Havana shopping is an experience like no other. The city is a melting pot of cultures, history, and traditions, and this is reflected in its diverse shopping options. From luxury boutiques and high-end department stores to street markets and fairs, Havana has something for everyone. In this article, we will explore the different shopping options available in Havana, including shopping malls and commercial centers, shopping districts and neighborhoods, luxury shopping, street markets, and fairs and exhibitions.
Shopping Malls and Commercial Centers
Fábrica de Arte Cubano
Fábrica de Arte Cubano (FAC) is a unique shopping experience in Havana. Located in the Vedado neighborhood, it is a former factory that has been converted into an art gallery, concert venue, and cultural center. FAC is a great place to find unique and handmade crafts, souvenirs, and artworks. You can also find fashion, jewelry, and accessories. FAC is open from Wednesday to Sunday, from 6:00 pm to 2:00 am. It is easy to reach by taxi or public transportation, and it takes about 20 minutes from Old Havana. Plan to spend at least 2 hours here.
La Rampa
La Rampa is a modern shopping center located in the Vedado neighborhood. It has a wide variety of shops, including clothing stores, jewelry stores, and souvenir shops. La Rampa also has a food court and a cinema. It is open from Monday to Sunday, from 9:00 am to 9:00 pm. It is easy to reach by taxi or public transportation, and it takes about 20 minutes from Old Havana. Plan to spend at least 1 hour here.
Shopping Districts and Neighborhoods
Old Havana
Old Havana is the historic center of Havana, and it is a great place to find authentic Cuban souvenirs and crafts. The streets are lined with shops selling everything from cigars and rum to handmade crafts and paintings. Old Havana is also home to the famous Obispo street, which is known for its art galleries and craft shops. It is easy to reach by foot or by taxi, and it takes about 20 minutes from Vedado. Plan to spend at least 3 hours here.
Central Havana
Central Havana is a neighborhood located between Old Havana and Vedado. It is known for its local markets, where you can find fresh produce, meat, and seafood. It is also a great place to find traditional Cuban clothing and accessories. Central Havana is easy to reach by taxi or public transportation, and it takes about 20 minutes from Old Havana. Plan to spend at least 2 hours here.
Luxury Shopping
GalerÃa de Arte Cuba
GalerÃa de Arte Cuba is a luxury art gallery located in the Vedado neighborhood. It is known for its high-end art and crafts, including paintings, sculptures, and ceramics. The gallery also sells a wide variety of luxury goods, such as designer jewelry and fashion. GalerÃa de Arte Cuba is open from Monday to Saturday, from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm. It is easy to reach by taxi or public transportation, and it takes about 20 minutes from Old Havana. Plan to spend at least 1 hour here.
Bacarra
Bacarra is a luxury department store located in the Vedado neighborhood. Itis known for its high-end fashion and designer brands, as well as luxury home goods and accessories. Bacarra is open from Monday to Saturday, from 9:00 am to 8:00 pm. It is easy to reach by taxi or public transportation, and it takes about 20 minutes from Old Havana. Plan to spend at least 1 hour here.
Street Markets
Almacenes San José
Almacenes San José is a street market located on the waterfront in Old Havana. It is known for its wide variety of goods, including clothing, jewelry, and souvenirs. The market is also a great place to find traditional Cuban crafts, such as pottery and woodcarvings. Almacenes San José is open from Monday to Saturday, from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm. It is easy to reach by foot or by taxi, and it takes about 15 minutes from Vedado. Plan to spend at least 1 hour here.
Mercado de la Rumba
Mercado de la Rumba is a street market located in the Central Havana neighborhood. It is known for its traditional Cuban clothing and accessories, such as guayaberas and panama hats. The market is also a great place to find traditional Cuban music and instruments. Mercado de la Rumba is open from Monday to Saturday, from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm. It is easy to reach by taxi or public transportation, and it takes about 20 minutes from Old Havana. Plan to spend at least 1 hour here.
Fairs and Exhibitions
Feria de ArtesanÃas
Feria de ArtesanÃas is a fair dedicated to Cuban crafts and artisans. It is held at the Pabexpo fairgrounds in the Vedado neighborhood. The fair features a wide variety of handmade crafts, including pottery, woodcarvings, and textiles. The fair is held on the first and third Sunday of every month, from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm. It is easy to reach by taxi or public transportation, and it takes about 20 minutes from Old Havana. Plan to spend at least 2 hours here.
Feria de Libros
Feria de Libros is a book fair held at the Pabexpo fairgrounds in the Vedado neighborhood. The fair features a wide variety of books, including Cuban literature, history, and culture. The fair is held on the second and fourth Sunday of every month, from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm. It is easy to reach by taxi or public transportation, and it takes about 20 minutes from Old Havana. Plan to spend at least 1 hour here.
Havana offers a wide variety of shopping options for visitors. From high-end luxury shopping to street markets, there is something for everyone in this vibrant and colorful city. Whether you’re looking for unique and handmade crafts or designer fashion, Havana is sure to have something that will catch your eye. So, take a stroll around and immerse yourself in Havana’s shopping scene, and enjoy all it has to offer.
