Little Havana
10Best Says
This small neighborhood packs a big cultural wallop. Settled in the years following Castro's revolution, it's now home to a third of Miami's 2 million residents. Its main drag, Calle Ocho (or... Read More
This small neighborhood packs a big cultural wallop. Settled in the years following Castro's revolution, it's now home to a third of Miami's 2 million residents. Its main drag, Calle Ocho (or Southwest Eighth Street), is the heart of Little Havana, a place to indulge in authentic food, hand-rolled cigars and strong, fragrant coffee. In Maximo Gomez Park, older folks gather daily to play dominoes, talk politics, and share stories, while each March, the Calle Ocho festival celebrates Latino culture in a boisterous street party. There's the Cubaocho Museum and Gallery for those interested in learning about Cuban art and culture, nightclubs like Hoy Como Ayer to dance in at night, and plenty of delicious eateries in which to sample and savor Cuban (and Nicaraguan, Honduran, Mexican, and Salvadorean) foods. Don't leave without trying the Cuban coffee, which is said to be the lifeblood of Miamians.
EXPERT TIPS BY:
Priscilla Blossom
Miami Local Expert
- Free Things to Do, Best Attractions & Activities, Romantic Things to Do: "Make a day of it and plan to visit on the last Friday of the month. Experience Little Havana in the day by walking along Calle Ocho, catching a ballgame at Marlins Park, and dropping into the various shops and stick around for the Viernes Culturales street party at night."
- Best for Free Things to Do Because: Much of Miami's culture exists thanks to its rich Cuban population. A free trip to Little Havana can teach you all about it.
- Recommended as Best Attractions & Activities Because: Little Havana is the closest thing to true Miami culture without sending you into the sprawl of the suburbs. Enjoy its authenticity.
- Best for Romantic Things to Do Because: Spend a night here sipping mojitos, dancing to some Buena Vista beats at Ball & Chain or Hoy Como Ayer, and you'll get swept away.
