Havana
Travellers who enjoy architecture, live music and unhurried city wandering
Havana at a glance
Havana rewards walkers: pastel colonial blocks, shaded plazas and a seafront boulevard where the whole city seems to gather at dusk. Music drifts from doorways, vintage cars double as taxis, and the layered history from colonial fort to revolution is visible in the streets themselves.
The week ahead
Live weather · next 7 days
via Open-Meteo · 22 SepThinking bigger? See month-by-month verdicts for Havana →
Where to base yourself
- Habana Vieja (Old Havana)Restored plazas, museums and narrow streets dense with bars and cafes. The best base for a first visit on foot.
- Malecón and Centro HabanaThe seafront wall and busier local neighbourhoods. Choose it for evening air, sea spray and lower prices.
- VedadoWider streets, hotels, cinemas and the seafront hotel zone. Good for those who want modern amenities and calmer nights.
A sample 3-day rhythm
- Day 1Walk the plazas of Old Havana at a relaxed pace and finish with sunset along the Malecón.
- Day 2Visit the fort and harbour museums in the morning, then take a classic car tour through Vedado in the afternoon.
- Day 3Explore a casa de la trova for live music and set aside time for a beach half-day at the city's edge.
Want more? Use the planner to stretch this into a full trip.
Tips before you go
- Carry small notes; taxi drivers and small shops often cannot break large bills.
- Bring any medicines you need, as pharmacy stock is limited.
- Book accommodation in advance, particularly around Christmas and New Year.
- Learn a few Spanish phrases; English is not widely spoken outside hotels.
Common questions
- How should we pay for things?
- Bring enough cash for the trip. International cards are unreliable, and exchanging money at authorised counters or banks is the safest route.
- Is it safe to walk around?
- Central areas are generally fine during the day and evening, but keep valuables discreet and avoid poorly lit streets late at night.
Ready to plan Havana?
Build a day-by-day itinerary with a realistic budget in under a minute.
Open the planner →Plan stays, flights & tours for Havana
Where to stay
Search hotels, villas and family rooms in Havana across the big platforms.
Tours & tickets
Skip-the-line passes, day tours and experiences with trusted operators.
Booking and search links open in a new tab at the official or partner site. Affiliate disclosure →