The Best Things to Do in Havana, Cuba

Havana is unlike any other city: crumbling colonial mansions in pastel colours, 1950s American cars on the streets, salsa drifting out of bars and the sea spraying over the Malecón. It's a city to wander and absorb rather than tick off. Here are the best things to do in Havana, plus practical tips for travelling in Cuba today.

Old Havana

1. Walk the four plazas

Old Havana (Habana Vieja), a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is built around four great squares: the Plaza de la Catedral with its baroque cathedral, the Plaza de Armas surrounded by palaces, the colourful Plaza Vieja and the Plaza de San Francisco. Walk between them along Calle Obispo and Calle Mercaderes.

From Plaza de Armas to Plaza Vieja, colonial facades in faded pastel colours surround the squares, music drifts from café doorways and old Chevrolets rumble past on the cobbles.

2. Hemingway's Havana

Ernest Hemingway lived in Havana for two decades. Have a daiquirí at El Floridita and a mojito at La Bodeguita del Medio (expect crowds and tourist prices), see his room at the Hotel Ambos Mundos and visit his house, Finca Vigía, outside the city.

Lean on the bar at El Floridita with a frozen daiquiri, then climb to his room at the Hotel Ambos Mundos, where the view over the old city hasn't changed much.

3. Museums

The Museo de la Revolución, in the former presidential palace, tells the story of the revolution from the Cuban government's point of view. The Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes has an excellent collection of Cuban art.

In the old pharmacies, wooden shelves are lined with porcelain jars, and in the museums, the history of the revolution and the colonial past is told in grand old buildings.

Along the waterfront

4. The Malecón

The seafront promenade runs for about eight kilometres from Old Havana to Vedado. At sunset, locals gather to fish, flirt and play music – join them for the city's best free show.

At sunset, the whole city seems to sit on the sea wall – couples, fishermen, musicians – while waves splash over the stones and the sky turns orange behind the crumbling facades.

5. El Morro and the cannon ceremony

Across the harbour, the fortresses of El Morro and La Cabaña guard the bay. Every evening at 9pm, soldiers in 18th-century uniforms fire a cannon in the Cañonazo ceremony – arrive early for a good spot.

Each night at nine, soldiers in colonial uniforms fire a cannon from the fortress across the bay – the boom echoes over the water as the lights of Havana shimmer.

Beyond the old town

6. A classic car ride

Hop into a vintage convertible for a tour through Vedado, past the Plaza de la Revolución and the grand Hotel Nacional. Agree the price and route before setting off.

Sit in the back of a pink 1950s convertible, wind in your hair, as the car glides along the Malecón and through the leafy avenues of Vedado.

7. Fusterlandia

In the fishing district of Jaimanitas, artist José Fuster has covered his home and neighbouring houses in colourful mosaics – a joyful, Gaudí-like street art project.

Every wall, bench and roof in the neighbourhood is covered in colourful mosaic tiles – a joyful, dreamlike work of art by the artist José Fuster.

8. Live music and culture

Havana is a city of music. Catch son and salsa in bars around Old Havana, Afro-Cuban rumba on Sundays at the Callejón de Hamel, and art, music and design at the Fábrica de Arte Cubano in a converted factory (check opening days).

Every bar has a band, and the sound of son, salsa and rumba fills the streets – join the locals dancing, even if you don't know the steps.

Day trips

9. Viñales and the beaches

The tobacco farms and limestone mogotes of Viñales, about three hours west, make a superb overnight trip. For the beach, the Playas del Este are just half an hour east of the city.

In Viñales, limestone mogotes rise from the red earth and green tobacco fields, and farmers roll cigars by hand in wooden barns.

Practical tips

• Check current conditions: Cuba has faced economic hardship, shortages and power cuts in recent years; check travel advice and pack essentials such as medicines and toiletries.
• Money: bring cash in euros or another hard currency and check the latest currency rules; cards may not work.
• Where to stay: casas particulares (private homestays) are a great way to meet locals and support families directly.
• Internet: buy a local data card or use hotel Wi-Fi – connections can be slow.
• Getting around: walk Old Havana; use taxis or classic cars for longer distances, agreeing the fare first.
• Travelling with young children: late arrivals, power cuts and finding supplies need extra planning – this family's account of arriving in Havana with a baby is full of practical lessons.