Little Havana

or a taste of Miami’s rich Cuban heritage, take a trip to Little Havana. Just west of Downtown Miami, the heart of the neighborhood runs along Calle Ocho (or Eighth Street) where sweet soca music blares from storefronts, Domino Park is a perennial gathering place and ventanitas sell Cuban coffee and croquetas. Miami’s cultural connection to Cuba dates back decades to a major immigration wave in the 1950s and Little Havana is the historic home of this community. Here, you’ll find murals depicting symbols of Cuba, including tropical fruit, musical instruments, dominos, and cigars, while others illustrate Cuban legends, from poet and revolutionary José Martí to the illustrious singer Celia Cruz, who once performed in the neighborhood.

Where to Shop

For Little Havana souvenirs, visit Little Havana To Go where you’ll find everything from T-shirts to key chains, sun hats, toys, beach bags, magnets and travel accessories, as well as jewelry and art by local craftspeople. At The Havana Collection, discover their incredible collection of classic guayabera shirts for men, women and children along with a variety of unique souvenirs. A staple of Cuban fashion, the guayabera is a lightweight linen or cotton collared shirt, typically made with short sleeves, two or four pockets and decorative stitching.

Where to Eat

One of the best ways to get a taste of Cuban culture is through its cuisine. Versailles has been a local gathering spot and one of Little Havana’s most popular restaurants since 1971. Here, you’ll find every staple of Cuban cuisine, from croquetas to cafecitos and heaping portions of juicy shredded beef ropa vieja with yellow rice, black beans and fried sweet plantains.

You can’t miss La Carreta with its giant colorful rooster sculpture out front. With a family dining tradition and “abuela-style” cuisine, it’s a fantastic place for authentic classics, like the Cuban sandwich made with ham, roasted pork, Swiss cheese, pickles and mustard pressed on warm, fresh Cuban bread.

At Casa Juancho, indulge in an upscale Spanish feast of tapas and paella in a rustic, yet elegant hacienda-style setting, while Toro Loco Churrascaria is a carnivore’s dream, featuring platters of

USDA Prime certified angus beef, wagyu, grass-fed lamb, chorizo, chicken and other premium cuts served with tangy chimichurri and other sauces. For a sweet treat, stop by Los Pinareños Fruteria, the oldest open-air market in Miami, where you’ll find fresh-made juices and milkshakes made with exotic fruits, like mamey, mango, carambola, pineapple, coconut, and more. And for artisanal ice cream in Little Havana, look no further than Azucar and order their signature Abuela Maria scoop made with the classic pairing of guava and cream cheese, served with a Galleta Maria cookie.

Where to Dance & Drink

For a night out, head to the newfangled Ball & Chain for mojitos and dancing. The refurbished 1930s dance hall once hosted musicians like Billie Holiday, Chet Baker and Count Basie. With an outdoor garden and bandshell, they host live music, salsa nights and sling sophisticated cocktails and bar bites today.

Another great spot for culture in Little Havana is CubaOcho, which is part-museum, partperforming arts center and part-rum bar. Swing by day or night to explore their collection of antique furniture and artwork from Cuba and stick around for live music, dancing, rum flights and cigars in the outdoor courtyard.

Where to Stay

Life House Little Havana is the neighborhood’s first boutique lifestyle hotel. With an eclectic design inspired by world travel, their rooftop bar and restaurant is the perfect place to take in views of Downtown Miami over cocktails and tacos after an exciting day of exploration.