Shopping in Havana operates in a different register than most capital cities. The state retail system means department stores are limited and boutique retail in the Western sense barely exists. What does exist: cigars, rum, and art.
Cigars are the defining purchase. The Partagás factory shop sells the full Partagás range at official prices, with certification of authenticity. Official LCDH (La Casa del Habano) shops exist throughout the city and are the safest source of authenticated cigars. The market near the Malecón sells cigars at lower prices; some are genuine, some are rolled from inferior leaves and sold in branded boxes. Buying from street vendors is higher risk but lower price — a calculated gamble.
Rum is cheap and widely available. Havana Club in its various ages is the standard purchase; the seven-year Añejo is the best widely available expression. The Museo del Ron has a shop with good selection.
Art and craft markets operate on Calle Tacón in Old Havana, selling prints, paintings, papier-mâché Che faces, and the full range of Cuban tourist objects. Quality varies enormously. The gallery system — ARTEX stores and independent artist studios — sells work directly from Cuban artists; prices are lower than the tourist markets for original work.