Havana
Cuba, North America
Crumbling colonial grandeur, vintage Chevrolets, and salsa rhythms on every corner.
Cuba's vibrant capital is a living museum of colonial architecture, vintage American cars, and revolutionary history. The colourful streets of Old Havana, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, pulse with salsa music, and the Malecón seafront promenade is the city's beating heart.
Our honest take
Havana is unlike anywhere else, frozen in time, vibrant, and complicated. The architecture is stunning (and falling apart), the music is everywhere, and the people are warm. But infrastructure is rough, internet barely works, and you need cash (no US cards). Go with open expectations.
Why go
- Walking Old Havana feels like stepping into a 1950s film set
- Live salsa music in every bar, and Cubans will teach you to dance
- Classic car rides along the Malecón at sunset are pure joy
Skip if you can
- State-run restaurants (paladares are private and much better)
- Organized 'salsa lessons' for tourists, just go to a local bar and ask
- Varadero beach resorts, that's not Cuba, that's a generic Caribbean resort
Things to do
Where locals eat
Shredded beef in tomato sauce with peppers. Cuba national dish, slow-cooked until it falls apart
La Guarida (famous paladar in Centro Habana, rooftop) or Dona Eutimia near Plaza de la Catedral
Whole roasted pork with mojo sauce (garlic, sour orange, cumin), the celebration meat
El Rum Rum de la Habana or any paladar advertising cerdo asado on the sidewalk board
Twice-fried green plantain smashed flat and salted, served with everything as the Cuban side dish
Everywhere, but the crispiest are from the street vendors in Habana Vieja near Obispo St
Ham, roasted pork, swiss, pickles, mustard on sweet egg bread, pressed until crispy
5 Esquinas Trattoria in Habana Vieja or the sandwich counter at Mercado de 19 y B in Vedado
Costs
Per person, per day on the ground, lodging, food, local transport and activities. Excludes international flights (see Getting there).
Casa particular: $25-60/night. Meal at paladar: $8-20. Classic car tour: $30-50/hour. Mojito: $3-5.
Getting there
Where to stay
Colonial architecture, walkable, tourist centre, casas particulares
Residential, Malecón access, jazz clubs, more local
Gritty, authentic, cheapest, between Old Havana and Vedado
Good to know
- Bring cash (EUR or CAD). US cards don't work, ATMs are unreliable
- Internet is limited, buy ETECSA cards for WiFi hotspots
- Jineteros (hustlers) are persistent but rarely dangerous, firm 'no' works
- Tap water is not safe, drink bottled
- Keep passport copies separate from originals
Prices, visa rules, and transport details may change. Always verify with official sources before booking. Last updated: July 2026.