7 BEST Things to do in Little Havana [Local Guide]

Little Havana, a neighborhood in Florida, Miami, is alive with cultural impact and an important part of the city’s history. Experience the sights, sounds, and tastes that make Miami renowned while strolling along the historic Calle Ocho.

Besides being the heart of Miami’s Cuban-American community since the 1960s, Little Havana is also a great place to visit if you want to sample authentic Cuban cuisine and learn about Cuban culture without leaving the country. Spend the day in a café sipping cafecito and the night learning to salsa dance at one of Miami’s best Latin nightclubs. It is simple to fall in love with Little Havana when you experience its best attractions for yourself.

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The Calle Ocho Walk of Fame is, in many ways, a Latin American counterpart to Hollywood’s Walk of Fame. Latino celebrities who have made significant contributions to the film business have their names inscribed on the pavement.

It is not as well-known as the one in Hollywood, but it is nonetheless home to several well-known actors and directors, and the surrounding area is steeped in history and culture. Why not take a stroll around the “mini-Latin Hollywood” Hall of Fame if you do not have time to visit Hollywood? Luckily, there are a variety of sights to see in the vicinity, and some of Miami’s most well-known landmarks are conveniently close to this illustrious boulevard.

Celia Cruz, Cuba’s greatest salsa singer (she passed away in 2003), was the first to be permanently honored in 1987. Singers and soap stars from over Latin America have been recognized ever since. Betty Pino, Thalia, and Gloria Estefan are among the famous people featured.

Tower Theater Miami, located in Little Havana, is one of Miami’s oldest cultural institutions, having first opened its doors in 1926. Once a movie theater, this Art Deco landmark was shuttered in 1984 and subsequently donated to Miami Dade College, where it underwent extensive renovations.

This landmark theater now screens movies in both Spanish and English, showcases the work of local artists, and invites university professors to provide free, public talks on a wide range of themes. The Tower Theater caters to the broad community it serves by subtitling all of its English-language films into Spanish.

This historic theater is conveniently located near several of the listed destinations on SW Eighth Street and Fifteenth Avenue. The MDC’s Tower Theater Miami has been a staple of the Little Havana nightlife scene for more than a decade, exhibiting a variety of films and hosting educational screenings.

See a performance and see the stunning set and costumes. You can see new art exhibitions from far away for cheap thanks to the theater’s unique viewings. Movie ticket price for adults is $12, for students $9.75, for children under 11 years $9, for senior citizens $9, and for military personnel $9.75.

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One of the nicest and most genuine Cuban cigar stores in Little Havana is El Titan de Bronze, and you do not even have to be a smoker to enjoy a visit there. It has been run by the same family since it opened in 1995, and every day a team of expert rollers produces a new batch of quality cigars. Walking inside this modest business on Calle Ocho is like visiting a real cigar shop; the air is heavy with the scent of tobacco and coffee. Visit this shop while you are in Little Havana to watch local craftspeople at work. A drink of artisan rum and a cigar at one of the local bars is a fantastic way to unwind.

Discover the rich tradition of cigar production in Cuba and its cultural significance. El Titan de Bronze offers ultra-premium boutique cigars like Cremo Cigars, with each roller specializing in a different sort to guarantee excellence. Of course, no visit to El Titan de Bronze would be complete without browsing the souvenir store. Since they are produced in the USA, they are perfectly legal, yet they still have that classic Cuban style.

Cubaocho Museum & Performing Arts Center is not your typical museum; instead, it is a visual and auditory feast, showcasing the best in Cuban and Latin American art and performance. Take part in the celebrations and learn about the history of Cuban immigration to Miami. Stop into the Cubaocho Museum & Performing Arts Center’s rum bar for a refreshing beverage (or three) throughout your tour. Gain a deeper understanding of Cuba’s preferred alcoholic beverage by sampling a few different labels.

Besides being a community center and art gallery, Cubaocho is well-known as a venue for live performances and concerts. Once inside, you will feel like you have stepped back in time to a classic cigar bar in Havana, complete with colorful Cuban artwork and a dynamic crowd made up of both natives and tourists. While musical and dancing acts take center stage, other events such as movie nights, theatrical productions, and book signings are also available.

The rum collection at this museum, bar, and theater is claimed to be the biggest in Miami and maybe all of Florida. There is certainly never a lack of things to do in Cubaocho. Instead of the same old clubs on Miami Beach, check out the events schedule for some live music, salsa classes, and bachata evenings. Remember to bring your dance shoes (the most comfy shoes you own) since you will be expending a lot of energy dancing. Do not fret if you have no idea how to dance. Relax with a world-famous mojito or a taste of the greatest rum in the house, and you will be ready to dance in no time.

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The park of Máximo Gómez is heralded by the clash of domino tiles and the sound of Spanish conversation near the intersection of SW 14th Avenue. It is also called Domino Park and it has been a favorite meeting place for Cuban retirees since the 1970s, when it was first classified as a public park. There will be a lot of trash- talking and the fast sound of smacking dominoes from the tile work pathways covered with dominoes, which have chairs for spectators to sit on. The park, which is rich in history, has the name of a hero who fought for Cuba’s freedom from Spain.

From nine in the morning until six in the evening, largely elderly Cubans have a great time here, chatting it up over cafecitos and a serious game of dominoes. For over 35 years, this has been a hub for the neighborhood’s Cubans and, more recently, everyone in the community. Despite its little size, Little Havana’s Máximo Gómez Park is rich in cultural significance. Máximo Gómez Park is home to more than just fun and games; it also has stunning paintings created by regional artists. It shows the neighborhood and park in all their colorful Little Havana glory.

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Want to know more about Cuba and Miami’s tight ties with the island nation? Check out the Bay of Pigs Museum and Library if you are interested in learning more. The museum recounts the story of the failed 1961 Cuban invasion and the Brigade that spearheaded the attack, thus its other name, the Brigade 2506 Museum. Miami commemorated the invasion by constructing a museum and library some twenty years later. A crowd of over 400 people saw the 1988 grand opening of the Little Havana Museum, formally known as the Juan J. Peruyero Museum and Manuel F. Artime Library (named after two veterans of the Bay of Pigs Invasion).

The Bay of Pigs Museum & Library is rather modest, yet it has many fascinating items and accounts from survivors of the invasion. The museum offers a self-guided audio tour and is manned entirely by veterans who can provide a fascinating insight into the many combat battles on display.

In addition to a limited collection of products and memorabilia, the museum has a movie that provides a full account of the events that took place over the course of those three days in April. The flag of Brigade 2506 was carried by President John F. Kennedy during his 1962 speech. It is in what seems like a normal house, so it is easy to miss if you are not paying close attention. Monday through Saturday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., is when you can visit the Bay of Pigs Museum.

Although there are many notable buildings and historical sites along Calle Ocho, one of the most recognizable features of the street is undoubtedly Azcar’s triumphal ice cream cone sculpture, which towers above the shop’s modest entrance. You have failed as a visitor to Calle Ocho if you have not had the ice cream at Azcar.

Across from Tower Theater and established in 2011, this family-run business is known for its premium ice cream and sorbet flavors inspired by Latin American culture. Sweet plantains (maduros) are cooked at El Nuevo Siglo Grocery Store, while mamey is purchased at the Los Pinarenos fruit stand down the street.

Additionally, Azucar Ice Cream Company coordinates with Redlands, Florida farmers to get in-season fruits produced locally. You cannot go wrong with any of the classic Miami flavors, but if you are looking for a recommendation, try the Abuela Maria, which combines quality vanilla ice cream with guava, cream cheese, and Maria cookies. One other popular drink combination was coffee with milk (café with leche) and crushed Oreo cookies. The more unusual the dish, the more likely it will be tasty.

Things to Consider Before Visiting Little Havana Miami

The following should be considered while organizing a vacation to Miami’s Little Havana.

Best Time to Visit Little Havana: You can take a tour of Little Havana at any time, but keep in mind that the temperature really begins to rise around June. In spring and autumn, when temperatures are mild and the days are usually bright, many tourists choose to come. You will find fewer people and calmer streets in Little Havana between November and March.

Prepare Beforehand: Light, breathable clothes and shoes made for strolling about are essential during the sweltering Miami summers. Booking ahead of time is highly recommended for Little Havana excursions to prevent disappointment. When you book a room online, you have the freedom to look around for the best price.

Respect the Locals: Remember that you are a visitor in someone else’s home whenever you go somewhere new. This entails taking care not to offend the native population. This involves being respectful of the locals of Little Havana by not taking pictures of them without their permission, watching how you carry yourself in public, and keeping your voice down. Enjoy your stay in Little Havana to the fullest by being respectful to the locals.

Do not walk alone at Night: Little Havana is no exception to the rule that it is not safe to stroll about late at night. The neighborhood is OK during the day, but you should avoid it after dark. There are fewer eyewitnesses and potential rescuers late at night since more individuals are out drinking. Stay in well-lit locations and be aware of your surroundings if you must stroll alone at night. Another piece of advice for navigating congested locations is to always have your possessions close at hand. Your camera, phone, and wallet all fall within this category. Keep your belongings near to your person and in a bag that can be closed quickly and easily. It will be harder for someone to steal your stuff without you noticing.

Do not Accept Lift from Strangers: Do not get into a car with a stranger, no matter how nice they appear. Call a friend or family member to pick you up if you do not have transportation. You should always verify the cab or Uber’s legitimacy and the driver’s identity. To further protect your safety, you can use your smartphone’s location-sharing features to alert a trusted friend or family member.

How do we pick our Recommendations?

These suggestions were picked by professionals after looking at a wide variety of factors. We did some digging and asked around, and we found some amazing things to do in Little Havana, Miami. When making choices, we consider the input of our customers and do our best to meet their needs. We took tried to include a variety of programming styles so that there would be something for everyone. Any of the places we have suggested would be great for a day trip, whether you are traveling alone, as a couple, or with a big family or group of friends.

Final Word

We hope that these suggested things to do in Little Havana, Miami will serve as a helpful starting point as you begin organizing your vacation. Little Havana, Miami, is packed with amazing attractions and exciting activities. Seeing is believing, so come check out our wonderful city for yourself. You will be tempted to buy a guayabera and a box of hand-rolled cigars after being immersed in the area’s vibrant murals, pulsating music scene, mouthwatering food, and, yes, active domino games.