Quick Answer
Havana is the time-capsule capital with 1950s American cars on the streets, the UNESCO-listed Habana Vieja, the Malecon seawall promenade, and Hemingway's old haunts. Hotels start from $70/night. November through April is dry season; US travelers need OFAC-compliant travel categories (Cuba travel rules change, check current status).
Explore Havana in Detail
Find Hotels in Havana
Hotel listings for Havana are currently being updated.
Top Tours in Havana
Old Havana Walking Tour with Mojito Stop
Walking tour through the four main plazas of Habana Vieja with stops at the cathedral, the Casa de la Obra Pia, and a mojito at La Bodeguita del Medio.
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Vintage 1950s American Car Havana City Tour
Tour Havana in a classic 1950s American convertible with stops at the Malecon, Vedado, Plaza de la Revolucion, and Hotel Nacional. Driver-guide included.
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Vinales Valley and Tobacco Farm Day Trip
Long day trip to the UNESCO Vinales Valley for a tobacco plantation visit (learn how Cuban cigars are made), the Mural de la Prehistoria, and a cave tour.
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The experiences travelers come back to Havana for, year after year.
Itineraries for Havana
Day-by-day plans built by travelers who actually went.
Havana in 3 Days
The essential first-time itinerary — the must-sees you came for, plus the local moments you came home talking about.
Havana for Couples
Quiet mornings, slow dinners, and the views the brochures don't show. Built for two.
Havana with Kids
Activities everyone enjoys, restaurants that welcome little ones, and downtime built into the plan.
Getting Around Havana
Renting a car is one of the best ways to explore Havana at your own pace. Compare rates from all major suppliers in one search.
Best Time to Visit Havana
Best months to visit Havana: April–June and September–October offer mild weather and fewer crowds. July–August is peak season. December–February is coldest but cheapest.
Why Visit Havana?
Havana is the city you visit because nowhere else feels like Havana. The 1950s American cars (the famous yank tanks) really do drive everywhere. The colonial Old Town is the largest UNESCO-listed colonial center in the Caribbean. And the music spills out of every doorway, especially in the evenings.
Habana Vieja (Old Havana) is the UNESCO heart of the city, with four main plazas to anchor your walking tour: Plaza de la Catedral (with the baroque cathedral), Plaza Vieja (with restored colonial mansions), Plaza de Armas (with the City Museum and Plaza of Soldiers), and Plaza de San Francisco (with the church and the famous bronze ‘gentleman of Paris’ statue). The Malecon is the 8-kilometer seawall promenade where Havana’s social life happens at sunset, with locals fishing, drinking rum, and watching the waves crash. Centro Habana is the lived-in working-class neighborhood between Vieja and Vedado, with crumbling architecture and the best mojitos at La Bodeguita del Medio (Hemingway’s spot) and daiquiris at El Floridita. Vedado is the 1950s expansion with the Hotel Nacional (a CIA-targeted mafia history), the Habana Libre (formerly Hilton, where Castro set up his first revolutionary headquarters), and the Coppelia ice cream park. Miramar is the embassy and expat district with mansions and the Tropicana Cabaret. The Plaza de la Revolucion has the famous Che Guevara mural. Old American cars line up at the entrance to Habana Vieja for one-hour rides ($30-40). Casa particulares (private homestays) are often a better stay than government hotels. Cuban food is having a moment with paladares (private restaurants) like La Guarida and Atelier. Mojitos, daiquiris, and Cuban cigars are everywhere.
Frequently Asked Questions — Havana
How much do hotels in Havana cost?
Casa particulares (private homestays) start at $25/night and are often the best experience. 3-star government hotels run $70-$140. 4-star hotels are $140-$280. Luxury 5-star hotels like Gran Hotel Manzana Kempinski or Hotel Nacional are $250-$600/night.
When is the best time to visit Havana?
November through April is dry season with the most pleasant weather (75-85F). January and February are coolest. May through October is hot, humid, and rain-prone. Hurricane season is June through November. Avoid August and September unless you accept the risk.
How many days do I need in Havana?
Three to four days for Havana itself, including a classic car tour, the Old Town, the Malecon, and Vedado. Add a Vinales day trip. A full Cuba trip is 8-10 days with Trinidad and Cienfuegos extensions.
Is Havana safe for tourists?
Havana is among the safest large cities in Latin America for tourists. Violent crime against visitors is rare. Petty theft happens. The bigger challenges are infrastructure (frequent blackouts, water shortages, slow internet) and US sanctions affecting payment options (bring cash, dollars or euros).
What area should I stay in?
Habana Vieja for first-timers who want the UNESCO district at the door. Vedado for upscale 1950s neighborhood feel with Hotel Nacional. Miramar for diplomatic district calm. Casa particulares anywhere give you the most authentic experience.
How do I get around Havana?
Walking covers Habana Vieja. Classic taxis (1950s cars) need negotiated rates ($10-20 for most trips). Coco taxis (yellow eggs) are cheap for short distances. Skip city buses unless you have a local guide. Yes, Uber doesn't exist. WiFi access requires ETECSA cards in dedicated hotspots.
What food should I try in Havana?
Ropa vieja (shredded beef) at La Guarida or Doña Eutimia, lechon asado (roast pork) at any paladar, moros y cristianos (rice and black beans), tostones (fried plantains), and a flan or arroz con leche dessert. Mojitos at La Bodeguita, daiquiris at El Floridita (Hemingway's spots). Bring cash.