Havana

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.

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  • 1. Almacenes de San José

    La Habana Vieja | Crafts

    Havana's biggest and best craft market is in an old shipping warehouse, next to the water in Havana Vieja. It's a rabbit-warren-like maze filled...

    Havana's biggest and best craft market is in an old shipping warehouse, next to the water in Havana Vieja. It's a rabbit-warren-like maze filled with all manner of handicrafts, from carvings and jewelry to paintings, leather work, and touristy Che merchandise. There are also toilets and a few food and drink stalls.

    Av. Desampardos y San Ignacio, Havana, 10100, Cuba

    Shop Details

    Rate Includes: Mon.–Sat. 10–6
  • 2. Taller Experimental de Grafica

    La Habana Vieja | Art Galleries

    In the small alleyway just off Plaza Catedral, this vast workshop, which started in 1962, is one of the best places to buy unique artwork in...

    In the small alleyway just off Plaza Catedral, this vast workshop, which started in 1962, is one of the best places to buy unique artwork in Havana. Watch the printmakers and artists at work and then head into the shop to choose your very own piece.

    Callejón del Chorro 62, Havana, 10100, Cuba
    -7862–0979

    Shop Details

    Rate Includes: Weekdays 9–4
  • 3. Casa de la Música

    Miramar | Music

    This small store is attached to the Miramar Casa de la Música nightclub and sells CDs and musical instruments. ...

    This small store is attached to the Miramar Casa de la Música nightclub and sells CDs and musical instruments.

    Calle 20, No. 3309, esq. de Av. 35, Havana, Cuba
    -7204–0447
  • 4. Casa del Habano Hotel Conde de Villanueva

    La Habana Vieja | Tobacco

    Located on the first floor of the Hotel Conde de Villanueva, this classic old cigar shop is the place to stock up, selling a full array of Habanos...

    Located on the first floor of the Hotel Conde de Villanueva, this classic old cigar shop is the place to stock up, selling a full array of Habanos' offerings. With its cozy velvet chairs and old-fashioned bar, it's also the perfect place to escape the heat and bustle of the street and hideaway for a quiet smoke and a coffee.

    Calle Mercaderes 202, e/Calle Lamparilla y Amargura , Havana, 10100, Cuba
    -7862–9293
  • 5. Casa del Habano, La Quinta

    Miramar | Tobacco

    The many locations of the ubiquitous tobacco emporium make shopping for tobacco convenient. ...

    The many locations of the ubiquitous tobacco emporium make shopping for tobacco convenient.

    Av. 5, No. 1407, e/Calles 14 y 16, Havana, 11500, Cuba
    -7209–4040
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  • 6. Ferria 23 y M

    Vedado | Market

    This excellent and eclectic handicraft market is very near the Hotel Nacional and is open weekdays 9–5, selling anything from souvenirs, paintings...

    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.

    Av. 23 y M, Havana, 10400, Cuba
  • 7. Habana 1791 Aromas Coloniales

    La Habana Vieja | Perfume/Cosmetics

    More like a working museum than a shop, this unique fragrance store sells a range of scents created from natural products all found in Cuba...

    More like a working museum than a shop, this unique fragrance store sells a range of scents created from natural products all found in Cuba. Peruse the rows of old bottles and then head back into the gorgeous fountain-filled patio to view the working laboratory, where the perfumes are still created.

    Calle Mercaderes 156, Havana, 10100, Cuba

    Shop Details

    Rate Includes: Mon.–Sat. 10–7, Sun. 11–2
  • 8. La Casa del Habano Partagás

    Centro Habana | Tobacco

    Although the cigar factory itself has moved to another location, there's still a good cigar shop on the premises. Its knowledgeable staff sell...

    Although the cigar factory itself has moved to another location, there's still a good cigar shop on the premises. Its knowledgeable staff sell a wide selection of cigars and tobacco, and there's also a small bar inside where you can enjoy a coffee or a mojito with your smoke.

    Calle Industria 520, e/Calle Dragones y Barcelona, Havana, 10200, Cuba
    -7866–8060
  • 9. La Maison

    Miramar | Clothing

    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...

    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.

    Calle 16, No. 701, esq. de Av. 7, Havana, 11500, Cuba
    -7204–1541
  • 10. Longina Música

    La Habana Vieja | Music

    Located on the pedestrianized Calle Obispo, this shop sells an excellent selection of music and Cuban musical instruments. ...

    Located on the pedestrianized Calle Obispo, this shop sells an excellent selection of music and Cuban musical instruments.

    Calle Obispo 360, e/Habana y Compostela, Havana, Cuba
    -7862–8371
  • 11. Palacio de la Artesanía

    La Habana Vieja | Crafts

    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...

    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.

    Calle de Cuba 64, e/Calle Cuarteles y Peña Pobre, Havana, 10100, Cuba

    Shop Details

    Rate Includes: Daily 10–7
  • 12. Piscolabis

    La Habana Vieja | Souvenirs

    A unique gift and souvenir shop located in between Plaza de Armas and Plaza Catedral, Piscolabis sells an eclectic range of jewelry, glasswork...

    A unique gift and souvenir shop located in between Plaza de Armas and Plaza Catedral, Piscolabis sells an eclectic range of jewelry, glasswork, wood carvings, and metalwork. It also serves great coffees, so that you can sit down and relax in between browsing.

    Calle San Ignacio 75, Havana, 10600, Cuba
    -7284–0355
  • 13. Quitrín

    La Habana Vieja | Clothing

    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...

    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.

    Calle Obispo 161, esq. de San Ignacio, Havana, Cuba
    -7862–0810
  • 14. Mercado de Arte y de Artesanía de la Catedral

    La Habana Vieja | Market
    Closed Permanently

    At the end of Calle Empedrado, near the Catedral de la Habana and along the Parque Luz Caballero, is the a street market choked with paintings...

    At the end of Calle Empedrado, near the Catedral de la Habana and along the Parque Luz Caballero, is the a street market choked with paintings and crafts. It's open Monday–Saturday 10–7.

    Calle Tacón, Havana, La Habana, Cuba

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