We’re showcasing the very best things to do in Havana, Cuba from two points of view. This Havana guide takes the best of two different trips to help you plan the best trip possible.
Many people only spend a day in Havana taking a tour from their all-inclusive hotels, but we highly recommend spending several days in this exciting city. When visiting Havana, you’ll probably be spending most of your time in Old Havana and Centro. However, here are other places you will explore in Havana as well.
Table of Contents
Things to do in Havana, Cuba
Cuba is an amazing country. It has topped many travelers’ bucket list, and Cuba’s capital city of Havana is one of the most exciting places to visit in the Caribbean. Originally named San Cristóbal de la Habana in 1519, Havana has enticed travelers to experience its classic cars, vibrant nightlife, and historic city center.
- Havana Neighborhoods and Areas
- Old Havana / La Habana Vieja – Classic car tours, Hemingway tours, nightlife, and Havana Viejo
- Malecon – Waterfront, sunsets, views, and Grand Packard Hotel, Taxi Particular
- Vedado – Revolution Square, Hotel Nacional
- Centro Havana – Great architecture, historic restaurants, Paseo Del Prado, photography tours
- Chinatown – Chinatown Gates
- Downtown Havana – Capitol Building, Parque Central, Gran Teatro De La Habana, museums
- Casablanca – El Cristo, The Morrow, Che Guevara, Cuban Missile Crisis
- Cuban Culture and Music – Salsa, Cigars and Dancing
Being cut off from America for decades has added to the appeal and attraction of Havana, and it lives up to the hype! We have broken down the best things to do in these Havana neighborhoods to help you better understand the city. Now let’s take a look at more Havana attractions.
Old Havana / La Habana Vieja Neighborhood
The Old City of Havana, La Habana Vieja is filled with plazas and squares. La Habana Vieja is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and it is worth spending a day exploring each of the plazas of Old Havana. No motorized vehicles are allowed in this area, and it is beautifully restored with cobblestone streets weaving through colonial buildings. Old Havana is a great place to start when looking for things to do in Havana.
1. Take a Classic Car Tour
When arriving in Havana, one of the best activities is to take a classic car tour to see all the major sites. These impeccable vintage cars are an excellent way to see Havana. Consequently, being isolated from the world due to the American Embargo, time has stood still since the 1950s when America left and left its old cars to the locals.
Havana’s classic cars make it one of the most unique destinations to visit in Latin America. We went on a tour with Cubatur where fabulous guides took us from our hotel at the Iberostar Grand Packard all around the city. Visitors will receive an excellent introduction to Havana, showcasing all the city’s neighborhoods and driving along the waterfront to Havana Harbour. It is definitely a bucket list experience for anyone visiting Havana.
2. Walking Tour of Old Havana
Our walking tour of the Old City with CubaTur guided us around the UNESCO World Heritage-designated Old Town where we explored all of the squares, the famous cafes, and the historic churches. This tour will show you all the Old Havana points of interest so that you can return in the coming days to explore further.
3. Mojito Mojito
Mojitos were invented in Cuba and are one of the island’s oldest cocktails. The recipe consists of white rum, (a lot of it in Havana cocktails), sugar (traditionally sugar cane), lime juice, soda water, and mint. We recommend the restaurant Mojito Mojito, which claims that the Mojito was invented there!
4. El Floridita for Hemingway Daiquiri
One of my bucket list items when visiting Havana was to follow the footsteps of Ernest Hemingway. Hemingway spent much time in Havana and wrote many of his great novels while living outside the city.
He frequented many bars in Havana, and no place is more famous than El Floridita. He drank at El Floridita so often that there is a statue of him sitting at the end of the bar with his namesake. As you walk from Parque Central towards Old Havana, you’ll easily spot El Floridita. It’s often packed with tourists visiting on day trips; however, if you head out later at night, you’ll find it less crowded.
5. La Bodeguita del Medio
Another Hemingway Bar is La Bodeguita del Medio. A note from Ernest Hemingway himself claims, “My Mojito in La Bodeguita, My Daiquiri in El Floridita.”
There are many spots in Havana Vieja to enjoy cocktails, and Hemingway frequented many. You can follow the footsteps of Ernest Hemingway on the Day in Hemingway tour, where you’ll trace his life through the Hemingway Museum, Fina Vigía, his home from 1939 to 1960, Hotel Ambos Mundos, the village of Cojimar, and his many drinking spots.
6. Los Van Van
Located in Old Havana, we truly enjoyed the bar Los Van Van. It seemed that everyone else did too! We encountered many of the same people night after night! The Mojitos were delicious and strong (and surprisingly, there was no hangover), and the live music was outstanding and entertaining.
7. Plaza Vieja
Our favorite square in Havana, Plaza Vieja is a historic square dating back to the 16th century. Colorful colonial buildings surround this vibrant square, which 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 and features a lovely garden along with a picturesque line of royal palms surrounding the white statue of Carlos Manuel de Céspedes, the initiator of the Cuban independence movement.
The City Museum and a delightful book market are also located at Plaza de Armas.
When visiting Plaza de Armas, be sure to look down as you walk here; the cobblestone street is actually made of wood. It is said that the wooden walkway kept carriages quiet so that the governor would not be disturbed.
9. Plaza De La Catedral
The Catedral de San Cristobal (also known as Catedral de la Habana) stands at the head of Plaza de la Catedral. This photogenic square is lined with stone buildings and covered porticoes, providing nice shaded walks within the square. 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 explore in Havana. Located at the Havana Harbour, it is one of the earliest plazas welcoming ships arriving from Spain to trade in the West Indies. It houses an 18th-century basilica, the old Havana stock exchange, an imposing tower, and many cafes.
Malecon Neighborhood
The Malecón is a five-mile-long waterfront promenade stretching from Havana Viejo to Vedado.
11. El Malecon
El Malecon spans five miles (8km) all the way from Old Havana to the chic neighborhood of Miramar. You can walk the entire way! During sunset, it becomes a lively spot for locals who come to relax after a day at work.
12. Sunset at Iberostar Grand Packard 6th Floor
The Iberostar is one of Havana’s newest and most luxurious hotels, offering one of the best sunset views in the city. Have a cocktail on the 6th-floor bar overlooking the infinity pool and the Malecon.
13. Castillo de San Salvador de la Punta
While El Malecon spans the waterfront, the best spot for sunset views is at Castillo de San Salvador de la Punta. This old fortress, dating back to 1590, juts out from the coastline, offering stunning full views of the waterfront of Havana and El Morro across the bay.
14. Fabrica de arte cubano
The newest hippest hotspot in Cuba’s capital city is the Cuban Art Factory, open from Thursdays to Sundays from 8pm to 2 am. It is a multisensory display of art galleries, performance art, a cultural center, and a nightclub all in one.
Fabrica de Arte Cubano is a must-visit for those wanting to immerse themselves in Cuban culture. Its aim is to promote Cuban artists of all kinds, from musicians to photographers, writers, and filmmakers. The display changes weekly.
Vedado Neighborhood
Vedado is the residential neighborhood of Havana that houses expatriates and has a more upscale feel than Centro.
15. Hotel Nacional
Further along the Malecon in the Vedado District is the historic Hotel Nacional. Dating back to 1930, it is a grand hotel that has hosted celebrities and dignitaries, including Nat King Cole, Frank Sinatra, and Rita Hayworth. It remains a popular hotel, and we suggest popping in for sunset on the terrace to enjoy music while savoring a mojito.
16. Revolution Square / Plaza de la Revolución
Also located in Vedado is Plaza de la Revolución. Revolution Square is a must-visit in Havana to see monuments dedicated to the people and the facades of Che Guevara and The Ministry of Interior.
This is where Fidel Castro made many of his lengthy speeches to the public. It is said that thousands of people would sit for up to three hours in the heat listening to what he had to say.
Centro Havana
Centro is perfect for capturing iconic photographs of classic cars in front of crumbling buildings.
17. The architecture of Centro Havana
Our hotel was located right beside Centro Havana, and we loved wandering the streets for fantastic photography moments. The buildings appear to be crumbling before our eyes.
We took a pedicab through Centro Havana to cover the distance quickly, but the joy of walking through here is in getting lost in the streets. It is safe, and the locals are friendly. When walking home at 3 am one evening, the streets were alive with energy.
18. La Guarida for Dinner
La Guarida in Centro Havana is also a popular spot for sunset. It is one of the city’s more expensive restaurants 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’s located on the third floor of an old mansion. When you’re there, try one of their Pina Coladas; they claim to serve the best in the city, and we can attest that they are indeed tasty!
19. Paseo Del Prado
This walking street stretches from the Malecon to Parque Central, providing a relaxing shaded walk. It also separates Havana Viejo from Central Havana. At night, many locals gather to dance, listen to music, or play sports.
Downtown Havana
20. Parque Central
Parque Central is probably the first place you’ll venture to in Havana. This lively spot is where you’ll see all the old cars lined up waiting for tourists looking for taxi rides. Central Park is surrounded by grand hotels like the Iberostar Parque Central and The Kempinski.
21. Visit The Capitol Building (el Capitolio)
The Capitol Building is one of the prime attractions in Havana. Built between 1926 and 1929, it is often compared to the United States Capitol building. Indeed, it resembles it closely.
22. Gran Teatro de La Habana
The Gran Teatro de la Habana (Grand Theatre of Havana) dates back to 1838. It is one of the most beautiful buildings in the city. Make sure to go inside, whether to see the Cuban National Ballet or to take a tour to appreciate the grand stage; we recommend strolling downtown at night to see it beautifully lit up.
23. Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes
Arguably one of the finest art galleries in the Caribbean, this is a must-visit for art lovers. This incredible museum houses international art from 500 AD onwards. It has now been divided into two buildings: one for Cuban art and the other for international art.
24. Museum of the Revolution
If you wish to learn more about the Cuban Revolution, the Museo de la Revolución (Revolution Museum) is housed in the old Presidential Palace located in Old Havana.
Chinatown in Havana
25. Barrio Chino – Havana Chinatown
There is indeed a Chinatown in Havana, although there are no Chinese residents there currently. In fact, there was once a large Chinese community in Cuba. What remains today is just about two blocks of Chinese restaurants, making it an interesting area to explore.
Casablanca Neighborhood
Casablanca is situated across the bay from Old Havana and is home to Fort El Morro, Christo, and Che Guevara’s headquarters.
26. El Cristo de La Havana
Havana has its own Christ the Redeemer statue, second in height only to the one in Rio. You can reach El Christo by taking a taxi, ferry, or a tour across the bay from Casablanca Pier. This statue stands 20 meters (66 ft) high and overlooks the city of Havana.
El Christo’s location provides excellent panoramic views of the Havana skyline. It’s conveniently located near El Morro, so you can stop here before making your way to the fort for the nightly cannon ceremony.
27. Visit the Morro
El Morro is a castle dating back to 1589. It’s Havana’s most recognizable landmark and can be seen from the Malecon. Situated across the bay, it offers remarkable views of the Havana skyline.
Originally built to protect Havana from pirates, El Morro was utilized in later years to defend Cuba during the Spanish-American War. You can tour the fort and explore the many guard boxes and tunnels.
28. el Cañonazo de las Nueve
Havana was once surrounded by a city wall (much of which can still be seen today), and at 9 pm every night, a cannon was fired to signal that the gates would soon close. Every evening in the Fortress of San Carlos de la Cabaña (La Cabaña), the ceremony of “el Cañonazo de las Nueve” reenacts this tradition dating back to 1774. El Morro soldiers dress in traditional costumes and fire the cannons promptly at 9 pm.
29. Che Guevara’s Headquarters
Just across from El Christo statue is the headquarters of Che Guevara, where you can tour the museum for an entry fee of about $6. This was a significant location for Che Guevara as he conducted many meetings while planning his revolution.
30. Cuban Missile Crisis Relics
This period marked the beginning of Cuba’s isolation. The Soviet Union pointed missiles directly at America from Cuba. The missiles once stationed at their original sites are now displayed at the La Cabana fortress museum in Havana.
Cuban Culture and Music
The joy of traveling to Havana lies in experiencing its vibrant music and entertainment scene. Home to the Afro Cuban Allstars and remarkable musicians, you’ll surely miss out if you don’t venture out at night to enjoy live music or listen to street performers during the day.
31. Cuban Music
Cubans are profoundly musical. At virtually every corner in Havana Vieja, someone is likely to be playing captivating tunes. Most bars and restaurants in Havana host live music at almost any time. When you step into a restaurant for a drink, it’s probable that a band will begin to play.
- Note: They may approach you to request that you buy one of their CDs. We purchased one for as low as $5 and spent $20 on a set of two during another night. The prices vary considerably; however, I suggest paying around $5-10 at most.
32. Learn to Salsa
One of the best experiences in Havana is to dance. There are countless opportunities for dancing in Cuba’s capital. Claudia took a salsa lesson in Havana, which provided a delightful afternoon activity. Many places offer salsa lessons; simply Google “Salsa Lessons Havana.”
Alternatively, you could do what we (Dave and Deb) did—just approach the band and join in on the dance; they will guide you along. The nightlife in Havana is lively, and you can spend your evenings bar hopping and dancing until the early hours. Dancing in the streets is also a common sight.
33. Cuban Cigars
Cuba is renowned for its tobacco and cigars; thus, you must explore the culture of cigars even if you don’t smoke. Consider visiting Real Fábrica de Tabacos Partagás, one of the oldest and most famous cigar factories in Cuba, to learn how cigars are made and purchase souvenirs for friends.
- Did you know cigars are best kept in the refrigerator on a wet cloth? To make your cigars last after bringing them home from Cuba, store them this way.
34. Bonus Tip: Try Guarapo
I often find the heat exhausting, and at times I need a good dose of sugar to revitalize my energy. Nothing beats Guarapo: it is pure, freshly squeezed sugarcane juice. Adding some lime cuts the sweetness, resulting in a refreshing drink.
35. Playas del Este
If you’re looking for some beach time in Havana, Playas del Este is the closest beach town to Cuba’s capital city, located just 20 minutes away. This 6km-long (4 miles) stretch of beautiful sand makes for a perfect escape. A few tourist hotels are available if you wish to spend the night.
Getting Around Havana
When staying in the Old City or at the Iberostar, you really don’t need much transportation since everything is within walking distance. However, if you plan to visit a bar or restaurant that is a bit further out, taking a taxi particular is recommended. You should definitely experience this!
36. Take Taxi Particular
One of the best ways to navigate Havana is by opting for a taxi particular. Taking a taxi particular is an adventure in itself. You’ll engage in friendly conversations, make new friends, and spend a fraction of the price of a typical tour. Taxi particular are shared taxi rides—meaning others can join the ride as well.
The old classic convertibles are a point of pride for the drivers, and for just $5 or $6, they will transport you to your desired location (within a reasonable distance).
37. Go on a Pedi Cab tour
We also hired pedicabs, which provide a charming way to explore the back streets. They charge about $6 (6 Cuban pesos) as well. This is a fun way to get a guided tour around Centro Havana.
Where to Stay in Havana
Iberostar Grand Packard – The 5-star hotel overlooking the Malecon between Old and Centro Havana boasts an excellent location, great sunset views, an infinity pool, a spa, and luxurious rooms.
The Iberostar Grand Packard exceeds the typical three-star experience (which Cuban 5-star hotels tend to offer), but it is not quite on par with European or American standards regarding five-star service and amenities.
Casas Particular
If you are traveling on a budget, one of the best ways to save money is by staying in a Casas Particular. It is easy to find private accommodations around Havana, known as Casas Particulares. Many tourists really enjoyed staying in a Casa Particular at a rate of $20 – $40 per night. You can identify hostels open to tourists by looking for the umbrella/anchor sign above the door.
A beautiful boutique AirBnB we visited was Malecon360, conveniently located with great views of the Malecon.
Cuba Resources & Information
- 1 Cuban Peso = 1 USD. Be sure to select CUC (not CAC), as CUC is the tourist Cuban Peso, while the other is for locals only.
- Bring US cash in small bills to exchange at your hotel upon arrival.
- Are you a U.S. Citizen? Learn more about the legality of traveling to Cuba as an American by visiting the Treasury Department’s Cuba FAQ.
- Ensure you have travel insurance, as you may be asked to show it during immigration. We recommend World Nomads for short-term trips, or check Allianz Travel for longer stays. Read more about the value of Travel Insurance here.
- Looking to plan your trip? We recommend checking out Lonely Planet Cuba.
- Don’t forget that the water in Cuba is not drinkable. We suggest bringing along the Lifestraw Go Waterbottle, which we bring everywhere.
- It’s advisable to download offline maps before traveling to Cuba due to poor Internet access. Having maps saved on your phone can be invaluable.
- Internet connectivity is available through the ETECSA telecom company, and you can purchase prepaid cards for around $2-3 per hour.
Have you ever been to Havana? What were the best things you did there?
Enjoying your time in Havana? Consider pinning it to Pinterest for future reference.
Do you have other suggestions for things to do in Havana that I may have overlooked?
Note: This post was originally published by contributor Claudia Tevani. Since its publication, we have visited Havana ourselves. Dave and I have updated this with our travel tips and recommendations for a comprehensive guide to visiting Havana.
Claudia Tavani is from Cagliari (Sardinia). A former human rights lawyer and academic, she dedicated her life to the protection of cultural identity before pursuing her passion for travel. You can follow her adventures at My Adventures Across the World and on Facebook and @Claudioula.
