A Visit to Little Havana, USA
Street Art, Little Havana
Looking for a getaway that feels exotic without needing a passport? Enter Little Havana, Miami. Miami is an energetic city in southern Florida with the second-largest population in the American Southeast behind Atlanta, Georgia. The city, known locally as the 305, sits along the Atlantic Ocean and, as such, feels like a large beach town with metropolitan flair.
A short distance below Miami, approximately 230 miles (360 kilometers) south, lies Havana, Cuba’s capital. Since the mid-20th century, there has been a large influx of Cuban and Latin American immigrants to Miami. Consequently, Hispanic influences in the city appear around every corner. The densest population of Cuban culture in Miami is found in the lively neighborhood of Little Havana. Come with me as I take you through a trip to Little Havana and provide tips on how to explore this vibrant area like a local.
Calle Ocho, Little Havana
Where to Stay
The Rover Miami Hotel
For those who visit Little Havana in addition to a trip to greater Miami, an accommodation with easy access to the beach is a good call. The South Beach and Mid-Beach areas have numerous options to check this box. The Brickell neighborhood is also a good choice if you prefer access to high-end shopping, restaurants, and nightlife. Visiting Little Havana from these areas is easy and takes less than half an hour by car.
For those looking to explore Little Havana like a local, as I was, I suggest booking your stay at The Rover Miami. The Rover is a boutique hotel located directly in Little Havana and is within walking distance of the liveliest parts of this neighborhood. The booking and check-in processes are very efficient. Everything is automated, and you are given a PIN number to access the entrance to the hotel and your room, so there is no need to keep up with a key card. The hotel is clean, aesthetically pleasing, and the room rate comes with a nice breakfast in their lounge every morning. While Little Havana is very walkable, The Rover also provides bicycles to explore the area more easily.
Start your Day with a Cuban Coffee
La Colada Gourmet, Little Havana
In addition to the famous Cuban culture, this Caribbean Island is also known for its delicious coffee. Cuban espresso, also known as café Cubano, is strong and sweet with a rich texture. There are many Cuban coffee shops along Little Havana’s most famous street, Calle Ocho.
For a traditional approach to Cuban coffee, visit La Colada Gourmet. This bustling café has a fun atmosphere and is an experience on its own. Watch as Cuban coffee beans are rotated and roasted in front of you. As you await your brew, enjoy colorful Cuban art displays on the walls. I ordered the Tres Leches Café, made with sweetened condensed milk, evaporated milk, whole milk, and espresso. It was balanced, smooth, and delicious.
Tres Leches Café, La Colada Gourmet
Visit a Cuban Bakery
Arahis Bakery, Little Havana
To complement your Cuban coffee, visit one of Little Havana’s local bakeries. Here, you’ll find the famous bread used for Cuban sandwiches being baked and sold. You’ll also find numerous pastries, cookies, and sweets on display and begging to be chosen. For a traditional choice, go for the pastelito de guayaba y queso. This is a flaky puff pastry filled with guava and cream cheese.
I highly recommend a visit to Arihis Bakery, which is authentic and is frequented daily by Little Havana locals. Other well-reviewed Cuban bakeries include Party Cake Bakery and Bakery Pastelmania.
Explore Cuban Art & Culture
Street Art, Sala’o Restaurant
From street art to galleries, Little Havana has an impressive display of art throughout the neighborhood. As you explore on foot, stop and appreciate the stunning and colorful street murals. A tribute to the skill of these frescoes can be found at Calle Ocho Murals. A recurring theme in street art and with Cuban art in general is the fearless use of bright, bold designs. These art forms perfectly complement the vivacious people who live here. Other ways to enjoy Cuban art include a visit to Molina Art Gallery and the Futurama 1637 Art Building, a mixed space gallery, artist workspace, and gift shop.
To experience the community of this neighborhood, stop by Domino Park. Located in the center of Little Havana, this public space is frequented by Cuban and Latin American residents who come daily to play dominoes while discussing news of the day.
Domino Park, Little Havana
Indulge in Cuban Cuisine
Los Pinarenos Fruteria, Little Havana
While exploring the culture of Little Havana, you are bound to work up an appetite. Lucky for you, one of the best delights of this neighborhood is its Cuban gastronomy. Arguably, the most famous of Cuban cuisine is the Cuban sandwich, also known as a Cuban. This hearty creation is made by layering ham, roasted pork, Swiss cheese, pickles, and mustard on Cuban bread. The sandwich is then pressed panini style and served with rice and beans.
A famous institution for a Cuban in Little Havana is Versailles Restaurant. The sandwiches are affordable, large, and pair perfectly with a mojito. Habana con B Restaurant is very authentic and offers traditional fare including sweet plantains, tostones, ropa vieja, and lechon asado. Finish your meal with Cuban flan, and you’ll have the perfect meal.
Enjoy Live Music
Cubaocho Performing Arts Center, Little Havana
Whether day or night, a visit to Little Havana brings the sound of lively Cuban music. From son Cubano and salsa to mamba and more, many businesses proudly host Cuban musicians. Enjoy live music with a refreshing mojito, and you’ll have a great afternoon.
Make an evening of Cuban music with dinner and a show at Sala’o Restaurant or visit one of Little Havana’s famous bars. Ball and Chain, originally a mid-twentieth-century nightclub, serves food and drinks in a swanky atmosphere. Cuba Ocho Performing Arts Center is a venue that hosts Cuban musicians, an impressive display of Cuban art, and serves drinks and cigars. A night here will make you feel as if you’ve left America and landed directly in 1950s Havana.
Time to go explore Little Havana for yourself, salud!
Calle Ocho, Little Havana
Published: April 1, 2025 - Updated August 26, 2025
