All citiesHavana Things to do and walking itinerary
Cuba Havana travel guide
27 things to do in Havana, where to stay, airport transfers. Pick places on the map and get a day-by-day walking route from your hotel with steps, kilometres and minutes.
Top things to do in Havana
- El Capitolio — Domed former parliament dominating the skyline; its restored grand halls can be seen on guided tours. (visit ≈ 60 min)
- Havana Cathedral — Roman Catholic cathedral in Havana, Cuba (visit ≈ 35 min)
- Museum of the Revolution — museum dedicated to history of the revolution on Cuba, located in Havana (visit ≈ 120 min)
- San Carlos de la Cabaña Fortress — Spanish colonial fort in Havana, Cuba (visit ≈ 60 min)
- Castillo de la Real Fuerza — 16th century fortification in Havana, Cuba (visit ≈ 60 min)
- Gran Teatro de La Habana — former headquarters of Galician Club of Havana, Cuba (visit ≈ 20 min)
- Morro Castle — Spanish colonial fortification in Havana, Cuba (visit ≈ 60 min)
- National Museum of Fine Arts of Cuba — art museum in Havana, Cuba (visit ≈ 120 min)
- John Lennon Park — urban park (visit ≈ 45 min)
- Basilica Menor de San Francisco de Asis — former church in Havana, Cuba (visit ≈ 120 min)
- San Salvador de la Punta Fortress — Colonial fort in Havana, Cuba (visit ≈ 60 min)
- Plaza de la Catedral — historical square in Havana, Cuba (visit ≈ 15 min)
- Plaza de la Revolución — main city square in Havana, Cuba (visit ≈ 15 min)
- Palacio de los Capitanes Generales — Spanish colonial building in Havana, Cuba (visit ≈ 90 min)
- Our Lady of Kazan Orthodox Cathedral — church in Havana, Cuba (visit ≈ 30 min)
- Castle del Príncipe — military fort in Cuba (visit ≈ 75 min)
- Plaza Vieja — Plaza Vieja in Havana (visit ≈ 15 min)
- National Theater of Cuba (visit ≈ 20 min)
- El Templete — Small commemorative chapel in Havana, Cuba (visit ≈ 30 min)
- Plaza de Armas, Havana — square in Havana, Cuba (visit ≈ 15 min)
- Iglesia del Espíritu Santo, Havana — the Iglesia del Espíritu Santo at #161 Calle Acosta was built in 1635 on the corner of the corner of Calles Cuba and Acosta by a fraternity of Afro-Cuban ex slaves (visit ≈ 30 min)
- San Francisco de Paula Church — Historic church in Havana, Cuba (visit ≈ 30 min)
- Torreón de la Chorrera — fortified colonial tower, near downtown Havana (visit ≈ 60 min)
- Atarés Castle — castle in Havana, Cuba (visit ≈ 75 min)
- Abdallah Mosque — mosque in Havana, La Habana, Cuba (visit ≈ 30 min)
- Monument to the Victims of the USS Maine — Monument in Havana, Cuba (visit ≈ 15 min)
- Beth Shalom Temple — synagogue in Cuba (visit ≈ 30 min)
2-day Havana walking itinerary
Starting point: Old Havana. The top 8 places at a normal pace (up to ~10 km of walking a day), in this order. Change places or your hotel on the map and the route is recalculated; distances are estimates with a street allowance.
- Day 1 (≈ 5.8 km · 7,860 steps · 1 h 18 min on the way): El Capitolio → Gran Teatro de La Habana → National Museum of Fine Arts of Cuba → Museum of the Revolution → Morro Castle → San Carlos de la Cabaña Fortress
- Day 2 (≈ 1.3 km · 1,690 steps · 17 min on the way): Havana Cathedral → Castillo de la Real Fuerza
Hidden gems and overlooked spots in Havana
- Calle Obispo — Lively pedestrian street linking Old Havana to Parque Central: bookshops, galleries and street musicians. (visit ≈ 40 min)
- Callejón de Hamel — Centro Habana alley devoted to Afro-Cuban culture, covered in colourful murals and junk sculptures. (visit ≈ 30 min)
- Fábrica de Arte Cubano — Contemporary arts hub in a former oil factory in Vedado, mixing exhibitions, films and concerts. (visit ≈ 120 min)
- Colón Cemetery — Vast 19th-century cemetery in Vedado, whose marble statues and chapel make it an open-air gallery. (visit ≈ 60 min)
- Finca Vigía (Hemingway House) — Hilltop house where the writer lived for years; rooms are viewed through windows and his boat sits in the garden. (visit ≈ 75 min)
- Fusterlandia — An artist's home and neighbourhood in Jaimanitas covered in a fairy-tale of colourful ceramic mosaics. (visit ≈ 60 min)
- Playas del Este — Long strip of white-sand beaches with calm sea east of the city; a weekend escape for locals. (visit ≈ 240 min)
Where to stay in Havana
- Old Havana: Plazas, museums and bars within walking distance; many casas particulares.
- Centro Habana: Near the Malecón, right in local life and cheaper.
- Vedado: Wide avenues, old mansions and nightlife; quieter nights.
- Miramar: Embassy district with big hotels; you need a taxi to the centre.
Getting from the airport to Havana
- José Martí (HAV): No practical public transport; official taxi ≈ 25–30 min. Agree the fare before getting in.
Getting around
Old Havana is best on foot; for other areas use official or classic-car taxis. Ride-hailing apps are rare, so carry cash.
Classic places to eat
- La Bodeguita del Medio: Tiny bar with signed walls, an icon of the mojito.
- El Floridita: Historic bar where Hemingway drank daiquiris; live music.
- La Guarida: Famous paladar atop a crumbling mansion; great rooftop views.
- Doña Eutimia: Near the cathedral; home-style Cuban dishes like ropa vieja.
- San Cristóbal: Paladar serving Cuban food in an old house full of antiques.
- Café El Escorial: House-roasted Cuban coffee on Plaza Vieja.
- Coppelia: Huge ice-cream parlour in Vedado since 1966; expect a queue.
Romantic views
- Malecón (Sunset): Sitting on the wave-splashed seawall at sunset is a Havana classic.
- Plaza Vieja (Evening): Ringed by colourful colonial buildings, the square comes alive with music at night.
- Plaza de la Catedral (Evening): The stone square before the baroque cathedral is enchanting under evening lights.
- Paseo del Prado (Evening): This tree-lined boulevard with bronze lions makes a lovely walk to the sea.
- Christ of Havana (Sunset): From the hill across the bay the whole old town is visible at sunset.
Good to know before visiting Havana
- Fine: Photographing military sites, police and government buildings is prohibited.
- Fine: Drones are banned.
- Fine: Drug offences carry severe penalties.
- Warning: US-issued cards don't work; bring enough cash, ideally euros.
- Warning: Power cuts are frequent and internet access is limited.
- Visa and entry rules depend on your nationality and change often; check official government sources before you travel.
- Emergency: police 106, ambulance 104, fire 105
- Plugs: A/B/C/L, 110/220V
- Tap water: Don't drink tap water; use bottled.
- Tipping: About 10% is customary.
Sources: UK FCDO — Foreign travel advice: Cuba, Wikivoyage — Cuba, T.C. Dışişleri Bakanlığı — Türk vatandaşlarının tabi olduğu vize uygulamaları · For information only; rules change, check official sources before you go. Last checked: 2026-10
Havana travel FAQ
- How many days do you need in Havana?
- The top 8 places in the centre take about 2 days at a normal pace on a walking route from your hotel. Allow 3 days for the top 20 places within walking distance.
- What are the top things to do in Havana?
- Highlights: El Capitolio, Havana Cathedral, Museum of the Revolution, San Carlos de la Cabaña Fortress and Castillo de la Real Fuerza. The map has 27 things to do in total.
- Where to stay in Havana?
- Old Havana: Plazas, museums and bars within walking distance; many casas particulares. Other options: Centro Habana, Vedado and Miramar.
- How do you get from the airport to Havana city centre?
- José Martí (HAV): No practical public transport; official taxi ≈ 25–30 min. Agree the fare before getting in.
- How do you get around Havana?
- Old Havana is best on foot; for other areas use official or classic-car taxis. Ride-hailing apps are rare, so carry cash.
- What is the emergency number in Havana?
- Emergency: police 106, ambulance 104, fire 105.
- Do you tip in Havana?
- About 10% is customary.
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