Havana 3-day Itinerary
Cuba
Where to go and what to see in Havana to get the most from your trip – a 3-day itinerary from destination expert and travel writer Claire Boobbyer.
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Overview >Bucket list experience:
Performances at the Grand Theatre
Credit Shutterstock.com/T photography
Last updated: 10 November, 2022
The magical neo-baroque Grand Theatre on Central Park, decorated in muses and angels, houses Havana’s most magnificent theatre.
Come for the variety of performances including ballet by Cuban National Ballet dancers; modern performance by Carlos Acosta’s new Acosta Danza troupe, and contemporary moves by Danza Contemporánea de Cuba.
Tours of the building are available, too, giving access to the gorgeous marble staircase and upper floors.
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Destination Guide >Recommended itineraries by our writers that include this experience
Havana 5-day Itinerary
Cuba
Where to go and what to see in Havana to get the most from your trip – a 5-day itinerary from destination expert and travel writer Claire Boobbyer.
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Overview >Price from: £20
Minimum age: Any
Age suitable: 15+
When: All year around
Duration: 2 hours
Getting there & doing it
Performance information for the next week, sometimes two, is posted on blackboards outside the theatre.
You can buy tickets in advance or on the day in cash at the theatre box office (you can’t currently buy online). Seats are sold separately (at a higher price) to foreigners. There is usually no queue and just two box office windows for both Cubans and foreigners. If it’s something popular like Carlos Acosta’s new dance company – you will need to buy in advance as it will sell out.
When to do it
Performances are held all year round. The box office is open every day except Monday.
The Festival Internacional de Ballet de La Habana is held every two years at the end of October. The festival lasts two weeks. The 27th edition will take place in 2022.
Our writer’s picks of the best places to stay near this experience, closest first
Gran Hotel Manzana Kempinski La Habana
Havana, Cuba[0.2 miles]
Havana’s best 5-star hotel, located on the edge of Old Havana, with a wonderful rooftop pool and the best breakfast in town.
Official star rating:
Casa Vitrales
Havana, Cuba[0.7 miles]
A Cuban-owned boutique B&B in trendy northern Old Havana, with a roof terrace offering fantastic views across the city.
Official star rating:
SO/La Habana Paseo del Prado
Havana, Cuba[1 miles]
Only five-star hotel in Havana right on the ocean road. It’s convenient for all the top attractions in the Old Town and beyond.
Official star rating:
Malecon 663
Havana, Cuba[1.2 miles]
Design-led, family-run boutique stay right on Havana’s Malecon in Central Havana. A lively vibe and a fabulous rooftop terrace and bar.
Official star rating:
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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Overview >Our writer’s recommendations of other bucket list experiences our writer says you must do in this destination, closest first
The Malecon
Havana, Cuba[0.9 miles]
Join the locals on this famous sea wall for rum and sunsets over Havana’s skyline.
Best for ages: 8+ | Free
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Cigar factory tours
Havana, Cuba[1.4 miles]
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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Fortress of San Carlos de la Cabana
Havana, Cuba[1.5 miles]
The longest fort in the New World, dating from 1763, with panoramic views of Old Havana. Go at 9pm each night for the cannon guard of honour ceremony.
Best for ages: 18+ | Free
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Castle of Los Tres Reyes del Morro
Havana, Cuba[1.5 miles]
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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Overview >Other worthwhile experiences near this experience if you have time or interest..
Experience
Havana Museum of the Fine Arts
Havana, Cuba[0.2 miles]
Cuba’s most impressive museum, housed in two separate buildings almost next to each other, showcases the best of Cuban art (in one building) from the 1600s to the modern day, and international artists over 5 art-filled floors of a second building.
Best for ages: 13+ | £6
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National Capitol Building
Havana, Cuba[0.2 miles]
This imposing wedding-cake mansion is the seat of the Cuban government. Stop by to see the marble 400ft Hall of the Lost Steps, the gigantic Statue of the Republic, the bronze bas-relief front doors, and the statue of the devil in a patio devoid of shade.
Best for ages: 18+ | Free
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El Floridita
Havana, Cuba[0.2 miles]
Legendary American writer Ernest Hemingway downed a record 16 daiquiris in one sitting at this, his favourite Havana bar. The bartender mixed him a sugarless and double rum tipple and named it the Papa Doble. Come early to bag a barstool at the glamorous scarlet bar.
Best for ages: 18+ | Free
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Experience
El Cafe
Havana, Cuba[0.5 miles]
This funky, Cuban-run cafe and coffee roastery in Old Havana is a popular stop. It sells arguably Havana’s best coffee, great breakfast and exceptional sourdough sandwiches including ample vegan and vegetarian options.
Best for ages: 13+ | Free
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