Best Travel Guide Havana | ArrivalGuides.com

HavanaGuide was updated: 2024-09-16

From a fusion of Chinese-Cuban cultures at Barrio Chino to visual arts of Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes to an awe-inspiring view at The Melia Cohiba high-rise and incredibly romantic cruise docking Sierra Maestra Terminal, Havana is topping charts just like its musical namesake (oh na-na). As you enjoy a paladar meal or two and rest against some cool, artsy wall, perhaps blue or yellow or pink, you’ll be sure to have left your heart in Havana by the time you head back to East Atlanta (na-na-na).

Do & See

There is plenty to do and see in fast-evolving Havana, with modern hot-spots for art, culture and culinary effort emerging at an ever-increasing rate. Beyond the staples of Habana Vieja and the Malecón lie Havana's attractive newer districts, and unmissable attractions like the eccentric "Fusterlandia" or the original former home of celebrated novelist Ernest Hemingway.

Old Town (Habana Vieja)

Havana's vibrant Old Town is where the Cuban capital of today took root in the mid-16th century. UNESCO World Heritage Site status has brought about comprehensive restoration work to many of the city's crumbling architectural treasures, built in styles as wide-ranging as Cuban baroque and art nouveau (Plaza Vieja at the heart of Old Havana is where the eclecticism is most evident and best admired from a sidewalk cafe). The Old Town's two main pedestrian thoroughfares – Obispo and Mercaderes – are lined with government-run shops and attractive paladars.

Do & SeeRead more →

Plaza de la Revolución

The expansive Plaza de la Revolución (formerly Plaza Cívica) is an important landmark where some of Cuba's most significant political rallies took place. Part of 'new Havana', this square is the modernist home of the Cuban government (Comité Central del Partido Comunista de Cuba), but is most known for its murals of iconic figures like Che Guevara and revolutionary Camilo Cienfuegos, as well as the city's tallest monument dedicated to José Martí, an independence activist and Cuban National Hero (take the elevator up for spectacular views).

Do & SeeRead more →

El Bosque (The Forest)

Havana's favorite green expanse – el Bosque – is frequented by locals seeking natural respite in the shade of century-old trees with veil-like canopy reaching all the way to the ground, which gives the area a primeval forest appearance. The Almendares Park, just to the north along Almendares River, offers family-friendly activities such as mini golf and bike paths.

Do & SeeRead more →

Malecón

Havana's waterfront boulevard – Malecón – is its most poetic stretch, a social hang out hub evocative of a welcoming Cuban living room (hence it being known to some as 'the world's longest sofa'). Waves crashing against Malecón's seawall can make quite the splash, at times virtually flooding parts of the boulevard, which hardly deters daily strollers from taking in its sublime sunset charm.

Do & SeeRead more →

Fusterlandia

The whimsical sculptures, mosaics and all manner of street art creations by artist José Fuster in Jaimanitas make for an entertaining excursion from Havana proper. The artist's own home is the centerpiece, decorated in his characteristically surreal style from top to bottom. The so-called "Fusterlandia" is now about two decades in the making, and continues to grow to-date.

Do & SeeRead more →

Colonial Forts

Havana's colonial forts, namely the photogenic El Morro defined by its lighthouse and the expansive La Cabaña, are part of Havana's Histroic Military Park and belong to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Old Havana.

Do & SeeRead more →

View all Do & See →

Population:	2.4 million (2021)
Currency:	For many years, there were two currencies in simultaneous circulation. The Cuban Peso (CUP, or MN — moneda nacional) was used exclusively by Cubans, while the Cuban Convertible Peso (CUC) was used by foreigners. In 2020, the Cuban Convertible Peso (CUC) was eliminated. Only the Cuban Peso (CUP) remains in use. Private hotels will often accept payments in Euro or US dollar. Bringing Euro is the better choice.
Emergency Numbers:	Police Department: 106 Fire Department: 105
Website:	www.vivacuba.se »
Tourist Information:	There are several government-run agencies providing visitor information. The Infotur agency is the one best-represented. Calle 28, 3ra y 5ta Avenida +53 72 04 31 78 www.infotur.cu Centro de Información Turística Habana Vieja Calle Obispo No. 524 +53 78 66 33 33 www.cubatravel.cu