Havana Travel Guide
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Top Attractions
Cheap Flying Tips
Where to Stay
Things to Do
Your Guide to Havana
Havana, Cuba, isolated from the rest of the world for over fifty years, is fast becoming the travel destination in the Caribbean. If Havana is on your bucket list, make the most of your visit with the following guide to Havana. It includes information about arriving by plane, choosing a place to stay, and planning what to see and do.
If you’re one of the many travelers who want to add Havana to your “I’ve been there” list, there’s never been a better time to go. Making the most of your stay in Havana starts with careful planning—and that begins with this guide to the best the city has to offer.
Top Attractions in Havana
Havana is a charming, if somewhat dilapidated, city unaffected by the tacky, touristy feel that permeates most popular vacation destinations. With plenty of sights to see, good food to enjoy, and a pulsing nightlife, there’s something for everyone in Havana.
With so much to see and do, it’s hard to know where to begin. We’ll get you started with our picks for the top three must-see attractions.
Habana Vieja (Old Havana)
Habana Vieja, or Old Havana, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site for good reason. Many buildings are over 100 years old, and the colorful architecture runs the gamut from Baroque to Spanish Colonial to Art Deco.
Dotted with small cafes along cobblestone streets, the oldest part of Havana welcomes pedestrians and little vehicular traffic. Since this area is still heavily populated with locals, you’ll get a true sense of the Cuban lifestyle as you wander the narrow calles and see Cubans going about their daily routines.
Plan to spend several hours wandering through Old Havana. Be sure to take in some of the historic plazas and buildings. Plaza Vieja (Old Square) is noteworthy for its classic Cuban feel, while Plaza de la Catedral is known for the beautiful cathedral that graces one side of the square.
Fábrica de Arte Cubano
The Fábrica de Arte Cubano (Cuban Art Factory), housed in an old oil factory, brings together the best of Cuban art in all its forms: visual, dance, cinema, theater, and architecture. It offers works of art from all areas of the Cuban art world.
Described in a TA review, it is “part concert venue, part dance club, all fun.” With shows, dancing, food, and drink, you’ll definitely enjoy an evening at this hip, cool, and cultural show-stopping memory in the making.
Fusterlandia
Cuban artist Jose Fuster moved into his Havana neighborhood of Jaimanitas in 1975. The area was derelict and needed something. Fuster began to cover his whole house with colorful mosaic tile. Once he finished his house, he approached his neighbors about adding his tile creativity to their houses.
The project grew from there, and today, his incredible work covers houses, bus stops, water fountains, and commercial buildings. Now known as Fusterlandia, it’s become a tourist mecca.
You can take a taxi, local bus, or go with a tour group to ride through the colorful maze of artistry. It’s free, but local artists do appreciate any donations or purchases of their art.
The Experience Flying into Havana Airport
Jose Marti International Airport is Cuba’s main airport. It’s about 11 miles from Havana and offers standard airport amenities, although on a more modest scale than most Americans are used to. The airport terminal is not that big, and you can easily walk where you need to go.
Upon arrival, you’ll find yourself in a small Arrivals area before heading to Immigration. As in any airport, just follow the signs and get in line. Be sure to have all the necessary paperwork handy.
To travel into Havana from the airport, the safest and best options for the 30-40 minute ride are:
- Cubataxis, the state-owned yellow taxis: usually around 25 CUCs; be prepared to pay in cash
- Prearranged private transport: 30-50 CUCs (depending on number in party). The driver will be waiting for you with a sign.
Note: The local public transportation system of buses runs on an unreliable schedule, so it’s not advisable for tourists to attempt to navigate the confusion.
Top 3 Tips to Fly Cheap to Havana
Everyone wants to travel at a low cost. Why not? Why pay more if you can get to your destination with fewer dollars? Traveling on the cheap to Havana is certainly possible with a little research and planning and these tips:
1. Avoid the High Season
Havana’s high season runs from December to March. Granted, this is the best time to travel when it comes to having great weather (moderate and pleasant temperatures in the mid-70’s, and bright, sunny days, provide the perfect setting to explore the city). But, it’s also the most expensive time to fly there.
If you’re flexible on your travel dates and don’t mind some rainy days, consider visiting in the offseason.
2. Book at Least Three Weeks Out
To find the best deals on flights, book your airline tickets at least three weeks ahead of your travel dates. Any later, and you might see some price spikes for last-minute shoppers. Any sooner, and you won’t be able to catch any deals from airlines trying to fill up flights.
3. Use Search Filters on Travel Sites
When you use a travel site, Skyscanner, for example, to search for flights, add filters or sort the results to focus your search on what’s important to you. Some options to look for and use are:
- Arrival and departure dates or times
- Number of stops
- Cheapest flights
- Fastest flights
One Final Tip: Instead of searching for the closest airport, try searching for other airports in Cuba. You’ll be able to see departure points around the area and may find that it’s cheaper to fly into a different city and head to Havana from there.
Popular Areas of Havana to Stay
Havana is no different from any other city you might visit. Different areas have their own vibe and attract visitors based on what they are looking to do and experience.
The popular areas of Havana that appeal to most tourists are:
- Habana Vieja: the old city center
- El Vedado: an early 20th-century neighborhood of homes and apartment buildings
- Miramar: ritzy area and home to embassies, diplomats, and wealthier Cubans
Popular Hotels in These Areas
Each of these areas in Havana, where tourists often stay, offers various hotels to choose from. Depending on what level of comfort you require, you should be able to find one to suit your needs.
Habana Vieja
These hotels are less than a mile from the old city:
- Iberostar Parque Central
- Villa Juanita Boutique Hotel
- Residencia Santa Clara
- Paseo del Prado La Habana
El Vedado
Located a few miles west of Old Havana, El Vedado is primarily a residential area but offers visitors several choice hotels:
- Hotel Nacional de Cuba
- La Reserva Vedado
- El Candid Boutique Hotel
Miramar
For newer and more upscale accommodations, make a reservation at one of these hotels in Miramar:
- Melia Habana
- Occidental Miramar
- Panorama
Popular Airbnb Places in These Areas
Airbnb began operating in Cuba in 2015 and is now one of the most popular ways to stay in Havana. Often offering much lower rates than hotels, which can be fairly pricey in Havana, Airbnb is an excellent choice for those on a budget and want a more authentic Cuban experience.
Check out these popular AirBnb’s in our top three city areas:
Habana Vieja
Casa O’Reilly – 1 BR, 1 bath, helpful host
Escorial – 1 BR, 1 bath, newly renovated, located on Plaza Vieja
Casa Lili – 1 BR, 1 bath on popular Obispo Street
El Vedado
Heart of Vedado – 1 BR, 1 bath, modern and bright
Loft Calle G – 1 BR, 1 bath luxury loft
Modern Vedado – 1 BR, 1 bath, private and direct access to the ground floor unit
Miramar
Calle 20 – 2 BR, 2 baths, quiet location
Casa CKC – 2 BR, 1.5 baths, quiet and secure with locked building door
Casa Reyes – 2 BR, 2 baths, sleeps 5, pool and garden just steps from the sea
Top Three Things to Do in Havana
There is a myriad of things to do and see in Havana. It’s hard to pick just a few must-do activities; just know there’s so much more in Havana for you to experience!
- Ride in a Classic Car – Pre-book a tour of Havana in one of these 1950s era cars and feel the city’s vibe as you ride in style. A typical tour lasts two hours. There are also one-day and four-day tours of the area around Havana.
- Tour a Cigar Factory – Cuba is known worldwide for its cigars. Getting to see how these luxuries are crafted will be a highlight of your trip, even if you don’t smoke. There are several to choose from, and you will have to pay the government-set entry fee to go in. Private tours are also available and will take you through the cigar industry.
- Stroll Along El Melecón – A five-mile esplanade along the ocean, El Melecón is Havana’s gathering spot, offering an iconic view of the city. Take a stroll, and you’ll be rewarded with plenty of people-watching opportunities, the serenades of wandering musicians, or fishermen hauling in the night’s dinner.
Coolest Airbnb Experiences in Havana
Besides offering outstanding accommodations, Airbnb is also a go-to site for finding unique things to do while in Havana. You can discover and experience Havana’s local flavor when you sign up for one of these cool opportunities.
- Lights of Havana – Enjoy a night-time bike tour of Havana as you stop at local highlights and hear native Cubans share their stories. The tour is 3.5 hours and includes drinks and equipment.
- Pure Salsa in Havana – Learn to dance the salsa, then enjoy a traditional Cuban lunch. Later that evening, you’ll head to a couple of salsa clubs where you can try out your new skills.
- Cook Cuban at a Colonial Villa – There is a saying in Cuba: “Love starts in the kitchen.” You can experience this for yourself when you sign on for a cooking lesson with a local family. Learn how to cook classic Cuban dishes while learning some Cuban history and enjoying the taste of your culinary efforts.
Final Thoughts
Havana is calling! After all these years of isolation, Havana, Cuba welcomes the world to its door. Visiting there is no longer just a dream. With careful planning, you can make it a reality and enjoy all its colorful Caribbean culture and history.
