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12 Havana trips. Compare tour itineraries from 4 tour companies. 69 reviews. 4.8/5 avg rating.
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Top Havana Attractions
- Wandering the streets of Old Havana while being transported back in time
- Listening to the rhythmic sounds of salsa emanate from open doorways
- Meeting famous local Cuban artists
- Visiting the Havana Club rum factory, complete with tastings
- Strolling the seaside Malecon at sunset, interacting with locals
- Visiting the beautifully preserved home of Ernest Hemingway
Havana Tours & Travel Guide
Havana Attractions & Landmarks Guide
Cuba's capital, and a cultural hub, Havana is a city of classic cars, cigars, music, and art. Here is where many Cuba tours begin, introducing you to the Spanish colonial history, particularly noticeable in the architecture dating back to 16th century. Then there's the modern history, reminders of which permeate every step. Enjoy wandering through this place where Hemingway passed the time and where time, it seems, stands still.
Best Havana Sights
Havana is very walkable city and most hotels and guesthouses are centrally located to the major sites. Most tours spend at least three to four days in the island’s capital city, which is required to really soak up the local flavors and sights. Here are some of the ‘must-see’ sights around Havana:
Old Havana
A UNESCO World Heritage site, Old Havana is the epicenter of tourist activity in Havana. This is where the government has spent the most time and care in preserving the old Spanish colonial architecture to its original splendor. Building of varying bright, vivid colors pop from every corner, and the atmosphere is almost always very festive, with outdoor performers and street musicians. It’s worth wondering around for a few hours with little to no agenda as you’re sure to be entertained and engaged solely by the people watching.
Old Havana does have some worthy stops, including:
El Taller Experimental de Grafica. This artist workshop, founded in 1962 with the support of infamous revolutionary Che Guevara, is still a thriving studio today. Inside, artists of all ages delicately create traditional prints using decades old techniques. Prints are for sale and you can discuss the pieces of art direct with the artist, which is a special experience. Other top art galleries include Galeria Victor Manuel, Galeria Habana, and Fototeca de Cuba, which houses the country’s largest collection of photographs.
The Catedral de San Cristobal, located in a square on the edge of Old Havana, was completed in 1777. Explore its history and then relax with a coffee at one of the square’s many cafes.
Plaza de Armas is another popular square in Old Havana. Besides housing the Museo de la Ciudad (City Museum) it’s also a great place to grab a coffee or refreshing drink and watch the people go by.
La Bodeguita del Medio is a must-see for any Hemingway fan, as this was one of his most frequented haunts. This restaurant, famous since 1942, has played host to people like Pablo Neruda and Nat King Cole. They also have some great seafood and typical Cuban drinks like cubre libres, daiquiris and the like.
Plaza Vieja is yet another open space inside Old Havana but certainly worth a look on your tour itinerary. Surrounding the plaza are beautiful restored and colorful colonial buildings, with all of their architectural splendor still intact. The Casa del Conde Jaruco, built in the 18th century, displays some of the city's most beautiful stained glass windows.
El Floridita is another Hemingway favorite and the so-called birthplace of the daquiri. Although a bit touristy and cramped, these days, it is worth a stop on your walking tour around Old Havana to saddle up next to Hemingway himself (actually, a bronzed statue) and taste the drink that put this place on the map.
The Malecon
This seaside promenade stretches for 8 kilometers around Havana and is a great place for a morning jog or sunset stroll. The Malecon is where local Cubans of all ages come to hang out, chat, listen to music, or just catch up on the day’s news. You’ll also see fisherman testing their skills from the edge of the seawall. For many Cubans, a night out just isn’t financially accessible. However, anyone can afford to take a beautiful walk with their loved one, and tourists seem to flock there for the same reasons. It’s generally safe to walk on the Malecon, but always be aware of your surroundings and go earlier in the evening when it is busy with people.
Havana Club Rum Museum (Museo del Ron Havana Club)
Given its ideal climate for growing sugar cane, Cuba is perhaps most synonymous with rum - which is made from distilling sugar cane. A visit to Havana just wouldn’t be complete without learning more (and tasting) how this drink is made. The museum offers multiple daily tours, in English and Spanish, and reservations are recommended. During the tour, see the machinery that is used to this day to process the cane into the final product. After the tour, enjoy a drink in the attached bar which often has live music.
Best Havana Restaurants
Havana offers many culinary adventures and the food quality has generally increased as more travelers have visited the city. Cuban food is often thought of as beans and rice, which are indeed served at many meals and can be delicious, but there’s much more to it than that. The cuisine has Spanish, French, African, Chinese, Portuguese, and Arabic influences, along with Caribbean favorites such as fried plantains, similar to but different from bananas.
Tour companies have caught on and many now include at least one meal at some of the best paladares in Havana. If you want to venture out on your own one night, reservations are almost always suggested at the following restaurants:
Cafe del Oriente is perhaps the best ‘fine dining’ establishment in all of Havana. Expect a good imported wine list and everything from steak to fish. A bit pricey but good food.
Habana Mia 7 is a tiny restaurant very close to the Malecon. On the menu: octopus, risotto, and fresh fish. Another spot for a nice dinner out in Havana.
Somos Cuba is a classic Havana paladar run by a couple. It’s a small, casual place with basic but delicious food. Have patience as the service can be slow.
La Guardia is one of the city’s more upscale and popular paladares. Walk up the marble staircase into the grand dining room and be transported back in time. Delicious food from seafood to lasagna.
Le Chansonnier delivers white booths with table clothes and an upscale dining experience. While waiting for your food, take in the beautiful artwork on the wall created by local Cuban artists.
Dona Eutimia is one of the more well-known paladares in Old Havana. Guests can sit inside or out and can expect basic Cuban fare. Not cheap but not fine dining prices either.
Travel to Havana: Practicalities & Logistics
Before you go
Visas are required for all American citizens traveling to Cuba. Most tour operators usually include this fee in the price of the trip, or have a separate visa fee that is paid once your trip is confirmed. Either way, it’s a good idea to book a Cuba trip with a tour company who will handle the visa logistics for you. UK citizens also must obtain a tourist card before traveling to Cuba. Read more about what you need to know before traveling to Cuba.
Medical care in Cuba is quite good, with more doctors per capita than many other countries. However, you should always travel with insurance and many tour operators can recommend a plan to cover you while on your trip. Only routine vaccinations are required for Cuba, however, the CDC does recommend both Typhoid and Hepatitis A vaccinations for some travelers.
Given the influx of American and other tourists into Havana in recent years, advance reservations are almost mandatory for hotels, restaurants, and popular city attractions. Hotel and some meals will likely be included in your tour price, but always check direct with the operator. Most tour operators can also help secure individual dinner reservations.
Safety
Cuba is generally very safe compared to other Central and South American countries. Police are everywhere, and especially apparent in high tourist locations. However, as when traveling in any foreign country, use common street sense and pay attention to your surroundings. This is especially true in Havana, Trinidad and other large cities.
Crimes of opportunity, such as pick-pocketing, are not unheard of, but a little vigilance goes a long way, and traveling in a group can help deter any potential trouble. Due to the recent increase in tourism, there have also been reports of prostitutes congregating around Old Havana and the Malecon. If you are propositioned, simply say ‘no’ and continue walking.
Havana Reviews & Ratings
A
A great insight into a rapidly changing country
I'm really pleased I got to see Cuba before it changes too much. While you can see the commercialism is starting to creep in, it still feels like it has been stuck...
T
Trusted Customer
Nov 2024
Written on
Cuba Libre!
I loved the country and realised we hit some unusual circumstances with weather events and no electricity. So did not get a true representation. The trip information...
T
Trusted Customer
Nov 2024
Written on
Cuba Libre!
This a busy tour by bus across the length and breadth of Cuba. It covers varied experiences and the chance to meet real Cubans and understand their history and how t...
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