Havana, Cuba — Travel Guide
Cuba
4.5/5.0

Havana

Havana is unlike any other city on earth — a time-capsule of 1950s American cars, crumbling colonial grandeur, salsa music spilling from every doorway, and a revolutionary history that shaped the modern world. Old Havana (Habana Vieja) is a UNESCO-listed treasure of Spanish baroque architecture; the Malecón seawall is the world's most atmospheric ocean promenade; and the warmth of the Cuban people is legendary.

Best Time to Visit
November–April (dry season)
Budget From
$900/week
Region
americas

Budget Breakdown by Tier

All prices are estimates for one person. Double for couples (hotels are often the same price for 1–2 guests).

$

Budget Smart

$45/day
$900/week

Casas particulares, peso restaurants and cafes, peso taxis, free museums

$$

Business Class

$230/day
$3,700/week

Hotel Nacional, vintage car tour, live music, Trinidad day trip, cigar factory

$$$

Luxury

$450/day
$7,200/week

Kempinski, private classic car, rooftop cocktails, helicopter over Havana

Top Experiences

1.
Drive through Havana in a vintage 1950s American convertible
Ask your WDC advisor to arrange this
2.
Walk the UNESCO-listed Habana Vieja and Plaza de la Catedral
Ask your WDC advisor to arrange this
3.
Drink a daiquiri at El Floridita — Hemingway's bar since 1914
Ask your WDC advisor to arrange this
4.
Watch live salsa at the Casa de la Música in Miramar
Ask your WDC advisor to arrange this
5.
Walk the Malecón seawall at sunset with locals
Ask your WDC advisor to arrange this
6.
Visit the Museum of the Revolution and Plaza de la Revolución
Ask your WDC advisor to arrange this
7.
Take the Hershey Electric Train to Matanzas — the last electric railway in Cuba
Ask your WDC advisor to arrange this
8.
Day trip to Trinidad — a perfectly preserved 18th-century colonial city
Ask your WDC advisor to arrange this

Where to Stay

Casa Particular Central Havana — hotel in Havana
$ Budget Smart

Casa Particular Central Havana

$35/night

What guests say

Maria C.★★★★★4.6

Staying in a casa particular (family home) in Cuba is the authentic experience — warm, personal, and the homemade breakfast is the best in Havana. This one is exceptional.

Robert K.★★★★★4.5

The Cuban family made us feel like we were staying with relatives. The food, the stories, and the access to local life is something no hotel can replicate.

Hotel Nacional de Cuba — hotel in Havana
$$ Business Class

Hotel Nacional de Cuba

$200/night

What guests say

Sophie W.★★★★★4.7

The most famous hotel in Cuba — Mob bosses, Frank Sinatra, and Winston Churchill all stayed here. The cigar terrace overlooking the Malecón and the Caribbean is extraordinary.

Pierre B.★★★★★4.6

History embodied in concrete. The gardens, the bar, the pool — and the view from the terrace at sunset is one of the finest views in the Caribbean.

Gran Hotel Manzana Kempinski — hotel in Havana
$$$ Luxury

Gran Hotel Manzana Kempinski

$450/night

What guests say

Patricia M.★★★★★4.9

The finest hotel in Cuba by far — converted from a 1910 department store into a beautiful luxury hotel in the heart of Old Havana. Rooftop pool views over the cathedral are extraordinary.

Lorenzo V.★★★★★4.8

World-class luxury in the most extraordinary historic city. The restoration of this building is remarkable and the service is the best in Cuba.

Getting There

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Tours & Activities

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Getting Around

Car Rental

Rent from locals or traditional agencies for maximum flexibility exploring Havana.

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Private Transfer

Door-to-door service with professional, vetted drivers.

Available at Business tier and above

Travel Insurance

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Local Insider Tips

  • Casas particulares (licensed family homes) are far better value than state hotels
  • Bring all cash — US credit cards do not work in Cuba
  • The two-currency system ended — CUP (Cuban peso) is now universal, use local exchange
  • Internet is very limited — embrace being offline and talking to people instead
  • Trinidad (3 hours by bus) is worth an overnight — the most beautiful colonial town in the Caribbean

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best time to visit Havana?

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The best time to visit Havana is November–April (dry season). During this period you can expect the most favorable weather conditions and a great overall travel experience.

How do I get to Havana?

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Getting to Havana in Cuba is straightforward — most international travelers fly into the nearest major airport and connect via local transport. World Destination Club can arrange all transfers and logistics for you.

What is the average cost for a trip to Havana?

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Budget travelers can explore Havana from around $900 per week. Mid-range travelers typically spend $1,800–$3,150 per week. Luxury experiences start at $4,500+ per week. See the full budget breakdown on this page.

Is Havana safe for tourists?

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Havana is generally considered safe for tourists. As with any international destination, we recommend exercising normal travel precautions, purchasing travel insurance, and checking your government's latest travel advisories before departure. World Destination Club provides up-to-date safety guidance for all members.

What are the must-see attractions in Havana?

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Top must-see attractions and experiences in Havana include: Drive through Havana in a vintage 1950s American convertible, Walk the UNESCO-listed Habana Vieja and Plaza de la Catedral, Drink a daiquiri at El Floridita — Hemingway's bar since 1914, Watch live salsa at the Casa de la Música in Miramar, Walk the Malecón seawall at sunset with locals. Our local guides and WDC advisors can help you prioritize based on your travel style and budget.
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