DK Travel : Miami : Downtown and Little Havana

A little rundown, this part of Miami is a foreign land for most Americans, but – if you are willing to make the cultural adjustment – it is a fascinating land. Here along the Miami River is where it all started in the late 1800s, but it took the arrival of Cuban exiles from the 1950s on for Miami to come into its own as a world player. On these brash streets, you will see that the influx from countries to the south has yet to abate and that the face of Miami is more Latino each day.

The Top 10 sights of Little Havana are covered on (see Calle Ocho, Little Havana)

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Botánica El Aguila Vidente

The most atmospheric and mysterious of the botánicas along the main section of Calle Ocho (see Calle Ocho, Little Havana &Santería and Vodou Botánicas).
Calle Ocho and Around

A slice of Cuban culture, liberally spiced up with all sorts of other Hispanic and Caribbean influences. Since Castro’s Communist revolution in Cuba, Miami has become ever more Cubanized by wave after wave of immigrants from the embattled island they still long for as home (see Calle Ocho, Little Havana).
Calle Ocho Walk

The area between 11th and 17th Avenues is excellent for walking. You can check out ethnic shops and sample various Cuban delicacies along the way (see Calle Ocho and Around).
Cancun Grill

Mexican food at its best. Try the fish ceviche, the taquitos rancheros , and the Cuban-Mex plantain nachos.
Casa Panza

Great flamenco performances several nights a week at this authentic Spanish restaurant right in the Cuban heart of Calle Ocho.
Casa Panza

A picturesque Spanish restaurant, well known for its fine paella and authentic flamenco show. Rooms are cozy, with different flamenco performers several nights of the week.
Casino Records

There are at least seven record shops between 11th and 17th streets, each with outside speakers, keeping the street energy on high. Cubans seem to live for music, and Casino does its level best to provide the Latin sounds in the largest quantities.
Club Tropigala2000

See Latin shows every night but Monday at this club in the Fontainebleau Hilton.
Cultura del Lobo

The Performance Series presents music, dance, film, and visual arts, with an emphasis on contemporary works and solo theater performers.
El Atlacatl

The cuisine of El Salvador, served in a spacious, cheerful setting. Pleasant murals, and a menu that leans toward chicken and seafood.

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Restaurant price categories

For a three-course meal for one with half a bottle of wine (or equivalent meal), taxes and extra charges.
- under $20
- $20–$40
- $40–$55
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- over $80