Explore Calle Ocho In Little Havana

Bienvenido to Little Havana, a lively neighborhood west of Downtown Miami that’s the beating heart of Greater Miami & Miami Beach’s Cuban culture, and Calle Ocho (Southwest 8th Street), where Cuban music, food and history come alive. You’ll know it’s Calle Ocho when you see the colorful rooster sculptures along the road. Dressed as traditional farmworkers, carpenters or doctors, these six-foot figures are an emblem of Cuban pride and resilience.

For first-time visitors, start at the Little Havana Visitor Center to learn about local history. Sample authentic Cuban coffee and purchase souvenirs, like dominoes and fedoras, then begin your exploration of this unique neighborhood.

Pay Homage to Legends on the Calle Ocho Walk of Fame

At the Calle Ocho Walk of Fame, spanning 12th to 17th avenues, the stars embedded in the sidewalks celebrate Cuban and Latin American icons, like Celia Cruz and Gloria Estefan, for their positive impact on the destination’s culture and history. Explore the star-studded path featuring bronze-lettered names of leaders who shaped Cuban music, literature and activism.

Immerse Yourself in Little Havana’s Cigar Tradition

As you wander through Calle Ocho, the sweet, woody aroma of Cuban cigars fills the air near factories and shops. If you’re over 21, you can purchase fresh, hand-rolled cigars made with high-quality tobacco leaves. Go on a tour at Casa Habano to learn how cigars are made, from seeding and curing to aging the cigar using ancient Cuban traditions. Or roll your own cigars at Cremo Cigars using a custom blend of tobacco leaves. Head to Little Havana Cigar Factory or Federico Empire Cigar Factory or a shop like El Titan de Bronze to watch a master torcedor expertly craft cigars.

Catch a Game of Dominoes at Domino Park

Head over to 15th Avenue and visit Domino Park (or Máximo Gómez Park, named after the Cuban revolutionary) to watch elders playing lively games of dominoes while chatting with locals. Get a glimpse into the lives of the social club members who are over 50 and host dominoes competitions, typically for members only.

Discover Street Art & Meaningful Murals

Get inspired by the art of Calle Ocho, which reflects Cuban Americans’ history, politics and struggles. A must-see is the Celia Cruz mural on the corner of 13th Avenue overlooking the Walk of Fame. Marvel at the colorful mural featuring the legendary Afro Cuban artist and singer. At 14th Avenue, the Little Havana Wall is a 50-feet-wide mural comprised of photos capturing the spirit of the community. Go on a Little Havana Walking Tour to see numerous works reflecting Cuban culture and learn about the artists who created them.

Dance the Night Away

Experience Little Havana’s nightlife with live music, delicious mojitos and dancing. For a lively night, visit Ball & Chain to hear bands playing every type of Latin music, from salsa and rumba to Afro-Cuban jazz. If you’re looking for a more laid-back vibe, sit outside on the patio and enjoy the music while conversing over cocktails.

MICHELIN-recommended Cafe La Trova is known for its inventive cocktails by world-famous Julio Cabrera and contemporary Cuban-style dishes crafted by James Beard Award-winning chef Michelle Bernstein. There’s live music, dancing and fun-loving bartenders who join the band to play the trumpet or trombone.

Art, History & Rum Combine at Cubaocho Museum

Browse through a collection of pre-revolutionary Cuban art from 1800 to the 1960s while sipping rum at the Cubaocho Museum & Performing Arts Center. Grab a drink at the bar, with over 480 different rums, and admire the cigar collection. As night falls, groove amongst Cuban artwork as you enjoy Latin dance classes. Cubaocho stays open until the wee hours of the morning.

Shop For Guayabera Shirts and Stay Cool

Get yourself a classic Cuban guayabera at a boutique like family-owned Havana Collection. These linen or cotton shirts that soldiers and farmworkers wore as uniforms in the 18th and 19th centuries are named after the many guava trees in Cuba. Their four front pockets were useful for storing guavas, and now, the loose fit is ideal for tropical climates. Check out Goodwill Little Havana – Calle Ocho for a budget-friendly find.

Explore a Vital Event in Cuban-U.S. History

The Bay of Pigs Brigade 2506 Museum is a must-visit for history buffs who want to learn about a pivotal point in U.S.-Cuban history and the local exile community. Explore military memorabilia and artifacts, including the Brigade 2506 flag held up by President John F. Kennedy. Learn about the Cuban patriots who fought for freedom during the U.S.-backed military operation in Cuba in 1961.

Eat & Drink on Calle Ocho

Dine at MICHELIN-recommended Versailles, a family-owned restaurant that’s perfect for a classic Cuban sandwich, café con leche and traditional Cuban food. Or head to MICHELIN Bib Gourmand selection Sanguich de Miami for a pressed Cuban sandwich that’s crispy on the outside and packed with melted cheese and house-cured meats on the inside.

Satisfy your sweet tooth at Azucar Ice Cream Company, serving artisanal ice cream inspired by how Cuban grandparents and elders would make it. Taste the famous Abuela Maria, a Cuban-inspired flavor oozing with guava, cream cheese and Maria cookies. Or book the Little Havana Food and Cultural Tour by Miami Culinary Tours for a curated taste of Cuban cuisine at family-owned Little Havana restaurants.

Stop for a cafecito at a ventanita (little window), soak in the local spirit and dance the night away.

Explore more of Little Havana with our in-depth guide.