No visit to Miami would be complete without a trip to Little Havana. This slice of Cuba in the heart of Miami is a great place to enjoy Caribbean culture, not to mention a mojito or two. Read on to see our tips for unmissable spots around Little Havana.

What to do in Little Havana

Puff some puros at El Credito Cigar Factory

As you might suspect, Little Havana has more than its fair share of cigar stores, each with their own unique character. While it’s hard to say which is best, everybody knows the oldest. El Credito is actually the oldest continuously-operating cigar factory anywhere in the United States and runs tours daily Monday through Friday. These tours are very much worthwhile and give you the opportunity to see cigars being hand-rolled by their experts. Afterward, sink into one of their lounge chairs and taste the flavors of Cuba with a cigar or two from the collection. El Credito is located at 1100 SW 8th Street.

Cool off at the Azucar Ice Cream Company

An icon of Little Havana, Azucar Ice Cream certainly doesn’t hold back on the sugary goodness. Located at 1503 Calle Ocho, this little place seems to feed half of Little Havana during summer. Don’t miss the mantecado, a classic Cuban flavor that combines cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla.

Play dominoes in Maximo Gomez Park

What could be more relaxing than a game of dominoes? The answer: pretty much anything, assuming we’re talking about the high tension tournaments that go down in Little Havana’s Maximo Gomez Park. Known to locals simply as “Domino Park”, this leafy corner of Little Havana is always a hub of activity and the place to see and be seen for Cuban retirees with serious domino skills. Sit back and watch a game or two, or try your hand and be prepared to lose hard to the pros.

Dance at Casa Panza’s Flamenco Nights

Right in the heart of Little Havana, Casa Panza’s Flamenco Nights are easily among the highlights of a visit to Miami. Every Tuesday and Thursday from 8.30pm, the guitars start strumming and the mojitos flow. Casa Panza is on Calle Ocho at 16th Avenue.

Location and how to get there

Little Havana is centered around SW 8th Street, which locals often refer to as “Calle Ocho”. Basically, everything along here between 12th and 17th Avenues is Little Havana, more or less. If you’re taking a private vehicle, then you’ll be glad to know Calle Ocho is lined with parking meters, and it’s somewhat easier to find a park here than in central Miami (just be sure to stock up on quarters).

If you’re relying on public transport, you likewise won’t have too many problems. From South Beach, take a southbound C-line from Washington Avenue to the Downtown Bus Terminal. From there, you can take the #207 to 15th Avenue. Then, just walk south towards Calle Ocho, and you’ll be right in the middle of the action within minutes. Alternatively, from central Miami, the #6 goes straight up Calle Ocho.