Havana travel guide

Cuba

Time-capsule Caribbean city with vintage charm and revolutionary spirit

Havana is a city held in amber and constantly improvising around it. Spanish colonial palacios in Habana Vieja have been painstakingly restored by the city historian's office; the Malecón's salt spray continues to peel paint from 1950s Buicks idling along the seafront.

Havana — current status

Open. (Status checked 2026-08-30.)

Havana — TL;DR

Havana is a city held in amber and constantly improvising around it. Spanish colonial palacios in Habana Vieja have been painstakingly restored by the city historian's office; the Malecón's salt spray continues to peel paint from 1950s Buicks idling along the seafront.

Havana at a glance

• What are the best things to do in Havana? Balance one or two headline sights with unhurried time in the neighbourhoods highlighted in this guide — that mix is what makes a Havana trip feel like more than a checklist.
• How many days do you need in Havana? Three to four full days is the sweet spot for a first visit to Havana — enough to cover the main neighbourhoods on foot, sit down for two or three proper meals, and still keep a day for a nearby…
• When is the best time to visit Havana? November-April (dry season, cooler temperatures)
• Where should I stay in Havana for the first time? First-time visitors do best in one of the walkable central neighbourhoods covered in the Where to Stay section of this guide — the ones that put you within a short walk of dinner and public transport.
• How do you get around Havana? Old Town walkable; classic American cars as taxis; buses for broader areas; vibrancy and energy throughout.

Havana overview

• November-April (dry season, cooler temperatures)
• Old Town walkable; classic American cars as taxis; buses for broader areas; vibrancy and energy throughout
• Cuban Peso (CUP). Bring cash—ATMs unreliable, US cards don't work.
• Spanish. English limited. Basic Spanish essential.
• Cuba Standard Time (CST), UTC-5
• Emerging private restaurants (paladares) gaining recognition; craft beverage culture growing; heritage restoration accelerating; culinary innovation cautious but present

Where to eat, drink & do in Havana

Havana neighborhoods

• Old Havana (Habana Vieja) Historic colonial center with main tourist attractions
• Vedado Established neighborhood with hotels, restaurants, nightlife
• Centro Habana Vibrant middle neighborhood
• Miramar Elegant upscale neighborhood
• Habana Vieja The UNESCO-protected old city—baroque churches, colonial plazas, and tourist central.

Practical info for Havana

• Book Casas Direct in Havana? Casas particulares are the best value and the money goes to the family. Confirm by phone or WhatsApp before you fly.
• Bring Cash in Havana? US debit/credit cards don't work. Bring enough Euros or CAD cash for entire trip.
• Internet Reality in Havana? WiFi is limited to certain hotspots. Buy ETECSA cards. Embrace disconnection.
• Two Currencies in Havana? CUP is local currency now. USD accepted at some places but not everywhere.

Frequently asked questions about Havana

• What are the best things to do in Havana? Balance one or two headline sights with unhurried time in the neighbourhoods highlighted in this guide — that mix is what makes a Havana trip feel like more than a checklist. Book any high-demand entries in advance, keep evenings loose for a proper dinner, and leave at least one afternoon completely unplanned for the small discoveries Havana tends to reward.
• How many days do you need in Havana? Three to four full days is the sweet spot for a first visit to Havana — enough to cover the main neighbourhoods on foot, sit down for two or three proper meals, and still keep a day for a nearby day-trip or a slow morning. Extend to five or six days if you plan to combine the city with the surrounding region.
• When is the best time to visit Havana? November-April (dry season, cooler temperatures)
• Where should I stay in Havana for the first time? First-time visitors do best in one of the walkable central neighbourhoods covered in the Where to Stay section of this guide — the ones that put you within a short walk of dinner and public transport. Avoid staying next to the main transit hubs unless convenience trumps atmosphere for your trip.
• How do you get around Havana? Old Town walkable; classic American cars as taxis; buses for broader areas; vibrancy and energy throughout.

Browse all AVARA city guides