Visit Havana | Go Travel Daily

Best Places to Stay in Havana: Neighborhoods and Area Insights

Debbie KellyNovember 11, 2024November 11, 2024026 mins

Havana is one of the world’s most intriguing secret cities. Having remained largely unexplored during the significant global travel surge of the past 20 years, Havana serves as an extraordinary time capsule awaiting exploration.

Devoid of the modern conveniences and ostentation found in many capital cities, Havana embodies a rustic charm, making it a true pleasure to navigate. From the vintage automobiles in Old Havana to the tranquil fishing community of Jaimanitas; from the historic Plaza de la Revolución to the lesser-known Chinatown, Havana seemingly harbors a hidden treasure at every turn.

While it is natural for travelers to approach Cuba with caution, there is no need for concern; this city warmly welcomes visitors and you will surely be impressed by the hospitality of the inhabitants.

Exploring Havana revolves around engaging with authentic Cuban culture. Absent are the flashy commercial tourist attractions and gimmicky excursions – this is the authentic experience. If you are willing to delve deeper and embrace the unique Caribbean ambience, you will find yourself introduced to a completely new world.

Let’s explore the various accommodation options in Havana, both within and outside of the typical tourist route.

Top 15 Must-Experience Tours in Cuba

John DoeNovember 10, 2024015 mins

The secluded nation of Cuba has captivated adventurous travelers for decades. With the recent opening of tourism to visitors from the United States, now is an opportune moment to explore this distinct Caribbean island.

Top 7 Free Activities in Havana You Can’t Miss

Michael BooneNovember 7, 2024November 7, 202409 mins

rum? Don’t fret; Havana still has plenty to offer you yet. From stunning views to small, leafy gardens hidden in plain sight and underground bunkers dating back to the Cold War, these seven free things to do in Havana will make going

Essential Travel Tips for Visiting Havana, Cuba

Bobby SpencerNovember 7, 202408 mins

For all its tropical charms, Havana isn’t the world’s most straightforward city for travelers. A unique economic situation, top-heavy state bureaucracy, and decades of isolation can pose obstacles to even simple activities.

Affordable Travel Guide to Exploring Havana

Jonathon WilliamsNovember 7, 202409 mins

Navigating Havana’s confusing dual economy can be a tricky proposition, even for Cubans. However, visiting on a budget is possible; it’s just a matter of being flexible and acquiring a basic understanding of the localmecánica(Cuban way of doing things).

Top 7 Scenic Road Trip Routes Across Cuba

Oscar WaltersNovember 7, 202407 mins

There’s no better way to gain a local perspective on life in Cuba than by embarking on a road trip. While Cuba’s roads may be challenging with limited signage, the experiences awaiting you are well worth the drive. From short excursions to extensive tours, here are seven of the best scenic road trips across the island.

Ultimate Guide to the Best Times for Visiting Havana

Nicole PotterNovember 7, 202407 mins

Havana’s rich cultural landscape features a plethora of events throughout the year, particularly from October to April. Whether you’re a jazz aficionado, a ballet enthusiast, or someone who enjoys religious processions, there’s an event for every taste and budget in this vibrant city.

Top 13 Kid-Friendly Activities in Havana

Jon SummersNovember 7, 202407 mins

Havana is a dream destination for families and children of all ages. Cubans place their family at the heart of everything, ensuring that kids are cherished and pampered. Your children will be fussed over incasas particulares(B&Bs), on the streets, and in restaurants.

Top 8 Museums in Havana to Explore Art, History, and Culture

Michael BooneNovember 7, 202409 mins

Despite a few shortages in recent years, Cuba’s capital certainly isn’t lacking in culture. Havana boasts more than 50 venerable museums, many of which are free to visit.

Essential Tips for Navigating Havana Transportation

Jon SummersNovember 7, 2024010 mins

In a city where few people own cars, the residents of Havana are accustomed to getting around on public transportation. However, it’s a little trickier for visitors who are new to the city – poor signage and idiosyncratic rules can make navigating Havana’s transport system difficult for unversed tourists.

Explore Renovated Historic Sites in Havana for Its 500th Anniversary

Barbara GriffinNovember 6, 2024012 mins

Meticulously restored and, in some cases, literally reborn from its ruins, Havana’s most iconic buildings are primed and ready for a celebration. Cuba’s most important city turns 500 in November, and the buildings and monuments that shape its urban landscape are finally fully repaired and open to the public.

Celebrate Havana’s 500th Anniversary: 8 Exciting Ways to Experience Cuba’s Capital

Michael BooneNovember 6, 202409 mins

Five-hundred years since its founding,Cuba’scapital city remains as resilient as its rundown buildings and elegant as the vintage cars still rolling in the streets. After nearly four centuries of Spanish rule, over 50 years of US-backed governments, and 60 years of socialism, Havana’s people (Habaneros) continue to thrive and are ready to celebrate.

Discover Havana’s Top Local Boutiques for Shopping

Martin RuizNovember 6, 202408 mins

For almost six decades, the tightly state-controlled and embargoed Cuban economy meant that all businesses, from department stores to shoe shiners, were in the hands of the state. Today, though, Havana is slowly evolving; new economic rules on private ownership are allowing ordinary Cubans to open their own stores and businesses.

Ultimate Cuban Road Trip: Journey from Havana to Viñales

GoTravelDailyNovember 6, 2024012 mins

The Malecon comes alive at sunset. This broad ribbon of cement curves around Havana’s waterfront, and as the sun wanes, the sky turns pink, and the road is washed in coppery gold light. Orderly rows of fishermen perch on the sea wall, chatting as they cast their lines, hoping for a haul of bonito tuna or red snapper. Locals sit in pairs, laughing and occasionally canoodling, while the sea breeze brings with it the sound of a three-piece jazz ensemble that’s just started up along the way.

Discover Havana: The Emerging Art Capital of the Caribbean

Michael MontesNovember 6, 2024012 mins

It’s time to hail Havana as one of the world’s great art cities. The Cuban capital has never lacked artistic credentials, but a growing band of small private galleries, fresh interest in outlandish street art, and the emergence of extraordinary art collectives have sparked a creative renaissance that has truly put the city on the map.

Top 10 Must-Do Activities in Havana, Cuba

Michael MontesNovember 6, 202407 mins

Cuba is one of those incredible countries that’s just so amazing to explore. This is no more true than within Havana, the capital city. Best of all, there’s a heap of the best things to do in Havana that makes for an epic holiday for a few days or even longer.

Explore Havana’s Vibrant Sports Culture

Oscar WaltersNovember 6, 202406 mins

It doesn’t take much time to realize that Havana has almost no tranquil open-air areas – the city vibrates with children’s improvisedpelota(baseball) championships, world-class boxing matches in roofless gyms, and popular marathons for locals and foreigners of all ages.

Experience Authentic Local Living in Havana

Melissa SullivanNovember 6, 202409 mins

GoTravelDaily Local Diana Rita Cabrera was born and raised in Havana, and she’s positive she could not be happier anywhere else. The timeworn glamor of a five-centuries-old city keeps her rooted to the colonial palaces and cobbled streets, the ever-present music, the friendliness ofhabaneros(Cubans)… and the refreshing cocktails.

Discover Havana’s Vibrant Nightlife in Cuba’s Capital

Billy ConleyNovember 6, 2024010 mins

When the seemingly endless sunny days finally come to an end, locals take to the Havana streets. Nightlife in Cuba’s capital is best enjoyed under the moonlight, where cocktails include plenty of ice and fruity flavors with mint leaves.

Experience Festive Holidays in Havana

Lydia WilsonNovember 6, 202405 mins

In a country where Christmas was outlawed until 1998, and New Year’s Eve is more known for the Triumph of the Revolution, the holidays are a little different in Havana.