Little Havana is the thriving and always-lively hub of Hispanic culture in Miami.

Cuban exiles fled here in the 1960s and 70s. This neighborhood quickly transformed into the culturally and architecturally rich destination that it is today. It has been declared a “national treasure” by the National Trust for Historic Preservation.

Located just west of Downtown Miami and Brickell, most of the action is centered around world-famous Southwest 8th Street, better known as Calle Ocho. Here, you’ll discover a constant celebration of Cuban heritage.

This is the place to indulge in Cuban delights, such as croquetas and flaky pastelitos and share thumbnail-sized cups of coladas. A cherished pastime is watching locals compete in long-running games of dominoes while debating politics at Máximo Gómez Park (Domino Park). Little Havana is also the place to learn the art of rolling cigars at family-owned spots such as Little Havana Cigar Factory. Don’t be surprised if you feel the urge to break out in dance as music permeates from open-air restaurants and shops.

You don’t need to speak Spanish to enjoy this welcoming neighborhood, but you may want to learn the names of a few popular foods and drinks to order while visiting.

The best way to experience Little Havana is during the Viernes Culturales celebration of art, history, music and food, which takes place on the third Friday of every month. Cubaocho's interior

Experience art and live music at Cubaocho.

Culture And History in Little Havana

First-timers in Little Havana should visit the Cubaocho Museum & Performing Arts Center, a museum and gathering space where art, live music and dance intermingle. The museum is home to a rare and stunning collection of Cuban art dating from the 1800s to 1959. More than a museum, it’s also the place to sip an impressive selection of rums and listen to acts ranging from Cuban jazz to salsa bands. Another cultural jewel is Futurama 1637, a unique marketplace that includes studios where you can peruse diverse artwork and watch creatives at work.

Cuban Coffee in Little Havana — The aroma of Cuban coffee wafts out of restaurant windows in Little Havana.

Little Havana Cultural Walking Tours

For a comprehensive taste of the area with rich history sprinkled in, book the Little Havana Food and Walking tour with Miami Culinary Tours, which TripAdvisor has named on its list of “Top Overall Experiences in the U.S.” In-the-know guides will lead you through the vibrant neighborhood, stopping for delicious bites at locally owned spots while delivering interesting facts about cultural landmarks and traditions, such as cigar rolling.

For a deeper immersion into the neighborhood, book one of the daily public or private tours operated by Little Havana Cultural Walking Tours. Well-informed experts take guests on a two-hour tour exploring the area’s storied past and the traditions that make this neighborhood unique. The tour makes stops at important landmarks and other gems that visitors may not find on their own. You’ll also sample culinary delights, such as freshly brewed Cuban coffee.

Versailles cuban sandwich

Iconic Versailles Restaurant has been serving Cuban coffee and food since 1971.

Where To Eat In Little Havana

Little Havana is the best spot in Miami to sample authentic Cuban food. Stop by one of the many walk-up windows called ventanitas to grab warm croquetas, savory pastries and shots of the Cuban coffee that fuels Miami. A Little Havana institution that deserves a visit is Versailles Restaurant, which has been serving Cuban coffee and food since 1971. It’s a prime place to sip a cafecito and mingle with locals who gather outdoors at the walk-up windows to chat about politics. You can’t miss a stroll through the open-air fresh fruit and juice market, Los Pinareños Fruteria, a family-run staple that’s been around since the 1960s. Try tropical fruits such as ripe mangos and papaya, as well as fresh sugarcane, fruit juices and smoothies. Stop at popular Azucar Ice Cream Company, an artisanal shop where Cuban flavors are injected into delicious cold treats.

Little Havana is also home to chef-driven restaurants such as Cafe La Trova, where Miami’s beloved Chef Michelle Bernstein creates upscale Cuban comfort food, as well as Sala'o Cuban Restaurant & Bar, which presents traditional Cuban seafood dishes with bold flavors.

At night, grab a seat at Casa Tiki, a tropical tiki bar with a Latin-style take on Polynesian culture, to sample exotic cocktails during happy hour and catch live entertainment. Don’t miss a night at historic Ball & Chain for mojitos and creative Cuban bites, and to dance salsa while listening to some of the best live music in Miami.

Rooster sculpture on Calle Ocho

Pose next to one of Little Havana's colorful roosters.

Top Spots For Photos In Little Havana

Have your camera ready to capture the area’s many Instagram-worthy spots, including Little Havana’s own walk of fame, which boasts pink tiles touting the names of Latin stars such as Gloria Estefan and Celia Cruz. Strike a pose in front of the bright murals and colorful painted rooster sculptures along Calle Ocho, and don’t miss the action-packed games that take place at Domino Park.

With everything from authentic Cuban food to rich history and live entertainment, Little Havana is a can’t-miss spot on any trip to Greater Miami & Miami Beach.

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