Story by Jose Rojas Avila
Havana is a bucket list destination for so many travelers, and for a good reason: there’s simply nowhere else like it. With its unique architecture, friendly people, delicious food, and what seems like a constant antique car show on parade through its street, there is nothing like Havana, Cuba.
Don’t fall into the well-worn tourist path in Havana. 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 this one-of-a-kind city.
In our ultimate (and LOCAL) guide to some of the best things to do in Havana Cuba, we’re sharing the best destinations, top attractions, and hidden gems that Havana has to offer. Let’s get started planning your unforgettable visit to Havana!
There are so many things to do in Havana! Our LOCAL guide has the best 47 things to do in Havana Cuba – Havana’s top attractions and hidden gems.© Provided by Home to Havana
Things To Do in Havana Cuba
The tourist path in Havana can be quite well-worn, perhaps more so than in most places I’ve visited. There is a reason for this: for years after the Cuban Revolution, Cubans and non-Cubans were, in many ways and for many reasons, quite separate.
There were areas, services, and places travelers just couldn’t access and probably wouldn’t want to. However, in the past decade or so, this has begun to change. It’s easier to experience authentic Cuba than ever before. This makes it a better time than ever better to travel to Havana.
This list of the best things to do in Havana is a good combination of those classic Havana moments and hidden gems for your Havana itinerary. We’re sharing how to have those moments emblematic of Havana – like touring Old Havana and walking on the Malecón – and how to experience the best of this city’s hidden gems. Let’s get started!
1. 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. Neighboring El Cocinero is also a popular restaurant, with a great rooftop.
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. Its a space where travelers and Cubans mix – one of the first of its kind in a country that had done its darndest to keep locals and foreigners separate, making it an important representation of a big cultural shift in Cuba.
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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
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.
Cuba currency© Provided by Home to Havana
4. 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 Cuba – a must! While you’ll find tons of drivers willing to take you on a spin in Havana, I 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.
5. 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! Cuba is known for being the birthplace of some of the world’s most famous cocktails, including the daiquiri, mojito, and some of the world’s best rum.
Taking a mixology class in Havana can be a great way to learn how to make these drinks and more, a great lesson to take home with you as you toast your trip to Havana. 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.
6. 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 purchases his estate outside of Havana. 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.
Casa 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 Casa 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.
old havana cuba© Provided by Home to Havana
7. Explore Old Havana
A visit to Old Havana is a must for any traveler visiting Havana. This historic area of the city is an incredible mix of architectural styles, museums, plazas, cafes, bars, and restaurants. It’s a beautiful and complex neighborhood, without so much to see and do.
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. Plus, remember, people actually live here! Be respectful when taking photos, and be aware of your surroundings.
Read More: Ultimate Guide to Exploring Old Havana
8. Visit the Cemetary
Believe it or not, Havana’s historic Cementerio de Cristóbal Colón is a fantastic spot to escape the hustle and bustle of the city for a while, while taking in the incredible architecture of the mausoleums and tombs of Havana’s elite. Located in the upscale neighborhood of El Vedado, even a quick walk through the cemetery is like a visit to an open-air museum filled with sculptures and ornate details, much like Recoleta Cemetary in Buenos Aires.
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.
9. Walk on the Malecón
Havana’s Malecón sea wall 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. 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.
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.
The Cuban Window 