Why Go to Havana, Cuba
YOUR DESTINATION AT A GLANCE
Havana is full of life, music and color. Pastel buildings line the centuries-old plazas of Old Havana, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, vintage American cars cruise the streets and locals are quick to share a cafecito or a dance. Through good times and hard times, the city's spirit stays warm and resilient. Privately owned restaurants, called paladares, serve creative Cuban cooking, and live music spills out of doorways day and night.
The best way to experience Havana is to live like a Habanero. Start the morning with strong Cuban coffee, have lunch in one of Old Havana's historic plazas, stroll the seaside Malecon at sunset and dance the night away. Visit the National Museum of Fine Arts to meet Cuba's great artists, take a ride in a classic convertible, relax at the beaches of Playas del Este and visit Finca Vigia, Ernest Hemingway's former home.
Important for U.S. travelers: travel to Cuba is restricted by U.S. law, and Americans must qualify under one of the approved travel categories, such as support for the Cuban people. Rules can change, so I'll walk you through the current requirements and plan a trip that complies.
BEST FOR
Architecture enthusiasts, history lovers, music fans and cultural travelers
BEST MONTHS
November–April
EXPLORE
Old Havana contains historic plazas; Centro Habana has dense urban streets; Vedado offers broad avenues and cultural venues; the Malecón runs along the waterfront.
SIX18 SIGNATURE DESTINATION GUIDE
Havana, Cuba
North America › Greater Antilles › Cuba › La Habana
Colorful historic streets and a distinctive Caribbean heritage
Historical & Heritage
Caribbean
Music
Classic Cars
Art
SIX18 INSIDER TIP
For U.S. travelers, check OFAC-authorized travel categories, restrictions on prohibited businesses and documentation requirements before making plans. Carry a flexible itinerary because transport, power and service interruptions are possible.
Experiences Worth Exploring
THINGS TO DO
Explore on foot in daylight and set aside time for several plazas.
Old Havana (Habana Vieja)
UNESCO-recognized historic streets and plazas showcase centuries of Spanish colonial architecture and Havana’s everyday city life.
Visit early for photographs before pedestrian traffic increases.
Plaza Vieja
Restored Old Havana square surrounded by historic facades, galleries and cafes.
Combine with nearby streets and galleries for an easy Old Havana walk.
Plaza de la Catedral
Baroque-era square framed by Havana Cathedral and elegant historic buildings.
Combine it with the nearby Castillo de la Real Fuerza exterior.
Plaza de Armas
One of Old Havana’s foundational public squares, near historic civic buildings and the harbor.
Watch surf and avoid exposed seawalls when waves are high.
El Malecón
Seafront boulevard and promenade that frames daily Havana life and views toward the water.
A landmark historic hotel overlooking the waterfront, with a classic Havana atmosphere and easy access to Vedado. Review current travel rules and payment arrangements before booking.
Hotel Nacional de Cuba
Vedado / Malecón
City
A privately owned boutique hotel in an early-20th-century Vedado mansion, with just a handful of rooms.
El Candil Boutique Hotel
Vedado
Boutique · City
A centrally situated hotel by Parque Central, especially convenient for walking to major squares, theaters and historic streets.
Iberostar Parque Central
Old Havana / Parque Central
City
A privately run, design-led guesthouse with a rooftop bar overlooking the Malecón.
Malecón 663
Centro Habana / Malecón
Boutique · City
A privately owned boutique hotel in a restored Vedado mansion on Paseo.
Paseo 206
Vedado
Boutique · City
A privately run boutique guesthouse occupying a whole building in Old Havana.
Madero B&B
Old Havana
Boutique · City
A charming private B&B with a rooftop terrace, close to Old Havana's main sights.
Hostal Chez Nous
Old Havana
Boutique · Value · City
A highly rated private guesthouse filled with Art Deco antiques, a short walk to the Malecón.
Casa 1932
Centro Habana
Boutique · Value
A well-reviewed private guesthouse with warm hosts, between Old Havana and Vedado.
El81 Guesthouse
Centro Habana
Value · City
A privately run B&B in a colonial building with stained glass and a rooftop terrace.
Casa Vitrales
Old Havana
Boutique · Value · City
Curated Accommodations
WHERE TO STAY
November in Havana, Cuba
High 82°F · Low 70°F · Rain 3.5 in
Conditions may improve later in the month, but storms remain possible. Explore Old Havana architecture, historic plazas and cultural performances. Seasonal highlight: Cuban national holidays and local cultural programs vary by venue. Planning note: U.S. travel restrictions, payment access and tropical storms.
November through April is generally the drier and more comfortable period. Summer is hot and humid; Atlantic hurricane season runs from June through November. Confirm current flight services, entry requirements and government travel advisories.
Best Times to Visit Havana, Cuba
WHEN TO GO
Where to Dine
DINING
Seek out independent paladares offering Cuban dishes and ask about available menus before setting out; supply shortages can affect ingredients and hours. Try ropa vieja, rice and beans and locally prepared seafood when available.
06
Payments and Travel Compliance
Card acceptance, connectivity and access to services can be restricted. U.S. travelers must verify the applicable legal travel category and current government advisories, not assume tourism is unrestricted.
05
Intercity Travel
Long-distance buses and other transfers require advance checking and may be less frequent than expected. Avoid scheduling tightly connected excursions.
04
Walking in Old Havana
Historic squares and nearby streets can be explored on foot, but paving is uneven and heat can be intense. Carry drinking water.
03
Private Drivers and Taxis
Licensed taxis and prearranged drivers are useful for destinations beyond Old Havana. Agree on the fare beforehand and clarify the return journey.
02
Airport Transfers
Book pickup through your host or a reputable licensed provider; verify the pickup point, currency arrangements and final price before departure.
01
Arrival Airport
José Martí International Airport serves Havana. Arrange an authorized transfer in advance and confirm entry requirements and restrictions applicable to U.S. travelers.
José Martí International Airport serves Havana. Walking works well within parts of Habana Vieja, while longer trips typically require arranged taxis or local transport. Vehicle condition, fuel supply and payment options can vary: organize key transfers in advance.
Getting Around Havana, Cuba
GETTING AROUND
KEEP EXPLORING
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