Almacenes San Jose, Havana: Address, Phone Number, Almacenes San Jose Reviews: 4/5
Almacenes San Jose
Almacenes San Jose
4
Full view
The area
Best nearby
Restaurants
524 within 3 miles

Jibaro's
212
0.1 mi$$ - $$$ • Fusion • Cuban • Vegetarian Friendly

Mojito-Mojito
1,013
0.4 mi$$ - $$$ • Caribbean • Latin • Bar

Jesus Maria 20
48
0.2 mi$$ - $$$ • Caribbean • Latin • Bar

Draquecitos
115
0.3 mi$$ - $$$ • Bar • Spanish • Vegetarian Friendly

Azúcar Lounge
570
0.4 mi$$ - $$$ • International • Fusion • Cuban

Somos Cuba Restaurant
270
0.5 mi$ • Caribbean • Latin • Cuban

La Vitrola
1,457
0.4 mi$$ - $$$ • American • Caribbean • Latin

Café Bohemia
516
0.4 mi$$ - $$$ • Healthy • Cuban • Vegetarian Friendly

Yarini Habana
40
0.2 mi$$ - $$$ • Caribbean • Bar • International

Paladar Los Mercaderes
2,669
0.5 mi$$ - $$$ • Italian • Fusion • Healthy
Attractions
198 within 6 miles

Regla
80
226 ftNeighborhoods

Galeria de Arte Manuel Lopez Oliva
3
0.1 miArt Galleries

Old Havana
20,636
0.4 miPoints of Interest & Landmarks • Historic Walking Areas

Old Square (Plaza Vieja)
8,611
0.4 miHistoric Sites • Points of Interest & Landmarks

Camera Obscura
1,328
0.4 miPoints of Interest & Landmarks

Espiritu Santo Church (Iglesia Del Espiritu Santo)
8
0.2 miReligious Sites
Church of the Holy Spirit
2
0.2 miHistoric Sites • Points of Interest & Landmarks

San Francisco de Asis Square
2,162
0.5 miHistoric Sites • Points of Interest & Landmarks

Museo del Ron Havana Club
1,486
0.4 miSpeciality Museums

Museo Hemingway Finca Vigia
1,981
0.6 miHistoric Sites
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
4.0
413 reviews
Excellent
164
Very good
168
Average
61
Poor
15
Terrible
5
dianedinky
253 contributions
Mar 2020
This is a souvenir hunter's dream.
We are talking nearly 500 stalls/shops downstairs plus dozens of art shops along the entire upstairs level. The art is extensive and varied and should cater for all styles. Much better choice than the souvenir shops in town and around the main sights.
As regards the ground level, yes it can be a bit repetitive, but it will be worth your while to at least glance round every one of them. I adore shopping for souvenirs so had no trouble doing this and was rewarded to find that something different. Ok so 9 shops may all be selling the same wooden or leather or keyring items but then you find that 1 in 10 shop that has a product none of the others are selling. It takes a trained eye perhaps as on first stroll around it just looks like 125 duplicates of the same 4 shops. Persevere and you will other gems amongst them.
The building also has plentiful toilets and snack/drink outlets if you are there a while.
We are talking nearly 500 stalls/shops downstairs plus dozens of art shops along the entire upstairs level. The art is extensive and varied and should cater for all styles. Much better choice than the souvenir shops in town and around the main sights.
As regards the ground level, yes it can be a bit repetitive, but it will be worth your while to at least glance round every one of them. I adore shopping for souvenirs so had no trouble doing this and was rewarded to find that something different. Ok so 9 shops may all be selling the same wooden or leather or keyring items but then you find that 1 in 10 shop that has a product none of the others are selling. It takes a trained eye perhaps as on first stroll around it just looks like 125 duplicates of the same 4 shops. Persevere and you will other gems amongst them.
The building also has plentiful toilets and snack/drink outlets if you are there a while.
Written April 24, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Sam L
Cozumel, Mexico19 contributions
Dec 2019 • Couples
The market sells typical Cuban souvenirs downstairs and upstairs is mostly typical Cuban paintings for tourists but I found an amazing artist by the name of Jesús Lázaro Alfonso Juan. His work is fresh and unlike the other Cuban artists. He told me he has had exhibits in New York and Philly with great success. I pick up two pieces at a fraction of the prices he received in the U.S. I can’t wait to go back to see what else he will have next year.
Written January 1, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
James C
Musselburgh, UK3 contributions
Jan 2020
Great place to visit,bargains to be had. Don't settle for the first price.We went back to the trader we saw the day before and got a good deal on the musical items we wanted plus a couple of items thrown in. Lots to see and many duplications. Money exchange onsite at a good rate too. It can be busy.
Written January 19, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Binkyatavern
London, United Kingdom118 contributions
Sep 2013 • Friends
It is full of local art work which will blow your mind. Expect to bargain especially if you are buying more than one. Walk around the entire warehouse before buying even if they all call you into each section to check out their paintings. The further you go the more you see.Take a picture of the artist when you buy one as these are frequently originals being sold by the artist themselves and engage them in conversation. They want to know more about the outside world as some have never left Cuba. They also have other souvenirs like straw hats, macrame hammocks, terracotta jewellery and the usual magnets etc.
They do have a lot of the typical paintings of Havana including the cars and building but look for something more original. These are oil paintings and the abstract art with almost 3D effects is unusual.
Drink coconut water, its really good for you and eat the flesh. Especially in the heat.
A word of warning, get the artist to give you a 'certificate' if they can. Apparently if I had got these I would not have had to pay again at the airport for taking 'cultural pieces' out of Cuba. It isnt expensive (3 Cuban pesos per piece which you have to pay in Cuban money only) but no one told us. If you take antiques out you especially need this certificate. Artwork bought from a gallery will come with a certificate. Worth it as I have 2 beautiful large paintings for my home for a total of £80.
Good to know:
Location locally is the Centro Antiguos Almacenes de Depósito San José. Referred to as the Craft Market so very well known. Its in an old warehouse on the Malecon. You can get taxis outside back to your hotel. Bring cash only, don't think they accept cards. Buy one of the tubes to carry them as its a lot easier to take home. Don't seal completely as they will make you open it after you clear Customs in the airport.
They do have a lot of the typical paintings of Havana including the cars and building but look for something more original. These are oil paintings and the abstract art with almost 3D effects is unusual.
Drink coconut water, its really good for you and eat the flesh. Especially in the heat.
A word of warning, get the artist to give you a 'certificate' if they can. Apparently if I had got these I would not have had to pay again at the airport for taking 'cultural pieces' out of Cuba. It isnt expensive (3 Cuban pesos per piece which you have to pay in Cuban money only) but no one told us. If you take antiques out you especially need this certificate. Artwork bought from a gallery will come with a certificate. Worth it as I have 2 beautiful large paintings for my home for a total of £80.
Good to know:
Location locally is the Centro Antiguos Almacenes de Depósito San José. Referred to as the Craft Market so very well known. Its in an old warehouse on the Malecon. You can get taxis outside back to your hotel. Bring cash only, don't think they accept cards. Buy one of the tubes to carry them as its a lot easier to take home. Don't seal completely as they will make you open it after you clear Customs in the airport.
Written September 16, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
pegdick
Palm City, FL134 contributions
May 2018
Want to buy gifts and souvenirs in Havana? This is the only market you'll need to find -- it has everything! We bought cigar and bongo drum key chains (they make great Christmas tree ornaments decorated with a little ribbon), unusual silverware necklaces (made from forks), small Cuban dollars, wooden salad servers.....you name it, they have it and everyone is friendly! You can easily spend a couple of hours at San Jose but you won't have to look at another shop for souvenirs. If you're on a cruise ship, go out of the terminal and turn left....it's a good 8-10 blocks away...on the water, left side of the street. Don't miss it!
Written May 21, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Christina W
Peachtree Corners, GA211 contributions
Jun 2017 • Friends
Great place to buy souvenirs. The vendors will negotiate. This is a 15 minute walk from the pier. We found some really cute gifts to bring home. I wouldn't buy cigars here. We checked several places out and the best place to buy cigars is 2 blocks from the pier on Calle Mercaderes #102. We went to about 6 cigars stores and this was by far the best. The prices are set by the government, so you're going to pay the same price regardless of where you go.
Written July 9, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Susan G
Delray Beach, FL88 contributions
Aug 2018 • Friends
The market is OPEN, contrary to tour guide reports. There was a fire but the market is open for business. I visited Aug 3, 2018 The shore excursion guides are reporting the market closed. There is a small section closed off but the market is definitely open. The prices are much less than other places. Don’t miss out. The vendors are friendly and not aggressive.
Written August 6, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Debulah6295
Loxahatchee5 contributions
Jul 2018 • Family
I was in Havana, Cuba yesterday, July 1, 2018 and Almacenes San Jose Market is currently closed. Not too long ago, several cruises ago according to info on our ship, there was a fire there and the government closed the market. Because of anything taking so long to get repaired or rebuilt in Cuba, right now it's closed indefinately. Most of Havana is in extreme disrepair and is literally falling apart. According to our tour guide, there were problems with counterfeit currency at the market and it is undergoing a cleansing. Our tour guide took us to a small place to shop for about 20 minutes or so. I also got a few items in Old Havanan, but we didn't venture past the first street since we were no longer part of a tour. Yes, you need to exchange your US dollars for CUCs. We exchanged at the port since we came on a ship. It was quick and easy. For $100 in US dollars, we were given $87 CUCs. Bought 2 bottles of rum and 1 rum licor for just under $20 CUCs at a government shop. Alcohol was cheap; cigars were expensive...at least to me. It was over $30 CUCs for 2 of them. 1000 grams of Cuban coffee was $19.75 CUCs.
Written July 2, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Ed T
Sarasota, FL221 contributions
Aug 2017 • Friends
This converted ship terminal has hundreds of vendors with most selling the same items. After walking several rows you most likely have seen it all. My recommendation is if you see something you like/want, buy it and get out. There are many more interesting sights in this wonderful city.
Written July 1, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Roberto G
Santiago, Chile30 contributions
It was a very big building with hundreds of mini stores which have the same products but with different prices. You should always ask for some discounts.
Beware of the kids asking money, they are not violent but persistent.
Beware of the kids asking money, they are not violent but persistent.
Written December 15, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
unodealborton
1,004 contributions
Había un sitio de sombreros que el dependiente era muy antipático, pero los
Sombreros tenían buena pinta.
Se pueden comprar por internet???
Era en la calle paralela a la entrada desde la fábrica de cerveza
Was in Cuba and bought a painting. Trying to figure out his name. Anyone know how to find back the name ? It looks like Orlando Iglesias.
dmff
Florida55 contributions
Sorry, can’t help. On the small piece of art I purchased there was no name either. Maybe if you can recollect the stall number
Traveler472882
1 contribution
Did anyone purchase leather goods? Interested in belts
Victoria_Rodon
Houston, TX217 contributions
Hi! I purchased some leather handbags at low prices here. I loved the tooled leather and interesting shapes of the bag but the leather is very stiff and dry. I did see belts and they looked to be made of the same leather. Be aware when you go the sellers are VERY aggressive. I found myself rushing past the stalls to avoid them! Have fun exploring!
Elaine A
between Pittsburgh and Erie4 contributions
do they have kiosks to exchange money
btravelhappy
Philadelphia, PA311 contributions
I sent a response via the web. They may have money exchanges in this location. I recommend estimating how much you think you will spend (regular dances expenses, fine dining, tours, souvenirs including cigars). Change that amount into Euros in the US then exchange money at the airport. There are places up and downstairs. Additionally, one is outside. Carry USD or extra Euros you can exchange as a backup. I did not make any exchanges after the airport.
Mahogany H
1 contribution
Can you tell me the average price for the artwork in Cuba?
Susan G
Delray Beach, FL88 contributions
Depends on the size. I bought a 15”x30” for 30CUC and a 40”x30” for 50 CUC
You must bargainStarting prices were 50 and 110. Bargaining is friendly and expected. There are hundreds of paintings of the classic cars but mixed in are some nice original works in various styles. I bought an abstract of el Malecon and an impressionist of a Tango dancing couple.
Beverly_9
Bluffton, SC743 contributions
What are the hours of this market?
KenVicLee
Huntington Beach, CA2,041 contributions
Beverly, I want to say that it doesn't open until early morning. I remember getting there and people were still setting up their booths. We were on a land based tour but Almacenes is perfectly situated to serve the cruise ships that come into port. So you know it is open in time to serve those folks!
Frequently Asked Questions about Almacenes San Jose
- Hotels near Almacenes San Jose:
- (0.13 mi) La Casa del Chef (Rolando y Marisol)
- (0.12 mi) Los Artesanos Cuba
- (0.17 mi) Casa MI Tierra
- (0.14 mi) Eugenio y Fabio
- (0.11 mi) Habitaciones Dos Leones
- Restaurants near Almacenes San Jose:
- (0.02 mi) Sabor Cafe
- (0.03 mi) Paco's Mar
- (0.11 mi) Jibaro's
- (0.08 mi) Cerveceria Antiguo Almacen de la Madera y El Tabaco
- (0.21 mi) Jesus Maria 20