Places / North & Central America / Cuba
Havana
Visited in August 2015
At a glance
- Country
- Cuba
- Region
- Havana Province
- Population
- 2.5 million
- Best time to go
- November to April
- Main airport
- José Martí International (HAV)
- Coordinates
- 23.13°N, 82.36°W
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Overview
Havana is faded grandeur on a grand scale: colonial plazas, crumbling art deco apartment blocks and 1950s American cars rumbling along the sea wall. Music drifts out of doorways and the whole city seems to gather on the Malecón as the sun goes down.
It is also a city that asks for patience. Things don't always work as expected, so bring cash, plan loosely and stay in a casa particular, a room in a family home, for the best insight into daily life.
Things to see
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Photo: Jorge Royan, CC BY-SA 3.0 Old Havana
Four restored colonial squares linked by narrow streets, with grand churches, palaces and shaded courtyards.
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Photo: Lukas Mathis, CC BY-SA 2.0 The Malecón
Eight kilometres of seafront wall where couples, fishermen and musicians gather in the evening breeze.
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Photo: akasenn, CC BY-SA 3.0 Havana Cathedral
A baroque façade of coral stone looms over one of the loveliest squares in the old town.
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Photo: Paul Mannix, CC BY-SA 2.0 Museum of the Revolution
The former presidential palace tells the story of the revolution from the Cuban government's point of view.
Tickets and tours -
Photo: Nigel Pacquette, CC BY-SA 3.0 El Capitolio
A domed former parliament building modelled on Washington's Capitol, dominating Centro Habana.
Tickets and tours -
Photo: Unknown author Unknown author, Public domain La Cabaña fortress
A huge Spanish fortress across the harbour, where a cannon is still fired every evening in period costume.
Tickets and tours
Things to do
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Photo: Fraganda, CC BY-SA 4.0 Ride in a classic car
Hire an open-topped vintage convertible for a tour along the Malecón and through Vedado's mansions.
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Photo: Phillip Pessar, CC BY 2.0 Live music and salsa
Son, salsa and jazz are everywhere, from hotel bars to neighbourhood clubs in Vedado.
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Photo: Anna Camejo, CC BY-SA 4.0 Fusterlandia
An artist's neighbourhood in Jaimanitas covered in colourful mosaics and sculptures.
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Photo: Severin.stalder, CC BY-SA 3.0 Day trip to Viñales
Tobacco farms and limestone hills a few hours west, worth an overnight stay if you can.
Where to stay
Old Havana (Habana Vieja)
Atmospheric and walkable to most sights, with plenty of casas particulares.
Hotels in Old Havana (Habana Vieja)Vedado
Leafy, residential and calmer, with good restaurants and the best nightlife.
Hotels in VedadoCentro Habana
Gritty but very real, between the old town and Vedado, often good value.
Hotels in Centro Habana
Getting around
Walk the old town, then use official taxis, shared taxis or classic cars for longer hops. Agree fares before setting off.
The airport is about 15 km south of the centre; a taxi takes around 30 minutes.
When to go
The dry season from November to April is warm and sunny. Summer is hot and humid, and the hurricane season runs from June to November, peaking in September and October.
Plan your trip to Havana
- HotelsBooking.com
- Tours and ticketsGetYourGuide
- FlightsKiwi.com
- Attraction ticketsTiqets
- Airport parking, lounges and transfersHoliday Extras
- Car hireAuto Europe
- Mobile data (eSIM)AiraloCode DAN9406 for money off
- GuidebooksAmazon
Some of these are affiliate links: if you book through them I may earn a small commission, at no extra cost to you. More about this.
Guide last checked October 2026. Opening times and prices change, so check before you go.