Best Things to Do in Little Havana in Miami, along Calle Ocho

If you want to feel the vibrancy of Cuban culture and the pride of it within Miami, look no further than things to do in Little Havana.

Little Havana is a vibrant area of Miami, Florida with great food, awesome cigars, friendly people, lots of music, great coffee, memorials, and more.

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Activities in Little Havana Along and Near Calle Ocho

Take Photos with the Painted Roosters on Calle Ocho and Walk Down Rooster Alley

There are larger-than-life roosters all along 8th street (aka: Calle Ocho). One of the most humorous things to do in Little Havana is to take photos with them.

We stopped to take pictures with a few and even strolled down the short walk of Rooster Alley for a look at the rooster memorabilia. (We spotted some live feral roosters on the side streets of Calle Ocho during our visit.)

There was an old classic car in the parking lot behind the alleyway when we walked through, which was a treat to see!

The “alley” by the way, simply cuts through one part of the sidewalk to the back parking lot. It's just a few paces long.

Learn about Famous Latin Figures in America, Along the Walk of Stars

See the granite stars on the sidewalk of Callo Ocho, engraved with famous Cuban and Latin actors, singers, and other well-known personalities, along the Walk of Stars.

Well-known people commemorated in this way along 8th Street include:

• Celia Cruz: incredibly famous Cuban-American singer, in the 1960s and 1970s
• Betty Pino: famous DJ, who helped launched the career of famous people like Julio Iglesias (who is also on the Walk of Stars)
• Thalia: well known Latin singer
• Gloria Estefan: rarely needs an introduction, but she is an incredibly famous singer and producer
• Pedro Vargas: famous Mexican singer and actor from the 1940s and 1950s

Take a Hand-Rolled Cigar Factory Tour

The most interesting thing we did in Little Havana all day, was to be a part of a hand-rolled cigar tour. We cannot recommend it enough!

This one-hour tour starts and ends in the same place: Casa Habano. And Rene, the business owner with decades of experience in hospitality and the business of cigars, is the perfect guide.

What to Expect during a Casa Habano Cigar Factory Tour

You arrive to the Casa Habano shop and, should you agree to try some, Rene pours you a small amount of Cuban coffee. It was our first taste of coffee served the way Cubans drink it, and we got a kick out of the very small serving size, which is typical for a taste of “Cafe Cubano.”

Cuban immigrants started to roll cigars in the United States in the 19th century, and here you witness the craft is alive and well.

What You'll Learn During the Cigar Rolling Factory Tour

Not only did we love seeing each step of the process through a video that showed how the tobacco is grown and harvested during our Cigar Factory Tour, but we adored our tour as Rene explained each subsequent step that has to happen to create the cigars at his factory:

1. Primary Process, and sorting of the tobacco leaves into piles by type and country of origin.
2. Deveining, whereas the center vein of the tobacco leaves is removed.
3. Twisting and rolling, where first the center of the cigar (or “filler”) is formed and pressed for an hour, then the exterior finish of the cigar is applied then pressed before the finishing touches occur.
4. Packing, when the final labels are applied.

We loved smelling the tobacco leaves to note the differences between varieties and feeling the quality of the product by touching the leaves to feel their oils shine through.

We most appreciated how down-to-earth Rene is; no question was too silly, no ask to insignificant. He graciously answered everything we inquired about in an unpretentious and humble way. We realized that part of his passion for cigars is in educating curious visitors.

Each tour guest gets a complimentary cigar. It makes the cigar factory tour in Little Havana even sweeter.

We recommend signing up for the hour tour by clicking one of the options below, but if your schedule doesn't allow it, at least stop by to see the Master Torcedores at work and purchase a cigar at Casa Habano for later.

Address: 1743 SW 8th Street, Miami, FL 33135

➡︎ Check availability for the Cigar Factory Tour

Stop at Domino Park

This little park, whose official name is “Maximo Gomez Park” but is lovingly called “Domino Park,” is nearly void of greenery inside. But the park has lots of tables and chairs there, filled with people (mostly men) over the age of 55, playing dominos. (A sign at the park says that there is a Dominos Club for 55 and older so it was easy to guess their age range.)

It's a quiet park except for a few chatting friends and the sounds of dominos moving on the tables.

There's not much to do here unless you're going to watch a whole game played. But it's worth a stop by to see them play since it's part of the livelihood of the neighborhood.

Take Photos in front of Beautiful Murals and Street Art in Little Havana

One of our favorite things we did in Little Havana was taking pictures with the cool murals there. This was only natural for us because we absolutely love street art no matter where we are, from Tampa, FL to York, PA, and beyond.

Murals in public spaces (like the streets and sidewalks) usually change over time. What's there today could be gone tomorrow. However, we've seen these murals we were seeking in photos for several years, so there's a good chance they will be there when you visit too.

Here are some of our favorites:

“Cuba Libre” words and the red, white and blue character (who is usually orange, because it resembles a Florida orange) by famous street artist, Atomik.

“Welcomes you to…Little Havana,” which is a bit away from the main area of Calle Ocho, but worth acknowledging as you drive by. (It's elevated so it's hard to get a photo with the mural, though not impossible if you're on the sidewalk with the mural in the background.) This mural is on 8th Street, closest to 27th Avenue.

They're all worthy of photos, but of course, some are more Instagram-worthy than others.

Dance to the Music in Little Havana

We think one of the best things about Little Havana is the nearly-constant live music. You won't be able to resist dancing down the street and into a coffee shop, cigar shop, or bar as horns blow, maracas shake, and drums create a syncopated rhythm for you to enjoy.

Some famous music venues along Calle Ocho include:

• Ball and Chain Bar and Lounge
• Guantanamera Cigar Lounge
• Cubaocho, cultural arts center (they also have a large collection of Cuban art, produced from 1800 to 1956)

Bar Hop in Little Havana

One of the most popular things to do in Little Havana is to bar hop and try rum! You can get rum-mixed cocktails (like in a mojito) or try a high-end rum, pure: on the rocks.

Some of your bar hopping in Little Havana will crossover with listening to music since many of the bars on Calle Ocho have live music.

Go Shopping for a Souvenir on Calle Ocho

There are a lot of great souvenir shops on Calle Ocho. And we have to say, they have great things inside. It's not a lot of cheesy crap like in a lot of other tourist destinations around the world (if you know what we mean), but good homewares, hats, shirts, and jewelry.

See a Film at MDC Tower Theater

This Art-Deco-designed theater facade is one of the most iconic buildings in Miami, and certainly in Little Havana.

It shows English and Spanish movies with subtitles and aims to instill an appreciation of the cinema in future generations. Sometimes they pair a showing with a panel discussion associated with the film.

It's the host of the annual Miami Film Festival. And though it was privately owned for many years since its opening in 1926, it was purchased by Miami Dade College in 2002 after being closed in 1984. They breathed new life – and new generations – into the beautiful theater.

It's a great place to see a movie or, at the very least, take photos outside.

There is a parking lot behind the theater with hourly parking rates.

Go Shopping for Cuban Guayabera Shirts

A friend told us about Ramon Puig's Guayaberas store: a necessary stop for anyone visiting Little Havana. We trust and adore our friend, so we obliged and stopped in to find out what it was all about.

A guayabera is a famous Cuban shirt, with four pockets (two up top and two on the bottom), beautiful pleats, and many buttons (not just down the center of the linen shirt but on the sides and cuffs too). As the legend goes, the shirt was designed to hold cigars, writing utensils, a handkerchief, and guava fruits. Hence, the four pockets.

In 1943, Ramon Puig opened a shop in Cuba, where he created and sold his guayaberas. While he didn't invent the pattern, he is considered the “King of Guayaberas;” he made them famous.

Ramon Puig Guayaberas Shop near Little Havana

The shop is on 8th Street, but it's not near the famous stretch of Calle Ocho. So if you want to stop at Ramon Puig Guayaberas, we recommend taking a car service or driving there, which is exactly what we did.

Ramon Puig's son and daughter-in-law own the store; Ramon passed away in 2016.

There's a parking lot at the shopping center where the store is. It's a busy lot, but if you're lucky, you'll find a spot.

We walked into the store to see circular racks of impeccably placed guayabera shirts in plastic packaging on hangers, looking like they just arrived from the manufacturer. The shop is incredibly clean and pleasant to be in.

Marta, the store manager, greeted us with an emphatic hello. Her warmth was reminiscent of a welcoming mother with a close-knit family. She helped us find Dan's size so he could try on a shirt. (He usually wears a large and we were surprised the medium guayabera fit him better.)

Trying on and Purchasing a Guayabera

Though Dan always wears black shirts, he was game to try on a pretty lavender color. He said the material was heavier than he expected since it looks so light. Even though it wasn't his usual style, it was as attractive on him as it was on the hanger. Ramon Puig's guayabera shirts are stunning, well-made shirts.

Even looking at the striped pattern options – of which there is just a handful because most options are solid colors – I couldn't believe how precisely put together were. The vertical lines were perfectly so, and the horizontal lines were so precise you'd think the sewing team took a picture frame level to them.

There's more precision to this than meets the eye. If you have ever sewn anything involving patterned fabric, you know this involves not only sewing the pieces together with incredible precision but also requires cutting the pattern with keen attention to detail.

You need to be aware of how the lines are flowing on a striped piece of fabric as you place and cut the pattern before the sewing begins.

A short sleeve guayabera shirt costs $140, and a long-sleeve costs $150. There's sometimes a sale rack in the back of the shop — you may get lucky with a good find.

The shirts are currently manufactured abroad and imported. But you can see the patterns for famous people – from actors to politicians – adorning one wall of the shop. Two of Mr. Puig's oversized scissors are in a shadow box above the fitting rooms.

They are available online if you can't get to the store or regret not buying one in person during your visit.

Address: 5840 SW 8th St Miami FL 33144

“Must” Thing to Do in Little Havana: Enjoy the Food

Eat Lunch at Versailles

This is the most famous Cuban restaurant in Little Havana. (This is a bit ironic because it's named after the palace in France, not Cuba. But maybe there's some humor in that!)

Versailles is a bit like a diner inside, with an affordable and plentiful Cuban menu. They may have mirrored walls, but the similarities between Versailles – just outside Paris – and Versailles – the restaurant in Little Havana – pretty much stop at the name.

Regardless, Versailles (the Cuban restaurant in Little Havana) is doing things right because it celebrated its 50th year of business in 2021.

Eating a Cuban Lunch at Versailles

The inside of the restaurant has plenty of seating. We were delighted we didn't have to wait more than five minutes for a table during prime lunchtime on a Friday.

We ordered their famous Cuban sandwich (which was actually invented by Cuban immigrants in Tampa, on the other side of the Florida peninsula) and a “Classic” Cuban plate option. (The classic plate includes white rice, black beans, “picadillo” ground beef, roast pork, sweet plantains, one ham croquette, a Cuban tamale, and cassava (or yuca) with Cuban mojo.)

It was all delicious and served so efficiently! We were out of there for under $25 and within an hour. We even had leftovers we added eggs to in the morning for a little Cuban breakfast.

Their menu is extensive; we imagine anyone could find something they would like on it. They have rotating specials for each day of the week too.

Their pastry shop is connected to the building and accessible from the outside if you want to pick up some Cuban pastries on your way out. Their coffee shop, La Ventanita, will satisfy your Cuban coffee thirst.

There are several parking lots for Versailles – a lot next door and one behind the restaurant – so parking shouldn't be an issue. Versailles is open daily, 8:00am to midnight, and until 1:00am (an extra hour) on Fridays and Saturdays.

Order Versaille's Famous Cuban Sandwiches from Home

Can't get to Miami? Or maybe you've been to Versailles and are craving their Cuban Sandwiches from home, but you can't get one in your town. Or perhaps you want to share the taste with a friend who couldn't visit with you.

Great news: you can order a Cuban Sandwich from Versailles delivered to your home! Check it out and order deliciousness to your doorstep.

As it says online at Goldbelly, the nation's premier website that ships outstanding comfort foods from small businesses around the world, “Versailles has been featured on Food Nation with Bobby Flay and The Best Of on Food Network, and in the Miami Herald, Conde Nast Traveler, and Eater.”

Have Dinner at Cafe La Trova

A retro Cuban atmosphere is brought to life with music, craft cocktails, and contemporary Cuban cuisine.

The restaurant is the result of a partnership between Michelle Bernstein. She is of Jewish and Latin descent and is a James Beard Award winner, who partnered with the famous Cantinero (Cuban bartender) Julio Cabrera, who was born and raised in Cuba.

Cafe la Trova is named after a famous style of music that hails from Cuba. Naturally, Cafe La Trova features the La Trova guitar-led style of music seven nights a week and daily happy hour at the bar from 4:00pm to 7:00pm.

It's interesting to note that Cabrera opened a Cuban cocktail school to keep the Cuban tradition alive in the United States.

Address: 971 SW 8th Street,  Miami, FL 33130

Try Cuban-Inspired Ice Cream Flavors at Azucar

The area's most well-known ice cream shop is easy to spot on Calle Ocho; it has a huge ice cream cone on top of its neon marquee.

Azucar was founded in 2011 and now has a location in Little Havana, Miami, and another in Dallas, Texas. Her ice-cream-loving grandmother inspired the owner to open the shop. “Azucar” means “sugar” in Spanish.

A ton of flavors are available at Azucar, some more savory than sweet. But there are a lot of great tropical flavors there to note. One is Abuela Maria (grandmother Maria), which has guava pieces in it with cream cheese mixed in and cookie pieces. Another favorite was Cafe con Leche (coffee with milk) with mixed Oreo pieces.

They get fruit from the Los Pinareños fruit market down 8th Street, which is also worth a visit.

Visit Los Pinareños Fruitera: the Oldest Fruit Market in Little Havana

This open-air market has been owned and operated by a Cuban immigrant family for almost 60 years, since 1963.

The earlier you visit Los Pinareños in the day, the more fruit they have. When we went, around 3:30pm on a Friday afternoon, the pickings were a little slim, but they still had a little bit left of the following: plantains, coconuts, yuca, papaya, bananas, and sugarcane.

They also sell coffee, juices, and smoothies.

Enjoy Some Cuban Coffee

Cuban coffee is unique because it's served in a “thimble” sized cup with sugar and no milk. These one-sip-sized coffee hits are delicious and helpful in getting you caffeinated!

If you pass any window labeled a “ventanita,” stop for a coffee to gain a sense of the community that – not only the drink – but the stand and people who work there provide.

Buy Cuban Pastries at Arahi’s Bakery

We wanted some guava and cheese pastries to take home for the next day in Florida. Dan and I also wanted to support more local small businesses when we visited Little Havana.

So we stopped at Arahi's bakery on our way back north to purchase two delicious pastries: a sweet guava empanada and a custardy slice of cake. (We're still unsure what the cake was because of a language barrier, but it was yummy!)

The bill was less than $5, and we gained a lot of delicious calories and a greater sense of the friendly community in Little Havana.

Address: 745 SW 8th St, Miami, FL 33130

Related Things to Do Next to Little Havana

Learn about the Bay of Pigs Invasion at the Brigade 2506 Museum and Library 

If you're into war history or want to learn more about Cubans in America during the 1960s, you will want to visit the Bay of Pigs Invasion Museum and Library. The official name of the destination is “Brigade 2506 Museum and Library.”

The museum and library used to be in Little Havana off of Calle Ocho in Miami but recently moved to Hialeah, Florida. It's 17 miles northwest of Little Havana, which is approximately a 30-minute drive.

The old museum is pictured below, but the museum's new location brings increased space and a newer facility, with outdoor exhibits of a 1960s war tank and airplane.

The Bay of Pigs invasion happened in 1961, when Cuban exiles, then living in America, invaded Cuba in an attempt to overthrow Fidel Castro. JFK was president at the time.

Many of the troops lost their lives; this museum commemorates the invasion, those who fought, were taken prisoner, and those who lost their lives.

Address: 13651 NW 107 Avenue, Hialeah Gardens, FL 33018

Pay Your Respects at the Bay of Pigs Memorial

The Brigade 2506 Museum may have moved to Hialeah Gardens, away from Little Havana. But a monument to remember the Bay of Pigs invasion remains in the neighborhood to honor the fallen.

Address: 806 SW 13th Ave, Miami, FL 33135

Planning for your Time in Miami, including Exploring Little Havana

What is Little Havana Like?

Little Havana is a small area of Miami. It's a neighborhood in a large city. Though it's named after Havana, don't expect the resemblance of Cuba to go beyond that, aesthetically speaking.

If you're staying nearby in Miami, we suggest taking a ride-share or car service to the area to avoid worrying about your car and paid street parking.

The bulk of things to do in Little Havana is along Calle Ocho, with some outliers. It's filled with Latin culture, including sounds, sights, and foods of the sort.

You'll surely enjoy your time there from drums and horns to people playing dominos in the park, cigar rollers in shops, and Cuban flags on the street to delicious Cuban pastries made with guava fruit.

Though you can walk the main part of Little Havana (which is 8th Street, or “Calle Ocho,” between 12th and 16th Avenues), it's easier to explore some notable spots beyond that with a car – and there are a few spots worth noting.

That being said, street parking may be difficult to find at certain times of the day, especially on nights and weekends, but if you're lucky, you'll be able to grab a paid-parking spot on the street or in a parking lot.

Getting Around Little Havana and Miami

If you're going to Little Havana by car, it's best to park your car and walk around the area. It's very walkable. Just be sure to bring the packing list items we suggest below to stay hydrated and protected from the sun.

If you're going to be in Miami for a few days, you may want to consider renting a car if you're exploring a lot of neighborhoods, whether you're doing boating trips to see the Miami skyline from the water and its famous islands, or you're going to South Beach to lay in the sand and the Design District to shop.

Consider that parking in Miami usually has a cost. Free parking is rare yet not impossible to find. We often find street parking for free, it just depends on the neighborhood. We have parked for free in Little Havana in the past.

Another option is using taxis and rideshares, which can add up in a major city.

What to Pack for Your Day in Miami's Little Havana

Don't forget Florida essentials if you're venturing out for the day. The sun is hot, hot, hot in Miami, so you'll need sunglasses, sunscreen, and your refillable water bottle – we love our flat Memo bottle because it fits in my purse.

And if you're prone to bugs biting you where the weather is warm (as I am) you're going to want the Bug Bite Thing on you at all times. (It's the only solution that has ever truly worked to getting bug bites to stop itching and interfering with my day.)

Little Havana vs Wynwood

Wynwood and Little Havana, two popular neighborhoods to visit in Miami, are incredibly different.

Little Havana is ideal for Latin culture and feeling the “flavor” of a specific aspect of the city. While Little Havana has some great murals and street art in the neighborhood, it isn't known for that.

On the other hand, Wynwood is filled with murals from well-known artists who come from around the world to paint walls in this famous neighborhood. There are way more art galleries, Instagram-worthy opportunities, and “see and be seen” places to hang out.

Both are wonderful yet different. If you have two days in Miami, we recommend visiting both neighborhoods. If you only have one day, consider the morning in Little Havana and the afternoon in Wynwood or vice versa. (And be sure to read our extensive post on fun things to do in Wynwood if you visit.)

You can also sign up for something like an affordable private guided tour that takes you to several Miami neighborhoods, including Wynwood and Little Havana. This is an especially good option if you're short on time and without a car.

Quick History of Little Havana, Miami

Many Cuban exiles made their home in Miami in the 1960s to escape the Castro regime. Prior to that time, from the 1930s, Little Havana (not yet named that, of course) was a thriving Jewish neighborhood.

The Cuban quarter neighborhood's current name reflects Cuba's capital city, though it looks different than Cuba's Havana.

Little Havana was added to the list of National Treasures by The National Trust for Historic Preservation.

The area is west of downtown Miami, south of Wynwood, and north of Coconut Grove.

Many businesses there are Cuban-owned, but you'll find a wonderful mix of Spanish cultures here beyond Cuba nowadays. This includes people from Central American cultures, South America, and the Caribbean.

Other Things to Do Near Little Havana

Take advantage of the beautiful water surrounding Miami and choose from one of many Miami boat tours. You can do a sunset cruise, a thrilling speedboat ride, an airboat tour of the Everglades, and even enjoy Biscayne Bay in Miami on a private boat rental.

Another option is to do a helicopter tour over Miami to see all of its neighborhoods – from Little Havana to Wynwood, South Beach, and Downtown, from above.

You can also take a Segway tour of some really cool areas of Miami near Little Havana, including Lincoln Road and the Art Deco historic district.

Going to Florida? Read this next:

• Fun Things to Do in Wynwood, Miami in Addition to Seeing Murals
• 16 Miami Boat Tours (and Unique Watersport Ideas)
• Ultimate Year-Round Packing List for Disney World and Universal (with a Printable)