Must-see shopping in Cuba

  • Clandestina

    Habana Vieja

    Cuba's first indie design store when it opened in 2015, Clandestina makes its own T-shirts, bags and accessories out of any old junk it can find, 99% of…

  • Memorias Librería

    Havana

    A shop full of beautiful artifacts, the Memorias Librería opened in 2014 as Havana's first genuine antique bookstore. Delve into its gathered piles and…

  • La Casa del Habano Quinta

    Havana

    Arguably Havana's top cigar store – and there are many contenders. The primary reasons: it's well stocked, with well-informed staff, a comfy smoking…

  • Librería 'La Fernandina'

    Cienfuegos

    Fabulous private bookshop selling literary tomes as well as retro magazines, 1950s curiosities and other pieces of sunken treasure.

  • Piscolabis Bazar & Café

    Habana Vieja

    Perfectly located just steps from Havana’s 18th-century cathedral, this small but eclectic shop is run by a group of Cuban artists of various disciplines…

  • Alma Shop

    Havana

    Whether you're searching for jewelry, embroidered cushions or a vintage cigar humidor, this privately run shop is a great place to pick up a high-quality…

  • Librería Venecia

    Habana Vieja

    Wonderful little private bookshop in Calle Obispo selling yellowed secondhand tomes, esoteric film posters and other random print work that you won't find…

  • Fondo Cubano de Bienes Culturales

    Santiago de Cuba

    This government-run gallery features a good rotation of local artisans and art exhibitions, a few blocks from Parque Céspedes.

  • True beauty in the simplicity of exclusive

    ROX 950

    Vedado

    ROX 950 is the creation of self-taught silversmith Rosana Vargas. She opened her first shop at this Vedado mansion in 2012, and today her work can be…

  • La Marca

    Habana Vieja

    Should you want a more permanent memento of your time in Cuba, try La Marca, the first licensed tattoo shop on the island. The parlor is run by a group of…

  • Salomé Casa de Modas

    Havana

    Every single piece at this private boutique reflects authentic Cuban style. It specializes in all things linen – dresses, blouses, trousers and guayaberas…

  • Galerías de Paseo

    Vedado

    Across the street from the Hotel Meliá Cohiba, this dated-looking relic from the 1980s with its tinted glass and curvaceous windows is considered upscale…

  • Secondhand Book Market

    Habana Vieja

    Relocated from Plaza de Armas, much to the chagrin of many vendors, Havana’s famous secondhand-book market now convenes in the open-air ruins of the…

  • Ediciones Vigía

    Matanzas

    To the southwest of Plaza de la Vigía this unique book publisher, founded in 1985, produces high-quality handmade paper and 1st-edition books on a variety…

  • Casa Obbatalá

    Habana Vieja

    This specialist religious shop in Habana Vieja sells all manner of Santería offerings and cult objects, almost exclusively to religious-minded locals. The…

  • Plaza Carlos III

    Havana

    After Plaza América in Varadero, this is probably Cuba's flashiest shopping mall – and there's barely a tourist in sight. The place has taken a step up in…

  • Palacio de la Artesanía

    Habana Vieja

    If only all shopping malls could be this attractive! Encased in an 18th-century colonial palace and gathered around a shaded central patio, this place…

  • La Maison

    Havana

    The Cuban fashion fascination is in high gear at this small boutique complex hidden in a Miramar villa. It has a limited selection of designer clothing,…

  • Casa del Ron

    Varadero

    The best selection of rum in Varadero as well as tasting opportunities in a venerable old building that acts as a small museum. It gives a through-the…

  • La Veguita

    Santa Clara

    Sales outlet for Fábrica de Tabacos Constantino Pérez Carrodegua that is staffed by a friendly team of cigar experts. You can also buy cheap rum here, and…

  • El Bulevar

    Cienfuegos

    Cienfuegos' main drag – known officially as Av 54, but colloquially as El Bulevar – is an archetypal Cuban shopping street with not a chain store in sight…

  • Casa del Habano

    Varadero

    The place for cigars: this place has top-quality merchandise from humidors to perfume, and helpful service. There's also a small bar-tasting room and a…

  • Habana 1791

    Habana Vieja

    A restored colonial-era shop on historic Calle Mercaderes that sells perfume made from tropical flowers, Habana 1791 retains the air of a working museum…

  • Arts & Crafts Market

    Trinidad

    This open-air market in front of the Casa de la Trova is the place to buy souvenirs, especially textiles and crochet work. Avoid buying black coral or…

  • Galería de Arte Varadero

    Varadero

    Antique jewelry, museum-quality silver and glass, paintings and other heirlooms from Varadero's bygone bourgeois days are sold here. As most items are of…

  • Tres Reyes

    Villa Clara Province

    Heavily air-conditioned cigar shop selling Cuba's best smokes along with coffee, rum, local honey and other souvenirs. The servers are generally pretty…

  • Casa del Habano

    Varadero

    Your quintessential cigar stop: it has top-quality goods, from humidors to perfume, and helpful service. It serves a wicked cup of coffee in the upstairs…

  • Taller Mirarte

    Baracoa

    An artist's co-op where you'll always find one of the young creative painters sitting at a palette in the window. The local painting style is best…

  • Casa del Alfarero

    Trinidad

    Trinidad is known for its pottery. In this large factory, teams of workers make trademark Trinidad ceramics from local clay using a traditional potter's…

  • Andare – Bazar de Arte

    Vedado

    A selection of old movie posters, antique postcards, T-shirts and, of course, all the greatest Cuban films on videotape are sold at this state-run shop…

  • Casa del Habano

    Pinar del Río Province

    Opposite the Fábrica de Tabacos Francisco Donatien tobacco factory, this store is one of the better outlets of this popular government cigar chain, with a…

  • Miramar Trade Center

    Havana

    Cuba's largest and most modern shopping and business center houses myriad stores, airline offices and embassies. Look out for the offbeat art…

  • Plaza Los Flamencos

    Cayo Coco

    Shopping plaza just outside the entrance to the Meliá Jardines del Rey with souvenir and clothes shops, a bowling alley and a spa open to all visitors.

  • Bazar Estaciones

    Vedado

    This lovingly curated private shop sells some interesting and unique souvenirs (not the standard government-branded stuff). It's on the upper floor of a…

  • Librería La Escalera Eddy Tamayo

    Santiago de Cuba

    A veritable museum of old and rare books stacked ceiling high, plus vinyl records. Eddy is usually down to make a deal. Sombrero-clad trovadores often sit…

  • Taller de Serigrafía René Portocarrero

    Habana Vieja

    Paintings and prints by young Cuban artists are exhibited and sold here, with prices ranging from CUC$30 to CUC$150. You can also see the artists at work…

  • Casa del Habano 'El Embajador'

    Cienfuegos

    Offering frigid air-conditioning and hazy views of puffing cigar aficionados, this is where you come for the city's best smokes. Rum and coffee play…