25 Best Things to Do in Havana, Cuba: Top Highlights and Must-See Hotspots
Havana, Cuba
Havana captivates with its historic architecture, iconic classic cars, vibrant live music, and refreshing mojitos. Discover the top 25 things to do in this enchanting city.
Recent easing of U.S. travel restrictions has boosted tourism to Cuba, drawing more visitors to Havana than ever. Just one hour from Miami by flight, this vibrant capital blends vintage charm with colorful, weathered infrastructure, Spanish colonial architecture, lively nightlife, and eclectic art scenes.
Despite its compact size, Havana offers an endless array of activities for every traveler, from cigar enthusiasts to those seeking relaxation.
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Table Of Contents
- Havana Cuba Highlights Map
- Best Things To Do In Havana Guide
- 1. Visit El Morro Castle
- 2. Explore Old Havana On Foot
- 3. Tropicana Nightclub Show
- 4. Havana Classic Car Tours
- 5. Stroll Along “El Malecon” Boardwalk
- 6. Cuban Cigars At Hotel Nacional
- 7. Visit Hemingway’s Watering Holes
- 8. Try Cuban Pizza In Havana!
- 9. Best Beaches Near Havana
- 10. Drink Rum In A Box!
- 11. Visit The Havana Capitol Building
- 12. Havana Nightlife & Cuban Music
- 13. Watch Some Cannons Blast Off!
- 14. Stay Hydrated With Guarapo
- 15. Viñales Tobacco Fields Road Trip
- 16. Visit Cámera Obscura In Old Havana
- 17. Trip Out In Fusterlandia
- 18. Eat At A Local Paladar
- 19. Explore Havana’s Green Forest
- 20. Plaza De La Revolución
- 21. Pop By Hemingway’s Old House
- 22. Hotel Kempinski Rooftop Pool
- 23. Fabrica De Arte Cubano
- 24. The Revolution Museum
- 25. Climb La Guarida’s Staircase
- Getting To (and Around) Havana
- Best Time To Visit Havana
- Where To Stay In Havana
- Havana Cuba Travel Tips & Advice
Havana Cuba Highlights Map
HOW TO USE THIS MAP: Explore the interactive map of Havana highlights above. Click the top-left menu for layers showing routes and points of interest. Toggle layers, click icons for details, star to save to Google Maps, or open in a new tab for full view.
Ultimate Guide to the Best Things to Do in Havana
From my extensive road trip across Cuba, including time in the capital, I've crafted this comprehensive guide to help you plan an unforgettable Havana adventure.
Havana's allure lies in its endless discoveries around every corner—a resilient spirit shines through despite historical challenges like the U.S. embargo.
Cubans warmly welcome visitors, offering sultry salsa, hidden bars in pastel streets, and non-stop entertainment.
1. Visit El Morro Castle
Castillo de los Tres Reyes del Morro, perched on a rocky promontory at Havana Bay's entrance, is an iconic starting point. Built from 1590 to defend against pirates and invaders, it features bastions, barracks, cisterns, a chapel, and dungeons.
Now a museum with stunning bay views, entry is affordable via a quick taxi from downtown.
2. Explore Old Havana On Foot
Havana Vieja, the historic core and densely populated district, boasts restored and crumbling facades amid narrow streets, plazas, forts, and churches—the city's beating heart.
Stay vigilant against jineteros (hustlers), but immerse in the vibrant atmosphere.
3. Tropicana Nightclub Show
This legendary open-air cabaret under tropical stars dazzles with salsa, glamour, and elaborate feathered costumes. A quintessential Havana experience (~$85 USD, including drink and cigar).
4. Havana Classic Car Tours
Cruise in vibrant 1950s convertibles—40-50 CUC/hour. Hail spontaneously or book tours; capture photos at scenic spots.
5. Stroll Along “El Malecon” Boardwalk
This seafront esplanade offers authentic local life, architecture views, food, and music. Ideal at sunset with rum; alive during July-August Carnival.
6. Cuban Cigars At Hotel Nacional
Iconic Hotel Nacional houses La Casa del Habano. Enjoy premium cigars amid ocean views, palms, and peacocks at the garden bar.
7. Visit Hemingway’s Watering Holes
Ernest Hemingway's haunts: El Floridita, Dos Hermanos, La Bodeguita del Medio. La Bodeguita offers authentic vibes, live salsa, and superior mojitos.
8. Try Cuban Pizza In Havana!
Skip tourist traps; savor sofrito-infused pies at 5 Esquinas Trattoria (wood-fired) or Bella Ciao (freshest options).
9. Best Beaches Near Havana
Party at Santa María del Mar; quieter at Playa Boca Ciega or Playa Jibacoa (top pick).
10. Drink Rum In A Box!
Local favorite: cheap Tumbao or Planchao in juice boxes. Fun for sharing, but potent—drink responsibly.
11. Visit The Havana Capitol Building
El Capitolio, modeled after Washington's, reopened post-restoration. Group tours Tue-Sun as National Assembly seat.
12. Havana Nightlife & Cuban Music
Salsa abounds; try Kilometro Zero or lessons at Casa del Son for traditional dances.
13. Watch Some Cannons Blast Off!
Daily 9pm cannonade at Fortaleza San Carlos de la Cabaña—free spectacle with cadets in uniform.
14. Stay Hydrated With Guarapo
Fresh sugarcane juice (lime/ice optional, or rum-spiked). Best at Arsenal Street near train station.
15. Viñales Tobacco Fields Road Trip
2-3hr drive to lush valleys, farms, mogotes. Day trip or overnight; bus or classic car; horseback tours.
16. Visit Cámera Obscura In Old Havana
Unique 360° live projection from Plaza Vieja rooftop (Latin America's only; 2 CUC).
17. Trip Out In Fusterlandia
Mosaic art village by José Fuster in Jaimanitas (20min drive). Gallery Wed-Sun 9:30am-4pm.
18. Eat At A Local Paladar
Private eateries for authentic fusion cuisine. Try ropa vieja at San Cristóbal paladar.
19. Explore Havana’s Green Forest
El Bosque de La Habana: riverside park with ancient banyans, playgrounds, amphitheater. Spot Santería rituals.
20. Plaza De La Revolución
Monumental square with Che Guevara mural; access via classic car taxi.
21. Pop By Hemingway’s Old House
Finca Vigía museum (view through windows). Open Mon-Sat 10am-4pm, Sun 9am-1pm; go early.
22. Hotel Kempinski Rooftop Pool
Infinity pool at Gran Hotel Manzana Kempinski overlooks Havana Vieja and Capitol. Symbol of tourism growth (U.S. restrictions apply).
23. Fabrica De Arte Cubano
X-Alfonso's cultural hub: art, music, nightlife Thu-Sun. Multi-room venue for local talent.
24. The Revolution Museum
Ex-Presidential Palace with revolution artifacts, bullet holes, vehicles, Granma yacht.
25. Climb La Guarida’s Staircase
Famed rooftop paladar in grand, decayed mansion. Atmospheric dining; book ahead.
Getting To (and Around) Havana
U.S. travelers: Use 12 authorized categories. Direct flights: Alaska, American, Delta, JetBlue, Southwest, United.
Taxis: Classic cars (~negotiable), shared colectivos (0.50 CUC/person, fixed routes).
န0; How To Legally Visit Cuba As An American
Best Time To Visit Havana
Sunny year-round; winter (Nov-Mar) ideal—warm beaches, fewer crowds, authentic vibe. Avoid hurricane season (autumn). NYE is spectacular.
Where To Stay In Havana
Casas particulares: Authentic family homes (25-40 CUC/night + breakfast).
BEST HOTELS IN HAVANA
Luxury
Hotel Nacional
Midrange
B&B Central Havana
Budget
Colonial Hostel House
Havana Cuba Travel Tips & Advice
- Budget option: Bicycle or coco taxi for short rides.
- Venture beyond Havana: Viñales, Trinidad, Varadero.
- Pack filtered water bottle; scarce outside cities.
- Stay in a casa particular for immersion.
- Learn basic Spanish for deeper connections.
