Want to get those upbeat island vibes without leaving the continental US? Dance your way down to Little Havana, Miami, for a delicious taste of Cuba! A bustling neighborhood, Little Havana is bursting with culture, art, music, and food.
Spend your time on the iconic Calle Ocho Walk of Fame, brushing against the stars before refueling at the El Cristo Restaurant. Recover from the night before with a relaxing walk around Máximo Gómez Park, or visit Casa Habano to pick up a souvenir or two.
Ready to find out the best places to visit? Fine-tune your Miami itinerary with this complete Little Havana guide, including what to see & do, where to eat & drink, and where to stay!
Looking for more ideas for your trip? Check out our Miami Travel Guide for more recommendations on when to visit, where to go & what to do!
What to see & do in Little Havana, Miami
Calle Ocho Walk of Fame
If there’s one street that really lets you know that you’re in Little Havana, it’s the Calle Ocho Walk of Fame. Known for the starred plaques on the pavement, similar to the Hollywood Walk of Fame, Calle Ocho is reserved for Cuban and Latin cultural figures.
Of course, located down on 8th Street, the Calle Ocho Walk of Fame is a who’s who of Latin and Cuban stars, including Gloria Estefan and Celia Cruz. Wander the street and spot all your favorite celebrities along the way.
You never know: You might be in Little Havana when a new star is being inducted into the Calle Ocho Walk of Fame; look out for the crowds and red carpet nearby!
Cubaocho Museum & Performing Arts Center
Want to learn more about Cuban culture while you’re in Little Havana? With such a rich story to tell, it’s no wonder that the Cubaocho Museum & Performing Arts Center is such a popular Miami tourist attraction. (The rum bar doesn’t hurt, either!)
Featuring multimedia displays of Cuban and Latin art and performances, Cubaocho Museum & Performing Arts Center is a feast for the senses, and definitely not your average museum experience. Take in the festivities while learning about the history that brought Cuban culture to Miami.
No visit to the Cubaocho Museum & Performing Arts Center is complete without a drink (or three!) at the specialist rum bar. Try a few different brands and varieties and gain a whole new appreciation for Cuba’s favorite spirit.
Máximo Gómez Park
After all that rum, you’ll probably need a walk to clear your head. Breathe in some fresh air and experience a Little Havana icon all in one go. Brush up on your tabletop games with a visit to Máximo Gómez Park.
Although it’s only a small city park, Máximo Gómez Park has a big cultural importance in Little Havana. Filled with domino and chess tables, it’s where many locals come to socialize, get some fresh air, and share experiences with one another.
RELATED: Best Neighborhoods to Stay in Miami, FL
Aside from the games, Máximo Gómez Park is filled with beautiful murals painted by local artists. It brings the park and the neighborhood to life, showing the vibrancy of Little Havana.
Cuban Memorial Boulevard Park
If you’re after a park with a bit more greenery, you must check out Cuban Memorial Boulevard Park. Located at the end of Calle Ocho, Cuban Memorial Boulevard Park is full of beautiful tree-lined paths, as well as tributes to fallen Cuban independence fighters.
Come to Cuban Memorial Boulevard Park to explore the well-maintain paths on a walk or morning run. Take the time to read the plaques and statue dedications to those who lost their lives fighting for Cuban independence. Remember that this is a solemn place for many locals, so be respectful.
Another great thing about the Cuban Memorial Boulevard Park is that it’s open 24 hours a day; if you’re an early riser, you can visit before the crowds wake up!
MDC’s Tower Theater Miami
Carve out time in your Little Havana itinerary to experience one of the oldest cultural landmarks in Miami. MDC’s Tower Theater Miami has been running since 1926 and is a beautiful example of Art Deco architecture and design.
Located on SW Eighth Street and Fifteenth Avenue, this legendary theater is easily accessible from other attractions on this list. Hosting a wide range of movies as well as educational showings, MDC’s Tower Theater Miami has been a pillar of the Little Havana entertainment scene for almost a decade.
RELATED: One Day in Miami: Itinerary
Catch a showing, and take in the beautiful design. The theater also has special viewings of new art exhibits from miles away, so you can enjoy them for less.
Bay of Pigs Museum & Library
Looking to learn a little bit more about Cuba’s history and its close-knit relationship with Miami? Bring your curiosity over to the Bay of Pigs Museum & Library. The museum is also sometimes known as the Brigade 2506 Museum as it details the failed Cuban Invasion in 1961 and the Brigade that lead the charge.
Despite being a small museum, the Bay of Pigs Museum & Library is filled with interesting artifacts and stories from those who experienced the invasion. While you can walk around with an audio tour at your own pace, the entire museum is staffed by veterans who can give you a unique insight into military campaigns.
Remember that the Bay of Pigs Museum & Library is closed on weekends; adjust your visiting times accordingly.
Casa Habano
You can’t come back from Little Havana empty-handed. Instead, visit Casa Habano and learn a little something while you look for gifts. As an artisanal Cuban cigar-rolling factory, Casa Habano is both a cultural experience and a great place for souvenirs.
Watch in awe as the professionals speedily and effectively roll the cigars. Sip on the complimentary, super-sweet Cuban coffee you receive at the start of your tour. Learn all about the history of cigar making and its importance in Cuban culture.
Of course, no trip to Casa Habano is complete without a stop-off in the gift shop. As these are made in the US, they’re legal but still built with Cuban flair, care, and elegance.
Where to eat & drink
Chances are, if you’re exploring Little Havana, you can smell the delicious food way before you see it; just being in this neighborhood makes you hungry!
Sate your hunger and soak up a traditionally Cuban vibe at Old’s Havana Cuban Bar & Cocina. Energetic and retro, the restaurant & bar brings back an old Miami and old Cuban atmosphere with amazing food. Try their empanadas while you listen to the intoxicating music.
Searching for a more family-style place to eat? Order the arroz con pollo at El Cristo Restaurant. Open from 9 am until 12 am, this all-day restaurant serves up classic Cuban fare in a no-frills environment. Open since 1972, El Cristo Restaurant has become a favorite among tourists and locals alike.
If you go to Little Havana and don’t have a Cubano sandwich, have you really actually been to Little Havana? Have all your Cubano needs met at Sanguich. Every sandwich is made with the best possible local ingredients and fresh-to-order at their shop on SW 8th Street.
Being so close to the sea, a nautical bar is never too far away. Drink like a pirate at Bar Nancy. This colonial-era-themed sailor bar serves up generously strong cocktails for any salty sea dogs who come through their doors. Pull up a stool and prepare for a good time.
Craft beer is a big business nowadays. Union Beer combines a small craft beer bar with a bottle shop to sell interesting brews and natural wine all across the neighborhood. Bring a growler or sit and sample some local ales. It’s a unique atmosphere where you can sip the day away or get some gifts to take back home.
Finally, if you want to eat classic Cuban cuisine surrounded by history and great live music, Ball & Chain has to be on your Little Havana itinerary. As a former famous nightclub from the 1930s-1950s, it now serves up delicious Cuban food and drinks alongside amazing live music.
Where to stay
Life House, Little Havana
If you need a hotel with a homey touch, check into Life House, Little Havana. With a roof terrace overflowing with gorgeous flowers to a secluded patio area complete with a hammock, this hotel cares as much about its outdoor spaces as it does with its indoor rooms.
Habitación Céntrica Calle 8 Miami
Get yourself some bonafide Little Havana hospitality at Habitación Céntrica Calle 8 Miami. This homestay, run by the ever-helpful Carmen and Louis, is a bright and refreshing place to reset after a day of exploring. Take advantage of the eclectic but peaceful backyard area and soak up those Floridian rays.
Stunning Little Havana Apartments
If you’re looking for your own space in Little Havana, the Stunning Little Havana Apartments live up to their name. Featuring clean and bright decor, it feels as if you’ve stepped into someone’s very well-designed home. Complete with great amenities like a Keurig machine and a welcome basket, you’ll feel right at home.
