Although improving with the arrival of craft markets, Cuba is not the best place for shopping, with the exception, of course, of the much sought-after cigars and the very acceptable rum (the Bacardi family originated from Cuba). All tourist hotels have at least one souvenir shop, where prices are in Convertible Pesos (CUC). Similar souvenir shops have sprung up in the last few years in Old Havana. Again, payment is in Convertible Pesos (CUC) and visitors should note that credit cards, except American Express and other American cards, are accepted.
Shopping malls have now arrived in Havana
and the modern
Tiendas Carlos Tercero, Avenida Salvador Allende, is stuffed with clothes, shoes and beauty products. For designer items, as well as a fashion show,
La Maison, Calle 7ma y 16, in Miramar, is the place to go. It sells designer clothes, jewelry and cosmetics.
Cuba will be forever associated with cigars. Long acknowledged as producing the best in the world, Havana cigars are expensive internationally but much cheaper on home soil. Good-quality cigars can be bought at
Casa del Tabaco, Calle Oficios 53, or at the factory
Real Fabrica de Tabacos Partagas, Calle Industria 520. Local rum and Cuban coffee are also good buys and travel well. Of course, many visitors to the island want to take home a reminder of Cuban rhythms and there is no shortage of CDs and cassettes in all tourist shops. Other common souvenirs include musical instruments, traditional dolls and pâpier-maché items, as well as Che Guevara T-shirts, which are popular again. Local crafts and jewelry also sell well. Cubans use coconut fiber, seashells and seeds in the manufacture of many local handicrafts. Visitors should avoid buying jewelry made from tortoiseshell or black coral as both are protected and it is often illegal to import them to one’s home country (for example, the UK).
The two main markets are near the
Plaza de Armas, open from Wednesday through to Saturday, from 1000 to 1800, and on the
Malecon, near the Riviera Hotel (this is a slightly smaller one) open from Sunday through to Tuesday, from 1000 to 1800. Shops should be open 1000-1800 including Sundays, from 1000 to 1300, although this may not always be the case.
The Columbus World Travel Guide has been published for 26 years and is sold in over 90 countries worldwide.
Related Havana Content
Word Travels is a comprehensive travel guide covering hundreds of cities and holiday resorts in more than 125 countries.
Related Cuba Content
The Columbus World Travel Guide has been published for 26 years and is sold in over 90 countries worldwide.
Word Travels is a comprehensive travel guide covering hundreds of cities and holiday resorts in more than 125 countries.
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