Havana. A vibrant colonial city where you travel back in time.
The first impressions of Havana can seem a little confusing, but once you get to know the city, walk its streets and interact with the Cubans you will fall in love with it.
Despite 60 years of neglect and financial troubles, you will be mesmerised by the eclectic architecture, with a surprise around every corner. Sway to the Cuban rhythms in the narrow streets of Old Havana, be inspired by beautiful contemporary art and discover the wonderful boutique hotels and cocktail bars housed behind the crumbling colonial façades. Also explore imaginative design shops, get impressed by the numerous graffitis, billboards and sculptural portraits of revolutionary heroes Ché Guevara and Camilo Cienfuegos and ride the city in classic American cars. Whatever you do, it seems like you stepped back in time.
And definitely explore beyond the borders of beautiful Habana Vieja, to discover the city’s distinct neighbourhoods, such as the leafy district of Miramar and the youthful district of Vedado.
Havana may not be traditionally known for its food, but the restaurant scene is heating up with new restaurant openings since the lift of restrictions by Raul Castro. It is undeniable that Cuba is going through unprecedented changes and a new level of luxury is introduced but it has not yet compromised this magical city. We therefore definitely think that this is the perfect time to visit.
Get ready to explore one of the most vibrant, mysterious and interesting cities in the world.
Havana Highlights
El Malecon
Plaza Vieja
Passeo del Prado
Parque Central
Plaza de la Revolution
Sightseeing
Capitolio
Calle Obispo
Museo de la Revolucion
Fabrica de Arte Cubano
El Morro
Hotel Nacional de Cuba
Plaza de la Cathedral
Colon Cemetery
Food
La Guarida | Fine Dining
El Chanchullero | Cuban
San Cristobal | Cuban
El Cocinero | Modern Cuban
O’Reilly 304 | Cuban
Van-Van | Cuban
Dona Eutimia | Cuban
Cafe Arcangel | Breakfast
Drink
La Bodeguita del Medio
El Floridita
Madrigal Bar Cafe
El Chanchullero
Bar Monserrate
Color Cafe
Fabrica de Arte Cubano
Cafe O’Reilly
Accommodation
Iberostar Parque Central | ★★★★★
NH Victoria La Habana | ★★★★
Residencia Santa Clara | ★★★★
Hotel Sevilla | ★★★
Casa 1932 | Guest House
Elegancia Suites | Guest House
La Villa Teresa | Guest House
Casa Obispo 307 | Guest House
Havana Map
Experience Havana
Our Suggested Tours
Quick Facts
Founded: 1519
Population: 2.1 million
Time Zone: Cuba Standard Time (CST) | UTC−5 in Winter & UTC−4 in Summer
Best Time to Visit: November to March for pleasant weather and minimum rain.
Airports: Jose Marti international (HAV)
Currency: Cuban Convertible Peso (CUC); locals use the Cuban Peso (CUP)
Plugs: The plugs are type A, B, C and L. The standard voltages are 110V and 220V and frequency is 60Hz.
✩ When Havana was founded around 1515, it was on the south coast of Cuba in a swampy area. Just a few years later, the city moved to its current spot on the northern coast.
✩ Vintage American cars from the 50s and 60s are still driving on the roads of Havana.
✩ Ernest Hemingway lived in Havana for twenty years and wrote two of his most famous novels there; The Old Man and the Sea and For Whom the Bell Tolls.
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✩ There is a museum for Ernest Hemingway in the Havana.
✩ In 1848, Havana became the third city in the world to receive gas lighting.
✩ The former Presidential Palace built between 1913 and 1920 and used through Fulgencio Batista’s presidency is now the Museum of the Revolution.
✩ Every night at 9 p.m., the traditional cannon blast, or cañonazo, takes place at the fortress, La Fortaleza de San Carlos de la Cabaña.
✩ There is a park and a statue of John Lennon in Havana.
✩ There is a museum of Napoleonic art and artefacts in the city that includes one of Napoleon’s teeth and the general’s death mask.
✩ La Bodeguita del Medio claims to being the birthplace of the Mojito cocktail, prepared in the bar since its opening in 1942.
✩ El Floridita is the birthplace of the Daiquiri cocktail. Ernest Hemingway was the most famous and a frequent patron of the bar during his 20-year stay in Havana.