Havana is frozen in 1959 – classic cars + crumbling colonial + salsa + cigars + rum. 3-4 days perfect.
Top Things to Do in Havana
1. Ride in a 1950s classic American car
Cost: USD 40-70/hour.
Convertible Chevy Bel Air around Malecon.
2. Walk Old Havana (Habana Vieja)
Cost: Free.
UNESCO World Heritage. Plaza de la Catedral + Plaza Vieja.
3. Walk the Malecon (seawall) at sunset
Cost: Free.
5-mile waterfront promenade.
4. Hemingway sites – El Floridita (daiquiri) + La Bodeguita del Medio (mojito)
Cost: USD 5-10/drink.
Hemingway’s bars.
5. Tour Partagas Cigar Factory + buy cigars
Cost: USD 50 tour.
Real Cohibas + Montecristos.
6. Buena Vista Social Club show at Cafe Taberna
Cost: USD 25-40.
Live son cuban music.
7. Walk Plaza de la Revolucion (Che Guevara mural)
Cost: Free.
Where Castro gave speeches.
8. Catch live salsa at Casa de la Musica
Cost: USD 10-20 cover.
Real Cuban salsa night.
9. Eat at La Guarida (Strawberry & Chocolate filming location)
Cost: USD 30-50.
Best paladar (private restaurant).
10. Visit Museo de la Revolucion
Cost: USD 8.
Castro/Che Guevara era museum.
11. Day trip Vinales Valley (tobacco country)
Cost: USD 40-70 day trip.
2 hours. Cigar farms + horseback.
12. Walk Centro Habana (where locals live)
Cost: Free.
Best for real Cuba photography.
13. Eat ropa vieja + black beans + plantains
Cost: USD 8-20.
Cuban national dish – shredded beef stew.
14. Visit Fusterlandia (Jaimanitas neighborhood)
Cost: Free walking.
Tiled mosaic art project covering houses.
15. Drink Cuba libre or mojito on rooftop at Hotel Saratoga
Cost: USD 8-15.
Best Old Havana view.
Practical Tips for Havana
Currency: Local currency essential. USD accepted in some tourist areas at worse rates. Carry small bills.
Transport: Use Uber/Cabify/local apps (not street taxis). Public transport is cheap but watch belongings.
Safety: Don’t flash phones/cameras in crowds. Use hotel safes. Use Uber not taxis at night.
Tipping: 10% at restaurants. Round up taxis. Tips welcome from porters + drivers.
Where to Stay in Havana
Stay in safe tourist neighborhoods. Mid-range boutique hotels offer best value. Book 4-6 weeks ahead for peak season.
FAQ
Is Havana safe?
Havana is generally safe in tourist areas. Standard travel precautions apply – watch valuables in crowds. Use trusted taxi apps. Avoid certain neighborhoods at night.
How many days do I need in Havana?
Havana deserves 3-5 days for first-timers. Add days for surrounding regions + day trips.
What’s the best time to visit Havana?
Avoid wet/hurricane seasons. Dry season + spring/fall offer the best balance of weather + crowds + prices.
Do I need to speak Spanish?
Basic Spanish helps enormously. Locals appreciate the effort. Google Translate works in a pinch. Some staff in tourist hotels speak English.
What about altitude sickness?
Cusco (11,000 ft), Quito (9,300 ft), La Paz (12,000 ft) cause altitude sickness for 10-30% of visitors. Acclimate 1-2 days, drink coca tea, take diamox if needed.
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