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Capital and largest city of Cuba
Photo: Gerry Zambonini (Flickr user: Zambog), CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Havana (Spanish: La Habana) is the capital city of Cuba, and one of the fifteen provinces of the Republic of Cuba. Visitors come to Havana for its music, history, culture, architecture and monuments. Havana is a lively city that retains a lot of beautiful buildings from its heyday in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, many of which have been deteriorating since the 1950s, creating a romantic atmosphere of a bygone era.
From the travel guide. Select a place for details, a map and what is nearby.
Museo de la Revolución
Housed in the former presidential palace, this iconic museum offers a history tour from pre-Columbian to the revolution in 1959 and on to present-day socialist Cuba. There's more than a hint of propaganda among the exhibitions.
El Capitolio
Completed in 1929, this neoclassical building which resembles the U.S. Capitol. It housed the Cuban Congress prior to the revolution and is now the National Assembly.
Fábrica de Tabaco Partagas
A guided visit to the original Partagás factory gives a wealth of information about production and cultivation of tobacco and cigars. It is also the place for buying authentic Cuban cigars, more expensive than on the street but with fantastic quality.
Museo del Ron Havana Club
Go on a guided tour of Havana Club, one of Cuba's most famous rums. Most of the exhibits are subtitled in English and are fairly self-explanatory.
Huge square dominated by a statue and monument of Jose Marti and the iconic image of Che Guevara adorning the Ministry of the Interior. Arrive either early or late, as it is often swamped by tourists and gets very hot during the day.
Parque Lennon
Features the only statue of a western musician in Havana. Notable for the regularly stolen (and replaced) eyeglasses.
This heavily fortified and guarded building is where Cuban citizens go to apply for U.S. visas. It was notable for displaying news which was unfiltered and not censored by the Cuban government on electronic billboards behind the windows of one of the floors, but these were switched off in 2009. It is also the focus for regularly staged protests.
The hotel housed Castro's soldiers for several days after they took Havana. It has an excellent selection of photos in the lobby along with one of the only 24-hr fast food restaurants in the city.
La Fábrica de Arte or FAC
An art gallery and club. The Fábrica's gallery and stage were established inside of a former cooking oil factory, and has since gained notoriety as one of Havana's premier nightclubs and art galas.
Enjoy extraordinary 360° views of the city using the large Cámara Oscura in the old town.
Catedral de La Habana
Built in the 18th century and redesigned in the 1940s, this church is a prime example of Baroque architecture in Cuba. Houses the seat of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese in Cuba.
Spacious and elegant, the square is surrounded by baroque constructions that give it an authentic colonial milieu. It was laid out during the 1600s, replacing an old plaza which acted as the center of religious, administrative and military activity. Until the mid-18th century, it was used for military exercises and parades. After its remodeling between the years 1771-1838, it became a favored meeting spot for the city's wealthy. Today it is also known as Céspedes Park, in honor of the country's Founding Father, whose monument stands at its center. This square is one of the most outstanding in the city, enlivened by vendors of antiques and classical books on Latin American and world literature. Attractions of remarkable historical value lay around the square such as the capok tree (Ceiba) under which the first mass for the city's founding was officiated in 1519.
Castillo de la Real Fuerza
The oldest bastioned fortress in the New World, completed 1577. It now houses Cuba's premier maritime museum with excellent exhibits of Cuba’s maritime past, from pre-Columbian days through to the 18th century with the Royal Shipyard of Havana, one of the largest in the world which built nearly 200 ships for the Spanish Crown. The museum includes a huge model of Santisima Trinidad, one of the largest ships in the world during the 18th century. The fort is also a great location for viewing the harbour and city skyline.
This museum has two parts: international and Cuban art. In the part of Arte Cubano art-lovers can spend hours admiring the works of the last centuries exhibited on three floors.
A well-restored fort of the 18th century that holds two one-room exhibitions about arms and Che Guevara. Every evening there is a cannon ceremony where they fire over the Havana harbour. To get there take any bus (ex. from the Parque the la Fraternidad) that crosses the tunnel and get off right after it. Walk about 600 m to the entrance. On your way you can also stop at the smaller Castillo de los Tres Santos Reyes Magnis del Morro next to the tunnel.
Cementerio de Cristóbal Colón
One of the great historical cemeteries of the world, important in both historical and architectural terms. It's not possible to see much from behind the fence.
On weekends this is where the locals come to party, so bring a bottle and join in.
A lively pedestrian zone full of locals spending their free time.
A popular event held every December, screening international films and drawing around 500,000 people.
Citykleta
Citykleta offers you a wide range of shared or private bike tours, bike excursions and events in Havana through which you can get to know the city like no other.
Be driven around Havana in style. Choose a car you like near the Hotel Inglaterra or outside the Museum of the Revolution.
Playas del Este
There is a bus leaving from Hotel Inglaterra every 30 minutes. The ride takes about 30 minutes.
Teatro Nacional de Cuba
Come here for concerts, the Ballet Nacional de Cuba and teatre. Functions are held irregularly. Beware of scams as ushers try to sell you the same ticket for up to ~US$25 shortly before the function starts (and only paying the nationals price). Instead go to the box office to get it for the official price.
Regularly has live music events that often cost only 250 CUP. Check their Facebook page for the announcements
Often hosts big name talent such as Omara Portuondo. See also information below.
A tiny little club below street level, they often host funky and amazing jazz musicians. Go there for something a little different.
A venue designed to hold several thousand people. It only opens for live music. Look around for signs in the streets publicising the next event.
The place to be if you like to dance Salsa. Check the program before you buy tickets, there are different top-rated Salsa bands playing every night.
Offers a very nice outdoors 1950s Cuban music show called Buena Vista. You can watch it with or without dinner.
Go dance with Interactivo on Wednesday nights. Interactivo is a collaborative group of Cuban musicians, led by the pianist, singer and composer Roberto Carcasses.
A cabaret 1950s show, a must-see show while you are in Havana.
Similar to the Tropicana show but smaller and more immersive. Once the live show ends, the venue turns into a nightclub till around 02:00.
Heladería Coppelia
Practically a Cuban institution with people waiting up to an hour to get a seat.
The restaurant is upstairs, fully air-conditioned, looks immaculate. Despite being a Chinese restaurant, they serve European dishes too. Friendly service. About ~US$4 for one pizza. Cocktails are ~US$2.5.
La Casa de la Parra
Old fashioned restaurant, with live music and no A/C. They even serve traditional Cuban food, such as black beans with rice.
In the Havana suburb of Miramar, El Aljibe is the definitive proof that food in Cuba needn't be bland. Try the house specialty, chicken in sour orange sauce. El Aljibe also has a remarkably well-stocked wine cellar.
This stylish restaurant, in Nuevo Vedado, is a large California-style house typical of the 1950s. The dining room and garden are inviting and intimate. The impeccable service and consistency uncommon in Cuba, are a must in Havana.
Located near San Lazaro, this Paladar (small, family-run, privately-owned restaurant) serves typical criolla food. You will be dining in the living room of a local family, so don't expect anything glamorous in terms of atmosphere. On the other hand, the staff is very friendly and you will get the opportunity to taste typical Cuban food as local families prepare it: Simply delicious. The seating is limited so reserve in advance.
They serve mainly Italian food, sandwiches and cocktails. Prices start at ~US$3.5. The establishment is fully air-conditioned and ideal for a quick meal.
Seafood restaurant on a pier in Havana harbour. A great place to relax with seafood and a beer or mojito looking at the city. On the big terrace the breeze from the water is pleasant on a warm day. Prices depends on the kind of seafood, you order. Lobster is the most expensive. The seafood paella is less expensive, has lots of good seafood in it, and you get a big portion.
Restaurant with Cuban-Asturian food. Lots of great appetizers that also works as snacks with a cocktail. The atmosphere is cosy. In front of the restaurant is a small arcade with small cast iron tables and chairs, where you can have a drink (and a snack) and look over the water and study the steady stream of old US cars on Malecon (you just have to accept the noise from the cars too).
One of the most notable grill restaurants in Cuba. La Fontana has a refined yet sober home environment, suitable for a dinner with a touch of familiarity and a placid conversation, while enjoying exquisite dishes from its specialty, updated Cuban cuisine. Reservations essential.
The bar in which to sample a Mojito. The former hangout of Ernest Hemingway, it is best sampled in the evening once the tourist crowds from Varadero have headed back out of the city.
Another stop on the Hemingway drinking tour; best visited for its atmosphere, which is almost unchanged from pre-Castro days. Their daiquirís are however - certainly much to Hemingway's grievance - mediocre.
With the front of the Capitol building on your right from the main street, walk about two blocks to the left on the road that runs parallel to the Capitol. There are two bars called Hanoi. Go to the first one Los Buccaneros.
Taberna de la Murallo
Brewpub located on the pretty Plaza Vieja. The pub has three main beers (light, dark and black), with seasonal additions. Beer cocktails, along with a meat-based food menu, also feature.
Clean house in colonial style, like you are time travelling, see the pictures on website of our casa.
Full apartment for 1-3 guest. The apartment is very nice, quiet and clean, with views to the sea and sunsets. 1 bedroom, bathroom, kitchen, nice balcony. You can reserve on Airbnb https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/15798248/
Very central place with a great host who gets out of her way to make people comfortable. Three rooms of different sizes. Small windows overlook patio, breakfast and dinner are enormous.
A very friendly family home. 2 comfortable rooms with balcony and great view for rent.
A very friendly family home, close to the Universidad de la Habana. Room rates are negotiable depending upon the length of stay.
A very friendly couple rent rooms in their centrally located house, and help find other houses in case they're full. Both speak good English and offer helpful information. Reservations can be made by e-mail either in English or in Spanish
Olga rents her entire 2nd floor including full kitchen, living room and three beds (one double) for ~US$25-30. She's extremely friendly and not pushy like other casa owners can be.
Rents out three private rooms with air conditioning and independent entrances
A very friendly family home with two university-aged children who speak English. 2 comfortable rooms with balcony and great view. Ask for "mi cafecita" in the morning on the balcony.
This is very convenient hostel, located close to the Malecon and near the Park Central area. The pristine house and bedrooms are located on the third floor of the building. Ask the owners to turn off the air conditioning if you are too cold.
Living room, bedroom and compact kitchen. George speaks wonderful English and has a wealth of information.
Casa Nora is a lovely apartment right in the heart of Vedado. Her wonderful, friendly family makes you feel at right at home. Very safe area. The rooms are very big with AC and television, and they have an incredible view of Vedado and the ocean. Great food as well.
Nice roof terrace just for you, great meals and super friendly hosts.
Calle Aguila No. 506 Derecha 2do. Piso -right entrance of the building, second floor; entre San Jose y Barcelona.
Old construction, very well preserved. Offers breakfast, dinner, taxi, and laundry services among others.
The hostel is composed by two houses each one located on very centrical places. Also you can enjoy of very comfortable rooms which include terrace and backyards.
Very lovely place with an amazing host (Belkis) who is very generous and helpful. Two rooms with two double beds and private bathrooms.
Private apartment with terrace (for guests only). Free breakfast. Kitchen. Air conditioning. Good water pressure. And Internet (extra fee, optional). Not a touristic area so the plus is “this is the real Cuba”. 20 minutes away from the center (Old Havana aka Habana Vieja). A bank, cafeterias, bars, mini markets, all at no more than 3 blocks away (literally). An indoor garage is also available at no extra charge.
Upmarket, stylish casa particular in Old Havana with choice of room category and roof terrace.
There are several places to stay located 15 minutes of walking distance away from the airport, which is practical for very early flights
12-bed dorm.
four-bed dorms
A dorm with six beds
Paseo del Prado, Old Havana. A popular hotel with a restaurant for those wanting to stay closer to the action yet still in the comforts of a hotel.
A popular hotel just around the corner from Parque Central, right next to Inglaterra. Renovated and now really nice inside, a welcome haven of peace away from Vieja.
A Havana landmark in a good location, it's popular with tourists and journalists, has a good 24-hr cafe on site, and a business center with decent internet connections.
Paseo and Malecón, Vedado. Located along the Malecon, Havana's waterfront boulevard, this elegant hotel is considered a classic among Cubans. Its proximity to the historical-cultural center of Havana, makes this hotel the perfect place from which to explore the city. In the night time the Riviera offers excellent entertainment featuring both the exclusive Copa Room Cabaret and one of Havana's top restaurants.
Calle 21 and O, Vedado. Overlooking the ocean on the Malecón, this hotel is legendary, having hosted international VIPs for 30 years. Many years of neglect, coupled with an only partially successful renovation, have left the Nacional a step below its former glory. That said, some stay here and rarely leave the hotel, enjoying the restaurant, terrace, frequent live performances by renowned Cuban musicians, and enjoying the views while sipping Mojitos. But did you come to see Havana, or hang out in a hotel? Maybe some of both is called for. The hotel also has an excellent, albeit expensive business centre featuring CNN, internet access and a bar.
Similar to the Saratoga in quality, and has a beautiful ground floor lobby and a rooftop swimming pool. The Torre wing may have the best rooms in Cuba, at least by Western standards. The lobby of the Torre is very good, in keeping with the main hotel lobby. Excellent breakfast buffet.
A beautifully restored colonial home, this hotel is the ultimate destination for a connoisseur of Cuban cigars; each room is named after a tobacco plantation, and, of course, all rooms permit smoking. Boasts an impressive cigar shop in the hotel, in addition to a (reasonably average) restaurant. Be warned, though: if you like to sleep late, there is a peacock that wanders around the courtyard that begins to make noise as soon as the sun comes up.
Writer Ernest Hemingway stayed and wrote most of For Whom the Bell Tolls here, a fact which adds historical charm to this well-located hotel in Old Havana. The Plaza de Armas is a few steps away, and the establishment has an elegant and lively lobby where piano and jazz musicians perform.
Colón 101. A popular hotel in the 1920s, the Park View is a small establishment just off Prado, close to the colonial centre of Old Havana and the seawall. It does not share in the historical or decorative charm of other Old Havana properties, but it is certainly a practical option for anyone interested in exploring Old Havana and traveling on a tighter budget.
The Plaza is one of Havana’s oldest hotels. In addition to a beautifully restored interior and a great location near many places of interest in Old Havana, the hotel also has some interesting anecdotes. Albert Einstein once dined here, and Babe Ruth stayed at one of the suites, today a museum (where his bat has been preserved).
Considered Old Havana’s flagship hotel, this establishment is one of the classier – and more expensive – colonial-era options in this part of town. The long terrace overlooking the Plaza de Armas, shared by 10 west-facing rooms, is one of the hotel’s most evident charms, as are its colonial appeal and a magnificent location.
A modern five-star hotel with very big and comfortable rooms, and possibly the biggest swimming pool in Havana.
By train
Havana is the hub for the whole Cuban railway network and there are trains to most larger cities.
By car
Hiring a car in Cuba will cost you at least US$120/day (2019). When hiring, beware of the price of the insurance policy, as it may be subject to a scam.
By bus
Update: Viazul departures are no longer from old terminal near the Zoo. They now leave from the same terminal as the Astro bus, near Plaza de la Revolucion.
By shared taxi
Shared taxis that travel between cities are often available from immediately outside of Viazul bus terminal buildings.
By boat
Due to political circumstances, it is difficult to enter Cuba by sea. Visiting mariners need to make arrangements in advance of entering port to avoid difficulties.
By bus
Havana operates modern YuTong Chinese city buses.
By car
Whilst useful for reaching some of the less central locations in Havana, the price of car hire will rarely be less than using taxis.
By bicycle
Cycling can be a great way to get around Cuba.asp that offer guided tours, the most popular is from Havana to Santiago de Cuba.
By boat
Public ferries operate between Old Havana and various points on the other side of the harbour including the neighbourhood of Casablanca.
On foot
Walking around Havana is by far the best way to see and experience the city: get a decent map of the city and discover new sights on foot.
Choose an airport to see hotels, stations, taxi ranks and car rental desks around it.
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