Havana · 28 Places · Best November to April
Havana is Cuba's vibrant capital city, a place where 1950s American cars cruise past crumbling colonial architecture and revolutionary murals. The city's unique blend of Spanish colonial heritage, Art Deco buildings, and Caribbean culture creates an atmosphere unlike anywhere else in the world.
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.
Jump straight to the experience you're planning.
The 28 destinations our editors recommend — from iconic landmarks to under-the-radar finds.
The jewel of Old Havana, this baroque plaza is dominated by the Cathedral of the Virgin Mary of the Immaculate Conception, built between 1748 and 1777. The square is surrounded by elegant 18th-century palaces and is one of the most beautiful in the Americas.
Old Havana's most architecturally diverse square blends Cuban Baroque with Art Nouveau and Neoclassical styles. The recently restored plaza features a central fountain and is flanked by colonial mansions converted into galleries, breweries, and cafes.
Havana's oldest square, dating from the early 1500s, is shaded by ceiba trees and lined with second-hand book stalls. The square features a marble statue of Carlos Manuel de Céspedes and is bordered by the Palacio de los Capitanes Generales.
A grand cobblestone plaza facing Havana Harbor, dominated by the Basilica of San Francisco de Asís (now a concert hall). The plaza features the iconic El Caballero de Paris statue, a beloved Havana street character immortalized in bronze.
Modeled on the US Capitol building but actually taller, this magnificent neoclassical building was completed in 1929 and served as Cuba's seat of government until 1959. Fully restored, it now houses the Cuban Academy of Sciences and welcomes visitors to explore its grand interior.
Havana's iconic 8-kilometer seafront promenade stretches from Old Havana to Vedado, serving as the city's living room. Locals gather here to fish, socialize, play music, and watch the sunset over the Straits of Florida.
Pick a length, follow the route. Each itinerary balances headline sights with breathing room.
Three tiers, every traveller covered — from cost-conscious to flagship hotels.
Hostels, budget hotels, and guesthouses offer affordable stays without sacrificing experience.
Boutique hotels and well-located accommodations provide comfort and convenience at reasonable prices.
World-class resorts and premium hotels deliver unforgettable experiences.
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.
Check rates on Booking.comThe 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.
Check rates on Booking.comA 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.
Check rates on Booking.comAn 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.
Check rates on Booking.comCafés, neighbourhood gems, and tasting menus worth the table reservation.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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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.
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 Shoulder Worth avoiding
Average daytime temperature in °C. Figures are for Cuba.
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
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.
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.
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.
