You can’t visit Miami without spending a day in the vibrant neighborhood of Little Havana!
Little Havana is a neighborhood in Miami that was home to many Cuban exiles in the 1950s and 1960s after the Cuban Revolution. The historic neighborhood will give you a glimpse into the heart of Cuba- art, architecture, culture, history, music and food!
Located around Calle Ocho (SW 8th Street) is the center of Cuban life and the main strip with colorful murals, monuments, Latin-inspired bakeries, bars/restaurants, fruit stands, cigar shops, music venues, and art galleries.
Things To Do in Little Havana…
- Start the day with Breakfast or lunch at Versailles Restaurant, a great eatery to try Cuban cuisine and one of Calle Ocho’s most famous and iconic restaurants. Versailles has been named a MICHELIN- recommended restaurant. I tried the croquetas, oxtails with rice and sweet plantains, and a mojito- 8/10. There is also a bakery on site serving Cuban coffee, pastries, desserts, and mini-Cuban sandwiches.
2. Stroll down Calle Ocho and take in the sights…
• Watch the locals play dominoes in Maximo Gomez Park- Domino Park. They gather to smoke cigars, drink coffee and play dominoes daily.
• Admire Cuban art and murals- colorful murals depicting Cuban history and culture displayed on buildings.
• Visit a Cigar shop- Watch the artisans hand-roll cigars in factories… experience cigar rolling!
• Calle Ocho Walk of Fame- A Hollywood inspired walkway honoring Cuban and Latin artists and celebrities.
• Roosters along Calle Ocho- Part of “Rooster Walk”, symbolizes Cuban culture: resilience, pride, spirit of resistance. You may also see live chicken and Roosters running around in the streets.
• Cuban Memorial Boulevard Park- View the monuments/memorials dedicated to those who fought for Cuban Independence. Bay of Pigs Monument honors the Cuban exiles who died during The Bay of Pigs Invasion in 1961, “Brigade 2506”. The names of the freedom fighters who lost their lives in a failed attempt to overthrow Fidel Castro’s regime are engraved on the Monument, and there’s an eternal flame at the top. At the entrance of the park is The Eternal Torch in honor of the 2506th Brigade.
• Sip on delicious coffee at La Colada Gourmet- Art Cafe serving pastries and Cuban coffee, roasted daily. Also very relaxing atmosphere. Tres Leche iced coffee hit the spot, my friend had the hot Tres Leche, which she also enjoyed… Will go back!
• Enjoy live salsa music and cocktails at Ball&Chain; popular venue that dates back to 1935. Restored Jazz Era Nightclub that featured legendary artists like Billy Holiday, Count Bassie, Chet Baker, Louis Armstrong, and Nat King Cole- performed during the 1950s.
Have you been to Miami and did you go to Little Havana? Did you enjoy the vibrant atmosphere?
Save this post📌 for some of my recommendations when you visit Miami, to make the most of your trip to explore Little Havana! It’s a must-visit cultural Experience!
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