HAVANA
Havana is a vibrant time capsule where colonial majesty meets revolutionary spirit. Its salt-misted air carries the rhythm of salsa, the scent of cigars, and an undeniable, resilient energy.
This Caribbean jewel captivates with its pastel facades and vintage American cars. From the cobblestones of the Old City to the iconic Malecón, it remains Cuba’s soulful and defiant heart.
Most Popular Attractions
Old Havana (Habana Vieja) Core:
Plaza de la Catedral: A stunning baroque square dominated by the asymmetrical towers of the Havana Cathedral.
Plaza de Armas: The city’s oldest square, famous for its leafy center and traditional second-hand book sellers.
Castillo de la Real Fuerza: A star-shaped fort that is one of the oldest colonial stone fortifications in the Americas.
Palacio de los Capitanes Generales: The former residence of Cuba’s governors, now housing the fascinating City Museum.
El Templete: A neoclassical chapel marking the spot where the city’s first mass and town council were held.
Plaza Vieja: A beautifully restored eclectic square featuring art galleries, a brewery, and a camera obscura.
Convento de San Francisco de Asís: A former monastery with a soaring bell tower and incredible acoustics for concerts.
Calle Mercaderes: A meticulously restored pedestrian street filled with boutique museums, spice shops, and colonial charm.
Centro Habana & Vedado (Modern & Iconic Sites):
El Capitolio: The majestic National Capitol Building, strikingly similar to the U.S. Capitol but with richer interior detail.
The Malecón: Havana’s iconic five-mile seawall, the city’s “outdoor lounge” where locals gather at sunset.
Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes: A world-class art museum split between Cuban art and international masters.
Museo de la Revolución: Housed in the former Presidential Palace, detailing Cuba’s complex political history and the Granma yacht.
Hotel Nacional de Cuba: A historic landmark overlooking the Gulf of Mexico, famous for its mobster history and celebrity guests.
Plaza de la Revolución: A massive civic square featuring the José Martí Memorial and the giant steel face of Che Guevara.
Necrópolis Cristóbal Colón: One of the world’s great historical cemeteries, noted for its elaborate marble sculptures and monuments.
Universidad de Habana: The grand, hilltop campus of one of the oldest universities in the Western Hemisphere.
Havana Province & Outskirts:
Fortaleza de San Carlos de la Cabaña: A massive fortress complex that hosts the nightly “Cañonazo” cannon-firing ceremony.
Castillo de los Tres Reyes del Morro: The iconic lighthouse and fortress guarding the entrance to Havana Bay.
Finca Vigía: Ernest Hemingway’s preserved hilltop estate, where he wrote some of his most famous novels.
Fusterlandia: A whimsical neighborhood transformed into a masterpiece of mosaic tile art by artist José Fuster.
Playas del Este: A string of beautiful turquoise beaches just east of the city, popular with locals and tourists alike.
Callejón de Hamel: A vibrant, colorful alleyway dedicated to Afro-Cuban culture, murals, and Rumba music.
Cojímar: The quaint fishing village that served as the setting and inspiration for The Old Man and the Sea.
Jardín Botánico Nacional: A sprawling botanical garden showcasing Cuba’s diverse tropical flora and palm collections.
Activities & Experiences
Take a Salsa Masterclass: Learn the rhythms of Casino (Cuban Salsa) with a private tutor in a colonial rooftop studio in Old Havana.
Classic Car Tour of the City: Cruise through the Vedado district and along the Malecón in a brightly colored 1950s American convertible.
Walk the “Habana Vieja” Heritage Trail: Explore the four main colonial plazas (Plaza de Armas, San Francisco, Vieja, and the Cathedral) to see 500 years of architecture.
Attend a Show at the Tropicana: Experience the world-famous cabaret under the stars, featuring flamboyant costumes and a full orchestra.
Learn to Roll a Cuban Cigar: Visit a specialized “Casa del Habano” to watch a torcedor (roller) at work and learn about the world’s finest tobacco.
Go on a Hemingway Pilgrimage: Visit “Finca Vigía” (his former home), have a Daiquiri at El Floridita, and a Mojito at La Bodeguita del Medio.
Explore the Callejón de Hamel: Immerse yourself in Afro-Cuban culture at this vibrant alleyway filled with murals, sculptures, and Sunday rumba music.
Sunset Walk on the Malecón: Join thousands of locals on the 8km sea wall to enjoy the breeze, street musicians, and the sunset over the Atlantic.
Visit the Fortaleza de la Cabaña: Watch the nightly Cañonazo ceremony at 9:00 PM, where soldiers in 18th-century uniforms fire a cannon over the bay.
Day Trip to Playas del Este: Escape to the turquoise waters and white sands of Santa María del Mar, located just 20 minutes from the city center.
Art Immersion at Fusterlandia: Visit the neighborhood of Jaimanitas, transformed into a mosaic masterpiece by artist José Fuster.
Local Tips & Transport
Walking is Key: Old Havana (Habana Vieja) is almost entirely pedestrian-friendly. Navigating the narrow, cobblestone streets on foot is the only way to see the hidden courtyards and colonial details.
Almendrones (Shared Taxis): These are the vintage American cars that run on fixed routes. They are a cheap way to travel like a local; just wave one down and ask if they are headed in your direction.
Yellow Taxis & Coco-Taxis: For direct travel, use official yellow government taxis. For a fun (though often noisy) short trip, hop in a Coco-Taxi—a yellow, egg-shaped three-wheeled scooter.
Buses (Guaguas): While extremely cheap, the city buses are often very crowded and can be difficult for tourists to navigate without a deep knowledge of the city layout.
Ferries: Take the small ferry from the Muelle de Luz across the bay to Regla or Casa Blanca. It’s a short, scenic trip that provides great skyline views and access to the Christ Statue.
The Dual Economy & Currency: Cuba has transitioned to the CUP (Cuban Peso), but many private businesses prefer or only accept foreign cards or cash (Euros/USD). Always carry small bills for tipping.
Internet Access: Wi-Fi is not universal. You will need to buy a “Nauta” card from an ETECSA kiosk to access hotspots in public parks and hotels, though many Casas Particulares (guesthouses) now offer private Wi-Fi.
Casas Particulares: For an authentic experience, stay in a private home rather than a government hotel. You’ll get better service, local advice, and a more personal connection to Cuban life.
Dining Culture: Seek out Paladares—privately owned restaurants. These generally offer much higher quality food and service than state-run establishments. Don’t miss the Ropa Vieja (shredded beef).
The “No-Hurry” Mindset: Service in Cuba can be slow by international standards. Embrace the “clocks don’t tick here” attitude, especially when waiting for food or drinks.
Hidden Gems:
- Fabrica de Arte Cubano (FAC): An old cooking oil factory turned into a massive multi-disciplinary arts space. It’s the trendiest spot in the city for live music, art galleries, and cocktails.
- Pharmacy Museum (Farmacia Taquechel): A beautifully preserved 19th-century pharmacy in Old Havana with hand-painted porcelain jars and cedar shelving.
- The Christopher Columbus Cemetery: One of the most architecturally significant cemeteries in the world, filled with stunning marble statues and elaborate mausoleums.
- La Guarida: Perhaps Cuba’s most famous restaurant, located at the top of a crumbling, majestic staircase in a residential tenement building. Even if you don’t eat there, the building is a work of art.
Language: While English is spoken in tourist hubs, Spanish is essential for exploring deeper. Cubans speak fast and often drop the “s” at the end of words—be patient and don’t be afraid to ask them to speak más lento (slower).
Top Restaurants
Doña Eutimia [$15-$25] – Tucked away in a small alley off the Plaza de la Catedral in Old Havana, this famous spot is beloved for its home-style ropa vieja and frozen mojitos in a cozy, welcoming atmosphere.
Paladar Los Mercaderes [$20-$30] – A beautifully restored colonial house in Old Havana that offers classic Cuban dishes like lobster in tomato sauce and ajiaco stew, often accompanied by live trio music.
El Chanchullero [$10-$20] – A gritty, multi-story bar and restaurant near the Plaza del Cristo known for its “hemorrhage of flavors,” affordable large portions, and a strictly anti-tourist-trap attitude.
Nao Bar [$20-$30] – Located on a narrow street near the harbor in Old Havana, this stone-walled tavern serves excellent lechón asado (roast pork) and seafood in a rustic, historical setting.
Paladar San Cristóbal [$25-$40] – Famous for hosting President Obama, this Centro Habana landmark is filled with eclectic antiques and serves massive portions of traditional comida criolla.
La Vitrola [$15-$25] – A lively, 1950s-themed spot on the corner of Plaza Vieja that features live music and classic Cuban snacks like malanga fritters and ham croquettes.
Casa Miglis [$20-$35] – A unique fusion of Cuban ingredients and Swedish techniques located in Centro Habana, offering a clean, modern take on local flavors like snapper with meatballs.
El del Frente [$20-$30] – A trendy rooftop spot on O’Reilly Street in Old Havana known for some of the best giant daiquiris in the city and high-quality tacos and ceviches.
Jíbaro [$15-$25] – Located in the emerging San Isidro Art District, this small, creative paladar focuses on healthy, non-alcoholic craft cocktails and elevated traditional staples like arroz con pollo.
La Bodeguita del Medio [$15-$30] – While highly touristic, this historic bar in Old Havana is the legendary birthplace of the mojito and still serves reliable, rustic Cuban pork and black beans.
El Dandy [$10-$20] – A bohemian cafe-bar on the edge of Plaza del Cristo that serves excellent coffee, sandwiches, and small plates to a mix of locals and travelers.
Van Van [$15-$25] – A vibrant, music-themed restaurant in Old Havana named after the famous band, serving reliable classics like vaca frita in a room decorated with vintage instruments.
O’Reilly 304 [$20-$35] – A narrow, energetic gin bar in Old Havana that serves creative fusion seafood and massive cocktails, usually requiring a wait due to its local popularity.
Kilómetro Zero [$15-$25] – A bustling spot near the Capitolio that offers a wide range of Cuban tapas and live music in a space that feels like a classic neighborhood social club.
El Figón de Benito [$15-$25] – A quiet, local-oriented paladar in the Aguiar area of Old Havana specializing in traditional fish dishes and simple, well-executed creole recipes.
Sia Kará Café [$15-$25] – Located right behind the Capitolio, this quirky, art-filled bar serves generous portions of grilled meats and is a favorite for its late-night bohemian vibe.
El Cocinero [$30-$50] – Located in a former cooking oil factory in Vedado, this stylish restaurant features a stunning rooftop terrace and a sophisticated menu of duck confit and seafood.
Otramanera [$35-$55] – A sleek, contemporary restaurant in the Miramar district that offers a Spanish-Cuban fusion menu with a focus on artful presentation and seasonal ingredients.
Costa Vino [$30-$50] – A modern wine-focused bistro in the Playa neighborhood that offers a refined selection of international dishes and one of the best wine cellars in Havana.
Jama [$25-$45] – An Asian-Cuban fusion spot in Old Havana that creatively blends local ingredients with Japanese techniques, famous for its “Cuban Ramen” and sushi rolls.
Grados [$20-$40] – A chef-led paladar in Vedado where the menu changes daily based on market availability, offering some of the most intellectual and creative cooking in the city.
Famoso [$20-$35] – A trendy pizzeria and bar in Vedado that serves artisanal thin-crust pizzas with high-quality toppings in a sleek, industrial-chic space.
Bleco [$25-$40] – A fashionable rooftop restaurant and lounge on the Malecón that serves international fusion dishes and offers some of the best sunset views in Havana.
Tierra [$30-$50] – Located inside the Fábrica de Arte Cubano complex in Vedado, this restaurant serves an international “street food” menu representing different world cuisines.
Ajiaco Café [$20-$35] – Located in the Cojimar fishing village just east of the city, this spot reinvents traditional Cuban countryside recipes with modern plating and bold flavors.
El Idilio [$20-$35] – A popular grill-focused restaurant in Vedado with a great outdoor patio, known for its high-quality grilled octopus and charcoal-fired meats.
Nazdarovie [$25-$40] – A unique Soviet-themed restaurant on the Malecón that serves Russian classics like borscht and pierogi, celebrating Cuba’s historical ties to the USSR.
Malecon 663 [$25-$45] – A boutique hotel rooftop in Central Havana that offers “funky” fusion food and creative cocktails with an incredible view of the sea.
Mas Habana [$20-$35] – A sophisticated and airy spot in Old Havana that serves Mediterranean-influenced Cuban cuisine with a focus on fresh fish and elegant presentation.
Fuumiyaki [$25-$40] – A rare Japanese teppanyaki and sushi spot in the Miramar district that provides a modern, high-energy dining experience popular with the local expat community.
La Guarida [$50-$100] – Havana’s most iconic restaurant, located in a crumbling 20th-century palace in Centro Habana; it offers an avant-garde menu including tuna in coconut glaze and suckling pig.
La Corte del Príncipe [$40-$70] – Widely considered the best Italian food in Cuba, this upscale spot in Playa features a chef who prepares simple, high-end pasta and seafood without a printed menu.
Santy Pescador [$40-$80] – A hidden, riverside seafood “shack” in Jaimanitas that serves world-class sushi and the freshest sashimi in Cuba, favored by diplomats and foodies.
Chef Ivan Justo [$40-$70] – A high-end paladar in Old Havana located in an 18th-century building, known for its creative seafood dishes and an extensive, rotating daily menu.
Brasserie 255 [$45-$75] – Located in the Voya Boutique Hotel in Vedado, this elegant restaurant offers a refined blend of Mediterranean and Cuban fine dining in a romantic, upscale setting.
Restaurante 1930 [$50-$90] – Situated inside the historic Hotel Nacional in Vedado, this classic dining room offers a formal experience with traditional international and Cuban dishes.
Casa Mia Paladar [$30-$50] – An upscale family-run restaurant in Vedado overlooking the sea, offering refined seafood pastas and a famous tres leches cake.
Ivan Chefs Justo [$40-$70] – A colorful, eclectic fine-dining spot near the Museum of the Revolution that specializes in slow-cooked meats and inventive seafood platters.
Eclectico [$40-$70] – A stylish restaurant in the Paseo 206 Boutique Hotel in Vedado that focuses on high-end Italian cuisine using organic, locally sourced Cuban ingredients.
Sierra Maestra [$50-$90] – Located on the 25th floor of the Habana Libre hotel, this restaurant offers “continental” fine dining with panoramic views of the entire city.
Mercado de San José [$5-$15] – Not a traditional restaurant, but a massive craft market on the harbor with small stalls serving quick Cuban snacks and fresh tropical juices.
Coppelia [$1-$5] – The legendary state-run “Ice Cream Cathedral” in Vedado; while the lines for locals are long, it is a cultural landmark for affordable, simple ice cream.
Helad’oro [$5-$10] – An artisanal gelato shop in Old Havana that offers unique Cuban flavors like mamey and mojito in a charming, modern setting.
El Vampiro [$5-$12] – A 24-hour cafeteria in Vedado that is a local legend for its pork sandwiches and quick bites, especially popular with the late-night crowd.
La Bien Paga [$10-$20] – A specialized ham and cheese shop in Old Havana that serves high-quality Spanish-style sandwiches and tapas in a sleek, narrow space.
Al Carbón [$30-$50] – A rustic-chic restaurant in Old Havana that focuses on traditional charcoal-grill cooking, famous for its massive tortilla española and slow-roasted meats.
Top Cocktail Bars and Clubs
El Floridita: Located at the edge of Old Havana, this world-famous historic bar is the “Cradle of the Daiquiri” and was a favorite of Ernest Hemingway; his bronze statue still sits at the mahogany bar.
La Bodeguita del Medio: Tucked away in a narrow street of Old Havana near the Cathedral, this rustic, graffiti-covered tavern is the legendary birthplace of the Mojito.
Sloppy Joe’s Bar: Reopened in Old Havana with its iconic long wooden bar, this spot offers a polished, vintage atmosphere reminiscent of Havana’s 1930s golden era.
La Guarida Rooftop: Perched atop the city’s most famous paladar in Centro Habana, this elegant terrace offers high-end mixology and the most breathtaking sunset views over the city’s rooftops.
El del Frente: Situated on a rooftop in Old Havana, this trendy spot is known for serving some of the most creative and oversized fruit gin tonics and mojitos in a modern, hip setting.
Bar Roma: A “secret” rooftop bar hidden behind an unassuming door in an old apartment building in Old Havana, featuring industrial décor and a young, cool crowd.
Michifu: Located in the heart of Centro Habana, this cozy and artistic bar serves excellent cocktails in a vintage-chic environment with a local, bohemian vibe.
O’Reilly 304: A small but high-energy gin and cocktail bar in Old Havana, famous for its elaborate garnishes and incredibly fresh ingredients.
Hotel Nacional – Terrace Bar: Located in the iconic Vedado district, this historic terrace allows you to sip a “Mafia” cocktail on the lawn overlooking the Malecón and the sea.
Sauto: A sophisticated and minimalist cocktail bar in the Miramar neighborhood, offering a quiet, upscale atmosphere for those looking to escape the bustle of the center.
Jíbaro: Found in the San Isidro art district of Old Havana, this bar specializes in inventive non-alcoholic mocktails as well as potent, expertly balanced classic Cuban drinks.
Costa Vino: A stylish wine and cocktail bar in Miramar that caters to a refined crowd, offering a great selection of imported spirits and a modern interior.
Bleco: An open-air bar located right on the Malecón, perfect for a casual drink while feeling the sea breeze and watching the city’s famous vintage cars pass by.
Kilómetro Zero: Situated near the Capitolio in Old Havana, this lively bar often features live music and serves as a perfect transition spot between afternoon sightseeing and a long night out.
Fangio Habana: Located in a beautiful Vedado mansion (Hotel Sercotel), this bar offers a classy, jazz-influenced atmosphere with a focus on premium spirits.
Fabrica de Arte Cubano (F.A.C.): Set in a former cooking oil factory in Vedado, this is Havana’s premier cultural hub; it’s a massive multi-room club where art galleries, cinema, and live DJ sets collide.
Tropicana: The world-renowned open-air cabaret in the Marianao district, offering a flashy, high-production show under the stars that transforms into a dance floor after the performance.
La Zorra y el Cuervo: Havana’s most famous jazz club, located in Vedado; you enter through a classic red English phone booth into a basement cellar for world-class live music and dancing.
Cabaret Parisién: Located inside the Hotel Nacional in Vedado, this club offers a more intimate but equally spectacular alternative to Tropicana, featuring traditional Cuban dance and music.
Club 1830: Situated at the western end of the Malecón, this stunning colonial mansion features an outdoor terrace that is the city’s most iconic spot for salsa and casino dancing.
KingBar: A popular and inclusive club in Vedado known for its great outdoor patio, themed nights, and a mix of reggaeton and international pop music.
Sarao’s Bar: A sleek, modern lounge and club in Vedado that attracts a fashionable crowd with its VIP service, neon lights, and contemporary dance hits.
Don Cangrejo: Located in Miramar right on the ocean’s edge, this venue functions as a seafood restaurant by day and one of the city’s best live music clubs by night, often featuring top Cuban bands.
Mio & Tuyo: A high-energy club in the Miramar district popular with locals for its reggaeton parties and vibrant, late-night atmosphere.
Sangri-La: A popular “subterranean” lounge and club in Miramar, known for its exclusive feel, great sound system, and being a favorite haunt for Havana’s socialites.