Havana Travel guide
If you’re looking for an unforgettable trip that combines history, culture, and natural beauty, look no further than Havana, Cuba. Here you’ll find it all right at your fingertips while having the chance to explore one of the world’s great and undeniably most unique cities.
While some things have stayed the same in Havana, Cuba for decades, some things are changing fast, making it challenging to plan a trip to Havana.
Recommended stay: 2-3 days
Day trips: Varadero
Brief Overview
Situated on the north coast of the island and built around a natural harbour, Havana is one of the most lively and colourful cities in the Caribbean. Much of the city’s charm can be found among the narrow, derelict streets packed with old buildings and fascinating characters. Every open door and overhanging balcony provides glimpses of rocking chairs and colourful washing, accompanied by strains of music.
Best time to visit
Havana has a tropical climate with high temperates throughout the year, as with most tropical destinations there are both dry and rainy seasons, although even during the wetter months there are usually plenty of hot perfect sunny days and any rainfall usually comes in heavy showers which clear quickly.
- The best time to visit is between December and March when the weather is most settled.
- The hottest month of the year is August with an average daily maximum of 33 C and an average low of 24 C.
- The coolest month of the year is January with an average daily maximum of 27 C and an average low of 18 C.
Getting around Havana
In Havana you can move on foot or by taxi.
For a first approach to the city, the advice is to take a tour with a local guide who will show you the city by indicating areas, neighborhoods, habits but also valuable advice to avoid trouble!
In Habana Vieja, or the historic center, you can safely move on foot among the typical streets and marvelous squares.
To reach more distant places the best solution is the taxi.
A must-try experience is the tour on a classic American car, those fascinating pastel-coloured 50s convertibles that are seen in all Havana can also be explored comfortably by bike, but before venturing out on your own, it is best to join a guided electric bike tour to familiarise yourself with the roads and cycle paths. However, the bike is not a widely used vehicle, and there is only one official rental shop, the El Orbe shop, in Habana Vieja, open Mon-Sat 9: 30-16: 40.
Unfortunately, there is no city card or day passes or passes for several trips, so even for taxis and buses you will have to pay each time.
Things to see and do
Ride in a Vintage American Car
What is a trip to Cuba without a ride through Havana in a vintage American convertible? This iconic experience is one of the best things to do in Cuba – a must!
You can find cars willing to take you on tours of the city from a few key places: in front of Parque Central (near Hotel Inglaterra or Gran Hotel Manzana Kempinski), or Parque La Maestranza at the entrance to the Havana Harbor.
Of course, your hotel or guesthouse host can arrange these tours for you as well.
I recommend booking these vintage car rides ahead of time, online, before you even arrive in Cuba. It’s less cash you need to carry to Cuba, and you’ll avoid the hassle of bargaining with drivers.
Learn to Make a Mojito
Even if you’re not a fan of tours or group experiences when travelling, this might be an experience you can get behind!
Cuba is known for being the birthplace of some of the world’s most famous cocktails, including the daiquiri, mojito, and some of the world’s best rum.
Taking a mixology class in Havana can be a great way to learn how to make these drinks and more, a great lesson to take home with you as you toast your trip to Havana.
A favourite place for mixology classes in Havana is Cuban Spirits. These classes are also a great way to meet other travellers – and your local teacher! – which can help enhance your trip even more.
Follow in Hemingway’s Footsteps
In the beginning of the 20th century, Havana was a second home to countless world-famous writers, artists, and creatives, among them Ernest Hemingway. Today, visitors to Havana can take a guided Hemingway tour
Visit Museo de la Revolución
Cuba’s former presidential palace is now the Museo de la Revolución, one of the most important museums in the country, a monument to the Cuban Revolution and filled with memorabilia from Fidel and other revolutionaries.
The bullet holes on the outside of the building remain from when the palace was taken during the revolution as dictator Fulgencio Batista fled the country with suitcases filled with cash.
In addition to museum exhibits, you’ll see the lavish spaces like ballrooms and meeting rooms used to entertain dignitaries before the revolution.
Plaza de la Revolución
Plaza de La Revolución is one of the most emblematic spots in Havana – this is where Fidel Castro gave his famous, long speeches to the public. We’ve likely all seen photos of the square packed with Cubans waving flags and banners on the nation’s most important holidays.
Here you’ll see the famous statue of Martí, and the buildings with images of Che Guevara and Camilo Cienfuegos, two of Cuba’s most well-known revolutionary heroes.
Visit La Tropicana
La Tropicana is a long-standing concert venue and club on the outskirts of Havana – all the most important musical acts from Cuba have performed here, and the history of this spot is palpable.
Make sure to add La Tropicana to your itinerary to witness incredible local dances performed in extravagant costumes, plus unforgettable performances of salsa, bachata, rumba, and the other musical rhythms Cuba is known for.
Capitolio Nacional
One of Havana’s grandest pieces of architecture, the Capitolio is an important landmark and one of Centro Habana’s major sights. A monumental stone stairway leads to the vast domed hall, from where tours will take visitors to elaborately decorated chambers that once housed the seat of Cuban Congress. Today it’s home to the National Library and Academy of Sciences, a planetarium and a museum.
Directly beneath the dome lies an imitation 24-carat diamond set into the marble floor, from where all highway distances between Havana and all sites in Cuba are measured. The building is today a bit rundown and the inside is often closed for renovations. Even so, the outside is great for photo opportunities.
Other things to do
- Montemar Natural Park
- Habana Vieja (Old Havana)
- Ernest Hemingway Museum
Where to stay
Cuba 58 Hostel
Havana doesn’t have as many hostels as you’ll find in other capital cities. However, take a look at Cuba 58 Hostel in Old Havana for a lively and social atmosphere on a budget. Hostel Red in the Vedado neighbourhood is another great option.
Casa Mi Tierra
Casa Mi Tierra is a favourite in Old Havana – a colonial building turned bed and breakfast with just three rooms, this could easily be an option for travelling with friends or family. Rooms are comfortable and spacious, and you’ll feel like you’re immersed in the historical heart of the city from the moment you wake up.
Casa Mi Tierra is also very affordable and will leave you shocked at how much you can get for your money when traveling to Havana.
Where to Eat
Havana, Cuba is overflowing with an abundance of delicious places to eat, with more cropping up all the time. Here you’ll find a fantastic mix of classic Cuban dishes and increasingly more international food options.
El Café
This is one of my personal favourite restaurants in Havana Cuba, and a top recommendation I always share for breakfast, brunch, and coffee.
Located in the heart of Old Havana, El Café serves delicious, fresh food and coffee all day, and mixed drinks at night. Breakfast sandwiches on sourdough are a favorite, as are granola with fresh tropical fruit.
El Dandy
El Dandy is another breakfast, lunch, and brunch spot that turns into a happy hour spot in the evening. This place is small and quaint but always attracts a crowd, and has affordable but delicious options. This is the perfect place to stop for lunch when exploring Old Havana.
Jibaro’s
Jibaro’s is located in Old Havana and is one of my go-to places and top recommendations. Not only is the location beautiful, but they have fantastic food and mixed drinks, making this a great location for just a quick stop or a full meal.
More Photos
Tips
Pack Wisely
Cuba is almost certainly unlike any place you’ll probably have ever travelled to before. Cuba’s irregular trade situation and the U.S. embargo mean that sometimes it can be challenging to find things here, no matter how hard you look.
Grocery stores or pharmacies will sometimes run out of staple products while having shelves overflowing with an overstock of other things.
This is one of my top tips for travelling to Cuba: bring exactly what you’ll need for your trip, and then some. Don’t be certain you’ll find those headache tablets at the corner pharmacy or an extra bottle of hairspray.
If you think you’ll need it, you should bring it!
Be Knowledgeable About the Internet in Cuba
The internet in Cuba is slower than you’re probably used to, and there are far fewer places you can access wifi than you might be used to at home. Don’t expect to be connected as much as you might be elsewhere!
Make sure to come with a VPN service (we’ve found SurfShark VPN works best in Cuba and keeps speeds up better than other VPNs in Cuba!), so you can access all the internet pages as you would at home.
Despite slower internet speeds, internet access is growing quickly here, and many Airbnbs, hotels, and accommodations provide internet access.
Cash is King in Cuba
It’s important for travellers from the United States to be aware that American credit cards and debit cards will not work in Cuba – you’ll need to bring all the cash you plan to spend on your trip with you when traveling to Cuba.
However, even if you bank outside of the United States, cash is king in Cuba, and many restaurants, guest houses, tour providers, and more will not accept debit or credit cards. It is best to bring cash with you when you travel to Cuba and convert it once you arrive.
With inflation soaring and exchange rates wildly different at official and unofficial moneychangers, bring cash to exchange in Cuba for Cuban pesos, and you’ll get much for each dollar or Euro you change.
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Other Cuba Related Guides
Be sure to check out our other exciting guides related to Cuba:
We love Havana! Make sure it’s on your list.
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