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Bucket list experience:

Last updated: 10 November, 2022
Expert travel writer: Claire Boobbyer

Americans poured into capitalist Cuba in the 50s bringing with them the latest consumer goods and beautifully finned cars.

Going for a spin in a classic, chrome-festooned gelato-coloured Chevy, Dodge or Ford – preferably a convertible – is one of the highlights of any trip to Havana.

Tourists are not permitted to drive classic cars themselves; instead, Gran Car’s vintage vehicles are dotted throughout the city, often outside the big hotels, and easily recognisable as the vehicles in the best condition on the streets.

Price from: £560
Minimum age: 18
Age suitable: 18+
When: All year around
Duration: 1+ hours

Getting there & doing it

Most Gran Car vintage vehicles are parked around Central Park in front of the Hotel Inglaterra, Hotel Parque Central and Hotel Kempinski. Approach and negotiate.

Cruising along the seafront road, the Malecón, is a must but also ask your driver to cruise down central Prado, left along the curving crescent of the Malecón then up through Avenida 23 and Havana’s nightlife and 1950s hotel district and then out to the Plaza de la Revolución via the embassy residences and grand homes of Paseo Avenue. Take this trip to see the city in the gorgeous late afternoon light.

The cost starts from 750 CUP per hour per car. Want to drive by something a little off the tourist routes? Just ask.

Family-run Nostalgicar are a vintage vehicle hire company for tours, themed trips and transfers. You can also visit their classic car garage where they carry out restorations.

Recommended itineraries by our writers that include this experience

Our writer’s picks of the best places to stay near this experience, closest first

Gardens Havana

Havana, Cuba

A 4-bedroom hipster hideaway in a trendy barrio of Old Havana, a short stroll from all of the city’s major sights.

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Gran Hotel Manzana Kempinski La Habana

Havana, Cuba

Havana’s best 5-star hotel, located on the edge of Old Havana, with a wonderful rooftop pool and the best breakfast in town.

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Hotel Nacional

Havana, Cuba

A historic and iconic Art Deco, oceanfront property facing the Atlantic on Havana’s seaside road. A Havana institution, rich in history.

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Paseo 206

Havana, Cuba

An Italian-Cuban-owned villa with exceptional service in the heart of Havana’s artsy, leafy suburb, el Vedado.

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Destination guides including or relevant to this experience

Havana

Cuba

Sensual and sultry communist Caribbean capital, home to captivating, crumbling architecture, and enlivened by dance, music, avant-garde art and cocktails.

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Our writer’s recommendations of other bucket list experiences our writer says you must do in this destination, closest first

Art in Havana

Havana, Cuba

Outstanding Cuban art can be found in Havana’s museums and galleries, and colourful art to buy and take home. Creatives, art lovers and collectors shouldn’t miss the Havana Biennial art fair.

Best for ages: 13+ | Free

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Cigar factory tours

Havana, Cuba

Watch the ancient artisanal craft of rolling Cuba’s world-famous cigars at one of the very few working factories in Havana that opens to the public.

Best for ages: 13+ | £8 | 1+ hours

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Castle of Los Tres Reyes del Morro

Havana, Cuba

An impressive fort, which took 50 years to construct, that has become the iconic symbol of Havana. Climb the 19th-century lighthouse for a view of the entire city and Malecón.

Best for ages: 18+ | Free

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Other worthwhile experiences near this experience if you have time or interest..

Havana Biennial

Havana, Cuba

A lively month-long celebration of Cuban and Latin American art that takes over Havana’s streets, drawing in art lovers and artists from around the world.

Best for ages: 18+ | Free | 1 month

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Almacenes San Jose Artisans’ Market
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Almacenes San Jose Artisans’ Market

Havana, Cuba

Fun souvenir art for tourists is available at this one-stop art and crafts market, housed in a converted warehouse on the edge of Old Havana.

Best for ages: 13+ | Free

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Christopher Columbus Cemetery
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Christopher Columbus Cemetery

Havana, Cuba

Dating from the 19th century, Havana’s remarkable cemetery is an architectural gem, home to marble mausoleums, winged angels, sparkling mosaics, wrought-iron motifs, Art Deco sculptures, vast government monuments and 1959 Revolution memorials.

Best for ages: 13+ | Free

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Havana City Museum
Experience

Havana City Museum

Havana, Cuba

This handsome, columned former palace of the Spanish Captains-General, which dominates the Plaza de Armas, exhibits the treasures of the Spanish empire in grand Cuban baroque surrounds. Artifacts include paintings, flags, furniture, weaponry and antiques. A bathroom with marble baths shaped as shells, and the throne room are highlights.

Best for ages: 13+ | £2

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