Shopping in Havana will leave you not only with unique and beautiful memorabilia, but it will also let you walk in the shoes of Cubans themselves. Stroll the narrow streets of Havana and see all that the city has to offer. Choose from a variety of unique objects representing the culture of the city and its history. Below, you can see how to visit the best of the shopping spots of Havana.
1) Fundación Havana Club
The Fundación Havana Club is unique because of what's sold there. Visitors can purchase original Mojito or Martini glasses - the type of glasses that the fanciest clubs have. Plus, this is the only place in Havana where you can buy special rum, which commemorates the founding of the city.
Image Courtesy of Flickr and chris.corwin
2) Habana 1791
Habana 1791 is the best place to buy a perfume if you're searching for uniqueness and fine quality. The ones produced here are made from exotic tropical plants, grown only on the island. Another rare opportunity is to actually see the perfumes being made in the small laboratory in the back of the store.
Image Courtesy of Flickr and misteraitch
3) Casa del Abanico
If you're looking for something to take back home from Cuba, other than cigars or alcohol, then this specialty shop is what you're looking for. The main product here are the hand-painted patrons. You can choose from a variety of colors and patterns.
Image Courtesy of Flickr and unforth
4) Feria de la Artesanía
Located between the harbor and the cathedral, the Feria de la Artesanía is regarded as the most visited market for handicrafts in Havana. The main focus is the souvenirs and you can get everything from woodwork to leather, from Che Guevara-related items to guayaberas. At some of the shops you can try your bargaining skills as well.
Image Courtesy of Wikimedia and Alberto Korda
5) Palacio de la Artesanía
Palacio de la Artesanía is the area with the highest concentration of antique and specialty shops in Havana. Tourists can choose from a huge variety and at good prices. Clothing, jewelry, crafts, souvenirs, musical instruments, and of course cigars - everything is displayed right in front of your eyes and all you have to do is make the choice of what you want to buy.
Image Courtesy of Flickr and Esteban De Sousa
6) Variadades Galiano
Variadades Galiano is the intersection of the two main shopping streets in Havana, and it's often called the Bloomingdales of the Caribbean. Both of the shopping streets are full of department stores and here they meet in one place. The huge number and type of stores are a must-see for anyone with even smallest interest in shopping. You can find almost anything here - from old tapes, records, and even mesh tank tops. When you add the mixture of fashion styles, ranging from mid 20th century New York to '70s Moscow, then you can get a glimpse into the Cuban shopping style.
Image Courtesy of Flickr and meddygarnet