Havana, Cuba
The metropolis of Havana is known for its old architecture, classic cars, live music as well as tasty mojitos. Here are some of the best things to exercise inward Havana that y'all won’t desire to miss!
In recent years, Republic of Cuba has seen some major changes as the USA finally eased restrictions on travel. More as well as to a greater extent than American’s are instantly visiting Cuba than ever before, as well as tourism has been on the rising — for goodness reason!
Only an hr away from Miami past times plane, Havana is a fascinating blend of old as well as new, vintage cars as well as colorful, (often crumbling) infrastructure; Cuba’s liberate energy pulses amongst a mix of Castilian colonial architecture, booming nightlife as well as kitschy fine art galleries.
For a minor city, Havana seems to receive got an endless listing of things to do catering to every sort of traveler. Maybe you’re a cigar aficionado or but looking for some R&R, Havana has something to offering everyone.
Havana Republic of Cuba Highlights Map
How To Use This Map
Above you’ll notice a map of highlights inward Havana, Cuba. Click on the top left of the map to notice separate layers mark the route as well as points of interest. You tin enshroud as well as demo unlike layers, or click icons on the map to come across the names of places I raise inward this move guide. “Star” the map to salvage it to your ain Google Maps, or opened upward the map inward a novel window for a larger version. Enjoy!
Best Things To Do In Havana For 2019
After spending some fourth dimension inward the uppercase metropolis during my road trip around Cuba, I wanted to position together a comprehensive move withdraw to Havana that would aid y'all excogitation your ain journey.
This is portion of what makes Havana unique as well as what captivated me inward detail — the sense that at that spot is ever something to a greater extent than to uncover around every corner.
Sure, the US merchandise embargo as well as the Cuban authorities itself hasn’t been specially sort to the Cuban people, yet they even thus seem to brand the most of the situation, as well as welcome tourists amongst opened upward arms.
Whether it’s a sultry salsa performance or hidden dive-bar tucked away behind the narrow streets of a pastel-colored neighborhood — you’ll never acquire bored of finding things to do!
1. Visit El Morro Castle
El Morro Castle, otherwise known as “Castillo del Morro”, is a non bad starting betoken i time y'all brand it inward Havana. It’s situated on top of a rocky promontory at the entrance of Havana’s bay—it can’t live missed! It’s a massive fort amongst an as impressive history.
The castle was built starting inward 1590 to protect Havana against military machine attacks, as well as also served as a scout post service to proceed an oculus out for enemies (like pirates!). It is composed of iii bastions linked past times drapery walls, casemented barracks as well as also houses cisterns, a chapel, officer’s quarters, a vino cellar, stables, as well as dungeons.
Today, El Morro Castle is used as a museum as well as tin live visited for a minor fee. Its fantastic views brand it a non bad start stop, a small taxi ride from the metropolis center.
2. Explore Old Havana On Foot
As both the metropolis oculus as well as the municipality amongst the 2nd highest population density inward Havana, Havana Vieja is quite perhaps the most beautiful expanse of the metropolis as well as a must-see if you’re visiting. Many buildings receive got fallen into ruin, but some are starting to acquire restored too.
The expanse is a colorful labyrinth of narrow streets, lively local neighborhoods, courtyards, forts, monuments, as well as churches that brand upward the pulsating ticker of Havana. While y'all should definitely taste yourself strolling around the old city, exactly beware of jineteros, local hustlers trying to brand a buck off you.
3. Tropicana Nightclub Show
Known as i of the hottest cabaret shows inward the world, the Tropicana Nightclub Show is a world-famous spectacle laid inward a lush, tropical open-air venue that bursts amongst colorful lights, glitter, as well as glam. Salsa-charged as well as sensual, it’s a must-do activeness during whatsoever trip to Havana Cuba.
This is i of the top things most tourists desire to exercise inward Havana.
Performers’ gaudy, feathered costumes are glasses inward as well as of themselves, but it’s the demo as a whole that leaves y'all floored. Tickets are a combat pricey -— roughly $85 USD per somebody -— but include a welcome imbibe as well as cigar. We had a non bad nighttime there!
4. Havana Classic Car Tours
When y'all scream back of things to exercise inward Havana, chances are rolling downward the street inward a colorful, vintage convertible amongst the top downward is a top contender. There are plenty of options for vintage automobile tours inward Havana, as well as most operate similar a regular taxi.
For pre-planned tours, at that spot is usually a flat-fee (about xl – 50 CUC per hour) that the driver communicates upward front. But if you’re feeling spontaneous, y'all tin easily hail a vintage automobile to become anywhere inward the city. Make certain to halt inward some photogenic locations to acquire those Instagram photos!
5. Stroll Along “El Malecon” Boardwalk
If y'all desire an intimate glimpse at life inward Havana, walk El Malecon. Translated as “the pier”, El Malecon is a restored seafront walkway situated along the city’s due north coastline as well as provides lovely views of Havana’s iconic architecture as well as coast.
It’s also the unofficial symbol of the city, oft seen on postcards as well as inward films. El Malecon is a goal inward as well as of itself, thus nutrient as well as music is abundant all along the pier. Sunset is a specially goodness fourth dimension to sit down along the sea-wall amongst a box of rum.
And if y'all see during slow July or early on August, El Malecon comes live amongst i of the biggest festivals inward Republic of Cuba —- the Havana Carnival.
6. Cuban Cigars At Hotel Nacional
Cuba has elevated cigar smoking to an fine art form. For that reason, y'all tin pretty much notice a goodness cigar anywhere inward Havana—but if you’re looking for the best spot to lite upward as well as accept inward the classy, glamorous, atmosphere that this metropolis evokes, expression no farther than Hotel Nacional.
Hotel Nacional is non solely the most famous hotel inward Havana -— it’s also abode to i of the city’s best cigar shops called La Casa del Habano. Or y'all tin taste your cigar inward the hotel’s backyard bar similar nosotros did, relaxing amidst beautiful body of body of water views, palm trees, as well as fifty-fifty real-live peacocks strolling by!
7. Visit Hemingway’s Watering Holes
Ernest Hemingway lived exterior Havana for 20 years, as well as naturally got much of the inspiration for his novels from the city—more specifically, from its bars. El Floridita, Dos Hermanos as well as La Bodeguita del Medio were Hemingway’s favorite bars when he lived there, as well as today they tin live visited exactly similar whatsoever other bar.
Watch out though, as a few of them receive got turned into tourist traps. La Bodeguita was my favorite Hemingway-approved watering hole as well as even thus retains much of the subdued, authentic atmosphere you’d await Hemingway in all likelihood loved. They receive got live salsa music, as well as also brand a hateful mojito, which never hurts.
8. Try Cuban Pizza In Havana!
Sure, everyone knows they should swallow a Cuban sandwich patch inward Cuba. But did y'all know these famous sandwiches were genuinely created inward Florida? Instead, why non monastic say a classic Cuban pizza patch visiting Havana!
What makes Cuban pizza special is the “sofrito” — essentially a holy mix of onion, garlic, as well as bell pepper sautéed inward olive crude amongst love apple tree as well as spices. In Havana, crappy pizza is everywhere, as well as the goodness materials is a combat trickier to find.
For starters, I recommend heading to five Esquinas Trattoria on Cuarteles Avenue. Their pizza is baked inward a wood oven, as well as the spot is a prime number location for people-watching. Another tasty spot is Bella Ciao, which has a reputation for the freshest pizza (and pasta!) inward Havana.
9. Best Beaches Near Havana
Cuba’s proximity to the equator way that it’s ever beach flavor inward Havana. The island’s entire coastline is pretty much a white sand, turquoise-watered dream, thus it’s hard to become incorrect amongst picking a beach.
If you’re looking for a political party atmosphere, caput to Santa MarÃa del Mar, the biggest as well as most well-known beach inward Havana. The downside to this one, though, is the crowds. But if you’re visiting inward the autumn or wintertime y'all should live ok.
If you’re looking for a quieter beach hateful solar daytime that isn’t as pop amongst tourists, seek Playa Boca Ciega. Or fifty-fifty better, Playa Jibacoa (my favorite beach inward Cuba).
10. Drink Rum In Influenza A virus subtype H5N1 Box!
Wander the streets of Havana for a nighttime on the town, as well as you’ll presently larn all almost “rum inward a box”. Known as the juice box for large kids, this rotgut rum is sold inward private packs. You’ll come across locals partying amongst their box of Tumbao or Planchao.
It’s inexpensive as hell, pretty disgusting, as well as volition leave of absence y'all amongst a painful headache the side past times side morning time if y'all imbibe as good much of it. But if y'all desire to brand some novel friends, rip opened upward a fresh box amongst your teeth as well as go past times it around!
11. Visit The Havana Capitol Building
El Capitolio, or Cuba’s Capitol Building, was built inward 1929 as well as based off of the United States Capitol inward Washington DC. It has been unopen to the populace for the in conclusion 8 years for a large restoration projection — but just late re-opened.
Previously used as the Ministry of Science & Technology, the newly renovated construction is instantly the spot of Cuba’s national assembly, where they selected a novel president in conclusion April. Visitors tin tour the Capitol inward groups of xv from Tuesday to Lord's Day each week.
12. Havana Nightlife & Cuban Music
Salsa is everywhere inward Havana—in bars, restaurants, fifty-fifty impromptu dances along sidewalks are a regular occurrence. We striking the bars & clubs a few unlike times to cheque out live music, i of my favorites was a bar called Kilometro Zero.
But if y'all desire to accept your salsa admiration i stride further, sign upward for a lesson. Casa del Son is Havana’s biggest as well as best trip the lite fantastic school, offering locals as well as visitors classes inward exactly almost every type of traditional Cuban dance.
13. Watch Some Cannons Blast Off!
Ever since the 18th-century, a cannon has been fired inward Havana every eve at 9pm at the Fortaleza San Carlos de la Cabaña (Fort of St Charles). Back then, Havana was divided inward ii as well as Cuba’s Castilian rulers would dismiss the cannon to inform the Habaneros to accept shelter against pirate attacks.
Today, the nightly number is even thus quite a spectacle, equipped amongst a drum curl as well as artillery cadets lining the fort dressed inward colonial uniforms. The number is free, ever on time, as well as onlookers are encouraged! This is i of the lesser-known things to exercise inward Havana.
14. Stay Hydrated With Guarapo
What is guarapo, y'all ask? It’s raw saccharide cane juice that’s been extracted from palm-tree sap, as well as also the most delicious imbibe y'all tin notice inward Cuba. The cheapest, too. It’s usually mixed amongst lime as well as H2O ice as well as tin live constitute pretty much inward every bar, restaurant, or street side bodega.
You tin also seek it as an alcoholic imbibe (usually mixed amongst rum). Guarapo is on of the best drinks to seek inward Havana, as well as a consistently fantastic spot to acquire your cane-juice imbibe on is Arsenal Street, correct inward front end of the educate station.
15. Viñales Tobacco Fields Road Trip
After a few days inward Havana, no i would blame y'all for wanting to escape the metropolis for a hateful solar daytime to notice something else to do, as well as the town of Viñales should prepare y'all correct up. It’s a minor hamlet tucked away inward the middle of light-green fields, tobacco plantations as well as stone formations.
About a 2-3 hr drive from Havana, Viñales makes for a non bad hateful solar daytime trip, although I exercise recommend spending at to the lowest degree i nighttime at that spot to acquire the total sense of the town.
There are buses leaving daily from Havana to Viñales, or y'all tin rent a classic automobile similar nosotros did. Viñales is known for its tobacco farms as well as limestone hills. Horseback riding inward Viñales is a pop way to taste the lush scenery as well as province atmosphere.
16. Visit Cámera Obscura In Old Havana
You tin acquire a bright 360-degree panoramic persuasion of Old Havana from the top flooring of the Gómez Vila edifice inward Plaza Vieja, the tallest edifice inward Old Havana. It’s got the solely “Camera Oscura” inward all of Latin America as well as the Caribbean.
The photographic boob tube camera projects real-time images of the metropolis at 30X magnification through exactly a peephole onto a black screen. Havana’s Cámera Obscura costs solely 2 CUC to visit, as well as fifty-fifty the persuasion from the roof is totally worth it.
17. Trip Out In Fusterlandia
Cuba’s rich artistic tradition is live as well as good inward portion cheers to creative somebody Jose Fuster, who has built a mosaic tile wonderland called Fusterlandia inward the angling hamlet of Jaimanitas, exactly 20 minutes exterior of Havana.
Fusterlandia is unique inward that it isn’t its ain site-specific artwork, but rather crafted into the neighborhood. Residents receive got genuinely allowed Fuster to decorate their homes as well as plough them into colorful, eye-popping gems.
There is a gallery y'all tin see betwixt 9:30am as well as 4:00pm, Wed to Sunday. If y'all don’t brand it to the gallery, y'all tin ever exactly drive through the neighborhood to acquire a experience of things.
18. Eat At Influenza A virus subtype H5N1 Local Paladar
If y'all solely stick to government-run restaurants frequented past times tourists, you’ll girlfriend out on Cuba’s truthful flavor. So brand certain to halt into a paladar (locally-run restaurant) for an authentic Cuban nutrient experience.
Good Cuban nutrient is a delicious fusion of African as well as Castilian food, as well as really much resembles a lot of the nutrient y'all tin notice throughout the Caribbean Area — rich, dense, as well as heavy on the spices.
One non bad paladar I recommend is called San Cristóbal, located inward the bottom flooring of an early on 20th-century mansion. Make certain y'all seek the traditional ropa vieja. Shredded, stewed beef amongst vegetables!
19. Explore Havana’s Green Forest
El Bosque De La Habana (the Lungs of Havana) is a swamp-like wood abode to the Almendares River as well as is a pop spot for locals to acquire away from the metropolis oculus as well as breathe some fresh air. It’s a recreational expanse for Habaneros amongst playgrounds as well as an amphitheater for concerts.
Many of Havana’s classic automobile tours go past times through the park. The 300-year-old banyan trees are covered inward light-green vines, as well as it’s a really cool identify to visit. You mightiness come across locals practicing Santeria inward the river, a Caribbean Area religion where members sacrifice animals.
20. Plaza De La Revolución
The largest populace foursquare inward Cuba, as well as i of the largest inward the world, Plaza de la Revolucion is where Cuba’s most of import authorities offices are located. The Ministerio del Interior boasts a massive mural of Cuba’s revolutionary hero Che Guevara.
The foursquare is a combat out of the way from the ticker of the capital, thus most tourists acquire at that spot via i of the classic automobile taxis that y'all tin rent from Old Havana. Driving past times this famous mural was i of my favorite things to exercise inward the city.
21. Pop By Hemingway’s Old House
Just exterior of Havana you’ll notice Finca VigÃa, the old colonial abode of Earnest Hemingway. It’s where he wrote some of his most famous novels like: For Whom the Bell Tolls as well as The Old Man as well as the Sea. You can’t become within the solid itself, but y'all tin expression through the windows.
There’s a museum at that spot opened upward from 10am to 4pm Mon through Sat as well as 9am to 1pm on Sundays. It’s a combat of a haul to exit at that spot from Havana, thus solely exercise this if y'all receive got some extra time. Visit early on inward the morning time to avoid the autobus tour crowds.
22. Hotel Kempinski Rooftop Pool
This beautiful panoramic puddle terrace as well as bar at Havana’s Gran Hotel Manzana Kempinski has awesome views of the Havana Vieja area, including the late refurbished Capitol Building.
This novel infinity rooftop puddle (and the luxury hotel) is an illustration of things to come upward as Republic of Cuba prepares for increased tourism. Unfortunately, Americans aren’t technically allowed to volume this hotel, as it’s owned past times the Cuban government.
23. Fabrica De Arte Cubano
The Cuban Art Factory was founded past times famous Afro-Cuban instrumentalist X-Alfonso, as well as is i of Havana’s hippest spots to soak inward modern Cuban culture. It’s a mix betwixt a nightclub, gallery, as well as performance oculus that promotes local Cuban artists, writers, photographers, as well as filmmakers.
Open from Th to Sunday, this giant mill edifice is oft packed past times 11pm, as well as is the perfect identify to start your wild nighttime on the town inward Havana. Each room is unlike — some amongst live bands, others total of art. You’ll receive got a wonderful experience no thing what you’re inward to.
24. The Revolution Museum
Formerly the Presidential Palace, Havana’s Revolution Museum depicts the fourth dimension menstruation before, during, as well as correct afterwards the Cuban Revolution. You tin even thus notice bullet holes inward the key staircase from a failed assassination endeavor of President Fulgencio Batista.
Out dorsum you’ll notice some old military machine vehicles, tanks used during the Bay of Pigs operation, airplanes, as well as the yacht used to ferry Castro from United Mexican States to Republic of Cuba to start the revolution inward the start place.
25. Climb La Guarida’s Staircase
Probably’s Havana’s most famous Paladar, La Guarida Restaurant sits at the top flooring of an old dilapidated-looking building, consummate amongst a beautiful grand staircase. Traveling celebrities oft halt inward to swallow here.
It’s usually hard to volume a table, as well as the repast prices aren’t inexpensive either. But you’re genuinely paying for the interesting atmosphere & history. It kinda feels similar you’re starring into your ain international spy motion-picture demo from the 50’s! Pretty cool.
Getting To (and Around) Havana
Despite the recent easing of Cuba’s move laws, some restrictions are even thus inward identify for Americans. Technically y'all tin solely see if y'all autumn into i of 12 special categories.
However at that spot are some ways around the rules, as well as it’s totally possible to see as a tourist if y'all follow a few completely legal “loopholes”.
➜ How To Legally Visit Republic of Cuba As An American
Airlines that serve Republic of Cuba straight from the United States instantly include: Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, Delta Airlines, Jet Blue, Southwest Airlines, as well as United Airlines.
Once you’re on the ground, local taxis are everywhere. There are the classic automobile versions, which are kinda expensive (negotiate first), or the local shared taxis, which solely cost 0.50 CUC per somebody (but y'all demand to know their laid route or beak Spanish).
Best Time To Visit Havana
Havana is sunny year-round, thus y'all genuinely can’t become incorrect inward terms of choosing a fourth dimension of twelvemonth to visit. But live wary of the forcefulness of the Cuban sun! For those amongst lite skin, similar me, accept extra precautions from sunburn.
The autumn tin live lovely but visiting mightiness live risky because of hurricane season. Influenza A virus subtype H5N1 happy medium is to see sometime inward the wintertime (November-March), as it’s both warm plenty to taste the beaches but non hot plenty to brand y'all wishing y'all were dorsum inward your air-conditioned hotel.
During the winter, the crowds receive got lessened as well as y'all tin experience a to a greater extent than authentic Havana. Plus, I’ve heard New Year’s Eve inward the uppercase is an unforgettable spectacle!
Where To Stay In Havana
The most authentic places to remain inward Havana are called casas particulares, which are invitee rooms inward Cuban solid unit of measurement homes that y'all tin notice past times but scream for around.
Typically, these rooms run from 25 to xl CUC per night, but live certain to add together a combat to that cost if y'all desire homemade breakfast included.
Best Places To Stay In Havana
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Havana Republic of Cuba Travel Tips & Advive
- If y'all desire to salvage some money, as well as don’t receive got to become far, trying hiring a wheel taxi or a “coco taxi” scooter for a fun ride.
- Don’t pass all your fourth dimension inward Havana! There is thus much to a greater extent than to Republic of Cuba than the uppercase city. Check out Vinales, Trinidad, as well as Varadero if y'all receive got the time.
- Bring a filtered H2O bottle, as bottled H2O tin sometimes live hard to notice exterior of major cities.
- Even if y'all commonly prefer hotels, I recommend spending at to the lowest degree i nighttime inward a casa detail amongst locals to come across what it’s like.
- Learn some basic Castilian words! While some English linguistic communication is mutual inward Havana, attempting to beak Castilian volition hand y'all to a greater extent than opportunities to interact amongst people.
Cuba Trip Planning: Get aid planning a legal trip to Republic of Cuba amongst ViaHero
Packing Guide
Check out my travel gear guide to aid y'all start packing for your trip. Pick upward a move backpack, photographic boob tube camera gear, as well as other useful move accessories.
Book Your Flight
Book inexpensive flights on Skyscanner, my favorite airline search engine to notice deals. Also read my tips for how I notice the cheapest flights.
Rent Influenza A virus subtype H5N1 Car
Discover Car Hire is a non bad site for comparison automobile prices to notice the best deal. They search both local & international rental companies.
Book Accommodation
Booking.com is my favorite hotel search engine. Or rent local apartments on Airbnb ($35 discount!). Read my post for tips on booking inexpensive hotels.
Protect Your Trip
Don’t forget move insurance! I’m a large fan of World Nomads for short-term trips. Protect yourself from possible injury & theft abroad. Read to a greater extent than almost why y'all should ever bear move insurance.
Recommended Guidebook: Lonely Planet Cuba
Suggested Reading: The Other Side Of Paradise
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READ MORE FROM CUBA
How To Travel To Republic of Cuba For Americans
Horseback Riding & Tobacco Farms In Vinales
Discovering The Magic Of Trinidad Cuba
Cuba Travel Guide: Travel Tips & Costs
Have whatsoever move questions almost things to exercise inward Havana? Other suggestions or tips? Drop me a message inward the comments below!
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