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Lonely Planet's Cuba is our most comprehensive guide that extensively covers all the country has to offer, with recommendations for both popular and lesser-known experiences. Enjoy the live music scene in Havana, explore historic Habana Vieja, and trek up Pico Turquino; all with your trusted travel companion.

Inside  Lonely Planet's Cuba  Travel Guide:  

Lonely Planet's Top Picks  - a visually inspiring collection of the destination's best experiences and where to have them

Itineraries  help you build the ultimate trip based on your personal needs and interests

Local insights  give you a richer, more rewarding travel experience - whether it's history, people, music, landscapes, wildlife, politics

Eating and drinking  -  get the most out of your gastronomic experience as we reveal the regional dishes and drinks you have to try

How to Pick a Cuban Cigar

Toolkit  - all of the planning tools for solo travellers, LGBTQIA+ travellers, family travellers and accessible travel

Colour maps  and images throughout

Language  - essential phrases and language tips

Insider tips  to save time and money and get around like a local, avoiding crowds and trouble spots

Havana, Artemisa, Mayabeque, Isla de la Juventud, Valle de Vinales and Pinar del Rio Province, Varadero and Matanzas Province, Cienfuegos, Villa Clara, Trinidad and Sancti Spiritus, Ciego de Avila, Cameguey, Las Tunas, Holguin, Granma, Santiago de Cuba, Guantanamo

ISBN: 9781788688017

Edition: 11th

Publication Date: December 2023

Writers: Lonely Planet

336 pages, 83 maps | Dimensions: 128mm width × 197mm height

Next edition due: December 2025

Language: English

Choose your language

Welcome to Cuba

More than you imagined

Plan your holiday to Cuba

Cuba Up-Close

Six Essential Tips for Your Trip to Cuba 2022

From alternative accommodation to bypassing the restrictive internet in Cuba, check out these six essential tips for your trip to Cuba.

Cuba up-close

When is the best time to visit Cuba?

Planning a visit to Cuba? The island offers sunny skies and activities year-round. Learn more about its seasons, weather, and cultural calendar.

Is it safe to travel to Cuba?

Here are some of the best safety tips to follow as you enjoy your trip, and use public transportation in Cuba.

Greatest Waterfalls in Cuba

Imagine finding yourself in Cuba, surrounded by an exuberant natural environment - where the vivacious green mountains stretch out into a splendid blue sky - while the fresh Caribbean seabreeze brightens your face. And on this tropical voyage, you discover a land of waterfalls on every corner of the island.

El Nicho waterfall, Sierra de Escambray

Photo: Shutterstock

Looking for some cool things to do?

Is it safe to travel to cuba.

Planning to travel to Cuba this season? Here are some

Dance to Your Own Beat at Havana World Music 2022

Havana World Music: Are you ready to break beyond the

LGBTQ+ Nightlife: Six Gay-Friendly Venues to Visit in Havana

Havana's LGBTQ+ scene is livelier than ever! Check out these

Top Four Jazz Clubs in Havana

Things to DoTop Four Jazz Clubs in Havana La Zorra

Visit the Museo de la Revolución, and Relive the Fight for Cuba

Havana’s Museo de la Revolución offers a thorough look at

Let the crystalline waters of the greatest waterfalls in Cuba

Best Spots for Fishing Around Cuba

Largely untouched and diverse, Cuba is one of the most

See Cuban Nature Up-close at Sierra Del Rosario

Reconnect with nature at Cuba's Sierra del Rosario nature reserve.

Cuba’s Top Destinations For Your Next Mountain Bike Adventure

Get to know the 5 best spots for mountain biking

Five of the Best Beaches in Cuba

Discover the best Cuban beaches making a splash in the

Cuba’s capital has always enjoyed a lively jazz scene, and has produced legendary musicians. It’s time to visit Havana’s best jazz clubs!

La Zorra Y El Cuervo jazz club, Vedado, Havana

Photo: Alamy

Winter activities and tips!

History & Heritage

Visit the Museo de la Revolución

Wildlife & Nature

Ciénaga de Zapata

Castillo del Morro

Beaches & Islands

Hit the Beach at Tarará

Tarará Beach – Havana’s Best Kept Secret

Tired of typical tourist spots? Get to know Tarará beach,

Castillo del Morro: A Historical Fortress in Havana

Learn about the History of Cuba in the bay of

Ciénaga de Zapata: A Natural Cuban Treasure

Encounter the endemic flora and fauna of Matanzas Cuba, and

The Cuban Cigar: Everything You’ll need to know

Learn about the curious and mysterious history of the Cuban cigar, how a Habano is made, and where you can buy quality tobacco like Cohiba cigars.

A Cuban woman with a cigar, Havana

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Lonely Planet Cuba (Travel Guide) Paperback – 16 Oct. 2015

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#1 best-selling guide to Cuba *

Lonely Planet Cuba is your passport to the most relevant, up-to-date advice on what to see and skip, and what hidden discoveries await you. Take a drive along Havana's Malecon, soak up the live music scene, make yourself at home in a casa particular all with your trusted travel companion. Get to the heart of Cuba and begin your journey now!

Inside Lonely Planet Cuba :

• Full-color maps and images throughout
• Highlights and itineraries help you tailor your trip to your personal needs and interests
• Insider tips to save time and money and get around like a local, avoiding crowds and trouble spots
• Essential info at your fingertips - hours of operation, phone numbers, websites, transit tips, prices
• Honest reviews for all budgets - eating, sleeping, sight-seeing, going out, shopping, hidden gems that most guidebooks miss
• Cultural insights give you a richer, more rewarding travel experience - history, architecture, cuisine, music, dance, landscape, wildlife, literature, arts, politics
• Free, convenient pull-out Havana map (included in print version), plus over 80 color maps
• Covers Havana, Artemisa, Mayabeque, Isla de la Juventud, Valle de Vinales, Pinar del Rio, Varadero, Matanzas, Cienfuegos, Villa Clara, Trinidad, Sancti Spiritus, Ciego de Avila, Camaguey, Las Tunas, Holguin, Granma, Santiago de Cuba, Guantanamo and more

The Perfect Choice: Lonely Planet Cuba , our most comprehensive guide to Cuba, is perfect for both exploring top sights and taking roads less traveled.

• Looking for more extended coverage? Check out Lonely Planet's Discover Caribbean Islands guide.

Authors: Written and researched by Lonely Planet, Brendan Sainsbury and Luke Waterson

About Lonely Planet: Since 1973, Lonely Planet has become the world's leading travel media company with guidebooks to every destination, an award-winning website, mobile and digital travel products, and a dedicated traveler community. Lonely Planet covers must-see spots but also enables curious travelers to get off beaten paths to understand more of the culture of the places in which they find themselves.

Lonely Planet guides have won the TripAdvisor Travelers' Choice Awards in 2012, 2013, 2014 and 2015 in the Favorite Travel Guide category.

*Best-selling guide to Cuba. Source: Nielsen BookScan. Australia, UK and USA. Mar 2014 - Feb 2015

• Print length 544 pages
• Language English
• Publisher Lonely Planet
• Publication date 16 Oct. 2015
• Dimensions 12.9 x 2.3 x 19.8 cm
• ISBN-10 9781743216781
• ISBN-13 978-1743216781
• See all details

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• ASIN ‏ : ‎ 1743216785
• Publisher ‏ : ‎ Lonely Planet; 8th edition (16 Oct. 2015)
• Language ‏ : ‎ English
• Paperback ‏ : ‎ 544 pages
• ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 9781743216781
• ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1743216781
• Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 12.9 x 2.3 x 19.8 cm
• 113 in Caribbean & West Indian Food & Drink
• 10,688 in Specialty Travel
• 58,526 in Home & Garden (Books)

About the authors

Lonely planet.

With over 150 million guidebooks in print, Lonely Planet is a trusted source for any traveler. Since our inception in 1973, we've inspired generations of travelers to discover amazing places and enabled curious travelers to get off the beaten paths to appreciate different cultures and become agents of positive change.

Brendan Sainsbury

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From lush forests to a dynamic music scene, Cuba is a country of indefinable magic. Puff on Cuban cigars or cruise down the Havana streets in a classic car for a true taste of the good life.

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Planning Tools

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Things to Know

Cuba can confuse even hardened travelers. Here's everything you need to know before you go.

Transportation

Want to travel around in Cuba? See the best of the island with our guide to transportation.

Visa Requirements

Travelers often have questions about the visa process for Cuba and whether US citizens can even visit. Here’s our guide to Cuba’s visa requirements.

Money and Costs

You can still see the best of Cuba even without a huge budget. Here are our tips on getting the most out of your money.

Traveling with Kids

If you’re looking to travel to Cuba with kids, you’ll find music, carnivals, watersports, horse riding, classic American car rides and much more.

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Cuba and beyond

Cuba Travel Guide

Your ultimate cuba travel guide, with tips, things to do, and best things to see in cuba. great for first-time and returning travelers..

Located on the largest island of the Caribbean, Cuba is a very popular tourist destination and for good reason.

Cuba is home to beautiful white-sand beaches, impressive rainforests and waterfalls, vibrant culture, and lively cities .

Due to various trade restrictions over the years, Cuba has many described by many as like walking into a time capsule and is now a unique blend of the past and present, where vintage cars roam around colorful historic buildings and towns.

The birthplace of salsa music, Cuba is also full of rhythm. Add in its sub-tropical climate, and it is a great place to vacation.

This Cuba travel guide will help you plan your next vacation.

Popular Guides

• Things to do in Havana
• Cuba Photos

Our Highlight

Table of contents

Table of Contents

Fast Facts about Havana

• Power voltage is 110V-220V at 60 Hz. Type A, B, C, and L.
• Cuba’s two currencies are the Cuban Peso and the Cuban Convertible Peso, mainly used for tourists.
• 1 Cuban Convertible Peso is equal to 1 USD.
• The best way to get around Cuba is by bus or taxi. If taking a taxi, make sure the taxi is licensed before riding.
• You need a tourist card to enter Cuba, as well as a passport that is valid for two months after your trip ends. The tourist card allows you to stay in Cuba for up to 30 days.
• The most popular cellular networks in Cuba are Cubacel and Digicel and both offer SIM cards. It should be noted the SIM cards can only be used on unlocked GMS phones. To rent a SIM card, you need a passport and your IMEI (phone ID) number.
• Cuba has a sales tax rate of 2% on wholesale sales and a 10% rate on both retail sales and services.
• SIM Cards : Cuba has very limited Internet and the best bet for visiting Cuba is to unplug, relax and if you have to, use your hotel’s limited WiFi for emergencies.
• It is advisable to download offline maps and any apps offline that you use to travel.

Things to See and Do in Cuba

• Hike Through Sierra Maestra:  Cuba’s largest mountain range and the start point of the Cuban Revolution. Take a tour to learn more about Cuba’s history and enjoy a beautiful hike and great mountain views.
• Varadero Beach:  Visit this pristine and popular beach in Sol Palmeras. Walk through the sand, swim in the clear waters, get to know other tourists or locals, or simply relax and take in the beautiful views.
• Old Havana:  Old Havana is the city center of Havana is considered a crucial part of any trip to Cuba. Stroll through one-of-a-kind historic streets and buildings to see the history of Cuba.
• Tropicana Club:  Head to the famous Tropicana Club for some great nightlife entertainment. Get dinner and enjoy the thrilling cabaret show that’s been running since the 1930s, featuring lively song and dance numbers.  

Cuba Travel Guides

• 36 Fantastic Things to do in Havana, Cuba

Accommodation

Budget:  Cuba offers family-run bed and breakfasts (or casas particulares) for around 15 to 25 pesos per night.  

Mid-Range:  For mid-range hotels, expect to pay roughly 70-130 pesos per night.

High-End:  Upscale hotels will cost about 150-250 pesos per night.

Check out our favorite booking platforms Booking.com , Tripadvisor and VRBO for the best deals on accommodation.

If you’re on a budget, you can find options for pizza or spaghetti at around 3-4 pesos each.

Coffee lovers can find delicious cups of coffee for around 0.10 pesos. Restaurants are a good way to learn more about Cuban cuisine.

Expect to pay around 10-15 pesos for a meal at a restaurant. 

The Best Ways to Get Around Cuba

Getting to cuba:.

Getting to Cuba:  While there are 10 international airports in Cuba, the Aeropuerto Internacional José Martí in Havana is the main one, with the Gualberto Gómez International Airport in Varadero being a close second.

Flights:  You can check for the best flights to Cuba on  Skyscanner .

Transportation:

Transportation:  Look for the Viazul buses, which are made especially for tourists and feature air-conditioning. Great for long distances, you can travel from Trinidad to Havana in six hours for just 25 pesos.

You will want to arrive at the station in advance to get a spot.

Trains : The train system in Cuba runs the length of the island and is a good way to meet the locals.

Go from Havana to Santa Clara for just 20 pesos, or from Santa Clara to Santiago de Cuba for 50 pesos. Be advised that the trains only run every few days, so planning ahead is key.

Taxis:   Taxis are an alternative way to get around Cuba.

Fares start at 1 peso as a flat rate and increase by 1 peso for each kilometer traveled.

To travel from Old Havana to Miramar, for example, costs 8 to 12 pesos.

Car Rental:   It is possible to rent a car in Cuba, but it is expensive and can be convoluted. Take care when you do. Check rates and availability here.

When to go To Cuba

Between November and April is the most popular time to go to Cuba, as temperatures range from 78 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit and skies tend to be blue.

You can find higher temperatures (up to 90 degrees) and lower hotel rates in August but note that hurricane season is between August through October. 

Where to Stay in Cuba

Iberostar Grand Packard  – Located on the Malecon and walking distance to Old Havana, this is the premier place to stay in Cuba.

Hostal Las Palmas :One of the most highly rated bed and breakfasts in Trinidad. Explore Trinidad and the Playa Ancon beach, which are both close by.

Suite Florencia :  Built-in 1940, this colonial house turned hotel in Santa Clara is right in the middle of everything. Descend the white marble staircase into this romantic hotel.

Enjoy beautiful views of Santa Clara from your room, or roam about Santa Clara and visit the nearby restaurants and bars.

What to Pack for Cuba

Cuba has a tropical climate so you can count on it being hot and humid.

• Swimsuit:  With Cuba”>
• Sunscreen:  Protect your skin from the powerful sun with some sunscreen.  
• Cash:  As you may not be able to withdraw money from your bank accounts while in Cuba, make sure to bring an appropriate amount of cash based on what you think you’ll spend.
• We didn’t have a problem withdrawing from ATMs in Havana, but it is better to be safe

Cuba Travel Guide: Best Booking Resources

Whenever we travel to we make sure to start with these companies. We have tried a lot of different ones over the years and all of these have consistently proven to be the best when it comes to offering great prices.

We have used every one of these personally and continue to do so.

• Booking.com : This is our go site to when comparing prices for accommodation. It usually has the cheapest prices, especially in Europe and we love their interface. Not to mention you get free cancellation and you are guaranteed the best price.
• Trip Advisor :  What we like about Trip Advisor is that we can look at all the reviews and then book our accommodation. TripAdvisor is where we go when we want to compare prices with multiple accommodation providers.
• VRBO : is the main search engine we use when we are looking for a home or apartment rental. It can sometimes be cheaper than hotels and it is the best way to stay in areas that offer a more local feel.
• Hostelworld :  With one of the largest databases of hostels in the world, Hostelworld is the go-to site when you are looking for budget accommodation.
• Skyscanner : This is the first place we check for flights. It consistently comes back with the cheapest and best options. It allows us to compare a lot of airlines to get the best price.
• Rome 2 Rio :  If you want to see how to get somewhere by plane, train, bus, ferry or car Rome2Rio lays it all out for you as well as related costs.I love how they show it all to you on a Google Map and it works offline.
• Get Your Guide:  For all your day trip and city guide needs, we use Get Your Guide. It has the world’s largest collection of things to do with more than 30,000 activities in 7500 destinations.
• World Nomads Insurance:  When traveling to Italy you should always have travel insurance. We have found the best bang for your buck is by far World Nomads.

Cuba Travel Guide: Related Articles

To browse all our articles and guides about Cuba Click Here.

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Cuban Food: 23 Cuban Dishes You Can Try at Home

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Varadero Travel Guide

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Our time in Cuba was a wonderful experience.

Expectations of Varadero vary wildly: some people anticipate a picture-perfect seaside paradise; some hope for a hedonistic party resort; while others dismiss it altogether, assuming it to be a synthetic, characterless place devoid of Cubans. In reality it is none of these extremes, though it is the package holiday resort in Cuba. What most stands out about the place is the sheer length of its brilliant white-sand beach, a highway of sand running virtually the entire length of an almost ruler-straight 25km peninsula shooting out from the mainland. The blues and greens of the calm waters create a stunning turquoise barrier between the land and the Florida Straits and, to cap it all off, because the peninsula rarely exceeds half a kilometre in width, the beach is rarely more than a five-minute walk away.

Brief history of Varadero

Where to go in varadero, mansión xanadú, marina gaviota, varadero baila, boat trips and the marinas, scuba diving in varadero, cueva de saturno, fishing around varadero.

Though Varadero is not the place to come for an authentic taste of Cuban culture, this is no faceless shrine to consumerism – the town area houses some 10,000 residents, most of them in faded homes surrounded by scraps of grassland and unlit streets, a reminder of which side of the Florida Straits you are on. None of this detracts from the beach, the town section of which attracts as many holidaying Cubans as foreigners in July and August. Numerous boat trips leave from the three marinas on the peninsula, while diving clubs provide access to over thirty rewarding dive sites.

Unline most of Cuba’s high profile beach resorts, there are casas particulares in Varadero, providing plenty of relatively cheap accommodation alongside the expensive all-inclusive mega-complexes. However, with shops and restaurants spread thinly across the peninsula, and nightlife and entertainment confined mostly to the big hotels, there is a distinct lack of buzz – visit in the low season and it can seem quite deserted. But the level of hassle from jineteros here is lower than you might expect, especially in comparison to Havana, and on the whole tourists blend into the local surroundings with greater ease than in most of the rest of Cuba.

The peninsula is divided into three distinct sections, though all are united by the same stretch of beach on the northern coastline. The bridge from the mainland joins Varadero at the western end of the town area (Maps A and B), where all the Cubans live, and the eastern end of the Reparto Kawama (Map A), the narrowest, least visited section of the peninsula and home to about half a dozen hotels. The eastern half of the resort (Map C) is relatively secluded and wandering about is not really an option, as the landscape is dominated by luxury hotels and there are no pavements or footpaths. It’s worth catching the tourist bus or a taxi out this way, however, as a number of the local highlights are here, including the magnificent Mansión Xanadú , the Varadero golf course , a dolphinarium, and the misleadingly named Varahicacos Ecological Reserve. The most dramatic development in recent years has been on the hook of land at the eastern extreme of the peninsula, where the Marina Gaviota Varadero has become the largest marina in the Caribbean, centred around a commercial and leisure complex.

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Combine a leisurely activity with an insight into some of Cuba’s most fascinating cultural highlights on this new e-biking tour of Western and Central Cuba. Explore the tobacco region of Viñales, cycle along the Bay of Pigs and relax on the fine sandy beaches of Cayo Las Brujas.

Varadero began life as a town as late as 1887, founded by a group of wealthy families from nearby Cárdenas intent on establishing a permanent base for their summer holidays. The archetypal old Varadero residence, built in the early decades of the twentieth century, was one modelled on the kinds of houses then typical of the southern US: two- or three-storey wooden constructions surrounded by broad verandas, with sloping terracotta-tiled roofs, as exemplified by the Museo Varadero building.

By the time of the Revolution at the end of the 1950s, Varadero had become one of the most renowned beach resorts in the Caribbean, attracting wealthy Americans and considered to be a thoroughly modern and hedonistic vacationland. Standards slipped, however, after power was seized by Fidel Castro and his rebels, who tended to frown on tourism. It wasn’t until the government’s attitude on this issue came full circle in the early 1990s that serious investment began to pour back into Varadero. Since then, over twenty new hotels have been built, most of them all-inclusive mega-resorts occupying the previously undeveloped land in the eastern section of the peninsula.

There are beach resorts the length and breadth of the country but none is more complete than Varadero. This is the country’s long-time premier holiday destination, two hours’ drive east of Havana in Matanzas province. Based on a highway of dazzling white sand that stretches almost the entire length of the 25km Península de Hicacos, Varadero offers the classic package-holiday experience. For the tried-and-tested combination of watersports, sunbathing and relaxing in all-inclusive hotels, there is nowhere better in Cuba. On the opposite side of the province, the Península de Zapata, with its diversity of wildlife, organized excursions and scuba diving, offers a wealth of different possibilities. The grittier Cárdenas and provincial capital Matanzas contrast with Varadero’s made-to-measure appeal. But it’s the nearby natural attractions of the Bellamar caves and the verdant splendour of the Yumurí Valley that provide the focus for most day-trips.

Best places to visit in Varadero

• Varadero beach Walk or run for miles on the golden sands of Cuba’s most famous beach, then cool down in the shallow turquoise water.
• Mansión Xanadú Sleep, eat or drink in opulent style at one of Varadero’s most alluring addresses.
• Learn to kitesurf in Varadero One of the best places in Cuba to learn to kitesurf is at the Varadero Kitesurf School.
• Hershey train It may be slow and unreliable, but this dinky electric train passes through some beautiful scenery.
• Cuevas de Bellamar Descend over 50m underground into these awesome underground caves and along 750m of atmospheric passageways.
• Río Canímar boat trip Enjoy the Cuban countryside on a fun-packed cruise up this broad, tree-lined river.
• Diving at the Península de Zapata The flooded caves and coral reef here offer the best dive sites in the province.

The first tangible visitor attraction east of town, about 2km from central Varadero, is the Mansión Xanadú, a hotel, restaurant, bar and one of the few buildings on the peninsula you could call a historic landmark. Sometimes referred to as the Mansión Dupont, it was built between 1926 and 1929 by the American millionaire Irenée Dupont at a cost of over $600,000, a vast sum for that era. At the same time, Dupont bought up large tracts of land on the peninsula for hotel development and effectively kick-started Varadero as a major holiday destination. The mansion has hardly changed since the Dupont family fled the island in 1959, and stands testament to the wealth and decadence of the pre-revolutionary years in Varadero. These days, to appreciate the splendidly furnished four-storey interior, its large rooms full of marble and mahogany, you either have to be a hotel guest, eat at the Las Américas restaurant or sip a cocktail and admire the views of the coast and golf course from the dignified top-floor bar.

At the furthest extreme of Varadero, the Marina Gaviota, still expanding after years under construction, is not only the peninsula’s top nautical facility but also a commercial holiday village, centred around a small, outdoor, waterside mall, Plaza Las Morlas, which wouldn’t look out of place in a theme park. Said to be the largest marina in the Caribbean, with 1200 berths, its currently underused capacity has been established in anticipation of the flood of American yachts and travellers expected to visit Cuba’s north coast if and when Washington repeals its economic blockade. Regardless of any future changes, this huge project has already transformed the eastern end of the peninsula, adding a short waterfront promenade, a few shops and market stalls, a nightclub, tapas bar, Mexican, Argentinian and seafood restaurants, a bowling alley, apartment blocks and yet another all-inclusive hotel, as well as the boat trips, diving and fishing excursions you’d expect from a marina.

Every year, usually in the second week of July, Varadero hosts the International Festival of Salsa, also known as Varadero Baila, a week-long programme of concerts, dance shows and classes organized by the national “cultural tourism” agency Paradiso and Baila en Cuba. Dancers of all abilities, as well as complete beginners, can enrol on the festival’s five-day dance courses, while the programme of concerts and events are spread around a half-dozen or so venues including the Academia Baile en Cuba and a number of the nightclubs. To make enquiries in person go to the Paradiso office at Calle 26 e/ Ave. 1ra y Ave. 2da. In recent years the festival has been held jointly in Varadero and Havana .

With entertainment options a little thin on the ground in Varadero, it’s no surprise that boat trips to the islets and reefs around the peninsula are so numerous and popular. The family of cays beyond the eastern tip of the peninsula – cayos Blanco, Piedras and Romero, among others – make up most of the stopping-off points; they’re bordered by small coral reefs and offer the best opportunities for snorkelling.

Most of the trips can be booked through any one of the principal travel agents or at the marinas themselves; book at least a day in advance, or earlier during times of high demand. Most trips include the transfer from your hotel to the point of departure in the price; children under 12 are usually charged half-price rates.

There are far superior dive sites around Cuba than the ones off the Varadero coast, but with several diving clubs on the peninsula this is one of the best-served areas for diving. The clubs here can offer diving equipment and instruction, and can arrange excursions to elsewhere in the province, commonly to the Península de Zapata in southern Matanzas. Most of the local dive sites are on the coral reefs around the offshore cays to the east of Varadero, such as Cayo Blanco and Cayo Piedras, where there are various wrecks, and also at Playa Coral, with a coral reef just 30m from the shore along the coast towards Matanzas . As well as the standard coral reef visits, clubs usually offer night- and cave-dives, the latter often in the Cueva de Saturno to the west of Varadero, not far off the Vía Blanca.

Just by the road connecting Juan Gualberto Gómez Airport to the Vía Blanca, a few hundred metres south from the Vía Blanca itself, is the Cueva de Saturno, a flooded cave where you can snorkel and scuba dive. Modest in comparison to the Cuevas de Bellamar nearer Matanzas, the cave isn’t worth going out of your way for unless you intend to dive – in which case you’ll need to pre-book a visit with one of Varadero’s dive clubs – but it does make a good stopoff between Varadero and Matanzas. You can walk down through the impressive gaping mouth of the cave to the pool at the bottom and take a swim or have a snorkel. A snack bar has been built near the steps down into the cave, mostly to serve the organized visits that regularly come here from Matanzas and Varadero.

There are plenty of better locations around Cuba to go saltwater fishing than off the coast of Varadero, but this is one of the easiest places to charter a boat, and sailing out to the surrounding cays is a great way for the casual enthusiast to combine a spot of fishing with a relaxing day-trip. You have to get well away from the beach to have even a chance of a half-decent catch, which could be wahoo, barracuda, grouper, snapper or tuna among others, and some fishing trips actually take place on the other side of the province, off the Península de Zapata. Tailor-made excursions and fishing packages are available at the three marinas, which will supply any necessary fishing equipment; the buros de turismo in most hotel lobbies can also usually also help with arrangements.

Top image: Varadero Beach, Cuba © takehanx/Shutterstock

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Travel guide books to Cuba (7)

The Rough Guide to Cuba

This practical travel guide to Cuba features detailed factual travel tips and points-of-interest structured lists of all iconic must-see sights as well as some off-the-beaten-track treasures. Our itinerary suggestions and expert author picks of things to see and do will make it a perfect companion both, ahead of your trip and on the ground. This Cuba guide book is packed full of details on how to get there and around, pre-departure information and top time-saving tips, including a visual list of things not to miss. Our colour-coded maps make Cuba easier to navigate while you're there. This guide book to Cuba has been fully updated post-COVID-19 and it comes with a free eBook. The Rough Guide to CUBA covers:  Havana; Artemisa and Pinar del Rio; Varadero, Matanzas and Mayabeque; Cienfuegos and Villa Clara; Trinidad and Sancti Spiritus; Ciego de Avila and Camaguey; Northern Oriente; Santiago de Cuba and Granma; Isla de la Juventud and Cayo Largo. Inside this Cuba travel guide you'll find: RECOMMENDATIONS FOR EVERY TYPE OF TRAVELLER

Experiences selected for every kind of trip to Cuba, from off-the-beaten-track adventures in Varadero to family activities in child-friendly places, like Habana Vieja or chilled-out breaks in popular tourist areas, like Trinidad Old Town. PRACTICAL TRAVEL TIPS

Essential pre-departure information including Cuba entry requirements, getting around, health information, travelling with children, sports and outdoor activities, food and drink, festivals, culture and etiquette, shopping, tips for travellers with disabilities and more. TIME-SAVING ITINERARIES Includes carefully planned routes covering the best of Cuba, which give a taste of the richness and diversity of the destination, and have been created for different time frames or types of trip. DETAILED REGIONAL COVERAGE

Clear structure within each sightseeing chapter of this Cuba travel guide includes regional highlights, brief history, detailed sights and places ordered geographically, recommended restaurants, hotels, bars, clubs and major shops or entertainment options. INSIGHTS INTO GETTING AROUND LIKE A LOCAL

Tips on how to beat the crowds, save time and money and find the best local spots for visiting tobacco plantations and cigar factories or diving into the country's vibrant music scene. HIGHLIGHTS OF THINGS NOT TO MISS Rough Guides' rundown of Trinidad Old Town, Habana Vieja, Santiago, Artemisa's best sights and top experiences helps to make the most of each trip to Cuba, even in a short time. HONEST AND INDEPENDENT REVIEWS

Written   by Rough Guides' expert authors  with a trademark blend of humour, honesty and expertise, this Cuba guide book will help you find the best places, matching different needs. BACKGROUND INFORMATION Comprehensive 'Contexts' chapter of this travel guide to Cuba features fascinating insights into Cuba, with coverage of history, religion, ethnic groups, environment, wildlife and books, plus a handy language section and glossary. FABULOUS FULL COLOUR PHOTOGRAPHY

Features inspirational colour photography, including the stunning Hotel Nacional and the spectacular Plaza Vieja. COLOUR-CODED MAPPING

Practical full-colour maps, with clearly numbered, colour-coded keys for quick orientation in Havana, Varadero and many more locations in Cuba, reduce the need to go online. USER-FRIENDLY LAYOUT

With helpful icons, and organised by neighbourhood to help you pick the best spots to spend your time. FREE EBOOK

Free eBook download with every purchase of this guide book to Cuba allows you to access all of the content from your phone or tablet, for on-the-road exploration.

Description

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Practical travel guides series covering countries, cities and regions, with detailed factual travel tips, perfect for independent, long-stay, backpacking and budget-conscious travellers seeking comprehensive travel information and off-the-beaten track experiences

Extensive practical travel information including getting there, getting around, climate information, safety tips, accommodation explanations, food & drink advice and shopping essentials 

Curated author picks with destination highlights at the beginning of each guide

Ready-made itineraries covering every corner of the destination

Colour-coded places chapters with detailed coverage of places and sights, presented in a points-of-interest structure 

Extensive recommendations for accommodation, restaurants, shops and leisure activities for all budgets

Colour-coded detailed maps with marked-up key sights 

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45+ Best Things To Do in Havana: A Local’s Guide for Travelers [2024]

As you plan your bucket list trip to Havana, Cuba, make sure to get out of the well-worn tourist path in this one-of-a-kind Cuban city . Riding in a vintage car, drinking rum, and smoking cigars can all be great things to do in Havana, but there is so much more that you shouldn’t miss when visiting Havana, Cuba .

As locals, we’ve traversed every corner of Havana many times over and even served as tour guides for all our family and friends as they explored Cuba. Read on for our local advice on the best things to do in Havana, Cuba, from visiting the top tourist attractions in the city to all the hidden gems that Havana has to offer.

This post contains affiliate links that may reward me monetarily or otherwise when you use them to make qualifying purchases – at no cost to you. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. For more information, please read our  disclosure policy .

Best Things To Do in Havana, Cuba

While the tourist path in Havana can be quite well-worn, perhaps more so than in most places, in the past decade or so, this has begun to change. It’s easier to experience authentic Cuba than ever before , making now a better time than ever to visit Havana.

Looking for our top recommendations for the most unmissable things to do in Havana? These are the things that you absolutely can’t miss while in Havana:

• Explore Old Havana
• Stroll Down the Malecón
• Visit Fábrica de Arte Cubano
• Take in the View from El Morro or Cristo de la Habana
• Tour Havana in a Vintage American Convertible

Of course, there are so many more things to do in Havana that we recommend, as well as a number of day trips from Havana that will introduce you to some of Cuba’s most beautiful destinations. Read on for all our top tips for enjoying the best of Havana and experiencing it like a local.

Plan a Trip to Havana

• Havana, Cuba: A Local’s Guide for Travelers
• Where To Stay in Havana, Cuba
• 3-Day Havana Itinerary

Things To Do in Havana, Cuba

1. explore old havana.

A visit to Old Havana is a must for any traveler visiting Havana; it’s easily one of the best things to do in Havana. This historic area of the city is an incredible mix of architectural styles, museums, plazas, cafes, bars, and restaurants.

While this neighborhood isn’t very large – you can walk from one end to another in about 25 minutes – there is a lot to see here, so plan to spend at least three to four hours exploring to see the best of the area.  Narrow streets make it best to explore on foot, and tall buildings block the heat of the sun for most of the day.

An easy way to explore is with a free walking tour of Old Havana or a private guided tour for a more personalized experience. You can also take a self-guided walking tour by tracing a route around Old Havana’s four main plazas and exploring from there.

These are the four most beautiful plazas in Havana, the foundation for a good self-guided walking tour of the neighborhood:

• Plaza Vieja
• Plaza de Armas
• Plaza de la Catedral
• Plaza de San Francisco de Asis

Other highlights of the neighborhood include cool galleries, cafes, and restaurants, as well as other historic monuments, churches, and theaters. Part of enjoying the charm of the neighborhood comes in just wandering the streets, so try not to stick to too much of an itinerary.

Read More: Ultimate Guide to Exploring Old Havana

Cuba Travel 101

• Currency in Cuba: A Local’s Guide for Travelers
• How to Get Wifi in Cuba [Updated!]
• Is Cuba Safe? Updated Cuba Safety Guide
• Ultimate Cuba Travel Guide – A Local’s Advice for Travelers

2. Walk on the Malecón

Havana’s Malecón oceanfront promenade is a vital part of the city, and strolling along the sidewalk by the ocean (ideally at sunset) is a great way to take in the city. It’s totally free and is one of the very best things to do in Havana.

No matter what time of year you’re visiting Cuba, taking your obligatory Malecón stroll is usually best saved for the late afternoon when the sun is starting to fall or at sunset. With no shade on the Malecón, it can get wickedly hot during the day.

The Malecón also transforms into a gathering place for locals in the evening, with vendors selling wine and rum, candies, and other treats as groups of friends gather and sit on the wall to enjoy the breeze. Spots feel like a party atmosphere, while others are just for relaxing and chatting with friends – no matter what you’re looking for, it’s a blast.

3. Visit La Fábrica de Arte Cubano

You can’t come to Havana without visiting Fábrica de Arte Cubano . In just a decade since its founding, this mixed-use arts space has become world-famous, hosting everyone from Questlove and CimaFunk to Michelle Obama and Anthony Bourdain. 

This former cooking oil factory turned hotspot has several bars, multiple event spaces, rotating art exhibition spaces, and even a small restaurant inside. Open Thursdays through Sundays, each night features a rotation of live music performances, DJs, fashion shows, film screenings, dance shows, and much more.

Whether you’re interested in partying the night away among Havana’s elite or just checking out the newest photography exhibit on display, there is something at Fábrica de Arte Cubano for everyone. Neighboring El Cocinero is one of the most popular restaurants in Havana , with a great rooftop space.

Entry is just a few dollars and gives you access to the entire space for the whole evening. It’s a must for any Havana itinerary , no matter how short , and one of my personal favorite things to do in Havana.

4. Take in the View at Cristo de La Habana

Located directly across the harbor from Old Havana , you’ll notice a prominent statue of Christ with his arms outstretched towards the city – this is the famous Cristo de la Habana statue. While you’ll get a good view of the statue from Old Havana, the real reason to cross the harbor and visit the statue itself is for the view of the city from the platform before the statue. 

With a stunning panorama of the ocean and the skyline of Havana, it’s one of the best things to do in Havana, particularly if you can time a visit with Havana’s epic sunsets.

You can get here by taking the Lanchita de Regla from Old Havana – a small ferry that continuously crosses the harbor and costs just a few pesos. Or, combine a visit with a trip to El Morro and take the bus or a taxi through the tunnel underneath the harbor. 

5. Ride in a Vintage American Car

What is a trip to Cuba without a ride through Havana in a vintage American convertible ? This iconic experience is one of the best things to do in Havana – one that we consider to be a must! 

We recommend  booking these vintage car rides ahead of time online before you even arrive in Cuba (or from Cuba using a  VPN ).  It’s less cash you need to carry to Cuba, and you’ll avoid the hassle of bargaining with drivers. 

If you haven’t planned ahead, you can find cars willing to take you on tours of the city  from a few key places: in front of Parque Central (near Hotel Inglaterra or Gran Hotel Manzana Kempinski), or Parque La Maestranza at the entrance to the Havana harbor. Of course, your hotel or guesthouse host can arrange these tours for you as well.

Reviews and Bookings: Vintage American Convertible Ride + Havana City Tour

6. Eat Street Food

Havana has great street food if you know where to look. You’ll find everything from coconut and guava pastries to roasted peanuts, churros, guarapo (sugar cane juice with lime), and savory treats like roast pork and pizza. Look for tiny hole-in-the-wall cafes with tiny menus hung outside; many locals use the front rooms of their houses as makeshift cafes or grab-and-go spots.

Taste as you explore, or join a street food tour through Old Havana – food tours are some of my favorite experiences for travel, as they’ll help you decipher menus and order the best local food for the rest of your trip. This is one of my favorite things to do in Havana when visitors come to town.

Read More: 25 Best Havana Restaurants

Best Places To Stay in Havana

• Casa Giraldilla ($) 
• Casa Flamboyan ($ – $$) 
• Residencia Santa Clara ($$) 
• El Candil Boutique Hotel ($$ – $$$) 
• La Reserva Vedado ($$$) 

7. Take a Free Walking Tour

What could be better than a free walking tour around the city with a local guide? You’ll find several opportunities for free walking tours in Havana, and should consider adding at least one of these excellent tours to your Havana itinerary:

• Old Havana Free Walking Tour
• El Vedado Free Walking Tour
• Havana at Night: Free Walking Tour

Civitatis – a Spanish travel experience company – offers countless well-done experiences and tours for travelers in Cuba . They’re one of the only travel companies currently allowing for online bookings for experiences in Cuba. Make sure to book a free Havana tour and check out the rest of their excellent Cuba experiences while you’re at it.

8. Learn to Make a Mojito

Even if you’re not a fan of tours or group experiences when traveling, this might be an experience you can get behind! Taking a mixology class in Havana can be a great way to learn about Cuba as the birthplace of some of the world’s most famous drinks , like the daiquiri, mojito, and some of the planet’s best rum.

A favorite place for mixology classes in Havana is Cuban Spirits . These classes are also a great way to meet other travelers – and your local teacher! – which can help enhance your trip even more. Or, join a “cocktail tour” of Havana if you’d prefer to sip as you visit some of the city’s most popular bars in Old Havana.

9. Follow in Hemingway’s Footsteps

At the beginning of the 20th century, Havana was the second home to countless world-famous writers, artists, and creatives, among them Ernest Hemingway. Today, visitors to Havana can take a guided Hemingway tour or follow in Ernest Hemingway’s footsteps by visiting some of his favorite spots in Havana:

El Floridita

This world-famous bar and restaurant at the entrance to Calle Obispo is known as the “cradle of the daiquiri.” Hemingway was known to down several at a time in the corner of the bar, which memorializes him with a large bronze statue.

Today, El Floridita is packed with tourists – come to see the statue and walk through this historic space but head elsewhere for drinks and food. Your wallet (and local small business owners) will thank you.

Hotel Ambos Mundos

Hotel Ambos Mundos was Hemingway’s home away from home before he purchased his estate outside of Havana, Finca Vigía.

Today visitors can check out the small museum in this Old Havana hotel dedicated to the author located in room 511 – where Hemingway stayed – or enjoy one of Hemingway’s favorite drinks at the bar.  Many people don’t know about this, but I think it’s one of the best things to do in Havana, Cuba.

Finca Vigía

Hemingway’s home on the outskirts of Havana is a must for any visitor interested in the famous writer. The estate is lovely, kept in its original condition, with its original furnishings and many of his personal belongings. Whether you’re a Hemingway fan or not, a visit to Finca Vigía is one of the best things to do in Havana, Cuba.

La Bodeguita del Medio

Yet another bar in Havana that Hemingway helped make famous (he loved his drinks – clearly!), La Bodeguita del Medio is a Havana institution. Like El Floridita, I don’t recommend hanging around – unfortunately, it’s a bit of a tourist trap these days, though still worth visiting and taking a peek. You’ll often find street performers outside.

What to Pack for Cuba

Check out our  Ultimate Cuba Packing List   to help you pack for your trip – we’re sharing exactly what to bring to Cuba and what we never travel without.

10. Explore Havana By Bike

Exploring the city by bike is increasingly one of the most popular things to do in Havana. You’ll find plenty of bike tours that travel through every corner of Havana and help travelers see the city in a unique way with an experienced local guide. 

While parts of Havana can get congested, it’s generally a great city for biking, especially if you stick to the flatter neighborhoods like Old Havana and Vedado – venture further inland, and you’ll start to hit some wicked hills.

You can book a free Havana bike tour (though you’ll likely have to rent your own bike!), or a more comprehensive bike tour with Ruta Bikes, which has a variety of tour routes and lengths to choose from. 

11. Listen For El Cañonazo

To enjoy a long-standing Havana tradition, listen up at exactly 9:00 PM each night for the sound of the “cañonazo” – a canon shot firing from Fortaleza de San Carlos de la Cabaña – a fortress directly across the harbor from Old Havana. 

While you’ll be able to hear the booming sound of the cañonazo even in the neighborhoods of the city further from the fort, you’ll be able to experience it best – of course – by visiting the fort itself, which is one of the most popular things to do in Havana for visitors.

The cannon shot is fired as part of an elaborate changing of the guard ceremony, including guards with traditional uniforms and torches announcing the traditional closing of Havana’s harbor for the night. You can visit the fort any time of day, but it’s best saved for sunset.

Travel Insurance

Cuba requires that all travelers have proof of a comprehensive travel insurance policy in order to enter the country. Check out our guide to travel insurance for Cuba for more details. We recommend these brands for Cuba travel insurance:

• Visitors Coverage : Coverage for Cuba travel available to citizens of all countries, though not currently available to residents of New York and Maryland in the United States.
• Insubuy : Coverage for Cuba travel available to citizens of all countries and states of the United States.

12. Visit the Cemetery

Believe it or not, Havana’s historic Cementerio de Cristóbal Colón is a fantastic spot to escape the hustle and bustle of the city while taking in the incredible architecture of the mausoleums and tombs of Havana’s elite . It’s secretly one of the best things to do in Havana.

It may not make it to the top of most Havana itineraries, but it’s a great way to spend an hour or two in Havana , enjoying some of the city’s impressive monuments, and visiting its long-gone historic residents. You can also plan for a free walking tour of the Cementerio de Cristóbal Colón – a great way to learn more about the history of this destination. 

13. Enjoy a Sunset Drink in a Swanky Hotel

Havana sunsets are something else; maybe it’s something about the light, the ocean, or just the way Cubans slow down and enjoy it, but Havana sunsets are truly extraordinary. Join the locals on the Malecón for a front-seat view, or grab a drink at the rooftop bar of one of the city’s luxury hotels for an unforgettable happy hour – this is easily one of the best things to do in Havana, Cuba.

You can’t go wrong with settling in for sunset at the Gran Hotel Manzana Kempinski rooftop bar – facing west and overlooking the Parque Central, El Capitolio, and the Museo de Bellas Artes, the views are some of the best in Havana. Plus, make sure to hang around until the Gran Teatro de la Habana – Havana’s ornate theater – is lit up at dusk. It’s one of the city’s prettiest buildings. 

Another option is the rooftop bar at the Royalton Habana, facing the ocean and with an incredible view over El Vedado, a drink at sunset makes for an incredible view . Or, head to the Iberostar Grand Packard for a stunning view of El Morro across the harbor, though the positioning of the building doesn’t allow for the greatest sunset views.

Read More: 15+ Best Hotels in Havana

Travel Essential

Don’t think about traveling to Cuba without a good  VPN (Virtual Private Network) . Using a VPN while connecting to the internet is an easy way to keep your personal information safe from hackers and trackers.  We’ve used  NordVPN  for years and couldn’t recommend it more – it’s a must for safety online, especially in Cuba. 

14. Take a Spanish Lesson

Spanish classes in Havana are inexpensive and FUN. We know several language instructors in Havana, and they love to incorporate “field trips” around the city into their classes, which is the best way to learn! If you’re in Cuba for a while, this is one of the best things to do in Havana.

Estudio Sampere in the neighborhood of La Víbora is a great choice for a more local experience, or Corazón Cuba is a great option in Old Havana if you’re traveling on a shorter itinerary.  

Keep in mind that the Cuban accent is considered one of the most challenging to understand , as are the accents of Spanish speakers in the rest of the Caribbean . Combined with a ton of unique Cuban slang words – even advanced Spanish speakers can find communicating with Cubans sometimes challenging!

15. Hit the Beach

Cuba is well-known for having some of the best beaches in the world, so a trip to the country without visiting at least one pristine beach is almost sacrilegious. However, the beaches closest to Havana aren’t necessarily among the best in the country – you’ll need to travel a bit further to find that white sand and clear water you’re looking for.

The closest excellent beach to Havana is Varadero , and at just two hours from Havana, it’s a doable day trip from Havana ! You can find buses that depart several times a day from Havana’s central bus terminal near the Plaza de la Revolución or schedule a day trip to Varadero with private transportation. 

If you’d rather stay closer to Havana, visiting the Playas del Este, just east of Havana, is an easy trip, and you’ll still have a great beach experience. Transport by taxi is inexpensive, or take the T3 bus that departs from Parque Central in Old Havana.

Havana Beaches Guides

• 7 Best Beaches in Havana
• Playas del Este: A Guide to Havana’s Eastern Beaches

16. Eat Ice Cream at Coppelia

You can’t visit Havana without getting ice cream at Coppelia !  This world-famous ice cream parlor was built after the Revolution and had dozens of daily flavors in its heyday. Still just as popular as it has been for decades (with lines snaking around the park to prove it), you’ll find just a few flavors on the menu these days.

At the entrance to the park,  as a tourist, you’ll likely be ushered over to smaller ice cream stands around the sides of the park rather than directed to the main Coppelia building at the center of the park.  You’ll avoid waiting in long lines this way, and the ice cream is the same, though sometimes tourists get more flavor options. 

After eating, feel free to wander through the rest of the park and visit the main building.  The building has a beautiful retro style – make sure to see the ceiling on the inside!

17. Visit Museo de la Revolución

Cuba’s former presidential palace is now the Museo de la Revolución – the Museum of the Revolution, one of the most important museums in the country.

The bullet holes on the outside of the building remain from when the palace was taken during the revolution as dictator Fulgencio Batista fled the country with suitcases filled with cash. In addition to museum exhibits, you’ll see the lavish spaces like ballrooms and meeting rooms used to entertain dignitaries before the revolution.

Some of the most interesting details of the building are the paintings mocking U.S. political leaders (to the right of the staircase on the first floor) and the plaza in the back of the building, where you’ll find all manner of boats, cars, and tanks of historical importance.

Most exhibits are only in Spanish, so make sure you come prepared with Google Translate downloaded to make the most of them if you’re not fluent or come as part of a Havana city tour with a guide who can translate the most important details for you.

Read More: 10 Best Apps for Travel in Cuba

18. Try Cuban Coffee at the Best Cafes in Havana

Cuba is known for its delicious, one-of-a-kind coffee, and plenty of new cafes have popped up across Havana in recent years to showcase the best coffee you’ll find in the country. Stop by favorites like El Café in Old Havana – always my first stop in Havana! – or the cool HAV Coffee & Art for the city’s best cup of coffee and some delicious treats to go along with it. 

At the city’s best cafes, you’ll find different options for coffee, like café con leche, lattes, and everything in between. However, most Cubans get their coffee from the tiny “cafes” mostly industrious neighbors selling sweet espresso shots from thermoses from their front room windows . If you’re looking for the true Cuban coffee experience, keep your eyes peeled for a spot like this.

Read More: 10 Best Cafes in Havana, Cuba

19. Watch a Movie at the Yara

Located in the Vedado neighborhood just across from the Coppelia ice cream parlor, the Yara is one of Cuba’s most iconic theaters. Movie tickets are cheap – just a few pesos – and can be a great way to escape the late afternoon heat. Of course, you’ll likely need to speak Spanish to get the full experience – unless the theater is hosting a dubbed movie with subtitles or an international film festival.

Be on the lookout for international film festivals here! They draw quite a crowd and offer new international and Cuban favorites! Even if you don’t attend a screening, make sure to check out the lovely collection of vintage movie posters at the entrance.

20. Stay in a Casa Particular

There is no lack of great places to stay in Havana . From luxurious modern hotels to historic boutique hotels and bed and breakfasts, the city is filled with great options at all price ranges. However, choosing to stay at a casa particular guesthouse is an experience all its own.

A casa particular is a private property rented to travelers by a Cuban – these have been the preferred places to stay for visitors to Cuba long before Airbnb popularized the concept around the world! You can find all types and styles of casas particulares, ranging from rooms for rent to basic private apartments and even elegant, restored mansions.

These are our guides to the best casas particulares in Havana:

• 6 Best Casas Particulares in Old Havana
• 6 Best Casas Particulares in Vedado, Havana

21. Visit the Museo de Bellas Artes

Havana is home to two different Museo de Bellas Artes (Museum of Fine Arts) institutions, both fantastic and engaging to visit. The Museum of International Art is located across the street from the Gran Hotel Manzana Kempinski , while the Museum of Cuban Art is located across the plaza from the Museo de la Revolución, both in Old Havana.  

For most visitors looking to choose just one museum to visit in Havana, I recommend choosing the Museum of Cuban Art. The more casual observer should head to the post-Revolutionary art area of the museum. You’ll find fascinating portraits of revolutionary leaders in interesting styles and tons of famous paintings by Cuban masters.

A must-see? Wifredo Lam’s The Jungle – it looks very much like Picasso’s Guernica .

22. Visit Havana’s Countryside

If you’re looking to see another side of Cuba, get out of the city! Havana is just one part of Cuba, and the Cuban countryside has so much to offer travelers as well. You’ll find plenty of options for excursions into the Havana countryside to visit local farms, eat delicious, homecooked meals, and more – most casa particular owners can arrange these!

A  day trip to Viñales  or a few days’ stay in Viñales is a convenient way to see this part of Cuba while taking in some of the country’s most spectacular scenery. Consider staying at Finca Media Luna – this farm-turned-ecohotel has great food, comfortable rooms, and excellent excursions throughout the stunning Viñales Valley. 

23. Go to the Ballet

Cuba’s National Ballet is one of the world’s best, and taking in a performance at the ornate Gran Teatro de La Habana is an excellent way to visit one of the city’s most beautiful buildings – and appreciate this art form all at once. Tickets are inexpensive compared to similar quality performances in other places, and it’s a great way to take in this vital part of Havana’s cultural scene. 

Even if you don’t want to attend a performance here, make sure to visit the building! It was recently renovated and is exceedingly impressive. Make sure to take in the illuminated exterior after sunset from the rooftop of the Gran Hotel Manzana Kempinski !

24. Try The World’s Best Cigars

Cuba is well known for having the world’s best cigars, so would you even consider visiting Havana without trying one? Personally, this isn’t exactly our thing, but here’s how to enjoy it if you’d love to add this to your things to do in Havana :

Take a Day Trip to Viñales

With a day trip to Viñales , the region of Cuba that produces the best tobacco in Cuba, you’ll learn all about the production of tobacco and how cigars are made. Plus, you’ll get to purchase super-fresh cigars rolled right in front of you. It’s a must if you love cigars!

Visit the Cigar Bar in the Gran Hotel Manzana Kempinski

Part of one of the lower floors of this grand Old Havana hotel is reserved for a large walk-in humidor and cigar bar. You can sample the country’s best cigars in style or check out the offerings in the walk-in humidor.

25. Sip Drinks at a Rooftop Bar

There is nothing like a good Havana sunset, though having a drink in hand to watch it might make it even better. Here are some of the best spots for a rooftop drink in Havana – whether its sunset or the wee hours of the morning:

• Gran Hotel Manzana Kempinski in Old Havana
• El Del Frente restaurant in Old Havana
• La Guarida in Centro Habana
• Malecon 663 in Old Havana

Havana sunsets are legendary, so whether you have a drink in hand or not, this is one of the best things to do in Havana. Head to the Malecón if you’re looking for a free thing to do in Havana along these lines!

Read More: 25 Best Restaurants in Havana

26. Visit Art Galleries on Calle Obispo

Calle Obispo is an important pedestrian thoroughfare cutting through Old Havana – walking this street lined with restaurants, museums, shops, and galleries is a must when visiting Old Havana. While it is one of the most “touristy” streets in Old Havana, there is much to see and do here, including an artisan market, cafes, museums, and restaurants with live music.

While there is no lack of things to see and do along the way, make sure to stop in all the independent art galleries along the street. José’s friends own and work from Galeria 360 (at Calle Obispo #360) – their hyperrealistic work is truly unbelievable.

Make sure to stop by and tell them we sent you – maybe you’ll see us hanging around!

More Havana Guides

• Ultimate Guide to Exploring Old Havana
• Where to Stay in Havana + Havana Neighborhoods Guide
• 15+ Best Hotels in Havana

27. Eat the World-Famous La Guarida

La Guarida is Havana’s best restaurant and a fine dining staple in the city. Located in the Centro Habana neighborhood of the city, it has welcomed everyone from the Kardashians and Madonna to President Obama on his history-making trip to Cuba.

Serving up delicious and inventive takes on Cuban classics in its stunning dining room and on its gorgeous rooftop, it’s an absolute must while in Havana! If you want a table at this famous spot, make sure to make a reservation ahead of time , especially during the high season of travel. 

Read More: 25 Best Restaurants in Havana, Cuba

28. Snorkel Among A Shipwreck

Is there any decent snorkeling near Havana? Yes! Just outside of the city, you’ll find some great dive spots, including two shipwrecks in relatively shallow water in Playas del Este on the east side of the city.

Snorkeling guides can take you from the beach to the shallow wrecks of the SS Olivette, which sunk in 1918, or the City of Alexandria, which sunk in 1893.

While the snorkeling spots aren’t off-limits to swimmers without guides, it’s best to schedule a guide so you’ll have access to gear and clear directions about how to reach the wrecks – even many locals aren’t aware they’re just off the coast here! 

29. Visit the Plaza de la Revolución

Plaza de La Revolución is one of the most emblematic spots in Havana – this is where Fidel Castro gave his famously long speeches to the public. We’ve likely all seen photos of the square packed with Cubans waving flags and banners on the nation’s most important holidays.

Here, you’ll see the famous statue of José Martí and the buildings with images of Che Guevara and Camilo Cienfuegos, two of Cuba’s most well-known revolutionary heroes. 

If you’re planning on taking a  drive through Havana in a vintage American car , you’ll undoubtedly visit the Plaza de la Revolución as part of your trip around the city ;   book your tour  for early on in your time to Havana. 

30. Stay in a Mansion in El Vedado

While many travelers stay in Old Havana, I’m a big believer in finding accommodations in Havana’s more modern waterfront neighborhood: El Vedado. Packed with restaurants, bars, and cafes, this upscale neighborhood is a great choice for where to stay in Havana , especially if you’re looking for a historic spot.

Many of the area’s historic mansions have been converted to boutique hotels – check out La Reserva Vedado or Calis Habana for two excellent options, some of my favorite places to stay in all of Havana.

The neighborhood is walkable, and wide streets and stunning architecture make it a real treat. Even if you don’t stay in El Vedado, visiting this charming neighborhood is absolutely one of the best things to do in Havana, Cuba.

Read More: Best Places to Stay in El Vedado, Havana

31. Take In A Show at La Tropicana

La Tropicana is a long-standing concert venue and club on the outskirts of Havana, known around the world for being one of the most important destinations in launching Cuban rhythms like salsa onto the world scene. All the most important musical acts from Cuba have performed here, and the history of this spot is palpable.

Make sure to add La Tropicana to your itinerary to witness incredible local dances performed in extravagant costumes, plus unforgettable performances of salsa, bachata, rumba , and the other musical rhythms Cuba is known for. The shows are extraordinary!

Reviews and Bookings: La Tropicana Ticket + Transportation

32. Learn About Santería

Santería is Cuba’s homegrown religion, a fascinating mix of African religious traditions with the Catholicism imposed by Spanish colonizers. You’ll see signs of it wherever you travel in Cuba: beaded necklaces and bracelets (often green and yellow, red and black, or blue and white), dried palm leaves or straw hanging over doorways, and new adherents dressed from head to toe in white. 

You’ll also (sometimes!) see people making sacrifices on the Malecón (sometimes roosters, more often just coins or other personal items) or in front of the Catholic Church in the neighborhood of Regla. The best way to learn more about these fascinating traditions is with a  Yoruba Religion Tour  around Havana – you’ll see famous destinations in Havana and learn so much with a local guide. 

33. Learn to Salsa

If you’re looking for a great activity while in Havana, consider taking a salsa class!  Salsa classes in Havana are a fantastic way to learn about and master this important part of Cuban culture. With everything from beginner classes to workshops for advanced masters, dance schools in Havana make it easy to improve your skills.

Civitatis has excellent salsa classes  I recommend for travelers on a quick Havana itinerary . If you’ll end up spending a bit more time in Havana and want to get a little better at salsa (or bachata, rumba, or countless other dance styles!),  look into options for a series of classes at the much-loved  Salsabor dance school.

34. See Havana Harbor by Boat

Most cruise ships have paused visiting Cuba due to changing U.S. legislation, but that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy the Havana harbor by boat! Take the Lanchita de Regla – a ferry from one side of the harbor to the other – for just a few pesos and get a view of Havana on the water.

Ferries take you across the bay to just below the Cristo de la Habana statue (called the Casa Blanca dock) or to Regla, another neighborhood across Havana’s bay. Taking in the view from below the statue is one of my favorite things to do in Havana, and taking the Lanchita de Regla is my favorite way to get there.

You can catch the ferry from the dock in Old Havana – the ferry dock is facing the Russian Orthodox church along the Avenida del Puerto – or from the docks at Casa Blanca and in the Regla neighborhood on the other side of the harbor. 

35. Spend an Afternoon by the Pool

Havana is hot year-round, so spending an afternoon by the pool is welcome. Many of the major hotels in Old Havana and Vedado have pools, including the Hotel Nacional, Gran Hotel Manzana Kempinski, and the Iberostar Grand Packard.

If you’re looking for a more off-the-beaten-path place to stay with a pool, check out the lovely La Rosa de Ortega bed and breakfast in the neighborhood of La Víbora. Just a 10-minute taxi ride from the center of town, its private pool and grounds feel like an oasis away from the city. It’s one of our favorite hotels in Havana .

Havana Accommodation Guides

• Where to Stay in Havana, Cuba: Ultimate Guide!
• 6 + Best Resorts in Havana
• Best Casas Particulares in Old Havana

36. Visit Havana’s Jardin Botánico

Another fantastic way to escape the heat in Havana is with a visit to the Jardin Botánico. These sprawling botanical gardens are home to a Japanese Garden, lakes, bridges, countless species of plants, and three glass houses with a wide variety of plants.

They are located somewhat outside of the city center, so plan for a 15-minute taxi ride to reach the area if you plan to visit. You won’t find this on many Havana itineraries, but it’s one of the best off-the-beaten-path things to do in Havana.

37. Learn About ( + Sample!) Cuba’s Best Rum

You won’t be hard-pressed to find a good place to try Cuba’s excellent, world-famous rum while you’re in Havana. However, if you want to learn more about rum and rum production, head to the  Museo del Ron , located along Havana’s harbor. Factory tours of the facility are extensive and include, of course, delicious taste tests.

Not in the mood for a museum? No worries – you’ll have endless opportunities to sample Cuban rum; just make sure to try the famous Havana Club brand at least once. It’s one of the best things to do in Havana (or one of the best things to do in Cuba ).

38. Shop At Clandestina

Clandestina  is a must-visit design store in Old Havana. As Cuba’s first independent clothing brand, launched in 2015, Clandestina has broken records, set trends, and overcome the challenges of simply existing as a small business in Cuba.

At their Old Havana storefront, you’ll find clothing, accessories, home goods, art, and much more, all with unique, tongue-in-cheek designs that are so very Cuba.  Anything from Clandestina will be a unique Cuban souvenir. 

Staff will also have the best recommendations for local concerts, parties, and the like (some of the best things to do in Havana if you’re lucky enough to be in town when they’re happening).

39. Relive Cuba’s History at Memorias

Memorias  is another excellent little shop in Old Havana that is well worth a visit.  This tiny shop is stuffed with antique trinkets, old posters, postcards, and so much more – it is easily one of my favorite shops in Havana. 

Visiting Memorias feels like making a stop at a museum of Havana’s history – but where you’re able to take some history home with you. You’ll find trinkets like antique cigar boxes, beautiful posters and postcards, banners, pins, and more. 

40. Visit Cuba Libro

Havana’s only English-language bookstore,  Cuba Libro  is much more than just books. This chill spot in El Vedado has delicious treats and pastries, excellent coffee, iced tea, and a shaded patio for escaping from the Havana sun. Leaf through books, grab one of their delicious hibiscus iced teas, and get chatting with locals and expats, or other savvy travelers who love this special spot.

Make sure to check out the poster board in Cuba Libro while you’re there. It’s always covered with fliers advertising local events, concerts, and small businesses advertising their services around the city. 

41. Take a Day Trip to Viñales

While the jaw-dropping Viñales Valley deserves as much time as you can make for it in your Cuba itinerary, even a day trip to Viñales will do – you don’t want to miss it! Known for its incredible limestone karsts, jutting up out of the valley to create a stunning landscape,

Viñales is also home to incredible caves to explore, the country’s best tobacco farms, and incredible sunsets. Plus, it’s just a short trip to Cayo Jutias, a natural island off the coast of Cuba – one of the most underrated Caribbean islands , and home to some of Cuba’s best beaches . 

Or, take a dedicated day trip from Havana straight to Cayo Jutias!

42. Debate Baseball With Cuba’s Baseball Superfans

On the southwest corner of Old Havana’s Plaza Central, you’ll find one of the city’s most unique and talked-about icons. It’s a group of baseball mega fans who have earned this corner of the plaza the nickname “Esquina Caliente,” or “hot corner” because arguments can, at times, get heated!

This group of usually older men seems to always be here, rain or shine, and always informed about the latest game or more recent stats on baseball – or, “pelota.” Trust me, even if you don’t speak Spanish, people-watching at La Esquina Caliente is a riot – one of the best free things to do in Havana!

Sometimes you’ll even see baseball stars head to the Esquina Caliente themselves, which is always a treat for the regulars and passersby alike. Once, we even spotted some MLB stars from the US visiting the corner, with a crowd of paparazzi close behind!

43. Stroll Down Parque G

Extending from the Malecón seawall through the heart of the Vedado neighborhood, Parque G is a long, skinny park – more like a wide, grassy walkway – but is among one of Havana’s most interesting parks. Lined with statues of former presidents and leaders, it’s one of this regal neighborhood’s most impressive spots for a stroll.

You’ll find an excellent selection of restaurants and cafes nearby, as well as some of the best places to stay in Vedado . It’s one of the best things to do in Havana outside of Old Havana and has a lot of gems that visitors end up missing.

Best Destinations in Cuba

• Baracoa, Cuba: Ultimate Traveler’s Guide
• Varadero, Cuba: Ultimate Traveler’s Guide
• Trinidad, Cuba: Ultimate Traveler’s Guide

44. Hike to a Waterfall

Just a short drive (60 km) west of Havana is Soroa, one of the most impressive destinations for hiking in Cuba and home to incredible waterfall hikes and mountain views. Take a half-day trip via bus or shared taxi, or plan on private transport with a guided excursion for a hassle-free trip! It’s one of our favorite things to do in Havana when we’re looking to escape the city.

While there are several great hiking trails in Soroa, the hike to the  Salto de Arco Iris  (Rainbow Falls, also known as the  Salto de Soroa ) is an easy one – less than a mile round trip from the main road – and ends with extremely impressive jungle waterfall views!

Hike to the waterfall and swimming hole, then visit the nearby historic coffee plantation – you’ll still have time to make it back for a night on the town in Havana.

Read More: 8 Best Day Trips From Havana

45. Visit Finca Vigía

Whether you’re an Ernest Hemingway fan or not, you can’t skip a visit to this historic Havana landmark while you’re in town!

Located in a more residential area of Havana, Finca Vigía is an impressive and peaceful spot, largely maintained exactly as the author left it , which makes a visit one of the best things to do in Havana.

While you can’t walk around the house freely, just step up to the doorways – in an effort to keep it as pristine as possible – you’ll see so much of the home and grounds. Favorite visitors to the property include the cats, who are descendants of Hemingway’s own cats from when he lived here.

Carley Rojas Avila

Carley Rojas Avila is a bilingual travel writer, editor, content marketer, and the founder of the digital travel publications Home to Havana and Explorers Away. She is a serial expat and traveler, having visited 40+ countries and counting. Carley has written for publications like Travel + Leisure, MSN, Associated Press, Weather Channel, Wealth of Geeks, and more. Find her front row at a Bad Bunny concert, befriending street cats, and taste-testing every pizza in Havana.