Coppelia Ice Cream Park - Image 1
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Coppelia Ice Cream Park

2.9
·147 reviews·La Habana, Cuba

Havana's iconic, futuristic ice cream parlor offering a taste of local life and incredibly affordable treats. A cultural landmark!

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekends

More reliable opening hours

CrowdHigh
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Coppelia Ice Cream Park - Image 1

Coppelia Ice Cream Park

Best Time

Weekends

More reliable opening hours

CrowdHigh
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Havana's iconic, futuristic ice cream parlor offering a taste of local life and incredibly affordable treats. A cultural landmark! TikTok

2.9
(147 reviews)

"Come with the right expectation and you'll like this place. Reddit"

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Embrace the Lines

Be prepared for long queues, especially on weekends. Patience is key!

💰 Use Cuban Pesos (CUP)

Having CUP can expedite service and is the local currency for pricing.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Iconic Coppelia Building

The Iconic Coppelia Building

Havana

A massive, futuristic ice cream parlor that's a landmark of Havana's architecture. A must-see for its unique design.

TikTok
Local Atmosphere

Local Atmosphere

Inside Coppelia

Experience a place frequented by locals, offering a glimpse into everyday Cuban life.

Reddit
Affordable Ice Cream Treat

Affordable Ice Cream Treat

Serving areas

Indulge in incredibly cheap ice cream, a true bargain for a unique experience.

Reddit
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Planning Your Visit

Manage Expectations for a Unique Experience

Coppelia is a beloved local institution, not a typical tourist cafe. Expect long lines, limited flavor choices, and a unique service style. Come with an open mind and embrace the local atmosphere for a truly memorable visit. Reddit

Cuban Pesos (CUP) are Key

While prices are incredibly low in CUP (Cuban Pesos), using USD can lead to confusion or higher perceived costs. Having CUP on hand can streamline your experience and is often preferred by locals. Reddit

Best Times

When
Weekends
Why
More reliable opening hours
Crowd
High
When
Sunday afternoon
Why
Peak local family time
Crowd
High
When
Evening
Why
Cooler and lively atmosphere
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

reddit.com

Reopening of the Coppelia in Havana and its astronomical prices, a lack of respect for the working people

🎯 Embrace the Lines

Be prepared for long queues, especially on weekends. Patience is key! Reddit

💰 Use Cuban Pesos (CUP)

Having CUP can expedite service and is the local currency for pricing. Reddit

reddit.com

Ice cream from Coppelia in Havana, Cuba. It's one of the biggest ice cream parlors in the world, serving up to 35,000 customers a day. We waited an 1 hour and 45 minutes for ice cream, and it was delicious

🤔 No Menu, Just Ask

Flavors vary daily. Don't expect a menu; they'll tell you what's available. Reddit

🤝 Pay it Forward

Consider treating a local family; it's a kind gesture and appreciated. Reddit

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Embrace the Lines

Be prepared for long queues, especially on weekends. Patience is key! Reddit

💰 Use Cuban Pesos (CUP)

Having CUP can expedite service and is the local currency for pricing. Reddit

🤔 No Menu, Just Ask

Flavors vary daily. Don't expect a menu; they'll tell you what's available. Reddit

🤝 Pay it Forward

Consider treating a local family; it's a kind gesture and appreciated. Reddit

📸 Capture the Moment

The building's architecture is unique, so bring your camera! TikTok

What Travellers Say

2.9
(147 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Coppelia offers a unique, albeit sometimes chaotic, experience that's a beloved local institution. Visitors praise its incredibly low prices and the chance to immerse themselves in authentic Cuban culture, despite long waits and limited service. It's a place to visit with managed expectations for a memorable, budget-friendly treat. Reddit

"Nothing about this place is easy, but you come here for the atmosphere of being in the biggest ice cream shop in the world. We had a great time with our kids, but we had had tempered expectations and knew fully that there is a long wait and the standard level of "service" you can expect at government-run businesses like this in communist / socialist countries. My kids were very keen to come here but it was closed twice when we drove by on week days. Seems to be only open reliably on weekends. On our last day in Havana, we came by on a Sunday afternoon. Five lines with ~20 people in each line, and the security guards estimated 30+ minutes waiting outside in each line. Walk inside and chatted with the security guy asking about the lines in Spanish - was told that it was 30-60 minutes in line unless we had Cuban pesos, where 300-400 would get us an immediate seat upstairs. We paid 400 Cuban pesos = $1.15 USD and were immediately helped upstairs into one of the 5 seating areas where other locals were waiting. Is this fair? No, but this is not at all unique to this place or this country. Once seated in an area upstairs, the service was all equal with other locals sitting there. Roughly 10 minute wait to be asked our order. We bought 9 scoops total, which was 87 Cuban pesos = $0.25 USD. Another 15 minutes to get the order. I would recommend ordering more to avoid having to wait after ordering more. Was the ice cream amazing? No, but the building was pretty amazing, and my kids loved the experience. The picture of the ice cream is an "ensalata", which includes 5 scoops, after two scoops were eating and some melted. The flavors available vary by the day. When we were there, the flavors were coconut, butter, and chocolate. Everyone there was very friendly! Among experiences available to tourists, this felt like a unique place that is much more frequented by locals (maybe 100 to 1). It's extremely different from other "sights" in Havana."

Xiao Tan

"This is a terrible place - and that's why I liked it! No service that would deserve that name, you'll get what they have. The ice-cream is good, but just vanilla the day we were here. Served without love in a plastic tray. But it's so cheap, you could call it free (like, 0,50 € for 5 scoops). It's so depressing, you'd want to lick the toilet seat just to get this life over with.
Come with the right expectation and you'll like this place. Come expecting an ice cream café with service and a selection and what not and you'll give one star."

Daniel Hommrich

"Coppelia is supposed to be an experience... Let me share mine.

1. There are several queues outside. We waited 15 min there.
2. Once we got in, we were directed to seat in the closest area to our entrance. We only discovered that there are other area in the center building.
3. We waited about 25 more mins for them to serve the ice cream. There's no menu and we couldn't pick what to get. They had only 3-scoop chocolate in a plate. The four of us asked for 2 of them.
4. When we paid, the waitress asked around for 2 min and finally decided that we should pay 90 pesos. Later we read on the menu in front of the center building that 3-scoop was 27 pesos each. Were we treated specially? You decide. 1 star for us."

Qiang Qian

What People Like

Incredibly low prices
Unique local atmosphere
Iconic architecture

What People Dislike

Long waiting times
Inconsistent service
Limited flavor choices

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Coppelia is located in Havana, Cuba. Taxis are readily available and a common way to reach it. Many visitors also walk or take local buses if they are familiar with the routes. TikTok

Yes, Coppelia is a well-known landmark in Havana. Its distinctive architecture makes it easily recognizable. TikTok

Taxis are generally the most convenient option for tourists. Negotiate the fare beforehand. Reddit

Information on dedicated parking is scarce, but taxis and private cars can usually find a place to stop nearby. TikTok

Ride-sharing apps are not as prevalent in Cuba as in other countries. Taxis are the primary mode of transport. TikTok

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

There isn't a traditional ticket system for entry. You pay for the ice cream you consume. Reddit

Opening hours can be inconsistent, especially on weekdays. It's most reliably open on weekends. Reddit

Ice cream is extremely affordable in Cuban Pesos (CUP). For example, 5 scoops can cost around 80 CUP (less than a US dollar). Reddit

No, advance bookings are not possible. You typically join a queue upon arrival. Reddit

No, there is no separate entrance fee. Your cost is for the ice cream. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

Expect significant wait times, often 30-60 minutes or more, especially during peak hours and weekends. Reddit

Flavor selection is limited and varies daily. You'll be served what's available, often just a few options like coconut, butter, or chocolate. Reddit

The 'ensalada' is a popular order, typically featuring 5 small scoops of ice cream, offering a variety of available flavors. Reddit

The ice cream is considered good, but the main draw is the experience and the incredibly low price, not gourmet quality. Reddit

It's a bustling, lively atmosphere, often filled with local families and children. It offers a unique cultural experience. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Primarily ice cream. Some reviews mention salads, but ice cream is the main attraction. Reddit

The ice cream flavors are typically dairy-based. Vegan options are unlikely, and flavor availability varies. Reddit

Yes, you can order multiple scoops. The 'ensalada' is a common way to get several scoops at once. Reddit

Tipping is not a standard practice in the same way as in some Western countries, but small gestures of appreciation are welcome. Reddit

The scoops are generally small, but you can order multiple scoops or an 'ensalada' to get a larger quantity. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Yes, photography is generally allowed, especially of the building's unique architecture. TikTok

The exterior of the building with its distinctive domes and the interior seating areas offer great photo opportunities. TikTok

Yes, you can photograph your ice cream, but be quick as it can melt! Reddit

While generally permitted, it's always good practice to be respectful of other patrons and ask if you plan to take close-up photos of individuals. TikTok

Daylight hours are best for capturing the building's details. Evenings can offer a different, atmospheric vibe. TikTok

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Coppelia is a fantastic destination for families, offering a fun and affordable outing. Kids will be captivated by the unique building and the sheer joy of getting ice cream. Be prepared for lines, but consider the option of paying a small amount in CUP to bypass the longest queues and get seated faster. Reddit The 'ensalada' is a great way for everyone to share and try different flavors. Remember that flavor availability can vary, so manage expectations. Reddit

Bring snacks and drinks for the wait, or be prepared for a longer time inside. The experience, while not luxurious, is memorable for children. It's a chance for them to see a different side of life and enjoy a treat that's a big part of Cuban culture. Reddit

💰 Budget Travelers

For budget travelers, Coppelia is an absolute must-visit. The prices in Cuban Pesos (CUP) are astonishingly low, making it one of the cheapest treats you can find. You can enjoy multiple scoops for less than a dollar. Reddit This is a prime example of experiencing local life without breaking the bank. Reddit

While the wait can be long, it's free entertainment and a chance to observe local interactions. If you want to expedite your visit, having a small amount of CUP on hand might allow you to get seated quicker, but even the standard queue is part of the experience. Reddit Don't expect gourmet quality, but embrace the value and the cultural immersion. Reddit

✈️ Day-Trippers

If you're on a day trip to Havana, Coppelia offers a unique cultural snapshot that's worth fitting in. Aim for a weekend afternoon if possible for more reliable opening hours. Reddit Be aware of potential queues and factor them into your itinerary. The experience is relatively quick once you're seated and served, so it can be a good mid-day or late-afternoon stop. Reddit

Consider visiting with the right expectations – it's about the atmosphere and affordability, not fine dining. Having some Cuban Pesos (CUP) will be beneficial. It's a great way to see a side of Havana that's very different from the typical tourist sights. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Navigating the Queues and Service

Coppelia is famous for its queues, a testament to its popularity with locals. Visitors often report waiting 30 minutes to over an hour. Some travelers have found that having Cuban Pesos (CUP) can expedite the process, with reports of paying a small amount (around 300-400 CUP, which is roughly $1-2 USD) to be seated upstairs immediately. Reddit This practice, while not unique to Cuba, is a common observation. Once seated, service is generally equal for everyone, though patience is still required as orders are taken and fulfilled. Reddit

It's crucial to manage expectations regarding service. Coppelia is a government-run establishment, and the service style reflects this. Don't expect attentive or personalized service. The focus is on providing a large volume of affordable ice cream to the masses. Reddit The available flavors can also be limited and change daily, so be prepared for a surprise when you order. Reddit The ice cream itself is good, but the real draw is the unique atmosphere and the incredibly low prices. Reddit

The Value Proposition: Ice Cream for Pennies

One of the most striking aspects of Coppelia is its affordability. In Cuban Pesos (CUP), a generous serving of ice cream, like the popular 'ensalada' (which includes 5 small scoops), can cost as little as 80 CUP, which translates to less than a US dollar. Reddit This makes it an accessible treat for virtually everyone in Cuba. For tourists, this means you can enjoy a substantial amount of ice cream for a fraction of what you'd pay elsewhere in the world. Reddit

This incredible value is a significant part of Coppelia's charm and its importance to the local community. It's a place where families can gather and enjoy a treat without financial strain. Reddit While the scoops are small, the ability to order multiple scoops or the 'ensalada' allows for a satisfying experience. The flavors available might be limited, but the sheer volume you can get for such a low price is remarkable. Reddit

Coppelia as a Cultural Experience

Visiting Coppelia is more than just eating ice cream; it's an immersion into Cuban culture. The building itself, with its distinctive domes and futuristic design, is an architectural marvel and a symbol of Havana. TikTok Inside, you'll find yourself surrounded by locals, offering a genuine glimpse into daily life and social interactions. Reddit It's a place where families celebrate, friends gather, and children delight in a simple pleasure. Reddit

Unlike many tourist-oriented attractions, Coppelia feels authentic and is primarily frequented by Cubans. Reddit This provides a unique opportunity to observe and interact with the local community. Some visitors even recommend paying for the ice cream for others, a gesture that fosters goodwill and enhances the cultural exchange. Reddit Whether you're in Havana or Santa Clara, experiencing Coppelia offers a memorable and enriching perspective on Cuban life. Reddit

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