Havana 2 Day Itinerary

Day 1: Exploring Historic Havana

Morning:

  • Start your day with a hearty breakfast at San Cristobal, a popular local spot known for its Cuban cuisine. (Calle Lamparas No. 26, La Habana Vieja)
  • Visit the Plaza de la Catedral and admire the Baroque architecture. This former cathedral is one of Havana’s most iconic sites.
  • Explore the Museum of the Revolution, located in the former Presidential Palace, to learn about Cuban history.

Afternoon:

  • Head to the Malecon, the seafront esplanade, for a leisurely walk with stunning views of the ocean and the city.
  • Visit the Jose Marti Memorial, a tower dedicated to Cuba’s national hero, offering panoramic views of Havana.
  • Experience authentic Cuban life in La Plaza Vieja where you can find numerous restaurants, art galleries, and live music performances.

Evening:

  • Dine at Paladar La Guarida, a famous restaurant located in a beautiful renovated mansion. (Calle Concordia No. 418 e/Gervasio y Galiano)
  • End your day with a live music performance at the Tropicana Cabaret, one of Havana’s most iconic nightlife venues. (Ave. Pablorito No. 507 e/66 y 71)

Day 2: Modern and Vibrant Havana

Morning:

  • Have breakfast at El Del Frente, a popular café with a modern twist in the Vedado neighborhood. (Calle 23 No. 508 entre 3ra y 4ta)
  • Visit the Museum of Fine Arts, home to an extensive collection of Cuban and international art.
  • Explore the John Lennon Park and the nearby Habana Libre Hotel, a symbol of modernist architecture in Cuba.

Afternoon:

  • Take a tour of the Fusterlandia neighborhood, covered in colorful mosaics by artist Jose Fuster.
  • Relax at the Playa Santa Maria del Mar on the edge of Vedado, offering beautiful views of the city and sea.
  • Visit the Cuban Art Factory, a cultural center filled with art studios, shops, and galleries.

Evening:

  • Dine at La Terraza de San Agustin, a rooftop restaurant offering stunning views of Old Havana. (Calle San Agustin No. 203 e/ San Ignacio y San Felipe)
  • Experience the vibrant nightlife in Vedado district, with numerous bars and clubs like La Catedral and El Chanchullero.

Things to Know:

  1. US citizens need a Cuban Tourist Card (also known as a “Visa”) to enter Cuba.
  2. Cuban Convertible Pesos (CUC) is used for most tourist activities, while the local peso (CUP) is for locals.
  3. Wifi is limited and usually available only in hotels or specific locations.
  4. Tap water is not safe to drink; bottled water is widely available.
  5. Spanish is the official language, but many Cubans also speak some English.

Transportation:

  • Taxi Collectivos (shared taxis) are a common and affordable way to get around Havana.
  • Classic American cars can be rented for tours or special occasions.
  • Viazul buses offer long-distance travel within Cuba, but they may not always be the most convenient option for getting around Havana city.