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Little Havana is one of the most vibrant and culturally rich neighborhoods in Miami — a place where the spirit of Cuba is alive and well in the food, music, art, and daily life of its residents. Having traveled to Cuba earlier that same year, I loved spotting all the familiar sights, sounds, and flavors that made me feel like I was back on the island.
If you’re visiting Miami, I highly recommend spending a day exploring Little Havana, especially around the iconic Calle Ocho (8th Street). From Cuban coffee and live music to hand-rolled cigars and colorful murals, here are some of my favorite things to do in Little Havan:
1. Have an Authentic Cuban Dinner
Considering my love of food, it won’t surprise anyone that my first four recommendations are all about dining. But truthfully, Little Havana is one of the best places to try Cuban food outside of Cuba itself. Here are 3 standout restaurants I’d recommend for dinner here:
- Versailles Café: Perhaps the most famous Cuban restaurant in Miami. If you go during the day, go early — this place opens at 8am and often has a line out the door by lunchtime. I recommend making a reservation and coming for dinner. Note: Versailles is a bit farther from the main drag of Calle Ocho.
- Old’s Havana: Located right on Calle 8, this cozy spot delivers big on charm, flavor, and Havana vibes — especially on weekends when live Cuban music fills the space.
- Café La Trova: Home to a James Beard Award-winning chef and nightly live Trova musicians, this is a dinner-and-a-show kind of place with delicious, elevated Cuban fare.
What to order: Look for dishes like lechón asado (roast pork), ropa vieja (shredded beef), and rabo estofado (oxtail stew) — all classics worth trying.
2. Stop by El Pub for Empanadas & Mojitos
Sure, many restaurants in Little Havana serve great empanadas, but I’m giving El Pub its own shout-out for the patio vibes and laid-back atmosphere — perfect for a quick daytime snack and drink. The must-try is the classic jamón y queso (ham and cheese) version. Grab a mojito, relax outside, and soak up the ambiance — it’s an ideal midday stop. Bonus: Their oxtail stew on Saturdays is excellent.
3. Grab a Cuban Sandwich at Sanguich de Miami
Once this place earned a Michelin Bib Gourmand mention, the line never stopped. With only about 20 seats inside, most people grab their famous Cuban sandwiches to-go — but we braved the sun and waited about an hour for bar seats.
Was it worth it? 100% yes.
The quality, flavor, and crisp-pressed perfection of the sandwiches are unmatched.
4. Cool Off at Azucar Ice Cream Company
I didn’t expect an ice cream shop to make my must-do list, but Azucar Ice Cream Company is that good. This spot creates gourmet Cuban and tropical-inspired ice creams and sorbets, with flavors like: Café con leche, Mantecado (Cuban vanilla), Plátano maduro, Willy Cherino (bourbon + dark cherry), Dulce de leche, Key lime pie, Cuatro leches, and Coconut flan. On a hot Miami day, nothing hits quite like these.
5. Sip Authentic Cuban Cocktails
Here’s a quick cheat sheet of Cuban cocktails to try in Little Havana:
- Mojito: Rum, lime, mint, sugar, and soda over ice
- Daiquiri: Typically frozen and fruity, with rum, sugar, and lime
- Cuba Libre: Classic rum and Coke with lime — simple, refreshing, and often overlooked on a hot day
Many bars in the area put their own tropical spin on these drinks, so don’t be afraid to try a new flavor!
6. Visit Domino Park
Officially called Maximo Gomez Park, this small plaza is better known as Domino Park — a beloved hub where older locals gather to play dominoes daily.
It’s not your typical park — there’s little greenery — but it’s a culturally rich spot and right next to the Calle Ocho mosaics, where you can admire tiled tributes to famous Cubans and Little Havana’s history.
7. Go Mural Hunting
Little Havana is full of vibrant street art and murals celebrating Cuban pride, Miami flavor, and Latin icons. Keep your camera ready for these artworks:
- The vintage-style “Little Havana” postcard mural near Chase Bank (2614 SW 8th Street)
- A bold, colorful “Little Havana” mural on the side of Sushi Sake
- The iconic rooster statue with “Calle 8” outside El Pub
- The artistic “Havana” wall just above the “I Love You Miami” mural across the street
- And for the Pitbull fans out there, the “Mr. 305” mural at 1380 Calle Ocho
8. Lounge or Dance at Ball & Chain
Ball & Chain is a historic venue turned lively bar, lounge, and nightclub — and an absolute must when visiting Little Havana.
Once a jazz-era hotspot where legends like Billie Holiday, Chet Baker, and Count Basie performed, today it blends history with tropical flair. Expect:
- Live music day and night
- Salsa dancing and lessons
- Backyard lounge area
- Tropical cocktails and Cuban bites
Whether you’re relaxing in the sunshine or dancing under the stars, this is one of Calle Ocho’s top experiences.
9. Watch Cigars Being Rolled
Even if you’re not a cigar aficionado, watching hand-rolled Cuban cigars being made is a unique cultural experience. Several cigar shops and factories in Little Havana offer demos and education. Casa Habano is a great place to: learn about Cuban cigar-making, watch master rollers in action, and pick up a souvenir (although be aware you can’t technically bring these back to America still).
It’s the perfect way to connect with one of Cuba’s most iconic traditions.
Final Thoughts
Little Havana is a vibrant, flavorful, music-filled window into Cuban-American culture — all within a few blocks of Miami. Whether you’re there for the food, cocktails, art, music, or history, there’s truly something for everyone.
Questions or want help planning your Miami trip?
Feel free to reach out — I’d love to help you make the most of your Little Havana adventure!
