Shopping in Caribbean Islands
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Prensa International
Towards the rear of the El Paseo shopping mall, this shop sells a variety of international newspapers and magazines – most are a day or two old and the majority are in French, though the International Herald Tribune is available.
reviewed
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A
ARTex Handicraft Market
A small flea market opposite the Hotel Acuazul, ARTex Handicraft Market has an excellent selection of CDs, cassettes, T-shirts and even a few musical instruments. Also check out the proper ARTex store.
reviewed
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B
Casa de las Américas
A retail outlet of the famous Havana cultural institution, this place sells CDs, books and art.
reviewed
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Haitian Caraibes Art Gallery
For more of a selection of paintings, other than the ubiquitous cookie-cutter mass-produced ones, stop by the Haitian Caraibes Art Gallery; it also sells interesting crafts, jewelry and typical batiks and sarongs.
reviewed
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C
Gallery of West Indian Art
In the suburb of Catherine Hall, this is a quality gallery that sells arts and crafts from around the Caribbean including Cuban canvases, hand-painted wooden animals, masks and handmade jewelry. Most of the work here is for sale.
reviewed
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D
Plaza Las Américas
The Caribbean’s largest shopping mall is the 200-store Plaza Las Américas situated in Hato Rey. It’s as indigenously Puerto Rican as Starbucks, but it sells almost everything you’re ever likely to need.
reviewed
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E
Gran Parque de la Artesanía
The open-air artisans' market that once stood on the site of the Centro Comercial Hicacos has been reborn further down Av 1.
reviewed
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F
La Casa del Habano
Smokers and souvenir seekers will like La Casa, arguably Havana's top cigar store. You'll find a comfy smoking lounge and a decent restaurant here as well.
reviewed
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G
Jubilee Market
The covered Jubilee Market, which verges on the western end of the Parade, was named in honor of Queen Victoria's Jubilee. It's an extremely lively market where seemingly everything's for sale. Be very wary of pickpockets.
reviewed
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H
Havana Humidor
Premium Cuban cigars can be bought for a song in Nassau, but remember, Uncle Sam prohibits US citizens from importing them. This shop stocks a sizeable collection of Cuban cigars; and even hosts rolling demonstrations.
reviewed
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Supermercado Nacional
Supermercado Nacional lives up to its name. It is an enormous megastore occupying several city blocks. It’s located at one of the busiest intersections in the city. It has another branch in Gazcue.
reviewed
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I
Rutland Point Craft Centre
There are three main crafts centers: Rutland Point Craft Centre opposite Couples Negril, the Negril Crafts Market just north of Plaza de Negril and A Fi Wi Plaza.
reviewed
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J
A Fi Wi Plaza
There are three main crafts centers: Rutland Point Craft Centre opposite Couples Negril, the Negril Crafts Market just north of Plaza de Negril and A Fi Wi Plaza.
reviewed
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K
Negril Crafts Market
There are three main crafts centers: Rutland Point Craft Centre opposite Couples Negril, the Negril Crafts Market just north of Plaza de Negril and A Fi Wi Plaza.
reviewed
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L
Habana 1791
A specialist shop that sells perfume made from tropical flowers, Havana 1791 retains the air of a working museum. Floral fragrances are mixed by hand – you can see the petals drying in a laboratory out the back.
reviewed
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ARTex, General Lacret
From mouse pads to mumus, the branch near Parque Céspedes collects any type of Cuban souvenir imaginable. The other ARTex branches focus more on music, with a respectable selection of CDs and cassettes.
reviewed
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M
ARTex, Heredia
From mouse pads to mumus, the branch near Parque Céspedes collects any type of Cuban souvenir imaginable. The other ARTex branches focus more on music, with a respectable selection of CDs and cassettes.
reviewed
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N
Galería Manos
This gallery is effectively a small craft outlet, with dolls, masks and other handmade souvenirs supplied by local people. Many of the objects are inspired by the city’s vibrant Afro-Cuban community.
reviewed
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O
Lioness
A small shop that sells clothing, drumming CDs, crafts and art. It’s run by Sister P, a woman regarded by many to be the heart and soul of the community. Sister P also organizes the Fi Wi Sinting festival.
reviewed
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La Leyenda del Cigarro
This small shop several blocks north of Parque Colón has a good selection of premium cigars, but equally importantly, the helpful staff are more than willing to answer the naive questions of cigar novices.
reviewed
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P
Sevando Galería del Arte
This cool gallery next to the Cine Chaplín and opposite the Icaic headquarters is in an arty part of town and displays some interesting modern paintings and prints. Be sure to check out the Cuban movie-poster gallery on the other side of the cinema (two doors away).
reviewed
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Supermercado £1
The largest grocery store is Supermercado £1; it’s not uncommon for a power outage to occur here in the middle of the day. The 2nd-floor pool hall makes it easy to spot on the main drag.
reviewed
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Marco Polo
This is a popular spice and herb store that is always busy with both foreigners and locals. Run by Habaguanex, its large range of varied products can be used for both gastronomic and medicinal purposes.
reviewed
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Q
Casa de Bienes Culturales La Vigía
Incurable shopping addicts can mosey on down to this place on Plaza de la Vigía or browse for original handmade books at Ediciones Vigía, which can be found at the other end of the same block.
reviewed
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Swiss Mine
English, French, Italian and German are all spoken at this shop, which is notable for its high-quality design work; it now also has an excellent selection of artwork by contemporary Dominican painters.
reviewed