The Best Clothes Shops in Havana
CLANDESTINA
Clandestina, founded in 2015, stands out as Havana’s first independent design store. Idania del Río and Leire Fernández’s sustainable brand has captured the spirit of the city’s millennials with witty slogans screen-printed onto T-shirts, posters, and stickers, alongside upcycled accessories. With the absence of fabric wholesalers on the island, they started by purchasing clothes from markets and then transforming them. Today, they feature one-off pieces like giant recycled-denim totes, making for a unique shopping experience.
Address: Clandestina, Villegas 403, Havana, Cuba
Website: clandestina.co
DADOR
Another standout is Dador. Behind a large wrought-iron gate lies the beautifully restored workshop of Lauren Fajardo, Ilse Antón, and Raquel Janero, who create clean-lined garments using natural materials.
Address: Dador, Amargura 253, Havana, Cuba
Website: dadorhavana.com
CAPICÚA
Capicúa proudly features vibrantly patterned, unisex wasasa bum bags, handmade in Cuba using West African textiles, ensuring that each piece is completely unique. The shop also offers a curated selection of skirts, jumpsuits, and dresses in equally bold fabrics.
Address: Capicúa, San Lázaro 55, Havana, Cuba
Instagram: instagram.com/capicua_fashion
Telephone: +53 5 2845887
ZULU BOLSOS
Visit Zulu Bolsos for Afro-Caribbean craftsmanship. This store offers fresh, simple handbags, satchels, wallets, and clutches stitched from the softest leather, available in both muted and bright shades.
Address: Zulu Bolsos, Aguacate 456, Havana, Cuba
Website: zulubolsos.es
Telephone: +53 7 8677205
The Best Homeware Shop
PISCOLABIS BAZAR-CAFÉ
Located near the exquisite 18th-century cathedral, Piscolabis Bazar-Café is operated by a collective of local artisans dedicated to reviving the design industry. Their creations, fashioned from discarded objects, include oil lamps transformed into stunning wall hangings and candlestick holders. After browsing, indulge in a sweetened espresso at the charming cafe.
Address: Piscolabis Bazar-Café, San Ignacio, La Habana, Cuba
Website: piscolabishabana.com
Telephone: +53 5 8433219
The Best Art Shop
SUSETTE MARTINEZ
Acquiring art in Cuba can be complicated. However, fascinating encounters await at private studios where art lovers can buy directly from the artists. Explore with curator and guide Sussette Martinez, who provides insights into local galleries and the shifting political landscape that influences the art scene.
Telephone: +53 5 2585678
The Best Perfume Shop
HABANA 1791
Set in an 18th-century mansion on calle Mercaderes, Habana 1791 offers an immersive experience resembling a laboratory of an idiosyncratic perfumer. The fragrances, crafted on-site, evoke the historical aromas of the capital, including tobacco, orange blossom, and sandalwood.
Address: Habana 1791, Mercaderes 156, Havana, Cuba
Telephone: +53 7 8613525
The Best Watch Shop
EL RELOJ CUERVO Y SOBRINOS
At El Reloj Cuervo y Sobrinos, you can find exquisite Swiss-made, belle-époque-inspired timepieces beautifully presented in cedar boxes that double as humidors. This store exemplifies pre-revolution decadence, featuring not only watches but also cigars and rose-gold-plated fountain pens.
Address: El Reloj Cuervo y Sobrinos, Calle de los Oficios Esquina, Calle Muralla, Havana, Cuba
Website: cuervoysobrinos.com
Telephone: +53 7 8012515
The Best Vintage Shop
MEMORIAS
Tiny Memorias is an antique store located in an Art Nouveau apartment building, offering a unique collection of unusual items, including military memorabilia and vintage political magazines. This shop provides a treasure trove of authentic finds that reflect Cuba’s rich history.
Address: Memorias, Animas 57, Old Havana, Cuba
Website: tiendamemorias.com
Telephone: +53 7 8625153
The Best Market Finds
FERIA DE PUBLICACIONES Y CURIOSIDADES
The Feria de Publicaciones y Curiosidades is an eclectic market located in a quaint courtyard off calle Baratillo. With stalls under almond trees, vendors sell vintage items like political posters, classic cameras, and coins, providing a glimpse into Cuba’s vibrant past.
Address: Feria de Publicaciones y Curiosidades, Calle Barratillo, Old Havana, Cuba
Local Insights
Miles Jackson, Founder of Cuba Skate
“One of the best places to eat is Patio Mama. This family-run establishment offers delicious criollo food in a cozy setting.”
“Fábrica de Arte Cubano is a must-visit for those interested in diverse cultural experiences encompassing art and nightlife.”
“For refreshing juice, La Juguera, located near the Malecón, has an amazing variety of options.”
“In Old Havana, O’Reilly 304 and El del Frente are great spots offering delightful rooftop experiences.”
