Cuba expert Claudia Tevani shares the best things to do in Havana Cuba.
Since publishing this article, we have been to Havana ourselves. So Dave and I have updated our Havana travel tips and recommendations to the list to give you even more information and advice!
This Havana guide takes the best of two different trips to help you plan the best trip possible.
Things to do in Havana, Cuba
Classic car drives in front of Gran Teatro de la Habana
Updated March 2019
Cuba is an amazing country. It has topped many a travelers’ bucket list, and for good reasons.
It is one of those places that grows on you: for as different, difficult and at times simply frustrating I found it, I could not help falling completely in love with it.
One place I would surely like to go back to would be Havana."
Here are the top things to do in Havana, Cuba
To skip to any excursion or section just click on the links below. You can also close the table of contents tab.
Havana Neighborhoods
Havana is broken down into four main neighborhoods. When visiting Havana, you'll really only have to orient yourself with Old Havana, Vedado, and Centro.
You'll probably be spending most of your time in Old Havana and Centro.
- Old Havana - A UNESCO World Heritage Site filled with public Squares, cobblestone walking streets, and many restaurants and bars.
- Paseo del Prado - The walking street running from the waterfront (Malecon) to Central Park. It is the dividing line between Old Havana and Central Havana.
- Centro - Perfect for capturing those classic car photographs in front of crumbling
- Vedado - This is the residential neighborhood that houses expats and has a much more upscale feel to it than Centro.
- Miramar - Residential neighborhood filled with embassies and mansions.
- Malécon - Five Mile Long waterfront Promenade stretching from Old Havana to Vedado.
- Central Park - Where all the action happens. Here you can book classic car tours and pedicabs. The Square is surrounded by high-end hotels.
Check for Cheap Flights to Havana with Skyscanner
Havana Tours
On your first day in Havana, we recommend booking a tour. Tours are a good way to get the layout of a city and to see the highlights.
1. Walking Tour
Our walking tour of the Old City with CubaTur was excellent and helped us understand the history and energy of Havana.
Our tour took us around the UNESCO World Heritage-designated Old Town where we explored the squares, the famous cafes, and churches.
No motorized vehicles are allowed in this area and it is beautifully restored with cobblestone streets weaving through colonial buildings.
This tour will show you all the Old Havana points of interest so you can return in the coming days to explore further.
2. Take a Classic Car Tour
Dave loves our classic Belair on our Classic Car Tour of Havana
Book a classic car tour to see a large chunk of Havana attractions. These impeccable classic cars are the best way to see Havana.
Havana is known for its classic cars. Being isolated from the world due to the American Embargo, the time has stood still since the 1950s when America left and left its old cars to the locals.
We drove along the five-mile waterfront known as the Malécon through the residential district of Vedado to the embassy area of Miramar. This is where the rich and diplomats live and the architecture is beautiful.
A drive through the forest made for a beautiful drive before heading back through the main road of Old Havana through Central Park and the Capital Buildings.
We went with Cubatur and had fantastic guides to take us from our hotel at the Iberostar Grand Packard all around the city.
Book your own 2-Hour Classic American Car Tour when visiting Havana.
Hemingway in Havana
3. El Floridita for Hemingway Daiquiri
Hemingway frequented El Floridita so often, there is a statue of him sitting at the end of the bar with his namesake on the bar.
Walking from Parque Central towards Old Havana, you'll easily spot El Floridita. It's packed with tourists visiting on day trips, but head out later at night and you'll be able to go in with less of a crowd.
Ernest Hemingway frequented El Floridita where the daiquiri was invented. He has a cocktail named after him called the Papa Doble which is a daiquiri without sugar and double the rum
4. La Bodeguita del Medio
Another Hemingway Bar is La Bodeguita.
There is a note from Hemingway where he apparently wrote "My Mojito in La Bodeguita, My Daiquiri in El Floridita"
There are many spots in Havana Vieja (Old Havana) to have cocktails and I am sure Hemingway frequented many.
Claudia stated, "It is almost impossible to let a day pass in Cuba without having a mojito."
Cocktails in Havana
Mojitos were invented in Cuba and are one of the island's oldest cocktails. That's old considering Havana is about to celebrate its 500th anniversary!
The recipe consists of white rum, (a lot of it in Havana cocktails), sugar (traditionally sugar cane), lime juice, soda water, and mint.
5. Mojito Mojito
The Mojito was invented in Cuba
We recommend the restaurant Mojito Mojito, we were told its claim to fame is that the Mojito was invented there!
We had lunch in here with an excellent band entertaining us. The food was good, and the atmosphere was great. It was much bigger than most of the bars we went into in Havana.
We had one of their mojitos and they were good, but not nearly as delicious as our favorite bar in Old Havana, Van Van.
6. Los Van Van
Our favourite bar - Los Van Van
We loved the bar Los Van Van and it seemed that everyone else did too! We wemt there two nights in a row and ended up seeing a lot of people from the night before.
The Mojitos were delicious and strong. (and yet there was no hangover) and the live music was outstanding and entertaining.
The had the entire bar up dancing.
Los Van Van is located in Old Havana.
Old Havana
The Old City of Havana is filled with plazas and squares. Old Havana is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and it is worth spending a day exploring each of the plazas.
Since no automobiles are allowed, it is a lovely way to stroll the streets in peace and quiet to browse the colonial architecture and Spanish history.
Get lost and see if you can. find all the plazas of Old Havana: you will feel like you are walking through a Spanish City rather than being somewhere in the Caribbean
Plazas of Old Havana
7. Plaza Vieja
Our favorite Square in Havana, Plaza Vieja is a historic square dating back to the 16th century.
Colorful colonial buildings surround the square that is alive with bustling activity.
This is a great place for a frozen lemonade or cocktail to take a break from sightseeing.
8. Plaza de Armas
This is the oldest square in Havana has a lovely garden and a picturesque line of royal palms surrounding the white statue ofCarlos Manuel de Céspedes. He was the initiator of the Cuban independence movement.
The booksellers market is located here and the City Museum is located at the Plaza de Armas.
We snuck a peek inside the plaza to see the statue of Christopher Columbus surrounded by a two-story Baroque building.
When walking along the Plaza de Armas, be sure to look down when walking here, the cobblestone street is actually made of wood.
It is said that the wooden walkway kept carriages quiet so the governor would not be disturbed.
9. Plaza La Catedral de San Cristobal
The Catedral de San Cristobal stands at the head of this photogenic square. Stone buildings and a line of porticoes surround the square.
Be sure to look inside this classic cathedral. The entire atmosphere will make you feel as if you have been transported to a city in Spain.
10. Plaza de San Francisco
Plaza San Francisco is yet another beautiful square to wander through in Havana. Located at the Havana Harbour, it is one of the first plazas in Havana welcoming ships arriving from Spain to trade in the West Indies.
It's a busy place filled with cruise ship passengers making their way to shore during the day.
It houses an 18th-century basilica, the old Havana stock exchange, an imposing tower, and many cafés, this is a must visit when exploring Havana.
Best Sunset Views In Havana
The best place for Sunset - Iberostar Grand Packard
11. Iberostar Grand Packard 6th Floor
The Iberostar is one of Havana's newest and most luxurious hotels with the best sunset view in the city.
Have a cocktail on the 6th-floor bar overlooking the infinity pool.
Here you'll have a gorgeous view of the sun going down over the Malecon, El Morrow, and the Castillo de San Salvador de la Punta.
12. El Christo
Havana has the second largest Christ the Redeemer Statue after Rio, and this is an excellent spot for a city view of Havana. Take a ferry across or hire a taxi particular to see the sun go down.
It's not far from El Morro, so you can stop here and then make your way to the fort for the nightly canon.
13. El Morro
El Morro offers beautiful views of Havana and if you stick around after sunset (or at sunset in the summer months) the traditional canon ceremony takes place at 9 pm.
14. Castillo de San Salvador de la Punta
El Malecon spans the waterfront, but the best place is at the Castillo de San Salvador de la Punta. This old fortress dating back to 1590, juts out from the coastline offering full views of the waterfront of Havana.
It's a lovely place to visit any time of the day to see Havana's history and historic monuments.
15. Malecon
If you do choose to watch sunset elsewhere on the Malecon, anywhere will do. It's a lovely place to spend the evening.
Malecón and 23rd Street is the most popular spot in Vedado and many a local will be hanging out here.
16. La Guarida
There is a rooftop patio at La Guarida. Walk up the stairs from the restaurant for another rooftop view of old Havana.
We didn't make it in time for sunset, but even the evening views were lovely from here. And we loved our Pina Colada to end the day.
Best Dinner in Havana
17. La Guarida
La Guarida in Centro Havana is also a popular spot for sunset. It is one of the most expensive restaurants in the city with meals costing around $40 per person.
Made famous by the Academy Award-nominated movie Fresa Y Chocolate.
It's not easy to find as it is on the third floor of an old mansion. If you don't know where you are going, one would walk right past it.
The setting is beautiful and its terrace is one of the most sought after spots for sunset in Havana. Many a movie star has frequented La Guarida and they have the photos on the walls to prove it!
When you are there, have one of their Pina Coladas, they claim to have the best in the city, and we can attest, they are tasty!
Best Walks Havana
Waves crashing along El Malecon
18. El Malecon
El Malecon spans 5 miles (8km) all the way from Old Havana to Rio Almendares where the chic neighborhood of Miramar begins. You can walk the entire way!
During sunset, it is very busy with locals going to relax after a day at work.
One side is ocean and the other passes along Centro, Vedado along the way showcasing beautiful (sometimes very decadent) buildings on one side – such as the Hotel Nacional.
All of these make it a perfect place to relax.
Note from Claudia: "I also recommend a brief detour from El Malecon to go to the Callejón de Hamel, to look at some interesting street art and enjoy the Afro-Cuban culture."
19. Paseo Del Prado
Havana's Walking Street
This walking street stretches from the Malecon to Parque Centro and is a relaxing shaded walk.
At night many locals will be hanging out dancing, listening to music or playing sports.
It's a street filled with energy and makes for a pleasant stroll.
Iberostar Grand Packard
The 5-star hotel overlooking Malecon between Old and Centro Havana
Check out reviews and rates on Havana Trip Advisor
Cuba has long catered to Canadians as an affordable all-inclusive destination. That is quickly changing as more luxury hotels are being built. American and European tourists are starting to travel to Cuba and more people are choosing to travel independently instead of on a package tour.
Luxury Hotels
Iberostar Grand Packard
We have heard that from many people that Cuba has 5-star prices with a 3-star experience. Plus, hotels are expensive in Havana in comparison to other Caribbean cities.
The newest addition to Havana hotels is the Iberostar Grand Packard and it is modern with a chic design. The Iberostar surpasses the three-star experience, but it is not quite up to European or American standards as far as five-star service and amenities.
There are many luxury hotels being built in Cuba and the Iberostar brand alone has 30 hotels across Cuba. As more tourists visit the country, the service will only improve.
Budget Travel in Cuba
Look for the umbrella or upside down anchor to find a casa particular in Havana
If you are traveling on a budget, it is easy to book private accommodations around Havana. These are known as Casas Particulares.
For budget travelers, these are a great option. We met many people who were staying in a private casa and loved their experience.
They were spending anywhere from $20 - $40 per night. You can see the hostels that are open to tourists by looking for the umbrella/anchor above the door.
TripAdvisor has many options for booking vacation rentals in Havana.
Airbnb is a popular booking site for Havana and this is a great choice because the money goes into the local Cubans pockets.
CubaAccommodation.com is another popular booking site.
Architecture
20. The architecture of Centro Havana
Our hotel was located right beside Centro Havana and we loved wandering the streets for amazing photography moments.
The buildings are literally crumbling before our eyes, but as tourism picks up, you can see many are under construction and I have a feeling in 10 years it will be an entirely different place.
We took a pedicab through Centro Havana to cover distance quickly, but the joy of walking through here is getting lost in the streets.
It is safe and people are friendly. We even walked home at 3 am one evening and the streets were alive with people walking late into the night while nobody bothered us at all.
Havana History
21. el Cañonazo de las Nueve
Every night, at 9 pm sharp (may as well be the only thing that is punctual in the country) in the fortress of La Cabaña, the ceremony of “el cañonazo de las nueve” takes place. La Cabana dates back to 1774 rising 200 ft (60m) beside El Morro
Soldiers dressed in the traditional costumes of the 18th century shoot the cannons to warn that it is time to close the city gates.
This has been done for centuries, to protect Havana from its enemies.
Havana used to be surrounded by a city wall (much of it can still be seen today) and at 9 pm the canon was shot to warn people that the gates would be closing. If you didn't get in on time, you'd be locked out for the night!
I truly enjoyed it. The view of Havana by night from La Cabaña is amazing, the ceremony is engaging, there are a lot of museums and exhibits inside the fortress and the entrance ticket includes a drink!
Definitely one of the most fun things to do in Havana.
22. Visit the Morro
El Morro is the castle dating back to 1589. It's Havan's most prominent landmark and can be seen from the Malecon.
Located across the bay, it offers some great views of the Havana skyline.
El Morro was initially built to protect Havana from pirates, in later years it was used to protect Cuba during the Spanish American War.
You can tour the fort and explore the many guard boxes and tunnels.
23. Revolution Square
Che Guevera at Revolutionary Square
When visiting Havana, you must stop at Revolution Square to see the monument to the people and the facades of the Ministry of Interior and Che Guevara.
It was here that Fidel Castro made many of his long-winded speeches to the people. We were told that thousands of people would sit for up to three hours in the heat listening to what he had to say.
Pope Francis celebrated mass from here in 2015.
Across the Bay
24. El Cristo de La Havana
Havana has its own Christ the Redeemer, just like Rio!
Take a taxi or tour across the bay to spend the morning exploring the area.
You can also take a ferry from Old Havana to Casablanca Pier to see El Christo.
This Christ of Havana stands 20 meters (66 ft) high and is located on an outcrop overlooking the city of Havana. Its location offers excellent panoramic views of the Havana Skyline.
25. Che Guevera's Headquarters
Just across from Christ statue is the headquarters of Che Guevera.
We didn't go inside, but you can tour the museum for about $6.
This is where Che held many meetings when planning his revolution.
26. Cuban Missile Crisis Relics
It was the beginning of the entire isolation of Cuba. The Soviet Union pointed missiles directly at America from Cuba.
While across the bay visiting the Christ of Havana, the Fort and Che's headquarters, take a look at the display of the missiles that have been moved from their original locations to the fort and museum of La Cabana fortress in Havana,
This could be (hopefully) your one and only time to see a Soviet-era SS-4 medium range nuclear capable ballistic missile up close and personal.
back to top
Central Havana
Capitolio Building
27. Visit The Capitol Building
The Capital Building is one of the best places to visit in Havana. People who know me (Claudia) are well aware that I am not a huge fan of big cities.
My general rule is that, regardless of how many museums, churches, bars, and restaurants there are to visit in a capital, I get tired after a mere two days and make my swift escape.
Havana is the exception to this rule.
In fact, it was hard to leave, because I really had a blast there.
28. Parque Central
It is probably the first place you'll venture to in Havana. Parque Central is where everything happens.
This is the spot where you'll see all the old cars lined up waiting for tourists to take a taxi particular ride.
It's a place where men chat in the park, musicians play on the street and people catch some shade away from the sun.
Central Park is surrounded by grand hotels like the Iberostar Parque Central and The Kempinski.
back to top
29. Grand Teatro de La Havana
The Grand Theatre dates back to 1838. It is one of the most beautiful buildings in the city.
You can take a tour to go inside and see the grand stage, and we recommend taking a walk downtown at night to see it lit up.
30. Barrio Chino - Havana Chinatown
There is a Chinatown in Havana.
But there are no Chinese people there. In fact, there once was a huge Chinese community in Cuba.
What's left today is just about 2 blocks of Chinese restaurants. Still interesting to see. I enjoyed it for sure.
The one thing you can be sure of is a Cuban tout saying the word "this is China Town but there are no Chinese people. They will then try to sell you. something.
back to top
Culture of Havana
31. Cuban Music
Listening to salsa is a must when in Cuba
Ok, this is not a hard one. I noticed that Cubans are very musical, and they carry around a radio wherever they go!
Pretty much at every corner in Havana Vieja, someone will be playing some great tunes and it is nice to stop and listen to the tunes.
Most bars and restaurants in Havana also have live music, at just about any time.
If you go into a restaurant for a drink, chances are a band will start playing.
- Note: They will come up to you to ask to buy one of their CDs. We bought one for as low as $5 and we spent $20 on a set of two another night. The prices range quite a bit. I suggest paying more around $5-10 tops.
Check out another musical city at Montreux and its Music Legacy
32. Learn to Salsa
Can you actually listen to salsa without wanting to dance to it?
I can’t. I am a nearly hopeless dancer, but I still had to give it a try, and took one salsa lesson in Havana, so that I could make a fool of myself for a good afternoon.
The teacher was less than impressed with me and kept saying I needed to relax and let go.
I was really stiff. Yet, I had a great time!
There are several places to learn salsa in Havana, all you need to do is Google "Salsa Lessons Havana."
Or you can do we what (Dave and Deb did) just go up and dance with the band, they'll lead the way for you.
back to top
33. Plaza de Armas Book Market
People you meet at the book market in Havana
The oldest square in Havana hosts a lovely book market in its center.
I am a book junkie, and I had to browse.
Besides, I met some interesting people there too and took some cool pictures. People are very friendly in Havana.
But be prepared, they will want money for a photo like this.
34. Cuban Cigars
I am not a smoker – in fact, I find smoking quite disgusting habit. And I have asthma too.
But Cuba is so famous for its tobacco and cigars I had to explore the culture of cigars. I visited the Real Fábrica de Tabacos Partagás and bought some of the best cigars for my friends.
So I thought I may as well try one too. Ok, here’s a little secret: I did not even light it up. But I got to smell the delicious tobacco and found out a lot on how to properly save cigars.
And they are fun to chew on and pretend.
Did you know cigars are best kept in the fridge, on a wet cloth? When you take your cigars home from Cuba make them last this way.
Museum
35. Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes
Arguably one of the finest art gallery in the Caribbean, this is a must visit for art lovers.
I love art, and I spent a good afternoon browsing through the collection of this incredible museum that hosts international art from 500 AD onwards.
The museum is now divided into two buildings, one is dedicated to Cuban art and another dedicated to art from around the world.
36. Revolution Museum
If you want to learn more about the Cuban Revolution in the 1950s, this is the place to go.
Located in Old Havana, it is housed in the old Presidential Palace.
37. Bonus Tip: Try Guarapo
Fresh guarapo juice in Havana
I find the heat exhausting and at times I need a good dose of sugar to recharge my batteries.
Nothing beats guarapo for this: it is pure sugarcane juice, freshly squeezed.
I don’t like the particularly sweet taste, so I added some lime and it was perfect!
Getting Around Havana
When staying in the Old City or at the Iberostar, you really don't need a lot of transportation, we could walk anywhere.
But if we were going to a bar or restaurant that was a little out of the way, we took taxi particular. And you really must do this!
Taxi Particular
Vintage Cars in Havana
Not all taxi particulars are created equal. Some of those vintage cars are kept perfect and shiny. Others are simply old and rusty. But all of them are incredibly large.
Taxi particular (privately owned taxi) rides are shared taxi rides. Meaning that when I got in one, other people also got in.
If they are going in the same direction, you'll have company. It's a good way to meet some locals!
The old classic cars are the pride of the drivers and for just $5 or $6, they will take you to where you need to be. (within a reasonable distance)
Pedi Cabs
We also hired pedicabs that were a lovely way to see the back streets. They charge about $6 (6 Cuban pesos) as well.
Co-co taxi - Yellow three-wheeler taxis similar to a tuk-tuk of Thailand (but they look more modern)
Ferries - You can catch a ferry across the bay to see the forts and monuments to Casablanca Pier.
Enjoy What to Visit in Havana? Why not pin this to Pinterest for future reference.
Have you ever been to Havana? What were the best things you did there?
Ann Stokman says
Nice list. Hope to get to visit Cuba soon.
David says
I think i’d just end up looking at all the cars and miss everything else! It’s a beautiful country!!! On the bucket list for sure.
gaurav mudgal says
hi,
havana is my favourite place because here my cousin live here and i want to go there in2020. i will give to all information.
DNN says
Daniel,
Is Cuba next to Jamaica? I never heard of that combination before. I know Jamaica is not far from South Florida though.
DNN says
I can only imagine of what’s there to do after traveling to Cuba.
Daniel James says
Great Post! I visited Havana and a few other places back in 2014 and wish I had done a lot more with my time. I’ll hopefully be going back as I currently live on the neighbouring island of Jamaica.
Havana Transfers says
Amazing post thanks for sharing.
Dan says
Nice article except for the bad advice on cigar storage. Never put cigars in the refrigerator. They will pick up all the flavors of the fridge and may dry out or get way too moist while sitting on the wet cloth. Store them in a Tupperware container with a Boveda pack. Boveda packs are sold at any cigar store. Cuban cigars cost $10 each and up so it’s worth it to take proper care of them.
Vernon says
Thanks for your post Claudia! We have just received our Cuban Visa Cards and will be traveling soon! We have done avid reading of all the books we could find and even attempted to learn some Spanish! And just about everything you write about is on our list to visit or see! Dying to ride in a Coco Taxi…..Can we take our Cell phones & iPads with us and also Canon DLS camera. Great post! Will sure add our experiences here in the New Year!…
David says
Great list but i was a little disapointed about the topic “Not so obv things”.
Pretty much all except #7 is the super standard things to do there..
As said, still a good list ??
?i lao ??ng Nh?t says
In this world, there are many places to visit, explore the culture and people of their land. However, the dominant condition is money and health.
Explorer Whiz says
Really a great place to visit. I Have to say that you have really explained this Cuba in a very truthful manner.
Allan Bartlett says
Interesting list for visiting Havana and thanks for your sharing. It seems that the trip will be full of surprises!
Discounts Gyan says
Great post.
Justina Muralyt? says
http://www.cubahipster.com/index.html – our personal honest reflection on traveling and exploration around Cuba – we wish this platform was made by someone else before our trip. But it wasn’t.
So having a tight time/budget frame it is important to know how things work there, because 8 times out of 10 locals won’t be the ones to help. At least not without 5 CUC.
Julie says
Does Cuba take credit cards? Do we need our money exchanged?
Shannon Kircher says
Thanks for the great tips! We’re hoping to head that way in March this year and can’t wait to explore Havana and Vinales!
Mrs Clark says
Did you get a chance to visit Veradaro? Wondering if its worth a day trip from Havana.
George Diamond says
I hope cuba gets liberated it was a beautiful country till communism took over. I would like to open a luxury car rental office in Cuba
hanoi food tour says
Havana is the place where i definitely visit in the near future. Cuba will be the first destination for my southern america trip.
Bob Merrick says
I have had a great desire to visit Cuba, but because I am from the United States, it has been closed for us to travel there for many decades. However, thanks to President Obama, the country is open to us again. I can’t wait to visit there. I have heard much about the Cuban cigars and although I do not smoke (I quit many years ago), I may still want to try one. I have heard that Cuba’s living conditions have become stagnant and declined since the 1950s. Even if this is so, I still would like a chance to see this place.
Claudia says
I am glad you enjoy this post. I definitely enjoy Havana! 🙂
Will Hatton says
I have always wanted to go to Havana and now I feel that time is truly running out, with the gates of Cuba having officially been thrown open it seems to me that this is a country, much like Myanmar in 2011 or Iran now, which needs to be visited asap before it changes forever…
Tajirul Haque says
I simply loved Claudia Tavani’s post….
Some not so obvious but fun things to do in Havana……and rightly so….
walking on El Malecon, having a good cocktail and listening to some great music look really interesting things to do in Havana for me…