Havana, the vibrant capital of Cuba, offers a variety of souvenir shopping options that reflect its rich history, culture, and artistic flair. From traditional Cuban cigars to handmade crafts, there’s something for every traveller to take home as a cherished memento of their visit.
One of the most popular shopping spots is the Mercado de Artesanía San José, a bustling market located in a renovated warehouse along Havana’s waterfront. Here, visitors can browse through stalls filled with handmade goods such as paintings, pottery, textiles, and jewellery, all crafted by local artisans. This market provides an authentic Cuban shopping experience and a fun place to while away for a couple of hours.
But where do you go if you’re looking for something truly unique and special? Less well-known are some of the cool, quirky, independent brands which have started to pop up around Havana. From stylish clothing and accessories to beautiful homeware and unique gifts, Cuban designers are making a name for themselves both locally and internationally.
In this blog post, we will explore 10 up-and-coming local brands and design spots in Havana that are doing things the Cuban way and creating truly amazing items using homegrown talent and making the most of whatever materials – both recycled and locally sourced – available in Cuba. Sustainable to the core, and a great way of supporting Cuban people and businesses, here are our recommendations for shopping in Havana…
1. Clandestina
We couldn’t do a blog about designers and not start the iconic LGBTQ+ collective Clandestina. With rockstar status amongst Cubans, they are the first independent urban fashion brand in Havana and Cuba! This mighty collective of Cuban designers and artists, creates urban fashion and products inspired by the Cuban ability to find creativity and joy within challenging situations (“resolver”). Their pieces are edgy, fun and quirky and the brand is known for their sense of humour. They care about sustainable practices and production systems and all items are designed and produced in Cuba.
🧭 Visit their store in Old Havana: 403 Villegas, La Habana, Cuba (and while you’re shopping ask them if they’re holding any of their legendary parties whilst you’re in Havana)
2. Dador Havana
Cool, conscious and contemporary. If you’re looking for something classic and stylish with a very Cuban twist, Dador should be top of your list. Each item is handmade locally using natural fabrics, making each piece completely one-of-a-kind and unique. Gorgeous linen trousers or dresses and shirts hand-embroidered with flowers, this brand really adopts the relaxed and elegant style of its hometown, Havana. If you’re looking to add some unique Cuban garments to your wardrobe that are sophisticated yet contemporary.
🧭 Head to their store: 253 Amargura, La Habana, Cuba.
3. Nawe Craft
Street style more your speed? Nawe offers a curated selection of T-shirts, caps and bum bags, all with tattoo-inspired artwork. Think skater/surfer chic! They also make limited edition collabs with different local artists and designers so the brand and items feel really authentic and support Cuban talent. This brand is perfect if you’re looking for some elevated basics, the perfect combination of casual and cool.
Slight off the beaten track you’ll have to head to the Playa district of Havana where their small store stocks their small capsule collection.
🧭 Address: Calle 51 / 58 A y 58 B, Playa Habana, Cuba
4. Ama
Ana and Maria are the young women behind Ama Havana, a fun and funky store-cum-cafe in the Vedado district of Havana. You’ll find beaded and crocheted pieces like you’ve never seen before! Amazing crochet tops and miniskirts in bright, tropical colours to be worn with confidence and a swagger. Earrings, bracelets and necklaces in lollipop colours which beg to be taken home, all designed by Ana and Maria, former classical musicians who decided to pivot into fashion and accessories. We think it was worth it!
Have a fresh juice, a snack or a coffee in the shady outdoor cafe while you’re here and ask Ana and Maria to tell you their story…
🧭 Address: Calle 19 e/ L y M, Vedado, La Habana
5. Alma de Cuba
If you’re looking for a more curated, higher quality gift or souvenir, head to Alma de Cuba: a small store near the Cathedral Square which offers a carefully curated collection of unique, handmade jewellery, accessories and gifts.
Products are sourced from all over Cuba and showcase local craftsmanship and the Cuban love of colour. You can find handmade paper cards and fans, earrings and bracelets in vibrant colours, handcrafted bottle openers and beautiful bowls and dishes made from local wood.
🧭 Address: 116 Tejadillo, Old Havana, Cuba
6. Piscolabis
Thinking Cuban crafts are a bit one note? Think again. When you visit Piscolabis you realise how varied, eclectic and unique Cuban art is. Piscolabis isn’t just the perfect spot for some sustainable, meaningful homeware designs, it’s also a place to sip some exquisite local coffee too! This self-proclaimed ‘bazar’ offers a curated range of rustic ceramics, vibrant paintings, decorative cushions or ornate glassware made by local artists and designers. You can also find beaded jewellery, small sculptures and beautifully made crochet textiles, great as sustainable souvenirs to bring home.
🧭 Address: Calle San Ignacio #75, La Habana, 10600 Cuba
7. Zulu Bags
Leather goods are hard to come by in Cuba; Zulu Bags stand alone as the one local leather brand which offers great quality and style. Lovely leather shoppers in poppy red or burnt sienna, super practical “man bags” and the best-selling unisex “Houdini” Belt Bag are great examples of Zulu craftsmanship. Smaller gifts such as bracelets, watch straps and change purses make for cute presents to take home with you.
At Zulu Bags, you can also request your favourite design and have it made specially. Each bag undergoes an individual design, construction, and dying process from material selection to finishing, ensuring each one is unlike any other.
Zulu Bags also offers tailored designs, taking into account customers’ needs, preferences, style, and dressing habits. If you want to come home from Havana with an item you’re sure no one else will have, Zulu Bags is for you.
🧭 Address: Calle Aguacate 456, entre Teniente Rey y, Muralla, La Habana, Cuba
8. Taller Experimental de Gráfica
Not exactly a brand but a great place to browse and buy original lithographs and prints. Founded in 1962, this is Havana’s Experimental Graphic Atelier, a real design institution. It’s not only a great place to visit for all the amazing designs and prints different Cuban artist create, but also you can attend their workshops and learn more about Cuba’s graphic and print history. The perfect spot for fans of lithography, lino printing, expressionism and experimental visual arts.
🧭 Address: Callejon del Chorro, La Habana, Cuba
9. Black Tears Rum
Want to discover Cuban rum beyond Havana Club? Cue Black Tears Rum. Created with passionate craftsmanship, it is the number one dry-spiced Cuban rum on the local market. You can expect a bittersweet taste with low sugar content and notes of coffee and cacao. If you’re looking to drink what the locals drink and want to go beyond Havana Club, then Black Tears it is.
You’ll find this rum brand being served pretty much everywhere in Cuba! Ask your barman to make you a “canchanchara” cocktail using Black Tears Aguardiente and thank us later! Locally produced and delicious enough for you to make space in your suitcase to bring a few bottles home…
10. La Marca Bodyart
Not your usual souvenir, but if you are into body art and tattoo art, you have to go to La Marca! This vibrant and eclectic tattoo shop offers a variety of styles, from traditional to cartoon-like designs, and plenty of colourful ink to choose from. Whether you’re looking to get a small and delicate piece or a bold and dramatic statement tattoo, the talented artists at La Marca Body Art can bring your vision to life. With their attention to detail and commitment to quality, you can trust that you’ll leave with a tattoo that you’ll love for years to come.
🧭 Address: 108C Obrapia, St, La Habana, Cuba
We hope our comprehensive list has helped you plan a shopping itinerary with a twist on your trip to Havana, but if you need help with any other aspects of your trip, then don’t hesitate to get in touch!
Discover the New Cuba
Experience a different side to Cuba with our New Cuba tours! Meet local artists and DJs, explore the colourful streets of Havana, learn how to roll cigars in Viñales, party at the hottest nightclubs, and relax on stunning beaches sipping on mojitos! With over 20 years of experience organising sustainable tours in Cuba, at Cubania we have your back.
