Havana is a city where craft, food, and sea air meet. Shopping here can feel like collecting small stories — things made by hands, or foods that carry local flavors.

This guide covers souvenirs you can find across Havana, not just on one street or in a single shop. It focuses on items that travel well, how to judge quality, and what to avoid.

1. Cuban coffee

• Why it’s worth buying: Coffee roasted in Cuba has a bold, dark roast many travelers like. It’s easy to use at home and keeps well in sealed bags.
• Where to look: markets.
• Price range: $5–$20
• How to spot a good one: Choose vacuum-sealed bags with clear roast dates and simple ingredient lists.
• Easy-to-pack tip: Tuck a sealed bag into a shoe or jacket pocket to protect it.

2. Miniature rum bottle

• Why it’s worth buying: Small rum bottles let you taste a local spirit without committing to a full bottle. They make good gifts and occupy little space.
• Where to look: food halls.
• Price range: $10–$40
• How to spot a good one: Check that the bottle is factory-sealed and lists origin and alcohol content.
• Easy-to-pack tip: Wrap in clothing and place upright in the center of your suitcase.

3. Packaged sweets (guava paste, caramel)

• Why it’s worth buying: These sweets showcase local ingredients and pair well with cheese or bread. They travel better than fresh pastries and are shelf-stable.
• Where to look: food halls.
• Price range: $3–$12
• How to spot a good one: Prefer sealed containers with ingredient lists and intact packaging.
• Easy-to-pack tip: Cushion jars or tins with soft clothing inside your bag.

4. Hand-painted ceramics (small plates or mugs)

• Why it’s worth buying: Small ceramic pieces often show local motifs and make useful household gifts. Glaze-fired items last when made properly.
• Where to look: galleries.
• Price range: $15–$60
• How to spot a good one: Look for even glaze, no hairline cracks, and a firm base.
• Easy-to-pack tip: Wrap each piece in clothing and place between soft items.

5. Straw woven bag

• Why it’s worth buying: Straw or palm bags are lightweight and reflect coastal craft traditions. They fold somewhat and are roomy for daily use.
• Where to look: co-ops.
• Price range: $15–$45
• How to spot a good one: Inspect the weave for tightness and the handles for secure stitching.
• Easy-to-pack tip: Stuff the bag with clothes to keep shape and compress into luggage.

6. Prints and watercolors

• Why it’s worth buying: Small prints capture city scenes and are easy to display at home. Originals by local artists often cost less than gallery pieces elsewhere.
• Where to look: galleries.
• Price range: $10–$80
• How to spot a good one: Check for an artist signature and cleaner edges on the paper.
• Easy-to-pack tip: Roll art in a protective tube or carry flat in a folder.

7. Handmade jewelry

• Why it’s worth buying: Local jewelry blends traditional techniques with island materials. Small pieces are easy to wear and gift.
• Where to look: independent shops.
• Price range: $20–$120
• How to spot a good one: Test clasps and look for consistent metal finishes or bead quality.
• Easy-to-pack tip: Keep jewelry in a small pouch in your carry-on to avoid loss.

8. Embroidered linens

• Why it’s worth buying: Embroidered napkins or runners show detailed stitching and last with care. They add a local touch to home dining.
• Where to look: independent shops.
• Price range: $20–$70
• How to spot a good one: Even stitches and no loose threads indicate careful handwork.
• Easy-to-pack tip: Fold linens flat and place between garments to prevent creasing.

9. Leather goods (small wallet or belt)

• Why it’s worth buying: Locally made leather items are practical and sturdier than many tourist knickknacks. A simple wallet or belt wears in with use.
• Where to look: co-ops.
• Price range: $25–$90
• How to spot a good one: Check stitching, edge finishing, and how the leather smells and bends.
• Easy-to-pack tip: Wear bulky leather items on travel days to save space.

10. Sea salt

• Why it’s worth buying: Salt harvested near the coast carries a mineral profile tied to place and seasons. It’s light and useful in cooking.
• Where to look: markets.
• Price range: $4–$15
• How to spot a good one: Prefer sealed containers or labeled bags specifying harvest type.
• Easy-to-pack tip: Keep salt in a sealed plastic bag to avoid spills.

11. Nautical wooden ornament

• Why it’s worth buying: Small carved or painted wooden pieces echo Havana’s maritime setting and make easy keepsakes. They are lightweight and decorative.
• Where to look: markets or independent shops.
• Price range: $6–$35
• How to spot a good one: Solid wood with hand-painted details usually lasts longer than thin veneers.
• Easy-to-pack tip: Wrap ornaments in soft clothing and place them inside shoes for extra protection.

12. Local spice mix or cooking sauce (mojo, adobo)

• Why it’s worth buying: Spice mixes bring home authentic flavors for quick uses in the kitchen. Sealed packets stay fresh if unopened.
• Where to look: co-ops or food halls.
• Price range: $3–$12
• How to spot a good one: Choose labeled packets with ingredient lists and sealed packaging.
• Easy-to-pack tip: Place packets in resealable plastic bags to prevent leaks.

Quick buying tips for Havana

• Carry some cash; many stalls prefer pesos in local markets over cards.
• Haggling is sometimes acceptable at outdoor markets; offer a reasonable lower price politely.
• Wrap ceramics and glass in clothing, then place in the center of checked luggage.
• Many artisan stalls offer shipping; check costs and delivery times before purchasing.
• Look for maker signatures, stamps, or natural material notes showing made locally.
• Pack liquids and sauces in sealed bags; follow airline limits and country rules.

Where to shop in Havana

Shopping spreads across historic streets, waterfronts, and a few central markets. Museum shops and artisan markets tend to carry higher-quality work, while street markets offer simpler items and lower prices.

• Old Havana (Habana Vieja) for colonial-era streets, local crafts, and small art prints.
• The Malecón waterfront for nautical-themed souvenirs and open-air vendors near the sea.
• Almacenes San José artisan market for a broad selection of handmade objects and artwork.
• Plaza de Armas book market for vintage prints, maps, and secondhand books.
• Museum shops for curated reproductions, exhibition catalogs, and higher-end design items.
• Centro Havana for everyday textile sellers, small leather goods, and local food stalls.
• Seasonal artisan fairs and cultural festivals for temporary stalls with fresh local craft.

What to skip (common tourist traps)

• Cheap plastic trinkets sold in tourist zones because they wear out quickly.
• Items labeled “handmade” without maker information; lack of provenance suggests mass production.
• Ceramics with flaking glaze or uneven firing, which can chip easily.
• Unlabeled food items or loose jars without ingredient lists pose freshness concerns.
• Branded knockoffs or imitation goods that mimic designer names and have poor materials.
• Cigars or alcohol sold without clear seals or receipts may be counterfeit or difficult to verify.

If you only buy three things

Cuban coffee — it’s practical, compact, and a clear taste of the place.
Handmade jewelry — small, personal, and easy to carry on flights.
Straw woven bag — useful daily and compresses well inside luggage.

FAQ

1. What is Havana known for making?
   Havana is known for a mix of crafts, from textiles and ceramics to painted signs and small woodwork. Food products like coffee and small-batch sweets are also part of the local scene.

2. What are the best edible souvenirs from Havana?
   Packaged coffee, sealed guava paste, and local spice mixes are solid edible choices. Choose sealed packaging with ingredient lists and check shelf-life dates.

3. Are souvenirs expensive in Havana?
   Prices vary widely; you can find inexpensive items at street markets and pricier pieces in museum shops. Compare quality and provenance before paying higher prices.

4. What is the easiest souvenir to pack from Havana?
   Small sealed food items or jewelry are the easiest to pack and carry. They take up little space and usually fit in carry-on bags without special wrapping.

5. How do I know if something is truly local?
   Look for maker signatures, stamps, or material notes that indicate local origins. Ask sellers where materials and work were sourced, and prefer pieces with visible craftsmanship.

Tip: Save your receipts, and keep fragile items in your carry-on.

About the Author 

Colin is the founder of SouvenirsIdeas.com and a passionate traveller with a soft spot for ceramics, markets, and food tours. He writes practical, first-hand guides to help you bring home souvenirs that actually mean something — not just more clutter!

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