Top 5 Things To Do in Little Haiti

(1)

While it’s hard to go wrong with any of the traditional Creole/Kreyol foods – queue boeuf (oxtail), tasso (fried goat), and lambi (conch in tomato sauce), believe me when I say that going adventurous with food (a.k.a trying new cuisine, stepping away from your comfort meals) is not for everyone-- and it's what's so great about dining in Little Haiti.

I mean, I won't stray from the fact that Creole food is really the highlight of the neighborhood's culinary offerings. 

Nevertheless, the community also has their fair share of barbecued ribs, barbecued chicken, and whole fresh red snapper served steamed always available, as well as delicious tropical fruits in season scattered throughout the area. 

Ironically, not all the best eateries in Little Haiti are Haitian, so if you're thinking of trying out other non-Haitian cuisines around the neighborhood, feel free to tease your tastebuds!

In any case, food is never NOT a reason to travel, let alone one that's new and authentic, I always say.

(2)

Local venues and businesses-- Caribbean marketplaces, locally-owned boutiques, thrift shops, fruit stands, and the likes-- are what make up for the shopping scene of Little Haiti.

Sure, one could say that it slightly differs from your beloved flashy AND extensive Miami retail offerings, especially when compared to neighborhoods like Brickell, Downtown Miami, and South Beach. 

But, quite frankly, its patterns with the unique charm it emanates-- and hardly anyone is complaining! 

The area is practically cut out from the same cloth as its namesake!

Experience a different kind of high as you peruse through the streets of Little Haiti and find a wide array of trinkets, novelty items, and great finds. 

I promise you it's a unique shopping escapade to beat!

(3)

Walk along 54th towards 62nd Street, and you'll be mesmerized by the colorful street art and murals that adorn the walls. 

No, you're not in Wynwood, nor are you in Miami Design District. 

You're in Little Haiti, albeit just a few minutes away from the aforementioned communities, but in a different neighborhood entirely. 

Of course, it's not just the street art and murals that are worth the drive to Little Haiti (or the walk, because, you know, I LOVE walking!). 

Exploring the neighborhood's Haitian culture alone is enough to keep your whole week occupied!

And yes, Little Haiti is also the 7th most walkable neighborhood in Miami, so you've got the go-signal to ditch the car and just enjoy the whole scene on foot!

(4)

When you're in a new area or country, getting to know their culture and history is a MUST, and boy does Little Haiti make it easy for anyone to do so!

And I mean, ANYONE can learn about Haitian culture. 

Everything you see in the neighborhood screams Haiti! 

We've got The Little Haiti Cultural Complex, an informational hub for visitors, located right in the center of the neighborhood for all your questions about the area's history, the Libreri Mapou Bookstore to entrench yourself in Haitian ethos, and the General Toussaint L'Ouverture statue to visit on N Miami Ave, right down the block from the 62nd St Marketplace. 

It's a Haitian field trip of all sorts, and lucky for you, all these are JUST THE BEGINNING!

(5)

One thing that makes this neighborhood fun and lively is that residents are proud of their culture and love to share that pride.

But I'm not just talking about the street murals, food, and all those colorful roofs and monuments left and right. 

Little Haiti is all about live events, concerts, and fashion shows, too, and it's how locals choose to spend their weekends!

The weekly Caribbean Marketplace, meant to replicate Haiti's Iron Market, is a great example of this. 

Fresh Afro-Caribbean cuisine, entertainment, and fashion are all on display for visitors to immerse themselves in. 

Churchill's is another neighborhood staple, although it's anything BUT Haitian. 

Opened in 1979, Churchill's has become something of an off-beat concert venue everyone loves to visit for intense fun and chill-out sessions. 

In fact, it's so popular that Marylin Manson, Agent Orange, and Iggy Pop have all performed there!

On any given night, you'll hear a wide range of music from jazz to alt-rock. 

Truly, a great place to hang out with friends, enjoy a cheap beer, and play some pool!