Things to Do in Havana, Cuba: Havana Travel Guide
Things to Do in Havana, Cuba: Havana Travel Guide
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Looking for things to do in Havana?
Cuba's capital is a city of pastel buildings, classic cars, live music, and sea breezes off the Malecón. Old Havana, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is packed with colonial plazas, grand churches, and the bars where Ernest Hemingway drank his mojitos and daiquiris.
Add rooftop dinners, rumba in the streets, and sunset on the seawall, and Havana is a city you'll want to explore on foot.
Top Things to Do
1. Take Havana's Historic Downtown and Ernest Hemingway's Walking Tour—A self-guided audio walk through Old Havana's plazas and Hemingway's favorite bars.
2. Walk the Malecón at sunset—Stroll Havana's famous seawall as locals gather to fish, talk, and play music.
3. Ride in a classic car—Cruise the city in a shiny 1950s convertible.
4. Visit Finca Vigía—See Hemingway's hilltop home, about 15 miles from Old Havana, kept just as he left it.
5. See the cannon ceremony at La Cabaña—Watch soldiers in old uniforms fire the nightly 9 p.m. cannon across the harbor.
6. Explore Plaza Vieja—Admire one of Old Havana's most colorful squares.
7. Catch Sunday rumba at Callejón de Hamel—Hear Afro-Cuban drums in an alley covered in murals.
8. Visit Fusterlandia—Wander an artist's neighborhood covered in bright mosaic tiles.
Download the Complete Travel Guide
Includes:
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✓ Complete travel guide
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✓ Printable map
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✓ One-day itinerary
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✓ Hidden gems
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✓ Travel tips
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✓ Offline access
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✓ Bonus recommendations not included on this page
Our Self Guided Tour
Havana's Historic Downtown and Ernest Hemingway's Walking Tour is a GPS-triggered audio tour that starts at Dos Hermanos near the port and ends between Hotel Sevilla and the Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes. Along the way, it visits Hotel Ambos Mundos, Plaza de la Catedral, La Bodeguita del Medio, El Floridita, and Parque Central. The walk takes a little over an hour, and it runs offline, so download it before you go.
Free Things to Do
1. The Malecón—Walk the seawall and watch the waves crash.
2. Plaza Vieja and Plaza de la Catedral—Explore Old Havana's historic squares.
3. Obispo Street—Browse shops, galleries, and street music.
4. Paseo del Prado—Stroll the tree-lined promenade with its bronze lions.
5. Callejón de Hamel—See the murals and catch Sunday rumba.
THINGS WITH ADMISSION FEES:
1. Finca Vigía—Hemingway's home, viewed through its windows and doors.
2. El Morro and La Cabaña—Old Spanish forts across the harbor.
3. Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes—Cuba's best collection of Cuban art.
4. Classic car rides—Agree on the price before you get in.
Prices in Cuba change often, so check current fees on site.
Food!
La Guarida
Havana's most famous paladar, or private restaurant, in a grand old mansion with a rooftop bar.
Doña Eutimia
A cozy Old Havana spot near the cathedral, known for classic Cuban dishes like ropa vieja.
El del Frente
A lively rooftop restaurant in Old Havana, known for creative cocktails and Cuban comfort food.
Where to Stay
Luxury
Gran Hotel Manzana Kempinski, Iberostar Grand Packard—top hotels on Parque Central and the Paseo del Prado. Roughly 250-450/night.
Moderate
Hotel Ambos Mundos, Hotel Sevilla—historic hotels where Hemingway once stayed, both on the walking tour. Roughly 100-200/night.
Budget
Casas particulares—private homes that rent rooms to travelers, often with breakfast. Roughly 30-70/night.
1 Day Itinerary
1-DAY ITINERARY:
Morning: Take Havana's Historic Downtown and Ernest Hemingway's Walking Tour, starting at Dos Hermanos.
Afternoon: Explore Plaza Vieja, then take a classic car ride along the Malecón.
Evening: Watch the cannon ceremony at La Cabaña, then dinner at La Guarida.
2-DAY ITINERARY:
Day 2: Visit Finca Vigía in the morning, then spend the afternoon at the Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes.
Extra Time: Visit Fusterlandia, or catch Sunday rumba at Callejón de Hamel.
FAQ's
1. Can Americans visit Havana?
U.S. travelers must qualify under one of the U.S. government's approved travel categories. Rules can change, so check the latest before booking.
2. Do I need cash in Havana?
Yes. Many foreign cards, including U.S. cards, don't work in Cuba. Bring enough cash in euros or U.S. dollars for your trip.
3. Will my phone work in Havana?
Wi-Fi and mobile data can be slow or hard to find. Download maps and your WalknTours tour before you arrive.
4. Where should I stay?
Old Havana and the area around Parque Central put you within walking distance of most sights.
5. What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes for uneven sidewalks, sunscreen, a hat, and water.
6. Where is El Floridita?
At the end of Obispo Street, near Parque Central. It's a stop on the walking tour.
7. Can I visit Hemingway's house?
Yes. Finca Vigía is about 15 miles from Old Havana. You view the rooms through the windows and doors.
8. When is the best time to visit Havana?
November to April is drier and cooler. Summer is hot and humid, and hurricane season runs June to November.
9. Is Havana walkable?
Yes. Old Havana is flat and compact, though sidewalks can be narrow and uneven.
10. How much time should I spend in Havana?
One day covers Old Havana. Two or three days lets you add Finca Vigía, the forts, and more neighborhoods.
Recommended Tours
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