Havana, the capital of Cuba, is an enchanting vacation spot to go to. Havana appears to be coated with a sure veil of thriller, extra so than most locations in Latin America. Crumbling underneath the strain of time but vibrant and alive with radiance, the town oozes with nostalgia and Cuban tradition.
With the current buzz round Cuba, we don’t must inform you why now’s the proper time to go to Havana…however we’ll anyway.
Irrespective of the place you flip, there’s a lot to see and do in Havana, Cuba. Stroll by way of Outdated Havana to expertise one of the best and the worst this metropolis has to supply.
Lovely cobblestone squares, centuries-old forts, basic automobiles, and dilapidating buildings exist facet by facet, contributing to Havana’s distinctive character.
Havana, Cuba
Greatest Time To Go to Havana
Havana enjoys heat temperatures year-round, starting from 25-30°C (77-86°F) in the course of the day and 19-25°C (66-77°F) at night time. It’s vital to know that there are solely two seasons in Havana: moist and dry.
The dry season runs from November to April and overlaps with winter within the Northern Hemisphere. For those who plan to go to Cuba throughout these months, know that that is additionally the busiest time in Havana. Anticipate costs to be larger and lodging scarce as folks flock to the town to benefit from the high issues to do in Havana.
The moist season begins in Might and runs till October. Whereas the possibilities of rain are undoubtedly larger within the moist season, it doesn’t imply that you must keep away from visiting Havana throughout this time. Might and June, in addition to July and September, are thought-about shoulder seasons characterised by nice temperatures and just some wet days. October, nonetheless, coincides with hurricane season within the Caribbean, so showers and extreme thunderstorms usually tend to affect your go to and will restrict the out there issues to do in Havana Cuba.
We visited Havana in July/August and beloved our time within the metropolis. It was scorching, extremely popular, but it surely barely rained, and the town was alive with actions. We prevented the warmth by beginning our days early and taking a noon siesta, getting again out a number of hours earlier than sundown. The nights have been nice, and the rain by no means as soon as ruined our plans.
Lovely July day in Havana
High Issues To Do In Havana
With so many issues, you gained’t spend too lengthy questioning what to do in Havana Cuba! Listed here are a few of our high picks for a Havana itinerary.
Stroll By way of Outdated Havana
Begin by exploring Outdated Havana (La Habana Vieja), a UNESCO World Heritage web site and essentially the most well-known a part of the town.
Stroll alongside Paseo de Marti, testing Metropolis Corridor (El Capitol), Central Park (Parque Central) and the spectacular facade of Lodge Inglaterra.
Outdated Havana
Go to Morro Cabana
Extra often known as “The Morro,” this fort is fairly exhausting to overlook whilst you discover Havana. Constructed within the late 1800s, the fort nonetheless has quite a lot of outdated cannons that have been used to guard the town from invaders. Other than the historical past, you can too catch some spectacular views of Havana and Malecon from this spot.
Cannons fireplace from The Morro at 9 p.m. every single day. The place does get fairly crowded, so make certain to reach between 7 and eight p.m. Situated simply throughout from Havana Vieja, this place could be simply accessed by taxi by way of a tunnel.
Hit Havana’s Principal Purchasing Avenue
From there, head East in the direction of Obispo Avenue, the primary procuring avenue in Havana and the hub of exercise in Havana Vieja. You’ll want a number of hours to discover the outlets, markets, and cafes that line the road.
El Capitol, Outdated Havana
Combine With The Locals At Plaza De Armas
Comply with Opispo Avenue to Plaza de Armas, one of the 4 vital plazas value testing in Havana. Plaza de Armas is the town’s oldest plaza, well-liked with each vacationers and locals alike. The plaza hosts Havana’s largest vintage market and is a good place to take a break and revel in some people-watching.
Admire Plaza la Catedral de San Cristobal
This photogenic sq. is without doubt one of the hottest issues to do in Havana, and it’s not exhausting to see why. The outstanding Catedral de San Cristobal, which is modeled after Spanish structure, is the centrepiece of this sq., surrounded by various buildings and porticoes.
Go to The Castillo De La Actual Fuerza
Bordering Plaza de Armas is the Citadel of the Royal Power (Castillo de la Actual Fuerza), a Sixteenth-century fort thought-about to be the oldest stone fort within the Americas.
Stroll alongside Plaza de la Revolución
Probably the most well-known Plazas in Havana, Plaza de la Revolucion is residence to Cuba’s many appearing branches of presidency and options a number of outstanding items of art work that commemorate notable Cubans, together with these concerned within the Cuban Revolution.
Maybe essentially the most well-known a part of the plaza is a huge mural of Che Guevara with the phrase “Hasta la victoria siempre”, which interprets as All the time Towards Victory. Close by, you can too discover a comparable mural devoted to a different revolutionist, Camila Cienfuegos, with the phrase that claims “Vas bien, Fidel” (“You’re doing fantastic, Fidel”).
If you’re into historical past and politics, Plaza de la Revolucion might be one of the vital fascinating issues to do in Havana, Cuba.
Citadel of the Royal Power (Castillo de la Actual Fuerza), Outdated Havana
Take A Stroll By way of Cathedral Sq.
Cathedral Sq. (Plaza de la Catedral), situated just some blocks away from Plaza de Armas, is one other one of many 5 primary squares in Outdated Havana. The sq. is the location of the Cathedral of Havana, Colonial Artwork Museum (Museo del Arte Colonial), and is residence to some eating places.
San Francisco Plaza, Outdated Havana
Chill Out At Plaza Vieja
On the opposite facet of Outdated Havana, you’ll discover Plaza Vieja (Outdated Sq.), our private favorite and a well-liked hangout spot with plenty of nice eating places and bars. Seize a seat a mojito, sit again and calm down, admiring superbly restored buildings and the festivities that usually happen within the plaza.
Questioning what to do in Havana? Discover the numerous Plazas within the metropolis!
Watch The Sundown From The Harbour
Final however not least is Plaza de San Francisco, a cobblestone plaza that faces the harbour and is residence to the Fuente de los Leones (Fountain of the Lions).
Within the night, take a stroll alongside Havana’s well-known Malecon (Waterfront), and watch the sundown alongside many locals, younger and outdated, who come right here each night to fish, swim, or share the attractive views with their family members.
Malecon, Havana
Kick Up The Tempo In Vedado
For a change of surroundings, head to the district of Vedado, essentially the most trendy a part of the town, developed within the first half of the twentieth century. The world is full of bars, eating places, and music venues and is residence to nearly all of prosperous Cubans who stay in Havana.
Havana, Cuba
Take A Convertible Tour
If you’re brief on time or just can’t do an excessive amount of strolling, one other nice method to discover the town past Outdated Havana is to hire a classic automotive with a driver and set off on a 2-3 hour tour of Havana’s primary websites in type.
The everyday route features a cease at websites just like the Revolution Sq., Cristobal Colon Cemetery, John Lennon Statue Park, Nuevo Vedado, Vedado, Lodge Havana Libre, La Rampa and others.
Negotiate the path to create a customized tour that fits your wants. It’s a touristy exercise, there is no such thing as a denying it, but it surely’s a very enjoyable method to see the sights and cruise across the metropolis in a really cool automotive!
In search of enjoyable issues to do in Havana Cuba? Lease a basic convertible!
Cruising in Havana
Go to one of many museums
Not many individuals come to Havana due to its museums, however the Cuban capital really boasts a number of museums that you just may wish to add to your listing of high issues to do in Havana.
First, Museo de la Revolucion ( Museum of the Revolution ) is arguably one of the best place to get a crash course in Cuban historical past. The museums have archives that date again to the pre-revolution occasions and observe the nation’s historical past that has led to Fidel Castro’s rebellion.
One other notable museum in Havana is Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes de La Habana ( Museum of Advantageous Arts which is residence to the most important assortment of artwork in Cuba. The constructing is separated into two components: Palacio de Bellas Artes, which homes a set of Cuban artwork, and Centro Asturiano, which homes items of artwork from all around the world, together with Roman, Spanish, Greek and British items of artwork.
Try El Capitolio
The Nationwide Capitol Constructing is little doubt one of many extra well-liked issues to do in Havana. Commissioned by the Cuban President Gerardo Machado in 1926, this constructing was residence to the Cuban Congress, the Cuban Academy of Science the Nationwide Library of Science and Expertise and different establishments.
The Capitolio is open to guests, and whereas there’s not rather a lot to do, this outstanding constructing affords a glimpse into Cuba’s social and historic web site.
Tour The Metropolis By Bike
If you’re an eco-conscious traveler in search of issues to do in Havana Cuba, then take a tour of Havana by e-bike. Ranging from the Vedado space, you’ll then cycle by way of Vedado, Nuevo Vedado, Habana Vieja, Centro Habana, and Miramar, visiting Havana’s high sights alongside the best way.
It’s an effective way to spend half a day, and you may select between having a personal tour or a gaggle tour.
Revolution Sq., Vedado
Tour A Cuban Cigar Manufacturing facility
Havana is a superb place for cigar aficionados, as Cuban tobacco is very regarded and factories listed below are recognized for producing superior cigars. There are over 40 cigar factories on the island, together with a number of within the Havana space, which can be open to guests. There are some tour operators that supply guided visits to cigar factories, tobacco plantations, and cigar outlets so you may witness the whole course of.
These excursions additionally supply a crash course on the standard manner of having fun with cigars, often known as the Maridaje. Throughout this ceremony, a sommelier will exhibit the right method to mild the cigar, after which the right way to savour it with Cuban espresso and rum. Additionally, you will discover ways to choose one of the best Cuban cigars.
Go to Havana Cuba Seashores
Relying on how a lot time you’ve got in Havana, it’s possible you’ll wish to get out of the town and take a look at among the close by seashores. The closest public seashores to Outdated Havana are Playas del Este and Playa Santa Maria, situated roughly 30 km (18.6 miles) east of the town.
The seashores aren’t spectacular (you actually do need to go to an all-inclusive one to search out these), however they’re excellent for escaping the town for a little bit of enjoyable within the solar. A round-trip taxi to a kind of seashores will price $50-60 USD. You may as well take a bus (price is $5 USD) leaving from Lodge Inglaterra each half-hour.
Playa Santa Maria, East Havana
Take A Day Journey To Vinales Valley
If the bustle of the town turns into an excessive amount of, don’t fear; there are many stunning spots you may escape to. Situated about 2.5 hours from Havana, Vinales Valley stays largely unspoiled, with rolling inexperienced plains dotted by limestone hills with superior viewpoints.
There are a number of tour operators that run day journeys out to Vinales Valley. Most of those excursions embrace a go to to the small city of Vinales, which is perched on the fringe of the valley, wanting over the plush forests and low and tobacco plantations. Some excursions additionally supply the choice to discover the realm on horseback or bike.
Watch A Present At The Historic Tropicana Cabaret
You’re positive to have a very good time on the iconic Tropicana Cabaret, residence to essentially the most well-known cabaret present within the Caribbean. This efficiency venue has been an institution because the glory days of Fifties Cuba, and the lavish reveals are nonetheless a giant draw for guests.
There’s a nice restaurant onsite for a dinner and present expertise, or you may decide for the standard present ticket with features a drink from the bar, a small bottle of rum, an appetiser, and one delicate drink, all for $75 USD. You’ll need to pay a bit extra to get a “premium” desk with a greater view.
The present itself is known, that includes a whole lot of performers taking part in conventional Cuban music just like the Conga, bolero, and chachacha whereas dancers and singers in vibrant costumes carry out within the out of doors theater underneath the palm bushes and stars.
The Tropicana has an fascinating and glamorous historical past, having been a hotspot for stars like Frank Sinatra, Marylin Monroe, Josephine Baker, and Nat King Cole. For the reason that Fifties, worldwide trend designers have introduced couture trend reveals on this stunning venue.
The place To Keep In Havana
Lodging and reserving choices in Cuba are getting higher. If you’re in search of a spot to remain in Havana, you’ll find loads of choices in Havana for every type of vacationers, budgets and preferences.
If you’re in search of a pleasant lodging in Havana, be ready to pay. You’ll wrestle to discover a 3+ star resort for lower than $100 USD/night time (among the nicer motels in Havana cost upwards of $250-350 USD per night time).
If you’re blissful to pay the value, take a look at Lodge Nacional de Cuba Havana. This place simply shouts glamourous and offers a peek on the glory days of Fifties Cuba. You could find rooms for about $118 USD an evening, which isn’t too unhealthy contemplating the wide selection of additional spa and pool amenities.
Gran Teatro de La Habana (Grand Theatre of Havana), Outdated Havana. Inglaterra Lodge to the suitable of the Theatre
Casa Particulares In Havana
Our advice is to skip motels altogether and keep at Casa Particulares, that are properties stays hosted by locals. They’re licensed by the federal government and are outfitted to obtain international friends. Identical to with Airbnb wherever else on the earth, Casa Particulares vary from non-public rooms in locals’ properties to complete flats with a personal lavatory, front room, and eating space. You possibly can pre-book Casa Particulares on Airbnb or by contacting the hosts immediately by way of electronic mail.
We stayed in Casa Particulars throughout the nation and beloved our expertise. We acquired an opportunity to work together with locals observe their suggestions for eating places, cafes, bars, and issues to do in Havana.
Our favorite Airbnb Host was the stunning Gladys, the proprietor of this pretty colonial house within the coronary heart of Outdated Havana. She speaks good English and is chock stuffed with helpful info and suggestions for issues to do in Havana Cuba.
Resorts in Havana
If you’re not eager on AirBnb’s and are in search of the place to remain in Havana, the town has various motels. Parque Central has the best focus of well-known motels that boast prime areas and nice interiors at excessive costs. If you wish to get a really feel of the genuine Cuban aptitude and take a look at among the metropolis’s well-known motels, you may wish to contemplate one in all these locations:
- Lodge Inglaterra – Situated in Outdated Havana, this resort is simply 10 miles from the airport and likewise near different well-liked touristy spots.
- Iberostar Parque Central – A Central Havana resort, Iberostar is situated within the colonial Spanish constructing. It’s additionally inside a brief stroll to a few of Havana’s well-liked locations resembling La Bodeguita del Medio and Bar Floridita.
- B&B Outdated Havana – A boutique resort within the coronary heart of Outdated Havana minutes away from the Outdated Sq..
- Estancia Bohemia – If you’re in search of some wonderful metropolis views and higher high quality, Estancia Bohemia is your alternative. The resort additionally affords a complimentary breakfast.
Airbnb’s in Havana
Havana’s AirBnb’s often known as Casas Particulares are an ideal different to usually dear motels. They usually embrace breakfast, wi-fi (an enormous bonus in Cuba!) and different facilities that motels cost more money for. Listed here are a number of well-liked spots that usually pop up in searches whenever you search for the place to remain in Havana, Cuba:
- Mi Casa Tu Casa – a well-liked place that gives breakfast, entry to the Web, and a main location close to Outdated City.
- La Rosa de Ortega – this classic lodging is well-liked with guests due to its facilities resembling health club, pool and exquisite decorations.
- Bayview Penthouse – a classy house situated in Outdated Havana inside minutes of among the hottest vacationer spots.
Greatest Eating places In Havana, Cuba
Discovering an amazing place to eat in Havana could be a little bit of a problem. Until you might be eating in very high-end locations, count on service to be poor throughout the board. Cubans simply haven’t mastered that a part of the restaurant enterprise but. However the excellent news is that genuine good Cuban meals is out there; you simply must know the place to search for it!
The most effective eating places in Havana Cuba in accordance with Tripadvisor, like Donde Lis Restaurante & Bar, 304 O’Reilly, or Habana 61 cater solely to vacationers and thus cost a premium. In case your funds lets you dine in type (count on to pay $30-40 USD per individual), go to these and different fantastic eating choices really helpful by different vacationers.
An effective way to expertise some native cooking is by eating at Paladares, privately owned eating places which have lately began to pop up throughout Havana. The Guardian has compiled this useful listing of the High 10 paladares in Havana that features well-liked spots like San Cristóbal, Atelier, and Doña Eutemia. This listing was created again in 2012, however practically all of those spots are nonetheless serving fantastic native specialties!
However even with out a advice, it’s doable to bump into some fairly cool and most significantly, scrumptious eating spots in Havana. In our expertise, these have been one of the best eating places in Havana Cuba:
El Trofeo
Paseo del Prado, Outdated Havana
El Trofeo has good worth, good meals, and a central location. Situated on the highest flooring simply throughout from the El Capitol constructing. Notice: the decor is relatively fancy, so gown accordingly. Strive the cheese and ham stuffed rooster.
Nos Nardos
Paseo del Prado, Outdated Havana
Los Nardos has an amazing menu, good costs, a favorite with locals and guests. Gown good and be ready to attend. There may be at all times a line to get in.
La Vitrola
Plaza Vieja, Outdated Havana
La Vitrola is a good restaurant set in a classic American-style diner serving scrumptious Cuban tapas-style dishes. Stay music, nice environment, and out of doors seating.
La Imprenta
Calle Mercaderes, Outdated Havana
La Imprenta is ready in an outdated printing manufacturing unit, and the restaurant affords a complete menu of Cuban fusion delicacies. Strive their distinctive Mojito and beer cocktail!
Outdoors of Outdated Havana, there are many nice restaurant decisions in Vedado as effectively.
Padar La Guardia
Padar La Guardia is without doubt one of the most well-known eating places in Cuba, due to its cool location on a rooftop that provides wonderful views of Havana. It’s a pleasant place to seize cocktails on the rooftop bar and revel in a vibrant sundown. However whereas the views at Padar La Guardia are spectacular, meals costs are a bit on the upper facet.
El Dandy
Plaza Vieja/Parque Central
If you’re in search of a comfortable cafe with a bar, take a look at El Dandy, a classy eatery that provides varied meals and cocktails at inexpensive costs. The interiors of El Dandy function a photograph gallery and a heat vibe all through the place, making this place particularly well-liked with twentysomethings.
El Cocinero
Calle 26/Vedado
One of many highlights of the Vedado neighbourhood, this restaurant is shortly gaining recognition due to its tasty meals, artsy inside and nice location. Right here it is possible for you to to dine in a loft-like environment and revel in a rooftop terrace.
Cafe Bohemia
Calle San Ignacio/Plaza Vieja
Though this quaint cafe is situated subsequent to one of the vital well-liked locations in Havana, it’s an ideal spot to flee the vacationer crowds and benefit from the quiet environment of a restaurant that provides a mixture of wholesome choices and Mediterranean-inspired meals.
The place To Drink In Havana
If you wish to take a look at the Havana nightlife and discover out what to do after hours, you then higher have some power left! For drinks and leisure, Outdated Havana affords plenty of choices for cocktails and stay music venues, whereas Vedado is the place you’ll discover the trendiest golf equipment and bars. The next are the preferred bars in Outdated Havana:
- El Chanchullero – nice vibe, nice drinks… if you will get in (there’s at all times an extended line exterior)
- Bar Monserrate – good spot for stay music and some informal drinks
- La Zorra y el Cuervo – Jazz bar rated high spot for nightlife in Havana
- El Floridita – made well-known by Ernest Hemingway for its Daiquiris and implausible Cuban rum
- Fabrica de Arte Cubano/Cuban Artwork Manufacturing facility – new venue well-liked with younger Cubans. Right here you’ll find artwork galleries, bars, a dance flooring and a film theatre.
- Waoo – one in all Havana’s newer eating places, Waoo affords a formidable array of drinks and meals.
- Cafe la Flauta Magica – a well-liked bar that overlooks the well-known Malecon Highway with a backdrop of Havana’s skyline.
Anticipate to pay $4-5 USD for a cocktail and $2-3 USD for a beer at many of those institutions.
La Floridita, Outdated Havana
How A lot Time Do You Want In Havana
You’ll want a minimal of three days to see the town and pattern one of the best issues to do in Havana, though you may simply spend weeks on this fascinating metropolis. Outdated Havana could appear compact, however exploring it on foot for hours on finish could be actually exhausting, so it’s finest to separate up your sightseeing into 2-3 day chunks. If you need time to additionally see Vedado and Central Havana, add at the least a day or 2 for every district.