Plaza de la Catedral
Baroque cathedral and lively plaza in the heart of Old Havana
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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.
- 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
Jump straight to the experience you're planning.
Best places to visit in Havana
The 3 destinations our editors recommend — from iconic landmarks to under-the-radar finds.
El Malecon
Iconic seafront promenade stretching 8km along the coastline
El Capitolio
Magnificent neoclassical capitol building, now restored to glory
Recommended itineraries
Pick a length, follow the route. Each itinerary balances headline sights with breathing room.
5-Day Havana Explorer
- Day 1Arrive in Havana, explore city center
- Day 2Visit top attractions and museums
- Day 3Day trip to nearby highlights
- Day 4Local markets and hidden gems
- Day 5Final sightseeing, departure
7-Day Classic Havana
- Days 1-2Havana city highlights
- Days 3-4Regional exploration
- Days 5-6Cultural immersion and local experiences
- Day 7Return and departure
14-Day Ultimate Havana
- Days 1-3Havana comprehensive city tour
- Days 4-6Northern region exploration
- Days 7-9Eastern highlights
- Days 10-12Southern attractions
- Days 13-14Return to Havana, departure
Where to stay in Havana
Three tiers, every traveller covered — from cost-conscious to flagship hotels.
Budget $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
Cafés, neighbourhood gems, and tasting menus worth the table reservation.
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
Daily spend by tier in USD, broken out by category.
| 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
Essential travel tips
- 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
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
Do I need a visa to visit Havana?
Most visitors require a Cuban Tourist Card (tarjeta del turista). US citizens face additional restrictions and must qualify under one of 12 authorized travel categories. Cards obtainable at airports or through airlines. Requirements vary by nationality, so check with your nearest embassy or the official immigration website before traveling.
What currency is used in Havana?
The currency in Havana is the Cuban Peso (CUP) (CUP). ATMs are widely available in cities and tourist areas. Credit cards are accepted at most hotels and restaurants, but carry cash for markets and smaller establishments.
What language is spoken in Havana?
The main language(s) spoken in Havana: Spanish. In tourist areas, English is generally understood. Learning a few basic phrases in the local language is appreciated by locals.