valuable insights into the significance of dominoes in Cuban culture, providing you with a comprehensive understanding of its importance to the Cuban community.

If a tour is fully booked, or you are looking to book a *Group or Private Tour - please email us about Group & Private Tours options.

*Please note - Group & Private Tours are specifically organised for your group and therefore subject to a premium price.

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Book Now to Save on These Amazing Tours

• Guava Pastries
• Guarapo Juice
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Due to the nature of creating a well balanced and thoughtful gastronomy experience, many of our tours are unable to accommodate certain dietary restrictions. Please contact us prior to booking your tour to see if we are able to accommodate your dietary needs.

We’ll show you the unique traditions, history, rhythms and flavors of Cuba In Miami. Your Secret Food Tours: Little Havana in Miami will include some of the best food that represent this popular district designated as a “National Treasure” by the National Trust for Historic Preservation. Our qualified guides will take you to discover the authentic Cuban cuisine, tasting some tropical Caribbean flavours in a marvelous open air market, followed by a tobacco shop visit, where you can watch the original Cuban cigar preparation, respecting the old-method style. A Delicious cuban-style sandwich will be paired with the most famous minty and fresh cocktail in the world, el “Senor” Mojito. As each culture finds a room for creativity in its new home, Cuban families who moved here 80 years ago, managed to bring their own traditional ingredients and recipes in order to create new fantastic dishes for their new home.

Every day 10:00 a.m. / 02:00 p.m.

1305 SW 8th Street, Miami, 33135

Little Havana Food Tours

Cigar and Rum Experience

Simply go to our "Book Now" page where we detail our tours. Select your tour, the time of your tour, and book it! Are you organizing an event? Just email us at Group & Private Tours and we will do our best to arrange something that suits you. After your booking is made, we will send you an automatic email confirmation. If you have any questions before booking, feel free to contact us via email.

*Please note if you are using a special promo code then enter it in the "Voucher Code" section before you select the amount of tickets you would like to purchase*

Guided walking tour led by an expert guide and all the delicious food and drinks mentioned above.

The Tour ends in Domino Plaza, on Calle Ocho.

Due to the nature of creating a well balanced and thoughtful gastronomy experience, many of our tours are unable to accommodate certain dietary restrictions. Please contact us at [email protected] prior to booking your tour to see if we are able to accommodate your dietary needs.

Children are quite welcome and it's free for any child 2 years or under. You are free to enjoy the tour with your entire family of all ages.

The Little Havana Walking Tour features a selection of Cuban tastings. If you're seeking a foodie experience, we highly recommend our best-selling tour in Miami: The Little Havana Food Tour .

Our tours often sell out very quickly. If the date you've requested is not available, please email us, and we will do our best to accommodate you.

We strongly advise comfortable walking shoes to all of our guests, Little Havana is a sizable neighborhood and our Food Tour mostly focuses on 4 blocks of the main street Calle Ocho.

Our tours are designed for 10-16 people maximum. If you have a group of more than 16 people, please email us and we will do our best to accommodate your group.

You do not have to print your voucher. A confirmation on your phone will be fine!

All of our vouchers expire one year from the date of purchase.

We work with local businesses in the Little Havana area.

Unfortunately, the weather is unpredictable in Miami. We do not issue refunds as per our terms and conditions. We also inform you that we never cancel a booking even if we have only 2 people! However we do reserve the right to cancel the tour if we feel the weather is extreme, and we cannot run the tour due to this for more info see our Terms and Conditions: https://www.secretfoodtours.com/terms-and-conditions/

You must book directly on our website. We do not accept cash payments. Our online payment is safe, secured and SSL protected.

The booking fee that you have to pay is up to our ticket provider and we can't change it. All our clients need to pay for it upon booking. The booking fee charged contributes to the cost of the ticketing system to provide an excellent service to our customers.

A few banks have charged their customer an extra fee while booking with us (this isn't the booking fee but another fee added by the bank). We think this is unfair, if this happens let us know by showing us in your bank statement and we will refund this fee as a gesture of good will.

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Walking Tour of Little Havana

Did you know you don’t have to visit Cuba to get a taste of Cuban culture? If you’re American, you don’t even need a passport!  Visiting Miami traditionally was all about the beaches and party scene but now that neighborhoods like Wynwood and the Design District have started becoming their own destinations, people are coming for cultural reasons (with a serving of beach and party on the side).  After living in Miami for 14 years I can there is no end to the things to do here and there is never a dull moment.  Little Havana in Miami is a delightful neighborhood full of great food, music, art and history. Here’s everything you need to know to take a walking tour of Little Havana.

Table of Contents

Brief History of the Cuban Community in Miami.

There is such an exciting mix of cultures that give the city its unique character. One of these is the Cuban community. How did so many Cubans end up in Miami?  Well they didn’t only come to Miami. In the late 19th century, Cubans made their way to Tampa and Key West so both of those places have flourishing Cuban communities also. However, I will focus on Miami’s unique history here.

Early Waves of Immigrations to Miami

The first wave of refugees began fleeing Cuba immediately after Castro’s forces drove President Fulgencio Batista into exile on Jan. 1, 1959.  Until 1965, roughly 200,000 Cubans, most from the educated upper and middle classes, left Cuba to escape Communist rule and a national take over of land and industry. These were wealthy landowners, bankers and business barons. They laid the groundwork for the next wave.

The second wave came between 1965 and 1973. Around 350,000 small business owners and working-class laborers came at this time. These groups of Cubans prospered economically and were a huge immigrant success story in America.

Mariel Boat Lift

This is an infamous time in Miami when a mass emigration of Cubans traveled from Mariel Harbour, Cuba to the USA in October 1980. This was in response to 10,000 Cubans trying to gain asylum on the grounds of the Venezuelan and Peruvian embassies. Fidel Castro said, “OK whoever wants to go, get the hell out.” (I’m paraphrasing a bit). He also opened his prisons, his mental institutions and planted them along with those he deemed socially unacceptable such as homosexuals and prostitutes on boats to Miami.

During this time 125,000 Cubans reached Miami. This group of people are forever known as the “Marielitos”.  Sadly, this altered the previously rosy view of Cuban immigrants to the rest of America. Cuban immigrants were now stigmatized and unfairly so since only a small percentage of these people were found to be true hardened criminals.  Interestingly, out of the around 125,000 refugees that entered the United States around 16,000 to 20,000 were estimated to be real criminals according to a 1985  Sun Sentinel  magazine article. This is the “Scarface” era of Miami, soon to be followed by the “Miami Vice” era. (those are must watch before coming BTW)

Wet Foot Dry Foot

Before the 1980s, all refugees from Cuba were welcomed into the United States as political refugees. This changed in the 1990s so that only Cubans who reach U.S. soil were granted refugee status under the “ wet foot, dry foot policy “. While representing a tightening of U.S. immigration policy, the wet foot, dry foot policy afforded Cubans a privileged position relative to other immigrants to the U.S.  Essentially, if a Cuban could get a foot onto US soil, they could stay and quickly obtain refugee status along with the perks.  If they were intercepted at sea (“wet feet”), they would be returned to Cuba or sent to a third country.

How to Get To Little Havana

Well, first you have to get to Miami, obvy.

Miami International Airport

MIA is very conveniently located in the center of the city, 15 minutes from just about anywhere within Miami. This is an American Airlines hub with many direct flights from many places in the world.

Fort Lauderdale Airport

FLL is about 25 minutes north of Miami and sometimes has cheaper flights since budget carriers like Spirit, Jet Blue and Southwest fly here.

Super Shuttle

You can get shared rides on the shuttle from Miami Airport or Fort Lauderdale airport.

Uber or Lyft

It is very easily reached via Uber or Lyft and is only 10-15 minutes from downtown Miami and the airport.

Miami Trolley

The Miami Trolley is a fun AND FREE way to get around Miami and it now goes to Little Havana.

The street you want to look for is called Calle Ocho. This means “8th Street”.  This is specifically SW 8th Street near SW 17th Ave .  Please don’t confuse this with NW or SE 8th Street or 8th Avenue or you WILL get lost in Miami, and likely in a place where no English is spoken! Honestly, for a grid city, it is REALLY confusing because you have to have directions exactly right. There is much more than than just Calle Ocho, of course, but for tourists, this is the place to start for a walking tour of Little Havana.

Things to See on Walking Tour in Little Havana, Miami

Visiting is SO easy. You really only have to walk up and down one street, Calle Ocho, to get a taste of many things, literally! You need to arrive hungry and ready to taste everything you see.  Here are some spots not to miss. Start at the corner I mentioned above and just walk a few blocks one direction and then cross the street and walk back. Easy peasy.

Art Galleries

Starting on the corner of 17th Ave and Calle Ocho you will be in a little section of Calle Ocho with many art galleries.

Artist Agustin Gainza

Gainza has been in the South Florida art scene for over 30 years. He has exhibited in galleries in the United States, Europe and the Caribbean, including his native country, Cuba. His shop now offers tapas and the famous cafecito and mojito. His paintings are spectacular!

Cigar Rolling Factory

Everybody knows that Cuba is the place for cigars, right? Well, what makes a good cigar? What makes it an authentic “Cuban”?  You will learn all of this and can watch a cigar rolling master at work. There are several places on Calle Ocho for this. This is only one of them. At this particular place ( Cuba Tobacco Cigar Factory ), they have a massive cigar that was smoked when Castro died.

Have a Mojito With Live Music

Any restaurant or bar in Miami will have these but a fun place to have it with live music and a lovely garden complete with a pineapple stage is the restaurant Ball and Chain .

Domino Park

This is such a wonderful glimpse into local life. This started with just a few old men playing dominoes and eventually, the city decided to make a nice park for the elderly. The rules are you have to be over 55, no gambling, no alcohol, no guns, no knives, no spitting. According to the hilarious tour guide, “All the things good about Cuban Dominoes out the window!”.

There is a gorgeous mural here commemorating the Summit of the Americas in 1994. The men playing dominoes are really serious but really friendly and don’t seem to mind if you politely watch. If you are lucky you can witness an argument. LOL

Bay of Pigs Memorial

This is a monument to honor of the fallen of the  Bay of Pigs Invasion.   Their names are engraved on the monument, and there is an eternal flame at the top. Very briefly, the Bay of Pigs invasion was a failed military invasion of Cuba by a CIA sponsored counter-revolutionary military group made of mostly exiled Cubans. As the US involvement became apparent to the world, and with the initiative turning against the invasion, Kennedy decided against providing further air cover, which was part of the original Eisenhower plan. This was a horrible turning point for US Cuban relations, strengthened Cuban Soviet relations and was a massive failure of the Kennedy administration that forever demonized the Democratic Party in the eyes of the Cuban community.

Memorial to Jose Marti

Jose Marti was the national hero of Cuba for dedicating his life to the fight for Cuban independence. He was a great journalist, poet, diplomat, and at the end of his life, a general. This is right next to the Bay of Pigs Memorial.

Calle Ocho Walk of Fame

This pays tribute to Cuban and Latin American stars that the Hollywood Walk of Fame “forgot”.  Celia Cruz, aka the Cuban Aretha Franklin, was the first star placed here and somebody always leaves a fresh flower next to her star, which is so touching.

There’s not one specific place for it. It is really all over and easy to find. Almost every street corner has some and it’s all really cool. This may be my favorite mural in Miami.

Tours of Little Havana

There are plenty of tours of the area available, some focused on art and culture, some food and some both!

I highly recommend this one, which I did recently. You will basically see everything I showed you above and get to try all the treats I will mention below.  It was truly tons of fun. I learned a great deal AND ate a great deal!

Little Havana Walking Food Tour

Must Eat and Drink

Cuban food is infamous. I can attribute some weight gain to this cuisine when I first moved to Miami. Honestly, it’s some of the least healthy food ever but truly delicious. Miami has some of the best using traditional Cuban recipes and tropical ingredients but with the addition of some American items not found in Cuba.

Cafe con Leche

This is the first thing I run to get the second I land in Miami. Cuban coffee is the equivalent of liquid crack. It is STRONG. It is typically mixed with a TON of sugar. You’ve been warned.

The terminology confuses non-Miamians so I will “esplain to ju”!

• Colada is similar to espresso…a small dark shot.
• Cordadito (my fave) is like a macchiato.   A shot of the colada with a little bit of steamed milk.
• Cafe con leche is like a latte. Lots of steamed milk. Delicious.

Don’t ask for sugar with it. It will already be there. In fact, the first words I learned in Spanish were “ poquito azucar ” (little sugar). You can get these anywhere and you will see little windows on the sides of restaurants and bakeries like this, specifically for coffee. This is at a place called Cafe Havana. I DO hope they get a sustainability movement here soon and ditch the styrofoam and plastic for something compostable!

Fun Fact:  When McDonald’s opened here they didn’t understand why nobody would buy coffee until they learned about Cuban coffee. They were the first McDonald’s in USA to serve “cafecito”.

This is ubiquitous in Latin American cuisine. It is essentially a dumpling. Dough wrapped around a filling and either baked or deep-fried.   The most common are stuffed with shredded chicken or ground beef but  sometimes you can find vegetarian ones with spinach or cheese. Every country makes them slightly differently. The Cuban version is very different from the Argentinian. This one from the window at El Pub, pictured above.

Papa Rellena

I was obsessed with these when I first moved to Miami. It translates to “stuffed potato”. It’s picadillo (ground meat with spices) inside a ball of mashed potato, all breaded and deep-fried. It’s extremely filling. I don’t have a photo! Sorry! Just look for the big fried ball type object. They are usually found in bakeries or in glass cases along with empanadas and pastelitos.

I don’t think mojitos are good anywhere else in the world (except Cuba). The classic 5 ingredients are white rum, sugar, lime juice, soda water, and mint.  Add ice. Sometimes bars use Sprite instead of soda water but I find this too sweet. This one below is from the restaurant Ball and Chain, on Calle Ocho

Cuban Sandwich

This is a great example of a Cuban- American creation. It was a Cuban idea made with ingredients not found in Cuba like mustard, pickles and those little shoestring potato chip fries.  The ingredients are Cuban bread (like a soft baguette sometimes made with lard), roasted pork, ham, swiss cheese, dill pickles, mustard. In Tampa (where there is stiff competition for “the original” or “the best” Cuban sandwich, they use salami. You will NOT find this in Miami. LOL. Sacrilege!

I don’t typically eat pork but I had to try this while in Little Havana because it’s such a special thing. It has both ham and pork on it. They love their pig products! There is a vegetarian version with just cheese and condiments.

Cuban Bakery

You can really go to any bakery that you see. One I know is on Calle Ocho is Yisell’s. Further away is Versailles. Try all the pastries that your stomach can fit. They are especially good with a Cafe con Leche. Pictured is pastel con guayaba .   Pastry with guava. There is also one with guava AND cheese (my favorite) or just cheese. The cheese used is similar to a sweet cream cheese or ricotta. There’s also a sweet pastry with meat inside, pastel de carne . It sounds weird but it’s good.

Azucar Ice Cream Company

This place is owned by a local Cuban woman and has an astounding variety of flavors and some have the greatest names. When Fidel Castro died, she made a flavor called Burn in Hell Fidel. It’s dark chocolate with cayenne pepper…I loved it. There was a line around the block for two weeks full of old Cuban men who couldn’t wait to yell “Burn in hell Fidel!”.  The signature “Abuela Maria” is vanilla blended with Maria cookies, guava, and cream cheese.  I will continue going until I try them all. The Mantecado is delicious. Try the various tropical fruit flavors like mamey and guava. You don’t typically get ice cream in those flavors in most places!

Fresh Fruit Juice

If you pass a fruit stand or shop, go in and marvel at the enormous mangos and Florida avocados which can be bigger than your head. Try a fresh mango, coconut juice or sugarcane juice.

All this food should keep your stomach happy but if you want a proper Cuban sit-down meal, there is no shortage of places. Vaca Frita (fried beef dish), Tostones (fried plantain), Yuca (type of root vegetable served with garlic sauce), Black Beans and Rice, Maduros (sweet plantains) are all things to try.

Looking for more things to do in Miami? I got you covered!

Guide to Visiting Wynwood Art District

Ultimate Miami Beach Planning Guide

Local’s Guide to Miami

I hope these Miami guides are helpful!  Where else in Miami do you want to visit? Drop me a comment and as always, share the love!

Disclaimer: Wandering Redhead uses affiliate links which means that if you purchase something through my links, I may make a small commission that goes toward the costs of running this and is at no extra cost to you!

About The Author

Cherene Saradar

Cherene is a travel expert with 30 years of experience in over 100 countries and 7 continents. She has traveled solo to over 50 countries. She is also a nurse anesthesiologist with over 20 years of healthcare experience. Her passions include wildlife travel and visiting wine regions of the world.

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Tips for Visiting Wynwood Art District in Miami - Wandering Redhead | 12th Nov 19

[…] you’re looking for more to do in Miami check out the Little Havana neighborhood or go to South […]

Julien Casanova | 3rd Nov 19

I love the Latin influence in Miami. Little Havana is so vibrant. The street art you discovered is fantastic!

csaradar | 8th Nov 19

It’s definitely a must when visiting Miami!

Ann | 3rd Nov 19

That food looks delicious!

I would love to go to Havanna, its been kind of a dream for so long. But its a dream thats gonna have to stay a dream for a while longer

Well you can more easily visit Little Havana! LOL

nickymacke | 2nd Nov 19

Quite honestly, I think I could live there! At least as long as it takes to work my way through the Azucar Ice Cream Co flavours – wow! I was seriously planning my wish list menu for a week while reading this 😂 Thank you for providing us with so much food porn ☺️

Seriously…I could spend all day trying all the flavors.

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TOURS IN LITTLE HAVANA

Experience the best Cuban cuisine in Miami with Little Havana Food Tours! We offer tours of the Little Havana and South Beach neighborhoods and the Wynwood and Design districts! Book your tour online today!

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Little Havana Food & Cultural Tour

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Experience the unique Cuban culture and cuisine that can only be found in Miami on this half-mile walking tour! See local artwork and visit important landmarks.

Private Little Havana Food & Cultural Tour

Experience a unique and vibrant facet the Cuban culture that can only be found in the heart of Little Havana on Calle Ocho.

Little Havana Map With Scavenger Hunt

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Electrostal History and Art Museum - All You MUST Know Before You Go (2024)

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