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Published on April 3, 2026

Best Souvenirs from Cuba: What to Buy & Where to Find Them

Bringing a piece of Cuba home with you is a cherished part of any travel experience, a tangible reminder of its vibrant culture, rich history, and warm spirit. From world-renowned luxuries to unique handcrafted treasures, the island offers an array of authentic souvenirs to delight every visitor.

Iconic Cuban Souvenirs

When thinking of Cuba, certain items immediately spring to mind. These iconic products are not just souvenirs; they are symbols of the nation's heritage and craftsmanship.

Cuban Cigars (Puros)

Cuban cigars are legendary, renowned globally for their exceptional quality and distinctive flavor. Hand-rolled from the finest tobacco leaves grown in fertile Cuban soil, they represent centuries of tradition.

  • What to look for:Seek out well-known brands like Cohiba, Montecristo, Partagás, Romeo y Julieta, and H. Upmann. Ensure the packaging includes an official Cuban government seal.
  • Where to buy:For guaranteed authenticity, purchase cigars from state-run shops (Casas del Habano) or directly from cigar factories. In Havana Old Town, you'll find several official stores, and tours of factories like Partagás or La Corona often include a shop. The tobacco farms in the Viñales Valley also offer opportunities to buy directly from farmers, though these are typically unbranded.
  • Travel Tip:Be aware of your home country's customs regulations regarding the import of tobacco products.

Cuban Rum

No trip to Cuba is complete without sampling – and perhaps taking home – some of its world-famous rum. A key ingredient in classic cocktails like the Mojito and Daiquiri, Cuban rum is smooth, rich, and deeply ingrained in the island's social fabric.

  • Popular Brands:Havana Club is the most ubiquitous and internationally recognized brand, with various ages and styles from Añejo 3 Años to Selección de Maestros. Other notable brands include Santiago de Cuba, Legendario, and Mulata.
  • Where to buy:Rum is widely available in state-run liquor stores, supermarkets, and duty-free shops at airports. You'll find a good selection in larger cities like Havana Old Town,Santiago de Cuba, and Varadero.

Cuban Coffee

Cuban coffee is more than a drink; it's a daily ritual. Known for its strong, rich, and often sweet flavor, it's a beloved staple for many islanders and a fantastic souvenir for coffee lovers.

  • What to look for:Popular brands include Café Serrano, Cubita, and Turquino. You can often find both ground coffee and whole beans.
  • Where to buy:Look for coffee in local markets, supermarkets, and state-run shops across the island. The coffee plantations in the mountainous regions, particularly near Santiago de Cuba, offer fresh, locally grown options.

Unique Artisan Crafts & Art

Beyond the consumables, Cuba boasts a thriving artistic community producing an incredible range of handcrafted items that reflect the island's vibrant spirit.

Art and Paintings

Cuban art is diverse and captivating, from colorful naïve paintings depicting daily life to abstract and contemporary works. It's a fantastic way to bring a splash of Cuban color into your home.

  • Styles:You'll find everything from intricate oil paintings to vibrant acrylics and watercolors. Themes often include street scenes, musical motifs, classic cars, and revolutionary figures.
  • Where to buy:Art galleries are plentiful in Havana Old Town and Trinidad de Cuba, offering pieces from established and emerging artists. Street artists also display their work in popular tourist areas, often offering more affordable options.

Hand-Carved Wood Items

Skilled Cuban artisans create beautiful items from local woods, perfect for decorative pieces or functional gifts.

  • Types:Expect to find intricately carved domino sets (a national pastime!), religious figures, animals, and decorative boxes.
  • Where to buy:Artisan markets, particularly in Trinidad de Cuba and along the streets of Havana Old Town, are excellent places to find these unique creations.

Guayaberas

The guayabera is Cuba's elegant and practical national shirt, known for its four front pockets and vertical pleats. It's a stylish and comfortable piece of clothing, perfect for warm climates.

  • What to look for:Available in various fabrics, from crisp cotton to linen, and a spectrum of colors.
  • Where to buy:You can find guayaberas in dedicated clothing boutiques, department stores, and even some larger artisan markets throughout the island.

Local Music and Instruments

Music is the soul of Cuba, and bringing home some local tunes or a small instrument is a wonderful way to keep the rhythm alive.

  • What to look for:CDs by local bands, often sold directly by musicians after performances, or small, handcrafted instruments like maracas, claves, or miniature bongos.
  • Where to buy:Street musicians are common in Havana Old Town and Trinidad de Cuba. Music stores and artisan markets also stock a range of items.

Edible & Drinkable Delights (Beyond Rum & Coffee)

Cuba's fertile land yields more than just tobacco and coffee; discover other delicious treats to savor or share.

Honey

Cuban honey is often organic and boasts unique floral notes from the island's diverse flora. It makes for a sweet and healthy souvenir.

  • What to look for:Small jars of raw, unpasteurized honey.
  • Where to buy:Especially good in rural areas like the Viñales Valley, where small producers sell directly. You can also find it in local markets and some state stores.

Spices and Seasonings

Bring the flavors of Cuban cuisine into your kitchen with local spices and seasonings.

  • What to look for:Dried oregano, cumin, bay leaves, and pre-mixed seasoning blends for traditional dishes.
  • Where to buy:Local farmers' markets (agromercados) are the best place for fresh and dried spices.

Cuban Chocolates

While not as world-renowned as its coffee or cigars, Cuba has a burgeoning chocolate industry, particularly in the eastern regions.

  • What to look for:Small batches of local chocolate bars, often with high cocoa content.
  • Where to buy:The town of Baracoa, known as Cuba's chocolate capital, is the prime spot for cocoa products. Elsewhere, look in specialty food shops or markets.

Fun Fact:Baracoa, Cuba's first capital, is also the country's main cocoa-growing region, producing much of the chocolate consumed on the island.

Practical Souvenirs & Everyday Items

Sometimes the best souvenirs are those that evoke a sense of place through everyday utility or iconic imagery.

Che Guevara Memorabilia

The image of Che Guevara is an enduring symbol of the Cuban Revolution, appearing on everything from t-shirts to posters.

  • What to look for:T-shirts, flags, keychains, and prints featuring the iconic revolutionary.
  • Where to buy:Tourist shops across the island, particularly near historical sites like the Che Guevara Mausoleum in Santa Clara, are well-stocked.

Local Handicrafts & Jewelry

Artisans across Cuba create beautiful and affordable jewelry and small decorative items, often using natural materials.

  • What to look for:Necklaces made from seeds, wood, or polished stones; leather goods; woven baskets; and colorful textile items.
  • Where to buy:Artisan markets, especially in Trinidad de Cuba and Havana Old Town, are treasure troves for these unique finds.

Tips for Souvenir Shopping in Cuba

To make your souvenir hunt a success, keep these practical tips in mind:

  • Bargaining:In artisan markets and with independent vendors, polite bargaining is often expected and can lead to a better deal. However, prices in state-run shops are fixed.
  • Authenticity:For high-value items like cigars and rum, always buy from official state stores to avoid counterfeits.
  • Currency:Cuba uses two currencies, the Cuban Peso (CUP) and sometimes foreign currency (USD, EUR). Ensure you understand which currency is accepted by vendors.
  • Customs Regulations:Be mindful of the limits on cigars and rum you can bring back to your home country. Exceeding these limits can lead to confiscation and penalties.
  • Support Local:Whenever possible, buy directly from artisans and small local businesses to help support the Cuban people.
  • Where to Shop:
    • State Stores (Tiendas):Reliable for rum, coffee, and official cigars.
    • Artisan Markets (Ferias de Artesanía):Best for crafts, art, and handmade jewelry. Good examples are found in Havana Old Town and Trinidad de Cuba.
    • Galleries (Galerías de Arte):For more serious art purchases.
    • Farmers' Markets (Agromercados):Ideal for fresh produce, spices, and local honey.

From the robust aroma of a Cuban cigar to the vibrant hues of a street painting, each souvenir from Cuba tells a story. Take your time, explore the markets and shops, and choose treasures that will forever remind you of your unforgettable journey to this extraordinary island.