Sight guide · Wellington · New Zealand
Visiting Cuba Street
Wellington's best-known street is a pedestrian strip of cafés, bars, vintage clothing and record shops, street performers and the swinging Bucket Fountain.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: russellstreet, CC BY-SA 2.0
Quick answer
Cuba Street is a street in Te Aro, Wellington. Allow 1–2 hours; it is free. Booking ahead is not usually needed.
Key facts
- Type
- Street
- Area
- Te Aro
- Time needed
- 1–2 hours
- Cost
- Free
- Book ahead
- Not usually needed
- Good for
- free, food, shopping and after dark
- Best months
- January, April and November
About Cuba Street
Wellington's best-known street is a pedestrian strip of cafés, bars, vintage clothing and record shops, street performers and the swinging Bucket Fountain. It is the centre of the city's alternative culture and the setting for the CubaDupa street festival.
Tip: Explore the side streets too; Left Bank Arcade and the lanes off Ghuznee Street hide small cafés and shops.
Plan your visit
- Time needed: 1–2 hours.
- Cost: Free — no ticket needed for the main area.
- Book ahead: not usually needed; buy on arrival.
- Where: Te Aro, cuba Street cafés, Courtenay Place bars and Te Papa on the waterfront.
Best time to visit Cuba Street
To avoid the biggest crowds, aim for the quietest of the good months:
- November: 17°C (63°F) highs, about 9 rainy days, moderate crowds.
- April: 17°C (63°F) highs, about 10 rainy days, moderate crowds.
- January: 20°C (68°F) highs, about 7 rainy days, busy crowds.
When to visit Wellington has the full month-by-month picture.
Fit it into your trip
Our 3-day Wellington itinerary visits Cuba Street on day 1, together with Te Papa Tongarewa, City Gallery Wellington and Space Place at Carter Observatory.
- No. 10 of the 18 sights in our Wellington things-to-do list.
- Day 1 of the 1-day plan.
- Day 1 of the 2-day plan.
- Listed in free things to do in Wellington.
Near Cuba Street
Also in Te Aro, so you can walk between them:
- City Gallery Wellington — 1 hour, low cost
- Harbourside Market — 1 hour, low cost
- Te Papa Tongarewa — 3–4 hours, free
Staying near Cuba Street
Stay in Te Aro ($$$) to walk here: cuba Street cafés, Courtenay Place bars and Te Papa on the waterfront. All areas to stay in Wellington.
Questions travellers ask
+How long do you need at Cuba Street?
Plan 1–2 hours. With City Gallery Wellington nearby, it fits a half-day in Te Aro.
+Is Cuba Street free?
Yes, it is free to visit.
+When is the best time to visit Cuba Street?
January, April and November, the quietest of the good months. Explore the side streets too; Left Bank Arcade and the lanes off Ghuznee Street hide small cafés and shops.
+Do I need to book Cuba Street in advance?
Usually not: you can decide on the day.