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Cuba has some very unique and interesting shopping opportunities for those willing to explore. The best Cuban stores are found in Havana, though by no means is the city a world-class shopping destination.
Cubans aren't the richest people, so luxurious shops do not abound here, and if you are purchasing luxuries of any kind, they will definitely be at Cuban stores that cater to foreigners. Many visitors to Havana stay in or near Old Havana, and as such, this is where you find the more upscale shopping choices. Those searching the Cuban market for interesting finds will almost always at some point look to buy cigars. In Havana, the Real Fábrica de Tabacos Partagás is an example of kind of Cuban cigar factory where you can find the real thing. Purchase Cuban cigars in the street, and you might be getting a very sub-par smoke.
Cohiba is a major Cuban cigar brand, and it is the favorite of Fidel Castro. Revolutionary hero, Che Guevara, is known to have puffed on Montecristos brand cigars, while JFK like to savor an Upmans cigar. Cuban rum is also something you might pick up while shopping in Cuba. Bacardi is surely a notable choice, as is Havana Club, while those who are in the know tend to prefer a 7-year Varadero brand offering.
It's getting easier these days to find a mall in Cuba, but by no means are they prolific. The future should see more shopping centers built, as tourism brings in more visitors and awards natives with more of a disposable income. Many Cuban shops that are of interest to tourists can be found at Cuban resorts. You can buy a camera, some jewelry and cigars at these kinds of shops, among other items, and they can prove to be very convenient.
There are various craft shops in Cuban cities offering wood carvings and other crafts. Finding a Cuban market where you can shop is not impossible, and most cities of any significant size will usually have a daily market where souvenirs can be purchased. It is possible to do some bargaining while shopping at these places in Cuba, and you may be able to get away with paying for your shopping in Cuban money.
Art is something you might consider looking into when shopping in Cuba. You might even get the chance to meet the artist, which is a great addition. Many a Cuban market, like the local market in Santiago de Cuba, features fresh fruits that are fun to examine. African-style drums, curious masks, and affordable jewelry are just some of the goods you can come away with if you find a decent Cuban street market. Calle Tacón is a good place to start in Havana if you want to experience a Cuban market.
Revolutionary shopping in Cuba
One interesting set of souvenirs you might be interested in shopping for while in Cuba if you are politically inclined, is a whole set of Socialist revolutionary paraphernalia from Cuba. T- Shirts, posters and post cards of the Argentinean Socialist guerrilla fighter Che Guevara are particularly popular products with many tourists shopping in Cuba.
Music shopping in Cuba
Cuba is an Island of fantastic musical genius and Cuban music has spawned many internationally celebrated genres of music in the 20th century. One good thing to go shopping for is some authentic Cuban music CD's which can be bought at licensed music shops throughout Cuba. The quality of the recording is great and so is the music
By: Shabina Sanad
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