Havana Cuba Travel Guide
Embrace the natural side of Havana and its surroundings.
Limited within Havana itself; enjoy short walks along the Malecón or via city parks. For actual hiking, day trips to Viñales Valley are necessary. Book a Viñales day trip here.
Beaches (Playas del Este) offer swimming and sunbathing. Local vendors may have paddle boat hire. Organized underwater exploration needs trips to Varadero or the Bay of Pigs. Find water activities on GetYourGuide.
Not available within Havana. For adventure sports and adrenaline experiences, venture to other parts of Cuba.
Always assess the safety and quality of any equipment rentals or informal tours offered by unverified vendors. For watersports, check conditions.
Havana is rich in heritage experiences, from interactive seminars to performances.
Tropicana Show (iconic outdoor cabaret). Buena Vista Social Club-style performances (Casa de la Música, Hotel Nacional, Paladares). Rumba performances (Callejón de Hamel on Sundays). Book show tickets.
Staying in Casa specifices directly aids local families. Visiting local markets (Agro-mercados) plus tinier Paladares also aids communities.
Several schools in Havana carry Spanish courses for foreigners, a means of deepen cultural understanding and communication.
An internationally renowned event held annually in January, attracting musicians and fans worldwide.
International Festival of New Latin American Cinema (December) showcases Latin American filmmaking talent.
A lively street parade with a soundtrack and dancing, typically held in August (dates vary).
Find moments of tranquility amidst Havana's bustling energy.
Numerous hotels provide day passes for their pools, a refreshing escape from the city heat. Inquire at hotel receptions for openings and fees.
For beach relaxation and sunbathing, these beaches offer a natural and accessible choice in the suburbs. Take a cab or tourist bus.
The Boardwalk seawall is excellent for a relaxing stroll, especially at sunrise or sunset, with ocean breezes.
Always carry bottled water, notably when investigating in the heat. Stay well-hydrated.
Use sunscreen, wear hats, and sunglasses to shield from the intense Caribbean sun.
Havana can be intense. Plan downtime to relax and recharge, perhaps at a cafe or a quiet park.
Havana becomes lively at night containing a mix of music, dance, and social events.
A unique cultural complex that transitions into a popular club/bar in the evenings, with multiple rooms featuring different music styles. A must-visit for the nightlife scene. Get tickets for FAC.
Old Havana has numerous bars, including the famous La Bodeguita del Medio and El Floridita (Hemingway's haunts). Vedado has a more modern nightlife along its main avenues. The Seawall is a popular spot for locals to socialize outdoors.
Most venues in Havana period of stay open late, especially on weekends. Music and dancing often continue into the early hours.
Explore classic cocktail bars famous for Mojitos and Daiquiris, or find newer spots with creative mixes.
A stroll along the Malecón as the city lights up provides a relaxing and from the roman eratic evening.
Engage with locals at parks or squares where music and conversation often fill the air.
Pay attention to your surroundings, especially when returning to your accommodation late at night. Utilize official taxis.
Havana contains one-of-a-kind shopping, from artisan crafts to local specialties.
Rum (Havana Club, Santiago de Cuba) from state-run shops for authenticity. Cigars (Cohiba, Montecristo) only from authorized Habanos stores (Casas del Habano) to avoid fakes. Find cigar factory tours.
Cuban coffee (Turquino, Cubita) makes a flavorful gift. Paintings, prints, and sculptures from local artists are unique souvenirs.
CDs of Cuban music (salsa, son). Handicrafts like wood carvings, leather products, and fabrics from artisan markets.
For high-value purchases like art or cigars, retaining receipts helps with customs declarations upon leaving Cuba and entering your home country.
