A Visit to Little Havana, USA
Street Art, Little Havana
Looking for a getaway that feels exotic without a needing passport? Enter Little Havana, Miami. Miami is an energetic city in southern Florida with the second largest population in the American Southeast behind Atlanta, Georgia. The city, known locally as the 305, sits along the Atlantic Ocean and as such, feels like a large beach town with metropolitan flare. A short distance below Miami, approximately 230 miles (360 kilometers) south, lies Havana, Cuba’s capital. Since the mid 20th century there has been a large influx of Cuban and Latin American immigrants to Miami. Consequently, Hispanic influences in the city appear around every corner. The densest population of Cuban culture in Miami is found in the lively neighborhood of Little Havana. Come with me as I take you through a trip to Little Havana and provide tips on how to explore this vibrant area like a local.
Calle Ocho, Little Havana
Where to Stay
The Rover Miami Hotel
For those who visit Little Havana in addition to a trip to greater Miami, an accommodation with easy access to the beach is a good call. South Beach and Mid-Beach areas have numerous options to check this box. The Brickell neighborhood is also a good choice if you prefer access to high-end shopping, restaurants and nightlife. Visiting Little Havana from these areas is easy and takes less than half an hour by car. For those looking to explore Little Havana like a local, as I was, I suggest booking your stay at The Rover Miami. The Rover is a boutique hotel located directly in Little Havana and is within walking distance of the liveliest parts of this neighborhood. The booking and check-in processes are very efficient. Everything is automated, and you are given a pin number to access the entrance to the hotel and your room so there is no need to keep up with a key card. The hotel is clean, aesthetically pleasing and the room rate comes with a nice breakfast in their lounge every morning. While Little Havana is very walkable, The Rover also provides bicycles to explore the area more easily.
Start your Day with a Cuban Coffee
La Colada Gourmet, Little Havana
In addition to the famous culture of Cuba, this Caribbean Island is also known for its delicious coffee. Cuban espresso, also known as café Cubano, is strong and sweet with a rich texture. There are many Cuban coffee shops along Little Havana’s most famous street, Calle Ocho. For a traditional approach to Cuban coffee, be sure to visit La Colada Gourmet. This bustling café has a fun atmosphere and is an experience on its own. Watch as Cuban coffee beans are rotated and roasted in front of you. As you await your brew, enjoy the numerous displays of Cuban art on the wall. I chose the Tres Leches Café which is made with sweetened condensed milk and evaporated milk in addition to whole milk and espresso. It was balanced, smooth and delicious.
Tres Leches Café, La Colada Gourmet
Visit a Cuban Bakery
Arahis Bakery, Little Havana
To complement your Cuban coffee, visit one of Little Havana’s local bakeries. Here, you’ll see the famous bread used for Cuban sandwiches being baked and sold. You’ll also find numerous pastries, cookies and sweets on display and begging to be chosen. For a traditional choice, go for the pastelito de guayaba y queso. This is a flaky puff pastry filled with guava and cream cheese. I highly recommend a visit to Arihis Bakery which is authentic and is frequented daily by Little Havana locals. Other notable Cuban bakeries include Party Cake Bakery and Bakery Pastelmania.
Explore Cuban Art & Culture
Street Art, Sala’o Restaurant
From street art to galleries, Little Havana has an impressive display of art throughout the neighborhood. As you explore on foot, be sure to stop and appreciate the colorful frescos that are simply stunning. A tribute to the skill of these murals can be found at Calle Ocho Murals. One recurring theme with the street art and with Cuban art in general is the fearless use of bright, bold designs. These artforms perfectly complement the vivacious people who live here. Other ways to enjoy Cuban art include a visit to Molina Art Gallery and the Futurama 1637 Art Building which is a mixed space including a gallery, artist workspace and gift shop. To get a sense of the community of this neighborhood, stop by the famous Domino Park. Located in the center of Little Havana, this park is frequented by local Cuban and Latin American residents who come together daily to play dominoes while discussing the news of the day.
Domino Park, Little Havana
Indulge in Cuban Cuisine
Los Pinarenos Fruteria, Little Havana
While exploring the culture of Little Havana, you are bound to work up an appetite. Lucky for you, one of the best delights of this neighborhood is its Cuban gastronomy. Arguably the most famous of Cuban cuisine is the Cuban sandwich, also known as a Cuban. This hearty delight is made by layering ham, roasted pork, Swiss cheese, pickles and mustard on Cuban bread. The sandwich is then pressed panini style and served with rice and beans. A famous institution for a Cuban in Little Havana is Versailles Restaurant. The sandwiches are affordable, large and pair perfectly with a mojito. Habana con B Restaurant is very authentic and offers traditional fare worth indulging in including sweet plantains, tostones, ropa vieja and lechon asado Finish your meal with traditional Cuban flan and you have the perfect meal.
Enjoy Live Music
Cubaocho Performing Arts Center, Little Havana
Whether day or night, a visit to Little Havana is likely to be accompanied by the sound of spirited Cuban music. From genres including son Cubano, salsa to mamba and more, you’ll pass by countless establishments proudly presenting Cuban musicians. Enjoy a live performance with a refreshing mojito and you’ll have a fun afternoon or evening activity. I suggest making an evening out of this experience with dinner and a show at Sala’o Restaurant or visiting one of Little Havana’s famous bars. Ball and Chain, a historic institution, was originally a night-club in the 1930s-1950s but now serves both food and drinks paired with live entertainment. Cuba Ocho Performing Arts Center is another local venue that hosts Cuban musicians and Cuban art as well as providing a full-service bar serving drinks and cigars. A night here will make you feel as if you’ve left America and landed directly in 1950’s Havana.
¡Salud!
Calle Ocho, Little Havana
