Guide to Little Havana, Miami
Welcome to Miami Hotel Guide 🌴
At Miami Hotel Guide, we’re more than just about the best hotels. We’re about neighborhoods, culture, and the soul of Miami. And nowhere is that soul more alive than in Little Havana.
Welcome to Little Havana — the Cuban heart of Miami, where Calle Ocho, cafecitos, and Domino Park keep tradition alive at the center of the city.
The Story of Little Havana: A Cuban Heartbeat in Miami
Little Havana isn’t just a neighborhood — it’s a living memory. Born from the waves of Cuban immigrants who fled Fidel Castro’s regime in the late 1950s and early 1960s, the area became a haven for families rebuilding their lives in freedom.
They brought with them not just food and music, but la lucha — the fight to preserve culture, tradition, and identity. Calle Ocho (8th Street) became the beating artery of Cuban Miami, lined with cafeterías serving cafecito, ventanitas pouring cortaditos, cigar rollers, and music that spills into the street.
Today, the neighborhood is both historic and alive, blending the resilience of immigrant roots with a global traveler’s playground of art, sound, and flavor.
The Goods: What to See and Do in Little Havana
🍹 Calle Ocho Stroll
- Calle Ocho Walk of Fame
Address: Along SW 8th Street between 12th Ave & 17th Ave, Miami, FL 33135
Start your stroll here, where Latin stars (think Celia Cruz and Gloria Estefan) are immortalized on the sidewalk. This street is the main artery — colorful murals, salsa bars, and nonstop Cuban vibes.
🎶 Live Music & Salsa Nights
- Ball & Chain
Address: 1513 SW 8th St, Miami, FL 33135
Catch a live band at this historic club from the 1930s, reborn into one of Miami’s hottest music spots. By night, the dance floor spills into the sidewalk — you’ll feel like you’re in Havana itself.
Things heat up in Little Havana at night.
🥟 Eat Like a Local
- Versailles Restaurant
Address: 3555 SW 8th St, Miami, FL 33135
The world’s most famous Cuban restaurant, serving pastelitos, croquetas, and strong Cuban coffee since 1971. - La Carreta
Address: 3632 SW 8th St, Miami, FL 33135
Another staple for authentic Cuban cuisine — from ropa vieja to fried plantains — with a loyal local following.
🥃 Sip a Mojito (or Cafecito)
- Café La Trova
Address: 971 SW 8th St, Miami, FL 33130
A world-class Cuban cocktail and live music bar, helmed by master bartender Julio Cabrera. The mojitos here are legendary.
♟️ Domino Park (Parque Máximo Gómez) – The Must-Go
At Domino Park, you’ll often see Cuban old-timers leaning over the tables, playing dominoes with fierce passion. It’s more than a game — it’s storytelling, tradition, and community. Watching them play is like stepping into the living history of Little Havana.
- Domino Park
Address: 801 SW 15th Ave, Miami, FL 33135
No visit to Little Havana is complete without Domino Park. Retired Cuban men (and women) play dominoes daily, fiercely debating politics, baseball, and family stories while slapping down tiles.
🎨 Art & Murals
- Cubaocho Museum & Performing Arts Center
Address: 1465 SW 8th St #106, Miami, FL 33135
Part art gallery, part music venue, part rum bar — with a priceless collection of Cuban art rescued from Havana.
Why Stay Near Little Havana?
Unlike South Beach or Brickell, Little Havana is raw, real, and full of rhythm. Staying nearby means you can:
- Walk to Calle Ocho festivals (like the world-famous Carnaval Miami)
- Immerse yourself in authentic Cuban culture
- Explore both downtown and Coral Gables within minutes
FAQ Little Havana, Miami
Is Little Havana safe for tourists?
Yes, during the day it’s bustling and vibrant. At night, stick to main areas like Calle Ocho.
How long do I need to explore?
Half a day covers the highlights, but stay longer for live music and nightlife.
What’s the best time to visit?
Evenings and weekends are liveliest. For festivals, March’s Calle Ocho Festival is legendary.
Do you need to speak Spanish?
Not at all — but a friendly “gracias” goes a long way.
How far is it from South Beach?
About a 20-minute drive. Easy by Uber/Lyft.