12 Best Places to Shop in Havana, Cuba
Until recent times, shopping lists in Cuba were short: puros habanos (cigars) and rum. In recent years the availability of an increasing number of products on the market has changed the landscape. While prices are prohibitive to most locals, even cellular phones are now available to Cubans. The result of a slow-but-sure openness has also resulted in more shopping opportunities for tourists.
Look for muñequitas, little dolls representing orishas. Handmade goods—from wood and leather items to terra-cotta pieces—cinema posters and other graphics, musical instruments, and photographs from the Revolutionary period also make interesting buys. The light-cotton men's shirt known as the guayabera is Cuba's national garment, worn by everyone from taxi drivers to El Comandante himself. Practical (side pockets) and elegant (embroidered), the guayabera is worn loose (not tucked in) for coolness, and is considered flattering to middle-age figures.
The state agencies ARTEX and Fondo de Bienes Culturales have shops throughout Havana that sell postcards, books, CDs, cassettes, rum, cigars, and crafts. La Habana: Touristic and Commercial Guide, a booklet published by Infotur, lists the locations of the city's many Tiendas Panamericanas, which sell toiletries and other basic items.
Bargaining is expected, but unlike shopkeepers in other countries where this is true, Cubans ask very low prices to begin with and don't move far. It generally feels better to pay the extra dollar or two. At this juncture, it means a lot more in Cuban hands than in yours.
Taller Experimental de Grafica
Casa de la Música
This small store is attached to the Miramar Casa de la Música nightclub and sells CDs and musical instruments.
Recommended Fodor's Video
Casa del Habano, La Quinta
The many locations of the ubiquitous tobacco emporium make shopping for tobacco convenient.
Ferria 23 y M
This excellent and eclectic handicraft market is very near the Hotel Nacional and is open weekdays 9–5, selling anything from souvenirs, paintings, and clothes to locally produced jewelry.
Habana 1791 Aromas Coloniales
La Casa del Habano Partagás
La Maison
The evening fashion shows (10 pm) here will knock your eyes out—more for the human display than for the textiles—and the luxury clothing is on sale duty-free. They also have a good selection of guayaberas . Entry to the fashion shows costs CUC$10.
Longina Música
Located on the pedestrianized Calle Obispo, this shop sells an excellent selection of music and Cuban musical instruments.
Palacio de la Artesanía
For tobacco, rum, Cuban music, and all manner of crafts, don't miss this unique shopping mall, housed in the 18th-century colonial Palacio de Pedroso.
Piscolabis
Quitrín
Set up some 30 years ago by the Federation of Cuban Women, this successful shop now has a number of outlets throughout Cuba. It sells off-the-rack guayaberas, as well as linen and cotton dresses and pants.