Exploring Cuba Street: Where Wellington Comes Alive
Credit: Tourism New Zealand
Every city has that street - where the hum of conversation, the aroma of fresh coffee, and the promise of discovery lead you around the corner to find a new favourite spot.
In Wellington, that’s Cuba Street - the capital’s most celebrated thoroughfare and arguably the most famous street in Wellington for shopping, dining, and people-watching.
Every day, this vibrant lane transforms from a morning crossroads for commuters to an evening playground for foodies and culture-seekers. Cuba Street Wellington is where seekers of bountiful brunch spots, crafty keepsakes, and impromptu live performances come to breathe in the uniquely Wellington spirit.
What Makes Cuba Street a Must-Visit in Wellington?
Cuba Street's fame stems from its perfect blend of creativity, community, and authentic Wellington character.
Once a Victorian commercial hub, the street has been reborn as a pedestrian-friendly precinct brimming with colour, character, and community spirit. Its wide sidewalks are dotted with café tables, while the street itself plays host to buskers, artists, and performers who bring their own brand of magic to the cityscape.
It’s a place of true diversity where each block offers a different flavor, from polished design studios to quirky thrift shops, from high-energy eateries to chic wine bars.
For visitors wondering if Cuba Street is worth visiting, the answer lies in its authentic experience - It’s a microcosm of Wellington’s culinary prowess and artistic ingenuity, all within a few hundred metres of each other.
It’s the rhythmic hub Wellington locals buzz to before work and catch up for sunset drinks.
Cuba Street is the place to be, any time, any day in Wellington.
Credit: Tourism New Zealand
Why the Locals Love Cuba Street
Atmosphere
Cuba Street is dynamic day and night. By day, families, dog walkers, and shoppers mingle; by night, the street hums with laughter spilling out of bars and restaurants.
Sense of Discovery
Every visit feels like uncovering a new secret, whether it’s a tucked-away laneway cafe or a pop-up street market. From budget-friendly grub to upscale bistros, from quirky thrift stores to sleek fashion boutiques, Cuba Street delivers in spades.
Authenticity
Unlike homogenised tourist strips elsewhere, Cuba Street, Wellington, feels lived-in and genuine. You’ll chat with proprietors who know your name, spot familiar faces at your favourite coffee haunt, and stumble upon surprise performances.
Credit: Alice Lloyd for Fidel’s Cafe
The Best Coffee & Brunch on Cuba Street
With so many cafés clustered along Cuba Street, Wellington, your brunch options are endless. On quieter weekdays, stroll and discover your new favourite spot. On weekends, reserve a table or arrive early to snag an alfresco position.
Fidel’s Café
Step into retro‑chic surroundings at Fidel’s Café, where the walls are plastered with movie posters and the vibe is forever weekend‑ready. A Wellington institution, Fidel’s Cafe is known for its award‑winning pies and inventive breakfast plates. It’s bold, it’s spicy, and it’s the place to kick off your Cuba Street adventure.
Olive
Tucked just off the main drag, Olive offers a light, airy space that’s perfect for catching up with friends or diving into a good book.
A menu that proudly changes with the season and reflects the fresh flavours of the region. Olive is committed to serving up only the most delicious dishes that will impress your boss, in-laws, and children alike.
Floridita’s
For a European‑style brunch with a Cuban twist, Floridita’s delivers - but you’d want to eat in for this one.
A space as vibrant as the food, Floridita’s blends Latin flair with Kiwi hospitality. Offering dishes like soft polenta brunches, braised beef ragu lunches, and chicken roulade with tarragon mousse in the evenings - paired with a wine, of course.
Unmissable Unique Shopping Boutiques
The shops on Cuba Street represent the very best of New Zealand's independent retail scene. Embracing the eclectic and creative attitude of Wellington, Cuba Street is home to a host of boutiques.
Each shop invites you to connect with the makers, learn their stories, and bring home items infused with Wellington’s legendary craftsmanship.
A wander through Wellington means you could come home with upcycled jeans, hand-crafted martini glasses, or something different.
That’s the magic of Cuba Street, it’s always something completely different.
Credit:Iko Iko
Iko Iko
In the mood for anything from hand‑woven flax baskets to delicate silver earrings inspired by native flora? Duck into Iko Iko in Wellington.
The place to go for handcrafted jewellery, homewares, and art that celebrate Aotearoa’s unique aesthetic, each piece in Iko Iko is created by local artisans. Shopping here means taking home a slice of New Zealand craftsmanship, and knowing you’ve supported the creative community.
CHILI Fashion & Art Gallery
Where else in New Zealand can you shop the graffiti of a street than at CHILI’s on Cuba Street in Wellington?
Spawned from the idea to blend graffiti art culture with fashion, CHILI turns the beat on the street into something you can literally wear on your feet.
Here in the fashion store and art gallery, you can find one-of-a-kind clothing items from the store founder herself, as well as independent artists and designers from the local community.
How to Explore Cuba Street Like a Local
To truly experience Cuba Street like a local, you need to know where the regulars go. Beyond the well-known cafés, the street is full of hidden gem eateries that locals frequent daily.
Fred's Sandwiches
Start your local experience at Fred's, where simple sandos are anything but! This unassuming spot serves up some of the best sandwiches in Wellington, with fresh ingredients and creative weekly specials. While the menu is full of goodies, the Romesco and Buffalo Mozzarella sandwich is our pick!
Loretta
A contemporary eatery serving brunch, lunch, dinner, plus local tap wine and beer, Loretta is a fun, delicious Mediterranean-style restaurant, bar & event space, in the heart of Cuba Street. The 'little sister' of Floriditas Cafe, just a few doors down, the food is tasty and portions are generous, with a focus on local New Zealand ingredients.
Martha's Pantry
Serving The Best High Tea In Wellington Since 2007, Martha's Pantry is situated at the top end of Cuba Street. Behind the rough brick walls is one of the most delightfully dainty kitchens in the whole of Wellington, with lacy tablecloths and freshly picked flowers. All high tea food items are lovingly prepared by their bakers and presented on traditional High Tea stands along with vintage crockery and cutlery.
SaMick Café & Bar
SaMick offers a unique dining experience on Cuba Street, combining café culture with bar atmosphere. A go-to spot for many locals seeking breakfast, lunch and dinner, SaMick has become a quirky community hub, with the open-plan space inviting visitors to mingle and hang out for as long as they please.
Kaffee Eis
Kaffee Eis (pronounced - café ice), which means coffee and ice cream in German, reflects the owner's Austrian heritage. The initial plan had been for a coffee shop that "sold a little bit of ice cream", but this changed when they were reminded how much they enjoyed gelato and lamented the fact that no one was doing it well in Wellington.
A Stroll Through Street Art & Live Performances
Cuba Street doubles as an open-air gallery and stage. When visiting Cuba Street, make sure to download the Cuba Street Art Trail map from the city’s visitor centre for a self-guided tour of murals, sculptures, and hidden installations.
- Layer clothing strategically for maximum warmth without bulk. Start with thermal undergarments (merino wool is worth the investment), add fleece or wool mid-layers, and finish with waterproof outer shells. This combination creates adjustable warmth that adapts to changing conditions. Remember that cotton absorbs moisture and loses insulating properties when wet – synthetic or wool options serve winter adventurers much better.
- A thermos of hot chocolate, soup, or even just hot water for instant noodles can transform a chilly outing into a magical experience. These impromptu picnics often become the memories children treasure most from family holidays.
- Time outdoor activities around the middle of the day when temperatures peak and light is best. Always check specific forecasts for your planned locations – Hobart’s weather varies dramatically between the city, the mountain, and the surrounding regions.
If you’re here for more than a quick visit, consider a monthly pass from CityCycle to pedal your way from Cuba Street to Wellington’s waterfront and beyond, and discover the entire art scene in Wellington like a true local.
Start Your Stay Today & Explore Cuba Street
From the first grind of morning coffee to after-dark performances, Cuba Street Wellington pulses with energy, ingenuity, and warmth.
Don’t just read about it, experience it for yourself. Book your stay directly at James Cook Hotel Grand Chancellor today to enjoy our exclusive booking deals and discounts.