Trinidad Shopping and Districts

(Trinidad, Sancti Spiritus, Cuba)



Seriously sophisticated shopaholics will definitely be better pleased with the shopping opportunities in Havana, as the traditional town of Trinidad is just a little short of designer boutiques and other similar, expensive outlets. However, for the visitor who's fascinated by the Cuban heritage and culture here, there's enough to buy along traditional craft lines to satisfy the urge to spend.

Apart from the obligatory Cuban cigar, rum and CD / DVD stores, (both of which might get you into trouble with your home country's customs officials) there are a number of outlets around town selling musical instruments, which make great souvenirs of a Cuban trip even if you can't play them. Textiles and lace are also good buys in Trinidad, as are woodcarvings, the region's attractive ceramics and clothing in general.


When to Shop and Where

Amongst the charms of Trinidad are the numerous daily markets that set up anywhere and everywhere in the town's cobbled streets, selling everything from crafts to fresh food and everyday needs.

One of the more regular markets is located on Pena Street, near the Museo Municipal de Historia tower, and specialises in textiles. Others cluster around the tiny streets off the Plaza Mayor, and still more set up outside the main tourist areas.

For ceramics shopping in Trinidad, a visit to the Santander factory at Andres Berro 51 should be fun and rewarding, as the company has been potting and firing here for generations.

The best place for cigars, even if only for immediate consumption, is La Casa del Tabaco on Lino Perez 296, while for CDs and DVDs, the ARTex is the best store in town and is located next to the open-air Casa de Musica - which has live Cuban bands nightly. Shops in Trinidad tend to open later and shut later at night, often having taken an extended lunch hour in between.