A Traveler's Guide to Little Havana, Miami

Written By Stephen Smith

In Little Havana, Cuban food tempts the palate, cigar shops waft with rich aromas, and the rhythm of your surroundings beats loud and proud. 

At the center of this iconic cultural hub is Emerald Property Management, your local insider. With lux, colorful accommodations near all the hot spots, you’re graced with an authentic dive into one of Miami’s liveliest neighborhoods.

Ready to take a trip down ‘Calle Ocho’? Little Havana is waiting to enchant you, from the mouthwatering bites and picturesque art deco to the rich history and passionate locals. So grab your cafecito, and keep reading. 

This is your ultimate guide to Little Havana, Miami.

About Little Havana, Miami

Little Havana, named for Cuba's capital, mirrors the Magic City’s rich cultural mosaic. Here, art intersects history, and Cuban culture infuses the American landscape with vibrancy and zest. 

But how did Little Havana come to be? It all started in the late 1950s when Fidel Castro and his rebels violently rose to power, establishing a dictatorship over the island of Cuba. With this takeover came turmoil and an aggressive suppression of human rights.

In response, hundreds of thousands of Cubans fled Castro’s regime in search of a better life in La Yuma (America). Exiles initially settled around the Freedom Tower in Downtown Miami but branched out over time. 

Many settled in West Miami, opening new businesses and setting up homes, particularly along Flagler and the now-famous Calle Ocho (SW 8th street). Today, the neighborhood embraces various Latino-American communities, making it a beautiful melting pot of cultural influences and diversity.

Getting Around Little Havana

Transportation

Little Havana is nestled west of Downtown Miami and stretches west from the Miami River for about two and a half miles.

Miami International Airport is a 15-20 minute drive to Little Havana and about an hour on the Metrobus. Public transportation isn’t great, but you can commute close by with the Big Bus Miami or scooter rentals. Beyond that? Ride-shares or car rentals are the way to go.

For more on how to get around, stop at the Little Havana Visitors Center on Calle Ocho.

Language: Spanglish

Some people will tell you that the primary language in Little Havana is Spanish, but this city’s Hispanic influence has birthed an entirely new dialect known as Spanglish.

Spanglish toggles between English, Cuban Spanish, and made-up words in between (like parquear, which means “to park,” or absorbente, which means “straw”). 

The good news? If you speak English or Spanish, you should be able to navigate the Spanglish landscape of Miami’s Little Havana with ease.

Things to Do in Little Havana

1. Fuel up with a colada and croquetas from the ventanita

Thimble-sized cups of sweet, strong Cuban coffee keep the locals going. So start your day like a true Miamian — with a cafecito and croquetas from one of the small, walk-up windows known as the ventanitas. 

Our go-to? The iconic Versailles Restaurant has been serving Cuban cuisine and culture for over four decades. Wondering how to order? We’ve got you: 

For a Cuban espresso, ask for una colada. 

  • For the Cuban take on a latte, ask for a cortadito con leche evaporada

2. Take in the sights with a stroll down Calle Ocho

Miami’s Little Havana may be small in size, but it’s big in personality. The best way to see it all? Step outside Villa Mi Amor and pick a direction! From left to right, 8th Street offers different sides of Miami's soul to discover everywhere you look.

Some must-see stops include:

  • Tower Theater: A historic, art deco theater built in 1926 that’s now owned by Miami Dade College for Cuban exhibitions and performances, educational lectures, and Spanish- and English-language cinema

  • Calle Ocho Walk of Fame: (between 12th and 17th Avenues): A pink marble sidewalk lined with famous Cuban and Latin figures with ties to South Florida, like Celia Cruz, The Estefans, Willy Chirino, and more.

  • Little Havana Cigar factory: Travel back to the 1950s and visit this retro-inspired Havana cigar club where you can enjoy amazing music and premium cigars paired with a delicious cafecito. 

  • The famous Little Havana mural: by Richard Krebs (next to Chase Bank): An iconic neighborhood photo-op.

  • Bay of Pigs Monument: (on the corner of SW 8th Street and SW 13th Avenue): This monument honors the failed military invasion of Cuba in 1961, orchestrated by the CIA and carried out by Cuban exiles to overthrow the Castro regime.

  • Calle Ocho Roosters: Up and down 8th Street, several six-foot fiberglass rooster sculptures grace the sidewalk (along with a few real ones you’ll find crowing away at Cuban Memorial Park). 

Pro tip: Book a walking tour so you don’t miss a thing! 

3. Indulge in street parties 

Every third Friday of the month, Calle Ocho transforms into a lively outdoor street party and art festival known as Viernes Culturales (or Cultural Fridays).

Located between 13th and 17th Avenues, the event features traffic-blocked streets and a stage for live music starting around 7:30 p.m. You’ll find street vendors, local shops, art galleries, and a celebration of everything that makes Little Havana, well, Little Havana.

4. Get schooled by los abuelitos at Máximo Gómez Park

Máximo Gómez Park (Domino Park) is where Little Havana’s OG’s have been slapping down dominoes for over 35 years. Stop by and catch a game, but consider yourself warned: these abuelitos (grandpas) take their games very seriously. 

After watching a game or two, get lost in the park. Check out the mosaics that depict symbols of Cuba, like native fruits, bongos, and cigars. Painted murals showcase Cuban legends, like poet and revolutionary José Martí and legendary singer Celia Cruz.

5. Soak up some rays at Miami Beach

What better way to spend your day than on the white, hot sands of the sunny 305? Pack your favorite bevies, yummy snacks (pastelitos, anyone?), and make your way to la playa.

As for where you go on the beach, it all depends on what mood you’re in:

  • For lively crowds and partying: Ocean Drive in South Beach. 

  • For family-friendly fun: Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park

  • For a relaxing day: The North end.

  • For pet-friendly spots: South Pointe Park, Bark Beach, Haulover, or Hobie Beach off Key Biscayne. 

For the ultimate Miami experience, why not charter a boat? Leave it to us, and we’ll hook you up with a nice boat and captain for an unforgettable day on the water. 

6. Cool down at Azucar Ice Cream Co.

There’s nothing like some creamy heladito to cool you down after a tropical day of exploring Little Havana. Azucar Ice Cream Company is touted as the "best Cuban ice cream shop" in Miami. 

Think sweet plantain, key lime pie, and cafe con leche. The shop’s biggest flex? Their Abuela Maria marries guava and Cuba’s most iconic cookie.

7. Dance the night away

Time to get dolled up and dance to the pulsating rhythms of Miami’s Little Havana. After all, you didn’t come all this way to sit down, did you?

We promise after a few mojitos, you’ll be shaking it like a local in no time. Here are a few of our favorite spots:

  • For live music and food, Cafe La Trova (971 SW 8th St) was conceived by the cantinero Julio Cabrera, one of the most influential bartenders in the world.

  • For salsa and merengue, Cubaocho (1465 SW 8th St) features rotating art, music performances, and a bar that specializes in rum.

  • For Latin fusion: Ball and Chain (1513 SW 8th St) This historic joint hosted legends like Billie Holiday and Nat King Cole. (pro tip: try their guava sangria)

8. Cure your hangover with a Little Havana food tour

The Little Havana food scene is as delicious as it gets, and it’s the perfect remedy for the post-party blues. Some of our favorite bites can be found at:

Exquisito Chocolates: Miami’s first chocolate shop
9. Catch a Marlins game at LoanDepot Park

Fun fact: LoanDepot Park is located on the site of the former Orange Bowl, where the Miami Dolphins had many memorable victories, including their undefeated 1972 season and the NFL's only perfect record to date.

Now, it’s home to the Miami Marlins. The stadium features a retractable-roof ballpark where you can watch the game, taste food from over 20 vendors, and enjoy unobstructed views of the stunning Miami skyline. 

10. Explore other iconic neighborhoods

Beyond Little Havana’s colorful streets, Miami unfolds like a vibrant tapestry of diverse neighborhoods. Each tells its own story, offering a new glimpse into the city's unique character and charm. 

Here are a few neighborhoods worth a detour: 

  • South Beach: A symbol of Miami glam, SoBe boasts sandy shores, art deco architecture, and bustling nightlife.

  • Wynwood: The epicenter of Miami's art scene, Wynwood is famous for its street art, including the Wynwood Walls, trendy shops, and lively bars.

  • Downtown Miami: Home of the Miami Heat, this area offers a mix of the historic and contemporary.

  • Brickell: Known as the "Manhattan of the South," this city combines a fast-paced business atmosphere with vibrant nightlife and delish dining. 

What to Pack

Miami boasts a humid, tropical climate, so think cool and comfy.

Here’s what you’ll want to bring:

  • Airy shirts and guayaberas

  • Shorts and skirts

  • Flowy dresses

  • Sandals

  • Sneakers

  • Hats and sunnies

  • SPF

  • Small bag or backpack

  • Insulated water bottle

  • We’ve got you covered with internet, TV and streaming, soap, towels, hair dryer, and everything else you need to feel right at home.

    Stay in Little Havana

    If you want to experience the real Miami, Little Havana is exactly where you want to be. From the delectable food and sweet fragrance of hand-rolled cigars to its conglomerate of Latino-American cultures and brilliant traditions, Little Havana, Miami, isn’t just a place on a map — it’s the living, breathing heart of Magic City.

    Whether you're sipping a colada, exploring the arts, or simply soaking in the spellbinding atmosphere, Miami’s Little Havana is sure to leave a mark on all who visit. 

    Ready to discover Little Havana with those who know it best? Book a stay at an Emerald villa!


Stephen Smith
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