Miami Little Havana: Food & Walking Tour with Cuban Bakeries

Summary

Little Havana’s flavors, dominos & stories on foot in Miami

You’ll taste your way through Miami’s Little Havana with bakery stops, savory Cuban snacks, and café Cubano while hearing stories from locals who know every mural and domino table. Expect laughter, music drifting from open doors, and moments that stick with you long after you leave Calle Ocho.

What’s the experience like?

I nearly walked right past the Tower Theater — I was too busy watching an old man balancing a tray of pastelitos outside. Our guide, Ana, waved us over with a grin and started talking before I’d even caught my breath. She said this spot was special for starting the tour, but honestly, I was still distracted by the smell of guava and sugar drifting from somewhere close by. It’s funny how quickly you forget you’re in Miami — Little Havana has its own pulse, louder than the traffic out on 8th Street.

We ducked into Ball & Chain next (no jazz that morning, but someone was humming Celia Cruz behind the bar). Ana told us about Billie Holiday playing here back in the day — I tried to picture it over the clatter of dominoes coming from Domino Park down the block. The guys playing there didn’t even look up when we passed; their hands moved so fast across the tiles it almost looked choreographed. One of them winked at me after I botched a “buenas tardes.”

The food came in waves — first those flaky pastelitos at a bakery where everything smelled like warm fruit and butter. Then a savory snack at an old family-run restaurant where our server called everyone mi amor without thinking about it. At the cigar factory, we watched a master roller twist tobacco leaves with fingers that looked like they could crush walnuts. The air inside was sweet and sharp all at once; I don’t even smoke but I wanted to linger just for that scent.

Ana pointed out murals and stars on Calle Ocho’s sidewalk — Gloria Estefan’s name right there under my sneakers. There were stories everywhere: about exiles, about music, about why dominos matter more than you’d think. By the time we reached the Cuban Memorial and sipped tiny cups of café Cubano (so strong my hands shook), I realized how much history fits into just a few blocks here. Still think about that first bite of guava pastry sometimes — not sure if it’s nostalgia or just hunger.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Little Havana culture and cuisine

• Meet at Tower Theater for introduction
• Learn history of Tower Theater
• Pass by Ball and Chain jazz club
• View murals and local art pieces
• Watch live cigar rolling demonstration
• Visit dominos players at local landmark
• See Latin celebrities' stars in neighborhood
• Taste guayaba pastelitos at local bakery
• Visit Eternal Torch monument
• Stop at historic Cuban restaurant for snack
• Visit Bay of Pigs fallen monument

Top questions

How long is the Little Havana food & walking tour?

The tour covers less than half a mile and includes plenty of rest stops along the way.

Is this Miami Little Havana tour wheelchair accessible?

Yes, all areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible and transportation options are available nearby.

Are vegetarian or gluten-free options available on this food tour?

The operator can accommodate vegetarians or gluten-free diets but cannot cater for vegan diets or severe allergies.

Where does the tour start in Little Havana?

The meeting point is Tower Theatre at 1508 SW 8th St, Miami, FL 33135.

Does this tour include drinks or just food?

Your ticket includes beverages such as traditional rum mojito, guarapo juice, and café Cubano along with multiple food tastings.

How big are the groups on this Miami walking tour?

The groups are kept small for a more personalized experience.

Is parking available near the starting point?

You can find free parking behind Domino Park on SW 8th Street and 15th Ave or use metered parking along SW 8th Street.

What cultural sites are included on this Little Havana tour?

You’ll visit Domino Park, Callejon Del Gallo, Cuban Memorials, murals, cigar factories, bakeries, Ball & Chain jazz club site, and walk Calle Ocho.

What’s included

Your day includes guided walks through Little Havana’s cultural landmarks like Domino Park and Calle Ocho with stops at local bakeries for fresh pastelitos and classic Cuban restaurants for savory bites. You’ll watch live cigar rolling at a factory, sip mojitos or guarapo juice plus café Cubano (all drinks included), hear stories from your guide at each stop—and group sizes stay small for a personal feel throughout.