Location: Havana
Top Things to do in Havana
Top 10 Things to do in Havana, Ciudad de la Habana Province
A city trapped in time, Havana captures the imagination like no other. Faded glamour meets careful colonial-era reconstruction with a backdrop of irresistible color. Walk El Malecón, the walkway bordering the ocean; visit Old Havana and the Catedral de San Cristóbal; and listen for salsa music, open-air bazaars and parties that last all night.
Restaurants in Havana
1. Museo Hemingway Finca Vigia
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,977 reviews
Once the Finca Vigia, this ghost-white Spanish-colonial home was where Papa penned some of his greatest novels.
Reviewed By VangroovyFoodie - Vancouver, Canada
Hemingway's Home is a 20 minute drive outside of Central Havana. The house sits on a hill and overlooks Havana. We didn't have a guide but read that others did and thought it was worthwhile. Unfortunately, we were not offered that option when we arrived. Even though we could not enter the house, you could really get a sense of how Hemingway and his family lived through the doorways and windows. You can see many rooms: living room, closet, bathroom, office, bedrooms, and dining room. Tip: While at the main entrance, ask the person inside the house to take photos. That is the only way you will see Hemingway's bedroom and bathroom, which is at the right side of the house and visitors do not have access to it. Make sure to give the person a couple of dollars. Definitely worth the money. The three-story tower beside the house is where Hemingway wrote his famous novels. Again, give the person your camera and they will take photos of his Corona typewriter plus the items on his desk. His boat, "Pilar", the pet cemetery, the pool (and shower room), the photos throughout, and the grounds complete Hemingway's beautiful Finca Vigía. Tips: 1. I suggest getting there when they open at 10:00 AM so you can miss many of the tour buses. 2. Determine the price for the roundtrip taxi ride. We paid 50 CUC (we felt it was reasonable for 2 hours of the driver's time roundtrip and because the taxi was a 1950s Chevy :). Many drivers were waiting for their customers in the parking lot and could enjoy a coffee or buy some snacks from locals while they waited. There is also a restroom there. Entrance fee is 5 CUC per person. Bathroom at the bottom of the tower (leave a tip). Souvenirs at the entrance and inside the small store by the parking lot. Map of Havana was 3 CUC (hard to find in general so happy to get it.) Please note, they do NOT take credit cards but you may pay with CUC or CUP.
2. Old Havana
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 20,586 reviews
Bohemian, rhythmically Latin, certainly picturesque and, above all, charming.
Reviewed By Gantt-Tammy - Havana, Caribbean
La Habana is a great City to visit, old cars, great walks, good food and warm people, lots of live music, rum and cigars, history, art and plazas...be sure to hit Plaza de Revolution... The city has it all. The old City take a good day get through ...Sloppy Joe's, Floridita Street, and in modern Havana be sure to see Hotel Nacional and Tropicana. The Capitolo building is a great landmark to start from. If you can go inside, there is one of the largest diamonds in the world encased in the floor.
3. Plaza de la Catedral
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 6,699 reviews
Reviewed By JanetC2029 - Stockport, United Kingdom
Located in the old part of the city the fabulous architecture of the catedral at one side of a lovely square with restaurants, cafes and museums
4. El Morro
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3,681 reviews
Reviewed By yoed2020 - Cuba, Caribbean
well, well this is my third visit to havana city and I am happy to say that I have had a wonderful time in this beautifull place and most of this great experience is due to havanatours.nl travel agency who provided us with an excellent service during our stay there; humble, smiling and profesional staff always happy to scort us on our trips through the city either on a bike, on foot or in amazing road trips in the most efficient and fancy american old fashion cars I have ever seen, visiting places with a lot of history and dipping into the real Cuban culture all over the city. I just have to say thanks a lot for the amazing time you gave us and that I hope once I come back you will be there still to show us more from this beautiful country.
5. Old Square (Plaza Vieja)
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 8,604 reviews
What is now called the Old Square was originally Plaza Nueva (New Square), built as a popular alternative to Plaza de Armas, the military and government nerve center. Later called Plaza del Mercado (Market Square) as Havana's commercial hub, Plaza Vieja was the site of executions, processions, bullfights, and fiestas -- all witnessed by Havana's wealthiest citizens, who looked on from their balconies. The original Carrara marble fountain surrounded by four dolphins was demolished in the 1930s when President Gerardo Machado (1871-1939) built an underground parking lot here. Today the square's surrounding structures vary wildly in condition, though all of them are noteworthy.
Reviewed By ChrisR962 - London, United Kingdom
Having visited Plaza Vieja during the Special Period when it looked like London at the height of the blitz (WWII), it is always a pleasure to see the continuing restoration and rejuvenation of this stunning square. Excellent.
6. Gran Teatro de La Habana
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 887 reviews
Reviewed By magicas - Houston, United States
This is a spectacular old theatre, built in a grand style! The architecture alone is a must-see in Havana. Ballet performances are amazing. We saw a special performance for the 500th anniversary of Havana by Carlos Acosta's ballet company. It ranked with the best performances we have seen anywhere, including by internationally acclaimed ballet companies!
7. El Malecon
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 12,012 reviews
Reviewed By mefistome - Toronto, Canada
Havana’s Malecon (levee for its English translation), or Avenida de Maceo for its Official name, is a broad esplanade - roadway and seawall which stretches for more than 10 klms along the city coast; from the mouth of Havana Harbor in Old Havana neighborhood and ending where the sea and the Almendares river meet. The Malecon is the favored meeting place for all sorts of people, philosophers, poets, traveling minstrels, fishers, musicians and most of all tourists. The place comes alive at sunset, when the cool breeze from the ocean soothes the air and the last rays of the sun setting far out at sea, its light giving the area a serene, peaceful and almost ethereal quality. On a constant fight with the corrosive effects of the salty water of the ocean, its magnificent buildings battled the passage of time and most lost the fight; some are now facing decrepitude and irreparable damage or demolition; despite the efforts of the City Historian’s Office to stop the damage and restore whatever is recoverable. The Malecón is not particularly hospitable and welcoming when the breeze turns to strong wind and massive waves crash thunderously over the sea wall. The road is then closed to cars while the storm lasts, and you can walk right down the middle of the empty thoroughfare and get a cold, salty shower as you can see in the picture of the lady that stood there waiting for a second splash! A must to stroll by its wide sea-wall at the end of the day and enjoy the “best free show in Havana”, If you are a walker a good challenge would be take a stroll all the way from the Avenida 23rd to the Cruise Ships Sierra Maestra Embarcadero, Great exercise and a show 8 klms. Long! El Malecón Habanero cuyo nombre oficial es Avenida de Maceo, es una explanada, avenida y también un muro de contención del mar; se extiende por mas de 10 klms., a lo largo de la costa desde la entrada a la bahía de la Habana hasta la desembocadura del rio Almendares en el mar. El Malecón es el lugar de reunión preferido, “ el punto de reunión obligado” para turistas, filósofos, músicos callejeros, vendedores ambulantes y pescadores de todas las edades. El murallón se despierta a la caída del sol, aunque no esta totalmente dormido durante el día; y es mas acogedor cuando al caer la tarde la brisa del mar refresca el aire y los últimos rayos del sol perdiéndose en el horizonte, su luz decreciendo paulatinamente envuelve todo en una serena, pacífica y casi etérea realidad. En lucha constante contra el corrosivo efecto del salitre, los magníficos edificios que lo adornan han batallado por anos por mantenerse sólidos, pero el pasaje del tiempo ha sido arrollador, y muchos han perdido la batalla, ahora están totalmente dilapidados o destinados a demolición; a pesar de los esfuerzos de la Oficina del Historiador de la Ciudad por recuperarlos. El Malecón tiene también su contraparte, y no es tan acogedor cuando la brisa se torna viento y gigantescas olas saltan por encima de la muralla; en ocasiones produciendo inundaciones hasta dos cuadras por las partes bajas de la ciudad. Las fotos que aquí aparecen fueron tomadas el 22 de diciembre/2018 cuando la tormenta duro toda la noche del 21 y la mayor parte del 22/diciembre. Los danos causados fueron cuantiosos; a la mañana era difícil transitar por la zona pues las calles eran prácticamente un lodazal. Pero a pesar de su temperamento el Malecón tiene su carácter único y es amado por los Habaneros y los turistas que no desechan la oportunidad de visitarlo. Para quienes caminar es un ejercicio, les sugiero una caminata desde la Ave. 23, Hotel Nacional hasta el Desembarcadero Sierra Maestra – de Cruceros, 8 klms. gran ejercicio y el espectáculo es gratis
8. Fusterlandia
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,194 reviews
Reviewed By lisahQ9672VA
Artist Jose Fuster has created a magical, colourful, dream-like house covered entirely with his ceramic and tile art and magnificent architecture and includes some of the surrounding streets and entrances to the neighborhood homes. Cuba and its people are reflected in all of his works. I felt as if I was transported into a different realm and I felt a sense of joy and happiness. Fuster is an exceptional artist and dreamer and his work is truly exceptional. Whether or not you are a lover of the fine arts - Fusterlandia is not to be missed.
9. Fabrica De Arte Cubano
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,430 reviews
The F.A.C., Cuban Art Factory, located on the 26 and 11 in Vedado, is the best night cultural proposal in La Havana. There is always something new to do, theater, jazz, contemporary dance, concerts, DJ's, exhibitions or intranet chatting. The best of all, all of this can take place in one night, while taking a glass of wine and eating delicious 'tapas'. Visit this place, a new Oxygen in Havana!
Reviewed By nikkijonas
I've been to many places in the world, Fabrica de Arte Cubano is the best art gallery I've experienced, I loved the pieces of art, it's modern, progressive and refreshing. Each floor has music, different kinds. I've never experienced a place like this being in Toronto, New York, Sydney... I highlight recommend a visit here. Entry was 2 CUCS. Keep your drink card with you at the end or you pay more. So much fun loved it!! Can't wait to be back.
10. El Capitolio
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 2,868 reviews
Modeled after the U.S. Capitol, El Capitolo encompasses a planetarium and three museums.
Reviewed By deliztours - Trinidad, Caribbean
Los Exploradorestt Tours Ltd. highly recommend! they will help you to admire the truly beauty of this impressive building along with so many others through the unforgettable excursions with which you can feel the enchantment of a city like Havana.
