10 Best Things to do In Havana, Cuba [2024]

May 21, 2024

Havana, the vibrant heart of Cuba, is a city that pulses with history, culture, and an undeniable charm. Even today, Havana continues to captivate travellers with its unique blend of colonial architecture, lively music scene, and warm, welcoming people. Whether you’re wandering the cobblestone streets of Old Havana, savouring the rhythm of Afro-Cuban beats, or sipping on a perfectly crafted mojito, there’s no shortage of unforgettable experiences waiting for you in this timeless city. From historic landmarks and artistic havens to picturesque seaside promenades and bustling plazas, this guide will show you the 10 best things to do in Havana, Cuba so you can discover the magic of this enchanting destination. So go on and have a little scroll…

IS HAVANA WORTH VISITING?

YES, YES AND YES! Havana has been the inspiration of many film-writers and photographers for a number of reasons, but most of all due to it being a time-capsule showcasing how a country still largely disconnected from the world lives.

Havana has an understated charm where its beauty is raw. Forget the perfectly manicured trees lining symmetrical streets, or iconic man-made structures soaring into the sky, Havana is the complete opposite of anywhere you’ve seen in the world which is why you absolutely need to visit.

HOW MANY DAYS DO YOU NEED IN HAVANA?

Personally I found 3 days in Havana to be the perfect amount to get my bearings and explore most of the attractions. When you’re short on time and want to see the rest of Cuba, 3 days works well and you can check out how to spend these 3 days in my 10 days in Cuba itinerary. However, if you do have longer then I would suggest to extend your stay to 5 days or even a week as there is plenty to do, see, and learn!

IS HAVANA A WALKABLE CITY?

Personally I found 3 days in Havana to be the perfect amount to get my bearings and explore most of the attractions. When you’re short on time and want to see the rest of Cuba, 3 days works well and you can check out how to spend these 3 days in my 10 days in Cuba itinerary. However, if you do have longer then I would suggest to extend your stay to 5 days or even a week as there is plenty to do, see, and learn!

10 BEST THINGS TO DO IN HAVANA, CUBA

There’s so much to see and do, but here are the best things to do in Havana:

1. Explore the streets of Old Havana: Old Havana (Habana Vieja) is a cross between beautiful Spanish architecture and crumbling buildings blended into one, making it unique enough to be titled a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The best way to see Old Havana is by joining a walking tour. There are free walking tours every day at 9.30am and 4pm from the Central Park and you can find more information here (https://freewalkingtourhavana.com/). Look for a guide with a white umbrella and make sure to leave a tip to support the local people. Alternatively you can organise a walking tour through your casa particulares, which is what we did (ours cost USD10 and was a private tour).

Old Havana is also where you can do a vintage car tour. Personally I found this too touristy for my liking but each to their own! There are plenty of vintage cars parked around Old Havana which you will see and also a lot of the vintage cars are used as taxis, even by locals, so this is another way to experience them that supports the local people.

2. Cristo de la Habana: The Cristo de la Habana is Cuba’s answer to Rio de Janeiro’s Christ the Redeemer. Our local guide told us the locals like to believe the statue depicts Christ holding an imaginary cigar in his right hand, and a mojito in his left, paying homage to Cuban culture, which I loved the thought of! The easiest way to reach the statue is by catching a ferry from Old Havana to Casablanca and then walk up the hill, or alternatively you can get a taxi. There are also other sights around this side of the harbour like Morro Castle and La Cabana so you can spend an entire morning here before catching the ferry back to Old Havana.

3. Capitolio and gran Teatro: Located in Old Havana, the Capitolio and Gran Teatro de La Habana are iconic landmarks that stand in stark contrast to the surrounding buildings. Both structures are grand and immaculately maintained, presenting a striking presence. The Capitolio, with its impressive dome, resembles the US Capitol in Washington, D.C., while the Gran Teatro is known for its stunning architecture and cultural significance.

4. Plaza de la Revolución: This famous plaza is where many political rallies have taken place and where leaders have often addressed the nation, including Fidel Castro. To understand the Cuban history requires a visit to Plaza de la Revolución, and you’ll find murals of Che Guevara and Camilo Cienfuegos, and also a memorial to José Martí, who played an active role in the country’s liberation from the Spanish.

5. Vedado: Vedado is a modern district in Havana known for its vibrant nightlife, wide avenues, and impressive architecture. This area offers a different atmosphere from Old Havana, with its lively bars, clubs, and cultural venues. Be sure to visit La Rampa, a bustling street lined with shops, cinemas, and restaurants, providing a glimpse into contemporary Cuban life. One of our favourite bars here was Bleco but try and book a table beforehand as it does get booked up quickly.

6. Fabrica de Arte: Fabrica de Arte Cubano is a must-visit for art lovers but also for any tourist. This unique cultural centre combines art, live music, cinema, and performance in a repurposed factory space. On any night you’ll find the FAC showcasing contemporary Cuban art in one room, live performances in another, exhibitions in another room, and a trendy bar and food stalls dotted around. It’s an excellent place to experience Havana’s modern creative energy and to see where locals go to unwind in the evening.

7. Malecon: The Malecon is a popular spot with the locals to hang out and gather. It’s a broad esplanade, roadway, and seawall that stretches for 8 km along the coast that takes your from Old Havana, past Vedado and through to the mouth of the Almendares river. It’s a beautiful walk, especially from Old Havana to Vedado during sunset which takes about 30 minutes. As a word of caution, make sure to walk on the opposite side of the road from the sea as the waves often come over and soak the walkway and anyone walking on it!

8. Callejon de Hamel: Callejón de Hamel is a vibrant alley in the Cayo Hueso neighborhood in Vedado, renowned for its Afro-Cuban culture and street art. The walls are adorned with colorful murals and sculptures, creating an open-air gallery. On Sundays, the alley comes alive with rumba performances, offering an authentic glimpse into Havana’s rich cultural heritage.

9. Plazas in Old Havana: Havana’s historic plazas are central to the city’s cultural and social life. Plaza de Armas is the oldest square in Havana, surrounded by historic buildings and a lively book market. Plaza de la Catedral is home to the stunning Havana Cathedral and is a picturesque spot for a leisurely stroll. Plaza Vieja, with its eclectic mix of colonial buildings, is a vibrant area with cafes and galleries.

10. Drink rum: No visit to Havana is complete without sampling the local rum. Enjoy a mojito or a daiquiri at one of the city’s famous bars, such as El Del Frente, ChaChaCha and Yarini. You can also visit the Museo del Ron (Rum Museum) to learn about the history and production of this iconic Cuban spirit and enjoy a tasting session, although note the prices here for a bottle of rum aren’t that far off from the UK prices – it is cheaper to buy Havana Rum in one of the local shops rather than from the Museo del Ron (just ask your casa particulares host or a friendly local and they will point you in the right direction).

WHAT ARE SOME THINGS THAT I CAN DO IN HAVANA CUBA THAT ARE MORE LIKE A LOCAL AND LESS TOURISTY?

The best way to see Havana like a local is by getting out of Old Havana (Habana Vieja) and exploring the other more local parts of Havana to see what the everyday life of locals is truly like. Wander the streets of Vedado and Playita de 16 to see another side of Havana, and head to FAC at night to see what the locals get up to.

There’s so much more to Havana than Old Havana trust me!