Explore the best things to do in Cuba Havana. Discover top attractions, cultural experiences, local cuisine, and travel tips in this comprehensive guide. This city, known for its rich history, colorful architecture, and pulsating culture, offers a treasure trove of experiences for every traveler. Whether you're a history buff, a foodie, a music lover, or simply in search of a unique adventure, Havana has something special for you. Let's dive into the myriad of activities and sights that make Havana a must-visit destination.
Things to Do in Cuba Havana
Old Havana, or La Habana Vieja, is the historic core of the city and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Walking through its cobbled streets feels like stepping back in time, with its well-preserved colonial buildings and lively plazas.
1. Take a classic car tour
One of the best things to do in Havana when arriving in Havana is to book a classic car tour to see all the major sites. These impeccable vintage cars are the best way to see Havana. Cut off from the world by the American embargo, time has stood still since the 1950s when America moved out and left their old cars to the locals.
Havana's classic cars make it one of the most unique destinations to visit in Latin America We went with Cubatur and had a great guide to pick us up from our hotel in the Yberostar Grand Packard around the city. Visitors will get an excellent introduction to Havana taking us through all the city's neighborhoods and driving along the waterfront to Havana Harbor. This is definitely a bucket list ticket for anyone visiting Havana.
Book your own 2-hour Classic American Car Tour
2. Walking tour of Old Havana
Our walking tour of the Old City with Cubatur took us around the UNESCO World Heritage-designated Old Town where we explored all the squares, famous cafes and churches. This tour will show you all of Old Havana's points of interest so you can come back in the days to explore more.
Going to Havana? Check out the 20 best Cuban foods to eat when you get there!
3. Mojito Mojito
Mojitos were invented in Cuba and are one of the island's oldest cocktails. The recipe includes white rum, (lots of it in Havana cocktails), sugar (traditionally cane), lime juice, soda water, and mint. We recommend the restaurant Mojito Mojito, our reputation has been claimed that the Mojito was invented there!
4. El Floridita for the Hemingway Daiquiri
One of my bucket list items when visiting Havana was to follow in the footsteps of Ernest Hemingway. Hemingway spent a lot of time in Havana and wrote many of his major novels, including Old Man and the Sea, while living outside the city.
He frequented many bars in Havana and none more famous than El Floridita. He often drinks at El Floridita, a statue of him sits at the end of the bar with his name on it. Walking from Parque Central towards Old Havana, you can easily see El Floridita. It's packed with day trip tourists, but head out later at night and you'll be able to get in with less crowds.
5. La Bodeguita del Medio
Another Hemingway bar is La Bodeguita del Medio. Ernest Hemingway himself has a note in which he apparently wrote "My mojito at La Bodeguite, my daiquiri at El Floridita."
There are many places for cocktails in Havana Vieja, and Hemingway frequented many. On the Hemingway Tour day you can follow in the footsteps of Ernest Hemingway where you can explore his life through the Hemingway Museum, Fina Vigia, his home from 1939 to 1960, Hotel Ambos Mundos, the village of Cojima and his many drinking spots.
6. Los Van Van
Located in Old Havana, we loved Los Van Van Bar. It seemed like everyone else did too! We saw the same people night after night! Mojitos were delicious and strong. (and still no hangovers) and the live music was outstanding and entertaining.
7. Plaza Vieja
Our favorite square in Havana, Plaza Vieja is a historic square that dates back to the 16th century. Colorful colonial buildings surround the square which is alive with bustling activity. It's a great place to take a break from sightseeing for a frozen lemonade or cocktail.
8. Plaza de Armas
It is the oldest square in Havana with a lovely garden and a graceful line of royal arms around the white statue of Carlos Manuel de Cespedes. He was the initiator of the Cuban independence movement.
The City Museum and the beautiful book market in its center are also located in the Plaza de Armas.
When walking along the Plaza de Armas, be sure to look down while walking here, the cobblestone street is actually made of wood. It is said that the wooden walkway keeps the cars quiet so that the governor is not disturbed.
9. Plaza de la Catedral
The Catedral de San Cristóbal (also known as the Catedral de la Habana) stands at the head of the Plaza de la Catedral. This photogenic square is lined with stone buildings and covered porticoes that make for lovely shaded walks within the square. The whole atmosphere will make you feel as if you have been transported to a Spanish town.
10. Plaza de San Francisco
Plaza San Francisco is another beautiful square to walk around in Havana. Located in Havana Harbor, it was one of the first plazas in Havana to welcome ships arriving from Spain to trade with the West Indies. It has an 18th century basilica, the old Havana Stock Exchange, an interesting tower and many cafes.
11. El Malecon
El Malecón stretches 5 miles (8 km) from Old Havana to the chic neighborhood of Miramar. You can walk the whole way! At sunset, it is very busy with locals going to rest after a day of working.
12. Sunset on the 6th floor of the Iberostar Grand Packard
The Iberostar is one of Havana's newest and most luxurious hotels with one of the best sunset views in the city. Have a cocktail at the 6th floor bar overlooking the infinity pool and Malecon.
13. Castillo de San Salvador de la Punta
El Malecón stretches along the waterfront, but the best spot for sunset is Castillo de San Salvador de la Punta. Dating back to 1590, this fort juts out from the coastline and commands a full view of Havana and El Morro's waterfront across the bay.
14. Fabrica de Arte Cubano
The newest hippest hot spot in Cuba's capital city is the Cuban Art Factory, open Thursday through Sunday from 8 p.m. to 2 a.m. It is a multidimensional display of art galleries, performance art, cultural centers and nightclubs.
Fabrica de Arte Cubano is a must for anyone looking to immerse themselves in Cuban culture. Its purpose is to promote Cuban artists, from musicians and photographers to writers and filmmakers. The display changes weekly.
15. Hotel Nacional
Historic Hotel Nacional along the Malecon in the Vedado district. Dating back to the 1930s, it's a grand hotel that has graced its doors with celebrities and dignitaries including Nat King Cole, Frank Sinatra and Rita Hayworth. It's still a popular hotel and we recommend popping in for sunset on the terrace to listen to music while enjoying a mojito.
16. Revolution Square / Plaza de la Revolution
Plaza de la Revolucion is also located in Vedado. A must stop in Revolution Square Havana to see the People's Monument and the Che Guevara and Interior Ministry facades.
The Plaza de la Revolución was where Fidel Castro gave many of his long speeches to the people. We were told that thousands of people would sit for up to three hours in the heat to listen to what he had to say.
17. Architecture of Centro Havana
Our hotel was located right next to Centro Havana and we loved wandering the streets for amazing photography moments. Buildings are literally crumbling before our eyes.
We took a pedicab through Centro Havana to cover the distance quickly, but the joy of walking here is lost on the streets. It is safe and people friendly. Walking home at 3 in the morning one evening, the street is alive with people.
18. La Guarida for dinner
La Guarida in Centro Havana is also a popular spot for sunset. It is one of the most expensive restaurants in the city with a meal costing only $40 per person. Made famous by the Academy Award-nominated film Fresa y Chocolate.
It is not easy to find as it is on the third floor of an old palace. While you're there, have one of their piña coladas, which they claim are the best in town, and we can prove it, they're delicious!
19. Paseo del Prado
This walkway stretches from the Malecon to Parque Central and is a relaxing shaded stroll. It divides Havana Viejo from Central Havana. At night many local people will dance, listen to music or play sports.
20. Park Central
This is probably the first place you'll venture into in Havana. Park Central is where everything happens. This is the place where you will see all the old cars lined up waiting for taxi special rides for tourists. The Central Park is surrounded by great hotels such as the Iberostar Park Central and The Kempinski.
21. See Capitol Building (El Capitolio).
The Capitol Building is one of the best places to visit in Havana. Built 1926 - 1029 It is often compared to the US Capitol building. And it's true, it really looks like it.
22. Gran Teatro de la Habana
Gran Teatro de la Habana (Grand Theater of Havana) circa 1838. It is one of the most beautiful buildings in the city. Make sure to go inside and either see the Cuban National Ballet or take a tour to see the Grand Stage and we recommend walking downtown at night to see it lit up.
23. Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes
Arguably one of the best art galleries in the Caribbean, this is a must-visit for art lovers. This incredible museum houses international art from 500 AD onwards. The museum is now divided into two buildings, one dedicated to Cuban art and the other to art from around the world.
24. Museum of Revolution
If you want to learn more about the Cuban Revolution, the Museo de la Revolution (1950s Revolution Museum) is the place to go. Located in Old Havana, it is housed in the old Presidential Palace.
25. Barrio Chino - Havana Chinatown
There is a Chinatown in Havana. But there are no Chinese citizens there. In fact, Cuba once had a large Chinese community. All that remains today is about 2 blocks of Chinese restaurants. Still interesting to watch. I enjoyed it for sure.
Casablanca is across the bay from Old Havana. Here you will find Fort El Morro, the headquarters of Cristo and Che Guevara.
26. El Cristo de la Havana
Havana has its own Christ the Redeemer. It is second only to Rio in size. Take a taxi, a ferry or tour across the bay from Casablanca Pier to see El Cristo. This Christ of Havana stands 20 meters (66 feet) high and is located on a peak overlooking the city of Havana.
El Cristo's location offers excellent panoramic views of the Havana skyline. It's not too far from El Morro, so you can stop here and then go to the castle for the night canon.
27. See Morro
El Morro is a fortress dating back to 1589. It is Havana's most prominent landmark and can be seen from the Malecón. Located across the bay, it offers some great views of Havana's 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 explore the castle and explore the many guard boxes and tunnels.
28. El Canonazo de las Nueves
Havana was surrounded by a city wall (much of which can still be seen today) and at 9pm the canon was fired to warn the people that the gates would be closed. Every night at the San Carlos de la Cabana (aka La Cabana) castle, the "El Canonajo de las Nueves" event reenacts the tradition that dates back to 1774. El Morro soldiers wear traditional clothing and fire cannons 9 o'clock sharp.
29. Che Guevara's headquarters
Right next to the El Cristo statue is Che Guevara's headquarters where you can tour the museum for about $6. This is where Che Guevara held many meetings while planning his revolution.
30. Cuban Missile Crisis Relics
This was the beginning of the complete isolation of Cuba. The Soviet Union fired missiles directly at America from Cuba. The missiles that were moved from their original location are now on display at the La Cabana Fort Museum in Havana.
The joy of visiting Havana is enjoying the music and entertainment. Home to Afro Cuban allstars and incredible musicians, you'd be truly missing out if you didn't venture out to enjoy live music at night and street performers during the day.
31. Cuban music
Cubans are very musical. In every corner of Havana Viez, someone will be playing some great tunes. Most bars and restaurants in Havana also have live music, almost anytime. If you go to a restaurant for a drink, chances are a band will start playing.
Note: They will come to you to buy one of their CDs. We bought one for under $5 and we spent $20 on two other night sets. Prices range quite a bit. I recommend paying about $5-10 tops more.
32. Learn to salsa
One of the best things to do in Havana is the dancing. There are endless possibilities to go dancing in the Cuban capital. Claudia took a salsa lesson in Havana and it made for a good afternoon of fun. There are several places to learn salsa in Havana, all you have to do is google "salsa lessons havana."
Or you can do what we (Dave and Deb) did and dance with the band, they'll lead the way for you. Nightlife doesn't stop in Havana and you can go bar hopping and dancing all night long. They even dance in the streets.
33. Cuban cigars
Cuba is so famous for its tobacco and cigars that even if you are not a smoker, you must explore the cigar culture. Visit the Real Fábrica de Tabacos Partagás (one of the oldest and most famous cigar factories in Cuba) to learn how they are made and buy some souvenirs for friends.
34. Bonus tip: Try guarapo
I find the heat exhausting and sometimes I need a good dose of sugar to recharge my batteries. Nothing beats guarapo for that: it's pure sugarcane juice, freshly squeezed. Add some sweet cut limes for a refreshing drink.
35. Playas Del Este
If you're looking for some beach time in Havana, the closest beach town to Cuba's capital city is Place del Este, just 20 minutes from the city. This 6 km long (4 mi) stretch of sand makes for the perfect escape. There are a few tourist hotels if you want to spend the night.
36. Take special taxis
One of the best ways to get around Havana is to take a taxi in particular. Taking a special taxi is a trip in itself. You'll have great conversation, make new friends, and spend a fraction of the cost of travel. Taxi special (privately owned taxi) rides are shared taxi rides. This means that when you get in one, other people can get in too.
Old classic convertibles are the glory of drivers and for only $5 or $6, they will get you where you need to be. (within reasonable distance)
37. Go on a pedi cab tour
We also hired pedicabs which were a nice way to see the back roads. They charge about $6 (6 Cuban pesos). This is a fun way to travel around Centro Havana.
Iberostar Grand Packard - 5-star hotel overlooking the Malecón between Old and Centro Havana It has an excellent location, great sunset views, infinity pool, spa and luxury rooms.
The Iberostar Grand Packard surpasses the three-star experience, (which Cuban 5-star hotels are guilty of) but is not up to European or American standards in terms of five-star service and amenities. See reviews and rates on Havana Trip Advisor
FAQs
- Best time to visit Havana?
The best time to visit Havana is from November to April when the weather is cooler and drier, making it ideal for exploring the city.
- Is Havana safe for tourists?
Yes, Havana is generally safe for tourists. However, like any major city, it's important to stay aware of your surroundings and take basic precautions.
- What currency is used in Havana?
The Cuban Peso (CUP) is the official currency. However, tourists primarily use the Cuban Convertible Peso (CUC) for most transactions.
- How to get around Havana?
Getting around Havana is easy with options like taxis, classic car rides, and buses. Walking is also a great way to explore the city's neighborhoods.
- Do I need a visa to visit Havana?
Yes, most visitors need a tourist visa to enter Cuba. It's advisable to check the specific visa requirements based on your country of origin.
Conclusion
Havana is a city that captures the heart with its rich history, vibrant culture, and stunning architecture. Whether you're wandering through Old Havana, dancing to the rhythm of Cuban music, or simply relaxing by the sea, there's an adventure waiting around every corner. So pack your bags, embrace the spirit of Havana, and create memories that will last a lifetime.
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