Hey there, fellow foodies and travelers. I’m Olivia Rivers and I’m super excited to share with you one of the best experiences I had in Miami: The Little Havana Walking Food Tour.
This tour is not only a feast for your taste buds but also for your eyes and ears.
You’ll get to sample some of the most mouthwatering Cuban dishes and drinks while learning about the rich history and culture of this colorful neighborhood. You’ll also get to see some of the iconic landmarks and attractions of Little Havana, such as Calle Ocho, Domino Park, and the Cuban Memorial Boulevard. And you’ll do all this with a friendly and knowledgeable guide who will make you feel like part of the family.
Sounds awesome, right?
Well, it is. And I’m here to tell you why this tour is worth every penny and every calorie. The tour I’m talking about is this one by Viator. You can book it online here. But before you do that, let me give you a sneak peek of what to expect from this amazing tour.
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What to Expect from Little Havana Walking Food Tour
Here are some of the details and highlights of the tour I took with Viator.
- Duration: The tour lasts about 2.5 hours and covers about half a mile of walking. It’s not too strenuous, but make sure to wear comfortable shoes and bring some water and sunscreen.
- Price: The tour costs $69 per person and includes all the food tastings and a mojito cocktail. You can also tip your guide if you enjoyed the tour (I did!).
- Meeting point: The tour starts at the Agustin Gainza Arts and Tavern, a cozy art gallery and bar where you can admire some local artworks and sip a refreshing mojito. The address is 1652 SW 8th St, Miami, FL 33135. You can easily get there by car, bus, or taxi from downtown Miami or Miami Beach.
- Group size: The tour is limited to 12 people, which makes it more intimate and personal. You’ll get to interact with your guide and fellow travelers, as well as the locals you’ll meet along the way.
- Guide information: The tour is led by a professional and passionate guide who knows everything about Little Havana and Cuban culture. My guide was Mirka, a lovely lady who was born and raised in Cuba and moved to Miami when she was a teenager. She was very friendly, informative, and entertaining. She shared with us her personal stories, anecdotes, and insights about life in Cuba and Little Havana.
Sample Itinerary and Food Tastings
The tour follows a flexible itinerary that may vary depending on the day, time, and availability of the places you’ll visit. However, you can expect to visit some of these places and taste some of these foods:
- Cuban coffee: No visit to Little Havana is complete without trying the famous Cuban coffee, also known as cafecito or colada. It’s a strong and sweet espresso that will give you a boost of energy and happiness. You’ll learn how it’s made and why it’s so important for Cuban culture.
- Cuban pastries: Along with your coffee, you’ll enjoy some delicious Cuban pastries, such as guava and cheese pastelitos (flaky pastries filled with guava jam and cream cheese) or croquetas (fried dough balls stuffed with ham or cheese). They are perfect for breakfast or a snack.
- Cuban sandwich: One of the most iconic Cuban dishes is the Cuban sandwich, a hearty sandwich made with ham, roasted pork, Swiss cheese, pickles, mustard, and Cuban bread. You’ll taste one of the best Cuban sandwiches in town at a family-owned restaurant that has been serving them for over 40 years.
- Ice cream: To cool off from the Miami heat, you’ll stop at an ice cream parlor that offers more than 30 flavors of homemade ice cream. You can choose from traditional flavors like vanilla or chocolate, or try some exotic ones like mamey (a tropical fruit), coconut flan, or rum raisin.
- Other food tastings: Depending on the availability of the places you’ll visit, you may also taste some other Cuban specialties, such as empanadas (fried turnovers filled with meat or cheese), plantain chips (crispy slices of fried plantain), ropa vieja (shredded beef stew), moros y cristianos (rice and beans), or flan (caramel custard).
Highlights of The Little Havana Walking Food Tour
Besides the food tastings, you’ll also get to see some of the most interesting and important landmarks and attractions of Little Havana, such as:
- Calle Ocho: This is the main street of Little Havana, where you’ll find most of the restaurants, shops, bars, art galleries, and cultural venues. You’ll also see the Walk of Fame, where stars honor famous Cuban celebrities like Gloria Estefan or Celia Cruz.
- Domino Park: This is a small park where locals gather to play dominoes, a popular game in Cuba. You’ll see how they play with passion and skill, while chatting and laughing with their friends. You may even join them for a game if you’re feeling adventurous.
- Cuban Memorial Boulevard: This is a section of SW 13th Avenue that pays tribute to the heroes and martyrs of Cuban history. You’ll see monuments and statues dedicated to Jose Marti (the father of Cuban independence), Antonio Maceo (a general in the Cuban wars), Bay of Pigs veterans (who fought against Castro’s regime), Elian Gonzalez (a boy who was involved in a custody battle between Cuba and the US), and others.
- Art galleries: Little Havana is also a hub for Cuban art and culture. You’ll visit some of the art galleries that showcase local artists’ works in various styles and mediums. You’ll also see some of the colorful murals that decorate the walls of Little Havana with scenes of Cuban life and history.
- Cigar factory: Cuba is famous for its cigars, and you’ll get to see how they are made by hand at a cigar factory. You’ll watch the skilled workers roll the tobacco leaves into fine cigars, and learn about the history and tradition of cigar making. You’ll also have the opportunity to buy some cigars if you want to take home a souvenir or a gift.
- Other attractions: Depending on the time and availability, you may also visit some other places of interest in Little Havana, such as the Tower Theater (a historic movie theater that shows Spanish films), the Cuban Museum (a museum that displays Cuban art and artifacts), or the Ball and Chain (a legendary nightclub that hosts live music and salsa dancing).
Other Things To Do in Miami:
Pros and Cons of The Little Havana Walking Food Tour
As you can see, this tour offers a lot of value and fun for anyone who wants to experience Little Havana and Cuban culture. However, it may not be for everyone. Here are some of the pros and cons of this tour that you should consider before booking it:
Pros
- You’ll get to taste a variety of delicious Cuban foods and drinks that will satisfy your appetite and your curiosity.
- You’ll learn a lot about the history and culture of Little Havana and Cuba from a knowledgeable and friendly guide who will make you feel welcome and entertained.
- You’ll see some of the most important and interesting landmarks and attractions of Little Havana, and discover some hidden gems that you may not find on your own.
- You’ll have fun and interact with other travelers and locals who share your passion for food and culture.
- You’ll support local businesses and artists who preserve and promote the Cuban heritage in Miami.
Cons
- The tour has limited availability, so you need to book in advance to secure your spot. It may also sell out quickly during peak seasons or holidays.
- The tour is not suitable for people who have dietary restrictions or allergies, as most of the food tastings contain meat, dairy, gluten, or nuts. You may also not be able to customize or substitute the food items.
- The tour may be crowded or hot, depending on the weather and the day of the week. You may have to wait in line or walk in the sun for some of the places you’ll visit.
- The tour does not include transportation to or from Little Havana, so you need to arrange your own way to get there and back. You may also need to pay for parking if you drive there.
Conclusion
So, is the Little Havana Walking Food Tour worth taking? In my opinion, yes. I had a blast on this tour, and I think it’s a great way to explore one of the most unique and lively neighborhoods in Miami. I loved the food, the guide, the sights, and the atmosphere of Little Havana. I learned a lot about Cuban culture and history, and I felt like I was part of it for a few hours. I think this tour is perfect for anyone who loves food, culture, and fun.
However, if you have dietary restrictions or allergies, if you don’t like walking or crowds, or if you’re not interested in Cuban culture or history, this tour may not be for you. You may want to look for other options that suit your preferences better.
If you’re still undecided, you can check out some of the reviews from other travelers who took this tour by Clicking Here. They may help you make up your mind.
But if you’re ready to book this tour, don’t wait any longer. Click the link above to reserve your spot now. Trust me, you won’t regret it.
FAQs
Here are some of the frequently asked questions that people may have about this tour or Little Havana in general:
How do I get to Little Havana from downtown Miami?
There are several ways to get to Little Havana from downtown Miami. You can take a bus (routes 6 or 8), a taxi (about $15), a rideshare service (about $10), or a bike (about 30 minutes). You can also drive there if you have a car, but parking may be limited or expensive.
What is the best time to visit Little Havana?
The best time to visit Little Havana depends on your preferences and availability. However, some general tips are:
- Avoid visiting on Mondays, as some of the places may be closed or have reduced hours.
- Visit in the morning or afternoon, as it may be cooler and less crowded than in the evening.
- Visit on weekends or holidays, as there may be more events and activities happening in Little Havana, such as festivals, parades, or live music.
- Visit during winter or spring, as it may be less hot and humid than in summer or fall.
What are some other things to do in Little Havana besides the food tour?
There are plenty of other things to do in Little Havana besides the food tour. Some of them are:
- Watch a movie at the Tower Theater
- Visit the Cuban Museum
- Shop for souvenirs at souvenir shops
- Dance salsa at Ball & Chain
- Play dominoes at Domino Park
- Watch cigar rollers at work at cigar factories
- Admire street art at murals
- Meet local artists at art galleries
Is Little Havana safe to visit?
Little Havana is generally safe to visit during the day, especially if you stay on Calle Ocho and follow your guide’s instructions. However, like any urban area, it may have some risks or dangers. Some tips to stay safe are:
- Avoid wandering off alone or into dark or deserted areas
- Keep an eye on your belongings and don’t flaunt valuables
- Be respectful of locals and their customs
- Be aware of your surroundings and avoid suspicious people or situations
How can I learn more about Cuban culture and history?
If you want to learn more about Cuban culture and history after taking this tour, there are several resources and options you can check out. Some of them are:
- Read some books or articles about Cuba and its history, such as The Cuba Reader: History, Culture, Politics by Aviva Chomsky, Barry Carr, and Pamela Maria Smorkaloff; Cuba: A New History by Richard Gott; or Havana: A Subtropical Delirium by Mark Kurlansky.
- Watch some documentaries or movies about Cuba and its people, such as Buena Vista Social Club by Wim Wenders; Fidel: The Untold Story by Estela Bravo; or The Lost City by Andy Garcia.
- Listen to some podcasts or music about Cuba and its culture, such as Radio Ambulante by NPR; Cubanismo! by Ry Cooder; or Afro-Cuban All Stars by Juan de Marcos González.
- Visit some websites or blogs that feature Cuban stories and perspectives, such as Havana Times; OnCuba News; or Yoani Sánchez’s Generation Y.
