
Almacenes San José Artisans Market
A vast harborfront warehouse market offering Cuban crafts, from souvenirs to unique art, with a distinct upstairs gallery experience.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed browsing

Almacenes San José Artisans Market
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed browsing

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A vast harborfront warehouse market offering Cuban crafts, from souvenirs to unique art, with a distinct upstairs gallery experience.
"Discover beautiful Cuban culture and art at affordable prices, especially on the serene second floor."

⬆️ Explore the Upper Floor First
The second floor offers a more serene art experience, while the first floor can be intense with souvenir hawkers.
🤝 Polite 'No Thanks' Works
Vendors are friendly but persistent. A clear, polite refusal is usually respected.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Upstairs Art Gallery
Second Floor
Discover a treasure trove of original paintings and unique artworks, often at surprisingly affordable prices.

First Floor Souvenir Stalls
Ground Floor
Browse a wide selection of ceramics, leather goods, and classic guayabera shirts, representing Cuban culture.

Bay Views & Cafeteria
Second Floor
Enjoy pleasant views of the bay from the second floor, complemented by a convenient cafeteria.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Navigate the Souvenir Maze
Price & Haggling Savvy
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
⬆️ Explore the Upper Floor First
The second floor offers a more serene art experience, while the first floor can be intense with souvenir hawkers.
🤝 Polite 'No Thanks' Works
Vendors are friendly but persistent. A clear, polite refusal is usually respected.
💰 Haggle for Best Prices
Prices are often quoted in USD. Be prepared to negotiate, especially on the first floor.
🎨 Art is Upstairs!
For genuine art and a less aggressive sales environment, head straight to the second floor.
Tips
from all over the internet
⬆️ Explore the Upper Floor First
The second floor offers a more serene art experience, while the first floor can be intense with souvenir hawkers.
🤝 Polite 'No Thanks' Works
Vendors are friendly but persistent. A clear, polite refusal is usually respected.
💰 Haggle for Best Prices
Prices are often quoted in USD. Be prepared to negotiate, especially on the first floor.
🎨 Art is Upstairs!
For genuine art and a less aggressive sales environment, head straight to the second floor.
🍦 Treat Yourself
There's a nice ice cream stall available, perfect for a refreshing break.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Almacenes San José Artisans Market offers a vast selection of Cuban crafts, with a distinct contrast between its bustling souvenir-filled first floor and its more serene upstairs art gallery. Visitors appreciate the unique artworks and the potential for good deals, though some find the first floor's sales tactics overwhelming and prices a bit high.
"It is a very big market with a lot of small shops to sell beautiful souvenirs representing the Cuban culture with a very good price"
Haytham Abbas
"Beautiful place to shop for souvenirs. It's a little expensive compared with other places but you can always make a good deal"
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"Great selection of paintings upstairs where fewer people visit. Loads of souvenir stalls downstairs, much of the same stuff throughout. Nice ice cream stall. Be prepared to be "hassled" in a friendly way as you walk around. A polite "no thanks" is accepted with grace."
Pete Downing
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The market is located in a large harborfront warehouse. It's accessible by taxi or a pleasant walk from Old Havana. Many visitors find it a convenient stop when exploring the waterfront area.
Yes, it's a walkable distance from many parts of Old Havana, offering a nice stroll along the waterfront. Allow about 15-20 minutes depending on your starting point.
Taxis are readily available throughout Havana and can easily take you directly to the market. It's a common destination, so drivers will know it well.
While taxis are the most common and convenient, you might find local buses that pass nearby, though routes can be complex for tourists. Taxis are generally recommended for ease.
Parking can be challenging in this area. If you arrive by taxi, it's straightforward. If you drive, be prepared to search for street parking or use a paid lot if available nearby.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, entry to the Almacenes San José Artisans Market is generally free. You only pay for the items you choose to purchase from the vendors.
The market typically operates daily, but hours can vary. It's best to check locally or aim for daytime hours, generally from morning until early evening.
Similar to the rest of the market, there is no separate admission fee for the art section on the second floor. You can browse freely.
Yes, travelers have successfully purchased paintings and transported them. Airport officials may need to inspect them, but it's usually not an issue.
Generally, most handicrafts and art are permitted. However, it's always wise to check current Cuban customs regulations for any specific items.
🎫 🛍️ Shopping & Souvenirs
You'll find a wide variety, including ceramics, leather goods, guayabera shirts, jewelry, cigars, rum, and a vast selection of paintings and art pieces.
Yes, especially on the first floor, prices are often negotiable. Vendors quote in USD, and polite bargaining is expected. The upstairs art section might have more fixed prices but still offers room for discussion.
No, the first floor is primarily filled with typical souvenirs like ceramics and leather goods, with many stalls offering similar items. The second floor is dedicated to art and paintings.
While the first floor has more variety, prices can be touristy. Some find better deals in smaller shops in Centro Viejo. However, the upstairs art market offers unique pieces that might be worth the price.
The 'hassle' refers to the friendly but persistent sales pitches from vendors on the first floor, who will try to draw you into their stalls. A polite 'no, thank you' is usually sufficient.
🎫 🎨 Art & Culture
The second floor is a hub for local artists selling a diverse range of paintings, from vibrant abstract pieces to traditional Cuban scenes. You can often meet the artists themselves.
Reviews suggest artists on the second floor are much more respectful and give visitors space to browse art without aggressive sales tactics, unlike the first floor.
Absolutely! The second floor is where you can interact directly with artists and purchase their original works.
Yes, it's often described as being like a museum, offering a glimpse into Cuban craftsmanship and artistic expression. The atmosphere, especially upstairs, is highly regarded.
The quality and affordability of the artworks, combined with the respectful demeanor of the vendors and artists, create a highly positive and inspiring shopping experience.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there is a cafeteria located on the second floor, offering a place to rest and refresh while enjoying views of the bay.
The cafeteria typically offers light refreshments, coffee, and possibly some snacks or simple meals. It's a good spot for a break.
The market is located near the waterfront, so you can find other restaurants and cafes in the surrounding areas of Havana if you're looking for more extensive dining options.
The ice cream stall is mentioned as being on the first floor, a nice treat amidst the souvenir shopping.
It's advisable to have some local currency (CUP) or USD for smaller purchases like at the cafeteria or ice cream stall, as card acceptance can be inconsistent.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
The second floor offers a calmer environment, which might be more suitable for families who want to appreciate art without the high-energy sales pitches. It's a good opportunity to expose children to local art and culture in a less intense setting. The bay views from upstairs also provide a nice distraction. Consider visiting during less crowded times, like weekday mornings, to make the experience more manageable for everyone.
💰 Budget Travelers
However, the second floor offers a chance to acquire unique art at potentially good value. If you're looking for authentic Cuban art without the markup of high-end galleries, this is the place. The free entry is a significant advantage. Focus on items you truly love and be prepared to negotiate respectfully to stretch your budget further.
🎨 Art Enthusiasts
Reviews consistently praise the quality and affordability of the art found here, often describing it as a 'museum-like' experience without the high prices. The respectful atmosphere allows for leisurely browsing and thoughtful selection. While the first floor is focused on mass-produced souvenirs, the second floor offers a genuine connection to Cuba's artistic talent.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating the Two Floors: A Tale of Two Markets
The second floor, however, offers a completely different ambiance. This level is dedicated to art and paintings, showcasing the work of local artists. Visitors often describe this area as more akin to a gallery, with a respectful and relaxed environment. Artists are generally less aggressive in their sales approach, allowing you to browse and appreciate the artwork at your own pace. This is where you're likely to find more unique and original pieces, often at surprisingly affordable prices.
Many visitors recommend exploring the second floor first to appreciate the art before diving into the souvenir hunt downstairs. This strategy allows you to gauge the quality and price range of art and then decide if the more commercial offerings on the first floor meet your needs. The contrast between the two levels is a key aspect of the market experience.
The Art of the Deal: Pricing and Haggling
Reviews highlight that while some items might be similar across stalls, the ability to haggle can lead to good deals. It's worth comparing prices between a few vendors before committing to a purchase. The upstairs art market, while still open to negotiation, might have slightly more fixed prices due to the nature of original artwork. However, engaging respectfully with the artists can still lead to a favorable outcome.
It's also worth noting that some travelers found prices in smaller, less tourist-centric places in Centro Viejo to be even cheaper. However, the convenience and sheer variety offered at Almacenes San José, especially the unique art upstairs, make it a worthwhile destination for many seeking Cuban crafts and souvenirs.
Photography Opportunities
The second floor, with its art galleries, presents a more refined photographic subject. The paintings and artworks themselves are often striking, offering opportunities for close-up shots of textures, colors, and artistic styles. The natural light filtering into the warehouse can also create interesting photographic effects. Capturing the artists at work or in conversation adds a human element to your photos.
Don't forget the views of the bay from the second floor, which can provide a scenic contrast to the indoor market scenes. The architecture of the warehouse itself, a large harborfront structure, can also be an interesting photographic element. Overall, the market is a place where you can document both the tangible products and the intangible spirit of Cuban craftsmanship.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit