Little Havana

A visit to Miami isn’t complete without making a stop at the Magic City’s most iconic historical and cultural destination - Little Havana. Miami is home to many Cubans who pursued the American dream and settled in the beachside city in Florida. The journey of Cubans - and how their culture shaped Miami - is embodied in the colourful streets of this cultural attraction. Little Havana is not just a tourist destination to enjoy; it’s a place that is teeming with culture, art and with great food that pays tribute to the diverse Hispanic community in Miami.

Discover the colourful culture of Cuba by visiting Calle Ocho - an iconic street cradled between 17th and 13th - which is noted for the massive, colourful roosters, art galleries and a Cuban-version Walk of Fame which features popular stars like Gloria Estefan and Celia Cruz. Directions are given in Spanish so it almost feels like you’re in Cuba. The whole stretch - from Calle Ocho to 16th Avenue - brings Cuba to Miami. Here, you’ll hear radios blaring in Spanish and take in the smell of cigars and the aroma of Cuban food dancing in the air.

You may not always acknowledge the over-the-top decorations on the street but you surely can’t ignore the tempting Cuban food - it completes the experience. Join one of the many organized food tours and indulge in mouth-watering delicacies which include Cuban chorizo, bacalao, medianoche, ropa vieja, piping hot empanadas from Versailles Bakery and the savoury fricase de pollo. Beat the Miami heat with a fresh serving of Cuban ice cream from Azucar Ice Cream Company which comes in vanilla, nutmeg and cinnamon.

Music and art play a big role in Cuban culture. At Little Havana, you’ll find Augstin Gainza Art Gallery, Futurama and Manuel Artime Theater where tourists will get to see firsthand the many expressions of Cuban art.

Soak in the Cuban lifestyle by joining the festivities at Viernes Culturales. The parties and the overflowing street food will surely tell you how Cubans party. Interact with locals and learn more about the culture at Little Havana - it’s the place to visit if you’re looking for a history trip around Miami.

TIPS

Check out Versailles Cuban Bakery's hearty scrambled eggs as well as croquettes. Its pancake stacks with syrup are to die for.
If you are interested in cigar shops and buying famous cigars, go to Cuba Tobacco Cigar Company.
While away through watching older men and women play rounds of domino games at Maximo Gomez Park. They are neatly dressed and in their competitive, game-on aura.
Have a taste of the mantecado, a Cuban favorite vanilla ice cream with nutmeg and cinnamon at Azucar Ice Cream Company.
Don't forget to check out the Calle Ocho Walk of Fame where famous Cubans like Gloria Estefan and Celia Cruz are honored. The surrounding area also has murals, monuments, and the famous statue of Madonna, which is said to be illuminated by a "shaft of holy light" on afternoons.