Little Havana in Miami, inspired by Cuba

When Miami was founded in 1896, Little Havana, to the west of the city centre, was nothing more than a stretch of plantations. Over the years, it became a favourite spot for Europeans before being abandoned in the 1950s.

Twenty years later, the district regained its effervescence by becoming a refuge for Cubans fleeing Castro's regime. Salsa took over the airwaves, panaderias (Cuban bakeries) and ventanitas, places where you could socialise and drink the strongest, sweetest coffee of your life, took over the streets. Even today, Little Havana remains a vital point for immigrants from South and Central America, who bring with them their flavours, their "caliente" rhythms and a dynamic working spirit.

Let's get down to business: it would be a shame to be in Little Havana without stopping off for a cigar. The district breathes the scent of freshly hand-rolled tobacco leaves. There are around a dozen shops, lounges and factories, where you can admire the dexterity of the craftsmen rolling the tobacco leaves.

Did you know that it's impossible to find Cuban brands in Little Havana because it's forbidden to import them into the United States?

The day always starts with a good Cuban coffee. Any ventanita will do, but if you really want to enjoy the experience, go to La Colada Gourmet, one of the few ventanitas to be roasted on site.

Cuban life is concentrated on Calle Ocho (between SW 13th and 17th Avenue), a main thoroughfare packed with attractions: cafés, art galleries, cigar factories and restaurants. The best way to explore this bustling street is to stroll along it. The same street is home to the Hispanic version of the Walk of Fame, with its famous stars and casts of the hands of celebrities such as Célia Cruz, Gloria Estefan and Julio Iglesias.

One of the most vibrant and charming spots is in Maximo Gomez Park, nicknamed Domino Park by the locals. Retired Cubans have been getting together for years to play endless games of dominoes while discussing daily life, past and present.

Generally speaking, art is very present in this district, with galleries and studios such as the Futurama 167 Art Building and the Tower Theatre, which dates back to 1926. The streets are lined with large frescoes, the most famous of which is the "Heroes of Cuba" wall.

One of the best places to visit is the Cubaocho Museum & Performing Arts Center, with its fine private collection of Cuban art. Good mojitos are also served here.

As night falls, the atmosphere becomes more caliente. There's no escaping the sounds of salsa, jazz and rumba that echo throughout the neighbourhood. Ball & Chain is a legendary 1930s venue that once played host to jazz luminaries such as Billie Holiday and Nate King Cole. Even today, big names such as Brendan O'Hara grace the venue with their presence.

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