Overview
The world's most frozen-in-time city — Havana's crumbling baroque architecture, 1950s Chevrolets, and wall-to-wall live salsa create a photographic and cultural experience found absolutely nowhere else
Airport
HAV
From/day
$50
Best months
Nov, Dec, Jan
Local Tips
Safety
Havana is generally safe. Petty scams target tourists — avoid jineteros (hustlers) offering deals. Keep valuables hidden and use casas particulares safes.
Cultural Norms
Cubans are incredibly social and curious about foreigners. Conversation is valued. Dancing is a way of life — join in. Political criticism is best avoided in public.
Language
Spanish is the official language. English is limited outside tourist hotels — learn basic Spanish phrases.
Currency
Cuban Peso (CUP). Foreign currency exchange can be complicated — bring Euros or Canadian Dollars (USD often has a surcharge). ATMs are unreliable — bring enough cash for your trip.
Tipping
Tip in CUP or foreign currency. $1-3 CUC equivalent for restaurant staff. Tip musicians, tour guides, and casa hosts generously — wages are very low.
Getting Around
Public Transit
Walkability
Neighborhoods
Habana Vieja (Old Havana)
UNESCO World Heritage center with colonial plazas, baroque churches, crumbling facades, and vibrant street life.
Best for: History, architecture, photography, and walking
Centro Habana
A gritty, authentic neighborhood with crumbling buildings, street markets, and the Malecon seafront promenade.
Best for: Local life, street photography, and the Malecon sunset
Vedado
The mid-century modern district with Hotel Nacional, jazz clubs, universities, and tree-lined avenues.
Best for: Jazz, nightlife, paladares (private restaurants), and cultural events
Miramar
The upscale western suburb with embassies, modern restaurants, and the Fábrica de Arte Cubano.
Best for: Fine dining, contemporary art, and upscale nightlife
Activities & Interests
How Cuba scores across 15 travel interests
Suggested Itineraries
3-Day Trip
Old Havana Walking Tour
- •Wander the four main plazas: Plaza de la Catedral, Plaza Vieja, Plaza de Armas, and Plaza de San Francisco
- •Visit the Museo de la Revolución housed in the former Presidential Palace
- •Evening mojitos at La Bodeguita del Medio and dinner at a paladar
Classic Cars & The Malecon
- •Ride a classic 1950s convertible along the Malecon seafront
- •Explore the Callejon de Hamel — a vibrant Afro-Cuban street art alley with live rumba on Sundays
- •Sunset from Hotel Nacional's terrace followed by live jazz in Vedado
Art, Cigars & Rum
- •Tour the Partagas cigar factory (or Fabrica de Tabaco)
- •Visit the Havana Club Rum Museum for a tasting
- •Evening at Fábrica de Arte Cubano — Havana's coolest art-club-gallery hybrid
7-Day Trip
Old Havana Immersion
- •Explore the colonial plazas of Habana Vieja on foot
- •Visit the Catedral de San Cristóbal and its surrounding cafes
- •Dinner at a highly-rated paladar in Old Havana
Revolution & History
- •Museo de la Revolución and the Granma Memorial
- •Walk to Plaza de la Revolución to see the Che Guevara mural
- •Visit the Hemingway haunts: La Bodeguita del Medio and El Floridita
Classic Car & Malecon
- •Classic convertible cruise through Havana with a guide
- •Walk the 8km Malecon from Old Havana to Vedado
- •Sunset cocktails at Hotel Nacional with harbor views
Art & Culture
- •Browse the Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes (Cuban and international art)
- •Explore Callejon de Hamel for Afro-Cuban art and music
- •Evening at Fábrica de Arte Cubano
Vinales Valley Day Trip
- •Drive to Vinales (2.5 hours) through tobacco country
- •Tour a tobacco farm and learn cigar rolling from a veguero
- •Horseback ride through the mogote limestone valleys
Cigars, Rum & Music
- •Morning cigar factory tour
- •Havana Club Rum Museum with guided tasting
- •Salsa lesson followed by a night out dancing at a casa de la musica
Beach & Farewell
- •Morning trip to Playas del Este — Havana's local beaches (20 min east)
- •Final walk through Old Havana for last-minute souvenirs
- •Farewell rooftop dinner overlooking the city
Flights
Estimated round-trip prices from major US hubs
MIA
Round-trip estimate
$200
Best priceJFK
Round-trip estimate
$280
ATL
Round-trip estimate
$280
ORD
Round-trip estimate
$360
LAX
Round-trip estimate
$480
Prices are estimates based on historical data. Check airlines for current fares.
Daily Budget
Estimated daily cost per person including accommodation, food, transport, and activities
Budget
$50
per day
Moderate
$100
per day
Luxury
$250
per day
7-Night Trip Estimate (1 person)
Budget
$550
incl. flights from MIA
Moderate
$900
incl. flights from MIA
Luxury
$1,950
incl. flights from MIA
When to Go
Jan
✓
Feb
✓
Mar
✓
Apr
✓
May
—
Jun
—
Jul
—
Aug
✗
Sep
✗
Oct
—
Nov
✓
Dec
✓
| Month | High | Low | Rain | Conditions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 26° | 18° | 5d | Dry season with comfortable warmth. Peak tourism. |
| Feb | 27° | 18° | 4d | Dry and pleasant — Havana Carnival festivities. |
| Mar | 28° | 19° | 4d | Warming up, still dry and sunny. |
| Apr | 29° | 21° | 5d | Last dry month before rainy season. |
| May | 30° | 22° | 10d | Wet season begins with afternoon downpours. |
| Jun | 31° | 23° | 12d | Hot and humid with frequent rain. Hurricane season starts. |
| Jul | 32° | 24° | 10d | Hottest month with brief but heavy showers. |
| Aug | 32° | 24° | 11d | Hot and stormy — highest hurricane risk. |
| Sep | 31° | 24° | 12d | Wettest month with tropical storms possible. |
| Oct | 30° | 23° | 11d | Still rainy but beginning to cool. |
| Nov | 28° | 21° | 6d | Dry season approaches — much more comfortable. |
| Dec | 27° | 19° | 5d | Dry and pleasant with holiday celebrations. |
Temperatures in Celsius. Rain days = days with measurable precipitation.