Beyond the Port: How to Explore Miami and Its Latin American Flavors Before Your Cruise

Most cruise passengers just sneak a peek at Miami’s port, which means they’re missing out on a fantastic, bucket-list experience. The unique blend of cultures and Latin American flavors is a big part of what makes Miami so attractive to tourists, and even one extra day is enough to enjoy some of what the city has to offer.

Recommended Start: Little Havana

Cruises from Miami are incomplete without a stroll through Little Havana, the region’s heart of Cuban culture.

If you’re pressed for time, head straight to Calle Ocho on SW 8th Street, which is one of the best stretches in the area. Think vibrant colors, soulful music, and all the authentic food you could ask for.

If you’ve got the chance, start your day at Domino Park (Máximo Gómez Park), where you will find the locals playing dominoes and sipping on strong Cuban coffee. The park is only a short walk from some iconic cigar shops like Little Havana Cigar Factory and El Titan de Bronze.

For art lovers, the Cuba Ocho Museum & Performing Arts Center is a highly recommended attraction to do before stopping for some lunch. Versailles Restaurant is one of Miami’s most famous spots – and no better place for a Cuban sandwich! If you have a sweet tooth, Party Cake Bakery, which has been around for over 30 years, is where it’s at.

Latin American Flavors Beyond Cuba

Cuban food might be prominent in Miami, but there’s a lot more cuisine to explore if you’re a foodie at heart. Peru, Venezuela, Argentina, and Brazil all have influences here, so you have your pick of the bunch. Ceviche and fusion cuisine is big in Miami, and two of the best places for Peruvian fare are CVI.CHE 105 and Pollos & Jarras.

For something more along the lines of comfort food, there’s El Atlakat, where you will find plenty of hearty Nicaraguan dishes. Doggi’s Arepa Bar is also well known for its Venezuelan specialties, like tequeños and stuffed arepas rellenas. Steakhouses are another fan-favorite, with Graziano’s, Fogo de Chão, and Texas de Brazil all being top spots for well-grilled cuts of meat or a full Brazilian churrascaria experience.

Exploring Miami’s Markets and Cafes

The local markets and smaller neighborhood cafes are also wonderful for experiencing Miami’s Latin spirit.

Mercado de la Pequeña Habana is where you can browse stalls with fresh tropical fruits, many of which never make their way to grocery stores outside of South Florida. You can also shop around for spices, hot sauces, and other handmade goods that you can take home.

The Lincoln Road Farmer’s Market is a more modern alternative, but just as good. Bear in mind that it only runs on a Sunday from 9 am to 6 pm. 

Then there’s La Camaronera Seafood Joint and Fish Market, which is one of Miami’s gems. If the idea of indulging in some fresh seafood in the form of crispy shrimp or a fried snapper sandwich sounds grand, this is one place to add to your itinerary.

Be sure to make a stop at one of the classic cafeterias before you leave, too, because a Miami cafecito or cortadito is something you have to try at least once in your life!

Miami’s Creative Spirit

Miami’s cultural explosion extends far beyond food, though, making this an even richer stopover for cruise passengers.

Wynwood Walls is one such place in particular. It’s an outdoor museum of street art, and the massive murals were painted by both local and international Latin artists, all of whom had a story to tell. 

But that’s not all! Once the sun sets, things begin to heat up. Make your way to Ball & Chain in Little Havana if you’re keen for some old-school salsa vibes, or check out Hoy Como Ayer for a more intimate Cuban club experience. And if you have extra energy to spare, Club Tipico Dominicano will have you dancing until the early hours of the morning.

Depending on when your cruise departs, you may even stumble upon one of Miami’s many Latin-inspired festivals, such as the Calle Ocho Festival or the Viernes Culturales, which is a Friday street fair in Little Havana.

Practical Tips for Cruise Passengers with a Stop In Miami

If you want to explore Miami prior to your cruise, a little planning can help you make the most of your time, so here are some tips to keep in mind:

• Set aside enough time. Give yourself at least three hours to wander around and enjoy Miami before you need to head to the port. Even more ideal is if you can spend an entire day and night here.
• Get smart about transport. You’re not going to have a problem getting around thanks to the hop-on-hop-off buses and ride share apps, like Uber and Lyft, so take advantage of this.
• Drop your bags off early. Many cruise lines offer early bag drop-offs at the terminal, which can be really useful. If it isn’t offered, look out for nearby luggage storage services. They’re safe and convenient. 
• Eat with a plan. If you will be eating once you board your cruise, you may want to stick to sharing plates and lighter bites while you’re out, as Cuban food can be rich.
• Stay cruise-ready. By keeping your passport, boarding documents, and medication in a small day bag with you, there’ll be a lot less hassle when it comes time to board.

A Top Stop Before You Sail

Miami is a convenient cruise port, but too many travellers don’t realize how much they’re missing out by not spending some time here, even if it’s just a few hours. Between the salsa, ceviche, and street art, Miami can be a fantastic start to your cruise. By arriving a little earlier and exploring smartly, you can turn your cruise departure into a two-for-one trip that includes all of the best parts of Latin American culture and cuisine.