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Havana “La Habana” – Where Ruins Meet Magnificent Buildings
Havana was once a hip, vibrant and prosperous commercial metropolis, sumptuous and sophisticated. The place to be. The “Pearl of the Caribbean,” the “Paris of the Antilles,” as glamorous and trendy as Manhattan, Las Vegas, and Paris. Ernest Hemingway spent many years here, Hollywood's high society, multimillionaires, and also the Mafia came here. People partied, drank, gambled away millions in the casinos, and regularly enjoyed themselves until the early hours of the morning. Even designers first launched their latest collections in Havana.
But Che Guevara, Fidel Castro, and the revolution put an end to the sinful paradise. Expropriations in favor of the state followed, many emigrated, and on top of that, the USA imposed a trade, economic and financial embargo. Thus, Cuba was not left with many trading partners, and after the end of the Soviet Union, Cuba fell into a severe economic crisis.
In Havana, the former heyday is clearly visible, where former presidential palaces and magnificent buildings meet dilapidated city mansions. But many of the imposing colonial buildings have already been lovingly restored.
Habana Vieja and Centro Habana are especially popular, practically the center of activity, then as now. Explore the fascinating area first with a unique classic car ride, because please, where in this world do you have the agony of the world when it comes to beautiful classic cars.
Afterward, stroll through the many beautiful alleys and watch the hustle and bustle of the city from one of the many cafés. A cigar and a mojito taste especially good in La Bodeguita del Medio, and before you know it, you'll be dancing. Havana, its people, and its music exude pure joie de vivre and a lightness that is simply infectious. Charming, colorful, fascinating, rhythmic, and passionate – a unique atmosphere.
- Tickets: For the best tours in Havana
- Discover: More highlights, tips and tour reports in our ultimate Cuba itinerary
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Top Things to Do on a Map
This mixture of Spanish-colonial, baroque and modern style, together with the brightly colored vintage cars, makes Havana so unique. Havana is a city with a lot to see and do. You can easily spend several days here, and you will still discover many new things.
- Tip: Plan enough time for Havana, at least 4 full days - the more, the better
- Discover: Want to know more? Don't miss Top 14 Things To Do in Havana
1 - Classic Car Ride Through Havana - Pure Nostalgia
A drive through Havana in a fancy classic car is an absolute must. Because nowhere else can you cruise the streets in a Buick, Chrysler, Lada, 50s Mercury, Pontiac, Dodge, or Cadillac these days!
- Discover: Get all details and tips in our Classic Car Tour Travel Guide
2 - Graffities In Havana
Experience Cuban street art and learn about the artists and their projects that make Havana's neighborhoods shine again. Impressive how a small idea has turned into such a brilliant project.
3 - Cementerio Cristóbal Colón
It may sound a bit macabre, but a visit to the Cementerio Cristóbal Colón is definitely not to be missed. It is one of the most historically important cemeteries in the world! And who was its first inhabitant? Its designer and architect, Calixto Arellano de Loira y Cardoso.
- Discover: Much more in our article about Cementerio Cristóbal Colón
4 - Museo De La Revolución - Che, Fidel, A Yacht And Bullet Holes
In the former presidential palace, you will find the fascinating Museo de la Revolución, which tells the story of Cuba. You can even see the bullet holes in the marble of the main entrance stairs inside. They date from March 1957, when students tried to assassinate President Batista. In front of the museum is the Granma yacht, with which Fidel Castro came to Cuba from exile in Mexico in 1956. Admission costs are about 9 US-Dollar.
- Tip: You can find a small part of the old city wall right in front of the museum
5 - Ernest Hemingway's Footsteps
Ernest Hemingway loved Cuba and spent a long time of his life here. His house, Finca Vigía, is now a museum with original furniture. He wrote some of his most famous novels, including “To Whom the Bell Tolls” and “The Old Man and the Sea.”
Hemingway also knew how to live life to the fullest. You can still visit his haunts today and sample Hemingway's favorite drinks.
“My Mojito in La Bodeguita, my Daiquiri in El Floridita”
The Most Beautiful Places For Sunset
The most beautiful places for sunset What could be more beautiful than a sunset? A sunset in Havana! Our favorite places in Havana:
- El Malecón - where the whole city meets, kisses and debates.
- The roof terrace of the Gran Hotel Manzana Kempinski
- The roof terrace of the Hotel Raquel
- El Cristo de La Habana
Transport
When it comes to offbeat and unique transportation, Cuba is way up in the rankings, and the best part? You can try them all in Havana.
Arrival By Plane
There are direct flights from Europe, the U.S., and Canada, and most flights land at Havana's José Martí Airport. Domestic flights are also available, as some distances are enormous.
Airport Transportation
Barely landed, and you are off to the city in a beautiful vintage car ride. This is only possible in Cuba. Almost nobody speaks English, so write down the name of your accommodation on a piece of paper. Some accommodations offer an airport transfer, unfortunately often at inflated prices. It is practical, reliable, and fairly priced if you organize your airport transfer here in advance.
Long-Distance Bus
Whether you are going in or out of Havana, there is always a bus connection. The biggest bus company is Viazul, and you can buy tickets online in advance. We definitely recommend it for the high season because the buses are booked quickly; otherwise, it can take 2-3 days until you can go on. Another bus company is called Transtur, but their network is not as extensive.
- Tip: You can book bus tickets online at Viazul or at the Transtur office
Domestic Flights
Domestic flights are offered to a few cities. If you use them, plan for cancellations. If a flight is canceled, it often means taking a bus, so be sure to prepare for a 1 – 1.5 day buffer for domestic flights.
Rental Car
Rental car is a very popular way of transportation in Cuba. You are independent of time and can plan stops. So a rental car is always a good choice. For Cuba, keep in mind: always start the day's route with enough gas, don't pick up hitchhikers, and avoid driving in the dark because the road conditions are not that great now.
How To Get Around
A bargain is a Hop-on Hop-off bus because it stops at all the sights and so you can get from A to B cheaply. The famous and beautiful vintage cars are everywhere – be sure to take a ride. The authentic Cuban way is to take a bici-taxi or a small yellow coco-taxi.
State Cabs
Cubataxi or Panataxi and a cab sign = state cab. Although they have a taximeter, it is often not used. Therefore, clarify the price beforehand. In the city, 1 mile costs about 6 US-Dollar. Outside the city, the price for a mile is between 0.90 USD and 1.10 USD. Some routes are even cheaper with the state cab than with the long-distance bus, and therefore a super alternative.
Habana Trans App - In Havana
The app knows all public transport connections. There are no fixed departure times, just like Cuban traffic. But knowing which line to take, and where the stop is, helps enormously.
- Tip: Download Habana Trans on Google Play for Android. It is not available for iOS
Bajanda - Uber In Cuban
The Bajanda app provides you with a driver who also transports small groups. Payment is always in cash. The rides are at a pre-set price.
- Tip: Download Bajanda on Google Play or Android or on Apple App Store for iOS
Where to Stay
Especially in Havana, there are beautiful and unusual hotels, and some classics shine freshly renovated in new splendor. There are also very stylish AirBnB apartments with stunning views. But really typical Cuban you stay in Casa Particulares. Mostly 1 room with bathroom in the apartments and villas of the locals. Since most Cubans live grandiosely, you always feel like you are in a huge palace. The accommodations are also perfect for getting first-hand tips, meeting other travelers, and you can add meals as an option.
- Tip: Find here good hotels and also good Casa Particulares in Havana
What to Eat & Drink in Havana: A Taste of a Legendary City
Havana's culinary scene is as legendary as its history, a vibrant mix of traditional criollo flavors served in stunning private restaurants (paladares) and iconic cocktails sipped in world-famous bars.
The magic here is often found in the venues themselves – from grand colonial mansions to Hemingway's historic haunts. To truly taste Havana, you must eat and drink your way through its most celebrated classics.
1. Follow in Hemingway's Footsteps: The Mojito & The Daiquirí
No culinary tour of Havana is complete without raising a glass at Ernest Hemingway's two favorite bars. Live by his famous motto: “My Mojito in La Bodeguita, my Daiquiri in El Floridita.”
Head to La Bodeguita del Medio for a classic, mint-muddled Mojito in a bustling, historic setting. Then, make your way to El Floridita, the birthplace of the frozen Daiquirí, and enjoy the perfectly blended mix of rum, lime, and sugar that the author himself loved.
2. Ropa Vieja in a Paladar
Experience the heart of Cuban home cooking by ordering the national dish, Ropa Vieja, at a traditional paladar. These private, family-run restaurants, often located in beautiful colonial homes, serve the best versions of this classic.
The dish consists of tender shredded beef slow-cooked in a rich tomato and pepper sauce, and it's a true taste of Cuban soul. Famous paladares like La Guarida or San Cristóbal are excellent places to try it.
3. Freshly Pressed Sugarcane Juice (Guarapo)
For a purely Cuban and incredibly refreshing non-alcoholic drink, you must try Guarapo. Find a street vendor, often called the “Sugar Cane Man,” who operates a hand-cranked press.
They will press fresh sugarcane stalks right in front of you, extracting the sweet, raw juice. Often served with a splash of lime and ice, it's the perfect way to cool down while exploring the vibrant streets of Habana Vieja.
4. Frituras de Malanga (Malanga Fritters)
While exploring, look out for street vendors selling Frituras de Malanga. These are delicious, crispy fritters made from grated malanga (a starchy root vegetable similar to taro), garlic, and parsley, which are then deep-fried until golden brown.
They are a popular, savory Cuban snack – light, airy, and a perfect bite-sized taste of local life.
Our Insider Tips
Discover Havana On Foot
Photograph As Much As You Can
Cuba is extraordinary, offering many exciting, unique subjects in the world. When taking portraits of Cubans, a tip is not uncommon.
Visit The Sugar Can Man And Drink Guarapo
Be sure to make a stop at the corner of Aguacate Street (Obispo / Aguacate). Why? They have Guarapo there! What is Guarapo? The raw sugar cane juice, is absolutely delicious and refreshing. It is usually mixed with lime and ice and can be found in almost every bar, restaurant, or bodega. Also tastes good with a shot of alcohol.
Try Typical Cuban Snacks
Cuban cuisine is not only rice and beans. On this tour, you will learn how creatively Cubans can cook despite communism with its rationing of supplies or difficult availability of ingredients. Buen provecho!
Hotel Nacional
Built-in 1930, the hotel was different from all other hotels from the beginning. On the one hand, it's many styles, from Art Deco to Moorish and neo-colonial elements. Secondly, by its glamorous guests, a who's who of superstars. Whether writers like Ernest Hemingway or Jean-Paul Sartre, the famous cosmonaut Yuri Gagarin or supermodels like Naomi Campbell. On top of the Mafia, by the way, one of their meetings is said to have served as a model for The Godfather: Part II.
But the hotel has always been surrounded by a dark side, and so you will also find two huge cannons that were used for defense. Our personal highlight is the garden. With a cigar and a delicious mojito or coffee, you can enjoy the indescribable view over the sea. And not infrequently, a peacock, the hotel's pets, strolls by. Enjoy the sunset here at least once.
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