Recommended itinerary:
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.
Editor note – Claire has not included specific recommendations of where to stay each day unless it’s necessary. Instead, see the ‘Where to stay’ section in our Havana destination guide.
Stroll the four main cobbled squares of Old Havana taking in a visit to the city’s baroque cathedral. Stop for a tasty seafood lunch at Paco’s Mar.
Cab to the Museum of Fine Arts for five centuries of intriguing Cuban art, then hop into a chrome-festooned convertible classic car to cruise Havana’s mesmerising oceanside boulevard, the Malecon.
Dine at La Guarida inside an ornate apartment block, enjoying alfresco drinks on its rooftop terrace.
Havana, Cuba
This twin-towered 18th-century masterpiece of Cuban Baroque, with beautiful undulating facade and mismatched bell towers, dominates Old Havana’s main plaza. Peek inside: the altar is made of Carrara marble and Italian frescoes crown the altar recess.
Best for ages: 13+ | Free
Havana, Cuba
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
Havana, Cuba
Appreciate the tropical beauty of Havana from the comfort of an iconic, convertible classic car.
Best for ages: 18+ | £560 | 1+ hours
Havana, Cuba
Join the locals on this famous sea wall for rum and sunsets over Havana’s skyline.
Best for ages: 8+ | Free
Get the lowdown on Cuba’s smokes at the Partagas Cigar Factory tour in Centro Havana (Mon-Fri only; book in advance).
Taxi it back to Old Havana for an ice-cold daiquiri at Ernest Hemingway’s favourite bar, El Floridita followed by lunch at brunch favourite El Cafe.
Then cab across the Bay of Havana to see El Morro Castle, before exploring Hemingway’s home Finca Vigia (now the Hemingway Museum) in the suburbs. Return via Cojimar, Hemingway’s favourite coastal getaway.
Enjoy fine dining at Otramanera followed by live music and drinks at intimate, under-the-radar La Casa de la Bombilla Verde.
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
Havana, Cuba
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
Havana, Cuba
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
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
Explore the Museum of the Revolution early so you can squeeze your way through crowds for rousing rumba at Callejon de Hamel in Centro Havana (Sun only).
Cab over for delicious lunch at chef-run Grados, then continue in a classic car taxi to see historic Plaza de la Revolucion before admiring marble tombs at Christopher Columbus Cemetery.
Cruise the broad leafy avenues of El Vedado, Havana’s artsy neighbourhood.
Dine at El Cocinero, part of an old peanut oil factory, on its alfresco rooftop before slipping next door to music and entertainment venue Fabrica de Arte Cubano (Cuban Art Factory).
Havana, Cuba
History buffs will love the Museo de la Revolución that details the minutiae of Fidel Castro’s 1953-1959 rebel campaign, culminating in victorious revolution in the ornate surrounds of the old Presidential Palace. The outdoor exhibition displays weaponry, aeroplanes and the Granma yacht, which brought Castro from exile in Mexico to Cuba to relaunch the rebel campaign in 1956.
Best for ages: 18+ | £2
Havana, Cuba
Watch the locals dance the rumba at one of the city’s three open-air street venues. You can even join in…
Best for ages: 13+ | Free
Havana, Cuba
Raulito Bazuka’s old-school paladar format is updated by the smart surrounds and the wonderful food – Cuban and international flavours. Raulito was mentored by chefs at a Michelin-starred restaurant in Spain.
Best for ages: 13+ | £15
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
