About Havana
Havana, Cuba's sprawling capital, sits on the northwest coast of the island. Known for its rich history, stunning architecture, and lively culture, the city is divided into distinct neighborhoods including the UNESCO-listed Old Havana, Vedado's tree-lined boulevards, and Miramar's diplomatic district. Havana offers travelers a time-warp experience with vintage cars, salsa music drifting from doorways, and magnificent colonial plazas.
Quick Overview
Capital: Havana
Largest City: Havana
Population: 2.1 million
Languages: Spanish
Currency: Cuban Peso (CUP)
Time Zone: America/Havana (UTC-5, EDT UTC-4)
Explore Havana by Topic
Best Places to Visit in Havana
Discover the top 3 must-see destinations in Havana, from iconic landmarks to off-the-beaten-path treasures.
Plaza de la Catedral
Baroque cathedral and lively plaza in the heart of Old Havana
El Malecon
Iconic seafront promenade stretching 8km along the coastline
El Capitolio
Magnificent neoclassical capitol building, now restored to glory
Recommended Itineraries for Havana
Plan your perfect Havana trip with our expertly crafted itineraries for every travel style and duration.
5-Day Havana Explorer
- Day 1: Arrive in Havana, explore city center
- Day 2: Visit top attractions and museums
- Day 3: Day trip to nearby highlights
- Day 4: Local markets and hidden gems
- Day 5: Final sightseeing, departure
7-Day Classic Havana
- Days 1-2: Havana city highlights
- Days 3-4: Regional exploration
- Days 5-6: Cultural immersion and local experiences
- Day 7: Return and departure
14-Day Ultimate Havana
- Days 1-3: Havana comprehensive city tour
- Days 4-6: Northern region exploration
- Days 7-9: Eastern highlights
- Days 10-12: Southern attractions
- Days 13-14: Return to Havana, departure
Where to Stay in Havana
From luxury resorts to budget-friendly options, Havana offers accommodations for every traveler.
Budget Options ($40-60)
Hostels, budget hotels, and guesthouses offer affordable stays without sacrificing experience.
Mid-Range ($80-120)
Boutique hotels and well-located accommodations provide comfort and convenience at reasonable prices.
Luxury ($200-400)
World-class resorts and premium hotels deliver unforgettable experiences.
Gran Hotel Manzana Kempinski La Habana
Cuba's first true five-star luxury hotel, occupying the restored Manzana de Gomez shopping gallery built in 1890. Features 246 contemporary rooms, a rooftop pool with panoramic views, a world-class spa, and three restaurants.
Hotel Nacional de Cuba
The iconic grand dame of Cuban hospitality, opened in 1930 and now a National Monument. This Moorish-influenced hotel perched on a cliff overlooking the Malecon has hosted Churchill, Hemingway, and the mob bosses of the 1950s. Features magnificent gardens and a history-filled bar.
Iberostar Parque Central
A modern luxury hotel in two buildings overlooking Parque Central, offering reliable WiFi and contemporary amenities in the heart of Old Havana. The rooftop pool offers spectacular city views.
Hotel Saratoga
An elegant boutique hotel in a restored neoclassical building offering stunning views of El Capitolio from its rooftop pool. Features 96 luxurious rooms with high ceilings and colonial furnishings.
Where to Eat in Havana
Discover the culinary delights of Havana, from local street food to fine dining experiences.
La Guarida
Havana's most celebrated restaurant occupies a crumbling mansion made famous by the Cuban film 'Fresa y Chocolate.' Frequented by celebrities including Beyonce, Rihanna, and Mick Jagger. The creative Cuban-European fusion menu changes seasonally.
El Del Frente
A hip rooftop bar and restaurant with two levels of open-air terrace seating offering some of the best views in Old Havana. Known for creative cocktails and informal Cuban food in a relaxed setting.
San Cristobal Paladar
A landmark paladar in a house overflowing with antiques, religious icons, and vintage memorabilia. Barack Obama ate here during his historic 2016 Cuba visit. Serves outstanding traditional Cuban cuisine in an extraordinary setting.
La Bodeguita del Medio
The legendary birthplace of the mojito, open since 1942. More of an experience than a restaurant, with walls covered in celebrity signatures. The food is good traditional Cuban but you come primarily for the atmosphere and cocktails.
El Floridita
Hemingway's favorite bar since 1817, the self-proclaimed cradle of the daiquiri. The seafood restaurant section serves excellent fresh fish and lobster alongside the world-famous frozen daiquiris. A bronze Hemingway guards his corner of the bar.
Los Nardos
Beloved institution opposite El Capitolio, famous for enormous portions at very reasonable prices. The Spanish-Cuban menu includes excellent paella, ropa vieja, and fried whole lobster. Often has a queue but moves quickly.
Getting Around Havana
Getting around Havana is a unique experience in itself. The city offers a mix of vintage American classic cars (almendrones) serving as shared taxis, modern tourist taxis, bicitaxis, CocoTaxis, horse-drawn carriages, and occasional public buses. For tourists, the combination of tourist taxis, classic car tours, and walking covers most needs.
Budget Breakdown for Havana
Plan your spending with our comprehensive cost guide. Currency: USD.
| Category | Budget | Mid-Range | Luxury |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | $15-25 | $40-70 | $120-250 |
| Food (per day) | $10-15 | $20-35 | $60-100 |
| Transportation | $5-10 | $15-20 | $40-60 |
| Activities | $10-15 | $20-30 | $50-100 |
| Daily Total | $40-60 | $80-120 | $200-400 |
Best Time to Visit Havana
Best Season: November to April
Peak Season: December to February
Avoid: August to October (hurricane season)
Essential Travel Tips for Havana
- Bring enough USD/EUR cash as US cards often don't work
- Buy a Cuban SIM card for data access
- Learn basic Spanish phrases
- Book accommodation in advance especially Dec-Feb
Safety Information
Travel Advisory
Havana is generally safe for tourists. Petty theft and pickpocketing occur in crowded areas. Exercise normal precautions.
Keep valuables secure in crowds
Use official taxis or negotiate fares before entering
Be cautious with jineteros (tourist hustlers)
Keep copies of your passport and tourist card
Inform your accommodation of your daily plans
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best time to visit Havana?
The best time to visit Havana is November to April. August to October (hurricane season) may have less favorable conditions.
Do I need a visa for Havana?
Visa requirements vary by nationality. Check with your nearest embassy or consulate for Havana for current requirements before travel.
How many days do I need in Havana?
For a comprehensive Havana experience, we recommend 7-10 days. However, you can have a great trip in 5 days focusing on highlights.
Is Havana expensive to visit?
Budget travelers can expect $40-60 per day, mid-range $80-120, and luxury $200-400.