10 Things to Do in Havana That You Shouldn't Miss

March 24, 2018 Randal Brittian

A city trapped in time, Havana captures the imagination like no other. Faded glamour meets careful colonial-era reconstruction with a backdrop of irresistible color. Walk El Malecón, the walkway bordering the ocean; visit Old Havana and the Catedral de San Cristóbal; and listen for salsa music, open-air bazaars and parties that last all night.
Restaurants in Havana

1. Old Havana

La Habana Vieja, Havana, Cuba
Excellent
68%
Good
26%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 16 reviews

Old Havana

Bohemian, rhythmically Latin, certainly picturesque and, above all, charming.

Reviewed By Tom M - Geneva, New York

Just recently re-opened to the public the newly rennovated Capitolio is a sight to behold. Featuring works by the Italian sculptor Angelo Zanelli and a juxtoposition of Rennaissance and Classicla styles, this is worth the visit. Guided tours are available in Spanish and English.

2. El Malecon

Centro Habana, Havana, Cuba 005352823586
Excellent
52%
Good
31%
Satisfactory
14%
Poor
2%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 9 reviews

El Malecon

Reviewed By JJJP - Cumbria, UK

Enjoyed walking along the Malecon though it is obviously hot in the middle of the day. We walked along a few times. I’d also recommend the little train. At 1 cuc to travel the whole length as far as the market, it is fantastic value.

3. Fabrica de Arte Cubano

Calle 26 | Corner 11, Havana 10400, Cuba +53 7 8382260
Excellent
78%
Good
16%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 1 reviews

Fabrica de Arte Cubano

The F.A.C., Cuban Art Factory, located on the 26 and 11 in Vedado, is the best night cultural proposal in La Havana. There is always something new to do, theater, jazz, contemporary dance, Concerts, DJ's, Exhibitions or intranet chatting. The best of all, all of this can take place in one night, while taking a glass of wine and eating delicious 'tapas'. Visit this place, a new Oxygen in Havana!

Reviewed By Atul P - San Ramon, California, Usa

excellent pace to spend an evening or night, multiple events happening, Maestro Gavania was conducting orchestra in one venue, game of dance in the another place, rap music in third, hustling bar with rum on the conveyor. excellent art pieces on the display in gallery.

4. Gran Teatro de La Habana

Paseo de Marti 10600 | e/ San Jose y San Rafael, Havana, Cuba +53 7 8629473
Excellent
67%
Good
27%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 684 reviews

Gran Teatro de La Habana

Reviewed By siomikas - Vilnius, Lithuania

Amazing building, one of the niciest in all Havana. Take a look at it during the day and you will be able to take a photo of it surrounded with old american cars and during evening time it becomes amazing because of lightning.

5. Fusterlandia

Jaimanitas, Havana, Cuba +53 7 2712932
Excellent
69%
Good
24%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 1 reviews

Fusterlandia

Reviewed By Tim H - Prescott, Arizona

A whimsical extravaganza of multifaceted mosaic panoplies, a surreal kaleidoscopic fanfare of exhilarating psychedelia, an enchanting patchwork village adorned with effervescent collages of lyrical panoramas depicting multifarious mystical scenes, ingeniously crafted from the psyche of the now legendary thaumaturge, Jose Fuster, whose laudable tour de force Enterprise provides a significant and popular landmark feature highlight among Cuba's other rich arrays of notable artistic endeavors. I have no doubt Antoni Gaudi would heartily approve of Fuster's pastiche of his own unique creations in the Park Güell, in Barcelona, were he still alive, and that he would thus regard this complimentary spectacle of eclectic imagery a worthy tribute. My wife and I certainly enjoyed our little meander around the magically imbued mazes of his home...his reverie, his humble homage to his hero/muse, Antoni Gaudi.

6. Old Square (Plaza Vieja)

La Habana Vieja, Havana, Cuba +53 5 4985750
Excellent
61%
Good
33%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 7 reviews

Old Square (Plaza Vieja)

What is now called the Old Square was originally Plaza Nueva (New Square), built as a popular alternative to Plaza de Armas, the military and government nerve center. Later called Plaza del Mercado (Market Square) as Havana's commercial hub, Plaza Vieja was the site of executions, processions, bullfights, and fiestas -- all witnessed by Havana's wealthiest citizens, who looked on from their balconies. The original Carrara marble Fountain surrounded by four dolphins was demolished in the 1930s when President Gerardo Machado (1871-1939) built an underground parking lot here. Today the square's surrounding structures vary wildly in condition, though all of them are noteworthy.

Reviewed By Seasonedtraveller142 - London, United Kingdom

We wandered into the square and were struck by the happy bustle by day and were entranced by the square at night when sections of it were lit. The best place to see it is from the upstairs balcony of one of the bars in the corner.

7. Plaza de la Catedral

Old Havana, Havana, Cuba +53 7 8625109
Excellent
58%
Good
34%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 5 reviews

Plaza de la Catedral

Reviewed By TheLush101 - Cardiff, United Kingdom

We were in Havana just before New Year's Eve, so there was a stage being set up outside the Cathedral as part of the celebrations. We then came back to Havana and had time to look inside the Cathedral - definitely worth a stop off as it's beautiful. We saw some other amazing cathedrals elsewhere in Cuba, but if you're only going to Havana, then definitely check this one out.

8. Museo Napoleonico

Plaza de la Revolucion, Havana, Cuba 8791460 / 8791412
Excellent
66%
Good
27%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 212 reviews

Museo Napoleonico

Reviewed By SuzanneetRon - Boyne City, Michigan

The Napoleonic Museum in Havana is housed in a gorgeous multi-story mansion with a grotto and garden. It contains original art, one of the death masks of Napoleon I, an excellent collection of etchings and engravings, furniture and porcelains and has a beautiful view of Havana from its top floor and overlook. Some of the items were brought there by Antomarchi, Napoleon's doctor on St. Helena; although, most of the collection was the work of sugar baron Julio Loba.

9. National Museum of Fine Arts

Calle Trocadero e/ Zulueta y Monserrate, Havana, Cuba +53 7 8621643
Excellent
64%
Good
26%
Satisfactory
8%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 2 reviews

National Museum of Fine Arts

Museum offers a glimpse of colonial Cuba.

Reviewed By Carles F - Province of Girona, Spain

We visited the Building dedicated to Cuban art. We were happily surprised by and unknown art full of quality. You can follow an itinerary from the colonial period to the avantguardes and revolutionary period. The contents of the permanent exhibition have a surprising depth. We also could visit a temporary exhibition about the collaboration with International artist in 67, revolutions' prime period.
Do not miss it and you will look at Cuba with diferent eyes. Art shows how a country is.

10. Cuba Libro

Calle 24, corner Calle 19 | Vedado, Havana 10400, Cuba +53 7 8305205
Excellent
76%
Good
21%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 103 reviews

Cuba Libro

Cuba Libro is the only English-language bookstore/coffeehouse on the island. We are an ethically- and socially-responsible business dedicated to supporting the community in which we work and sharing the best of Cuba with visitors. We host cultural events (art openings, live music, book launches and the odd chess tournament), are a clearinghouse for cultural and visitor information, and are building Bridges and friendships (read: busting myths and breaking down barriers) between Cubans and foreigners alike. We believe that it's essential to maintain and grow the humanism and solidarity that has defined Cuban culture over the last half century and work everyday to make that a reality. We also have the best coffee drinks and hammocks in Havana! Plus a killer collection of books.

Reviewed By travel_2020_UK - UK

relaxing, chilled out, great service, friendly place. and a nice bit of cool shade to get away from the heat of the day. heartily recommended place!Thanks so much for your review. We work hard, every day, to make sure people enjoy their experience at Cuba Libro. Including our fun bathroom "art". Glad you had a good time while visiting. Cheers! Conner & Team Cuba Libro

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