Little Havana, west of Downtown Miami, is the historic center of Miami's Cuban community. Its main street, Calle Ocho (SW 8th Street), is lined with Cuban bakeries, cafecito windows, cigar shops, murals and music venues. It is small enough to see in half a day and one of the best places in Miami to eat well for little money.
What to see
The liveliest stretch of Calle Ocho runs roughly between 12th and 17th Avenues. Stop at Máximo Gómez Park, better known as Domino Park, where locals play dominoes at shaded tables. Look for the stars of the Calle Ocho Walk of Fame in the sidewalk, and the Tower Theater, one of Miami's oldest cinemas. Along the way, stop at a ventanita (walk-up window) for a Cuban coffee and a pastelito.
Our Calle Ocho guide maps the sights, food and art, and Little Havana: Miami's heart of Cuban culture covers the history and the best places to eat.
When to go
Daytime is best for cafés, shops and Domino Park. In the evening, bars and clubs with live salsa and Latin music take over. The neighborhood's cultural street festival, Viernes Culturales, is held on Friday evenings once a month; check dates before you go. The Calle Ocho Music Festival in March is one of the biggest street parties in Miami.
Getting there
From Miami Beach it is about 20 to 30 minutes by car or rideshare. Street parking is limited, so a rideshare or a guided food tour is often the easiest option. Once there, the main sights are all walkable along Calle Ocho.
Tips
- Bring small bills: some cafés and fruit stands prefer cash.
- A guided food tour is a good way to try several Cuban dishes in one afternoon.
- Stay on the main commercial blocks of Calle Ocho, especially at night.
