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

The gallery’s namesake, a celebrated Cuban artist, shows his works here, as well as those of other contemporary Cuban and Latin American artists.

This welcoming little store specializes in Cuban art, music, books, and clothing, as well as dominoes, coffee-makers, and fine cigars. The owner, Jackie Perez, also promotes a ministreet-festival of the arts held on the last Friday of each month.

A raggedy old factory, where you can watch cigars being rolled and breathe in the sweet perfume of pure tobacco.

A delightful fruit market for finding all sorts of exotic Caribbean produce, such as mamey and small “apple” bananas. There’s also a wonderful café and fresh juice bar.

If you’re in town for Carnaval or Halloween, this is the place to come for all your costuming needs. From the most predictable to the most bizarre, this shop has a vast inventory and excellent prices, to buy or rent.

Both a bakery and a snack bar-café for trying typical Nicaraguan treats such as fried plantain, fried pork rinds, nacatamal (Nicaraguan tamale), or pan de pico (a very rich cheese bread).

If you are interested in Cuban memorabilia, this store is bound to have it. Items on sale include reproductions of Cuban artwork, telephone books and, of course, cigars.

A pleasing array of imported ceramics. The pottery and garden decorations come from Spain, Colombia, and Mexico, while the columns and mouldings are made by the proprietors themselves.

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.