Miami’s Cuban culture is one of our favorite things about the city, and Little Havana is its vibrant epicenter. With new restaurants and bars, tons of art and a bustling nightlife, there’s no wrong way to spend a day exploring the neighborhood. (But we have a few ideas to get you started.)
How to Have the Best Day Ever in Little Havana
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Published Apr 1, 2019
Courtesy of Azucar
What To Do
Stroll along Calle Ocho and gawk at the brightly painted roosters, various art galleries and the Walk of Fame, an ode to some of Cuba’s most notable expats, such as Celia Cruz and Gloria Estefan. Make sure to mingle with locals at Domino Park and peek into the Cuba Tobacco Cigar Company. If you have time, catch a movie at Tower Theater, one of Miami’s oldest landmarks dating back to the mid ’20s.
Photo courtesy of Parcela
Where To Eat
There’s almost too much good food in Little Havana. You’ve probably been to Versailles (it’s a Miami icon, after all), so we suggest going someplace new, like Parcela, a light and bright café stocked with veg-forward fare inspired by Miami’s Latin culture. (Think chilled glass noodles stirred with basil-parsley pesto, and a reimagined pan con bistec made with churrasco, chimichurri, roasted peppers and arugula on a toasted ciabatta.) Cool down with ice cream at Azucar and doughnuts at Velvet Creme. If you have room, swing by Sanguich de Miami, an adorable sandwich shop that churns out classic Calle Ocho fare—like a roast-pork pan con lechón and a trigo batido (cereal milkshake). Or go all out with a guided Cuban food tour, which includes visits to numerous Little Havana staples. You really can’t go wrong.
Courtesy of Café La Trova
Where To Drink
Little Havana is one of the best neighborhoods in Miami to have a long, boozy night. You’ll want to start at Café La Trova’s bar with a tropical rum cocktail by acclaimed Cuban bartender Julio Cabrera. Every so often, the restaurant bursts into song with music from a live band (whose members dance all around the space with their instruments in tow). Afterward, make your way down the street for salsa and rumba at Ball & Chain, followed by a nightcap at Los Altos, a secret cocktail lounge hidden above Taquerias el Mexicano. (Shhh. Don’t tell anyone we told you.)
