Shop the Almacenes San Jose market, upstairs first
- Havana, Cuba
- Posted on
- 1 photo
Photo: Yoeztudioz · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons
About this tip
Almacenes San Jose is a large two-story harborfront warehouse in Old Havana where crafts, ceramics, guayabera shirts and hand-carved domino sets fill the ground floor, and an art market of paintings fills the upper level. Start upstairs, which is calmer, then work the ground floor, where sellers are more persistent and a polite refusal is usually respected. Go on a weekday morning, bargain with a smile and carry cash.
Where
Shop the Almacenes San Jose market, upstairs firstAvenida del Puerto waterfront, Habana Vieja
Open in Google Maps(opens in a new tab)More Tips & Traps in Havana
15 posts from Local Friends and travelers who know the city.
TrapSleepIgnore the "your casa is closed" redirect near arrival
Havana, CubaAt airport taxi ranks and around Old Havana, a friendly helper may say your booked casa particular or restaurant is closed or full and offer an alternative, usually for a commission added to your price. Confirm with your host by message, walk to the address yourself and book ahead from November to April. Licensed…
TipSleepStay or tour the Hotel Nacional, a 1930 landmark
Havana, CubaThe Hotel Nacional de Cuba opened in 1930 on Taganana Hill above the Vedado seafront, a Spanish eclectic landmark designed by McKim, Mead and White, and it is still operating as the national flagship hotel. Even if you sleep elsewhere, ask at the desk whether the guided tour of the tunnels built during the Cuban…
TipEventsRun or cheer at the Marabana along the Malecon
Havana, CubaEvery November Havana hosts the Marabana, an AIMS-certified marathon with half marathon, 10K and 5K races, and a long stretch of the course follows the Malecon seafront. Starts are early in the morning to beat the heat, entries go through the official race website, and bib collection is at the Habana Libre hotel in…
TipEventsCatch the Havana International Ballet Festival
Havana, CubaFounded in 1960 by Alicia Alonso, the Havana International Ballet Festival brings the Cuban National Ballet and guest companies to the Gran Teatro Alicia Alonso, with other city theatres joining in. It has usually been held every other year, with performances running from late October into early November, so check the…
CV TipPhotography & ViewsCross the bay to Casablanca for the Cristo skyline view
Havana, CubaThe best frame of Old Havana is from across the bay at the Cristo de La Habana in Casablanca, a white marble statue about 20 meters tall. Take the little Lanchita ferry from the Muelle de Luz terminal, which also serves Regla, then walk up to the park, which is free to enter. The service sometimes uses a single boat…
TipArt & CultureVisit both Bellas Artes buildings: Cuban and world art
Havana, CubaThe Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes is split into two buildings a short walk apart in Old Havana. The Palacio de Bellas Artes on Trocadero holds Cuban art, including Wifredo Lam and Rene Portocarrero, while the former Centro Asturiano on San Rafael holds European paintings and ancient art. Start with the Cuban…
TipArt & CultureWalk Colon Cemetery's grand avenues with a guide
Havana, CubaThe Necropolis of Cristobal Colon in Vedado was built between 1871 and 1886 and declared a National Monument in 1987, with mausoleums and sculptures still drawing visitors. Enter through the Puerta de la Paz, inspired by the Arc de Triomphe, then follow the main avenue to the firefighters' monument for the 28 men who…
TrapGetting AroundPlan Havana days around power cuts and fuel shortages
Havana, CubaThe national grid has collapsed several times and fuel shortages can disrupt transport, water supply and street lighting, so a blackout can reshape your evening. Charge your phone and power bank whenever the lights are on, carry water, and ask your host which hours the electricity usually drops. Do not count on a taxi…
Know Havana well?
Share a tip, or warn travelers about a trap. It only takes a few minutes.