Havana 3 Day Itinerary

Day 1: Exploring Old Havana (Habana Vieja)

  • Morning:

    • Start your day with a traditional Cuban breakfast at El Cafe, located in the heart of Old Havana. (Calle Mercaderes No.55 esquina a Obispo)
    • Visit the Plaza de Armas, one of the oldest squares in Havana, where you can find the Museum of the Revolution and the San José de la Caridad Church.
    • Walk towards Plaza Vieja, enjoy its vibrant atmosphere, and explore its colorful buildings and bars.

  • Afternoon:

    • Visit the Museum of the Fine Arts (Museo de Bellas Artes), which houses a vast collection of Cuban and international art.
    • Explore the Plaza San Francisco de Asís and its surrounding narrow streets, known for their beautiful colonial architecture.
    • Don’t miss the Morro-Cabana Route for panoramic views of Havana. You can reach Morro Castle by taxi or a combined taxi-ferry trip from Habana Vieja.

  • Evening:

    • Dine at La Guarida, one of Havana’s most famous restaurants, offering a unique dining experience in a beautifully restored mansion. (Calle Concordia esquina a San Rafael No.411, entre la Esquina y San Ignacio)
    • Enjoy a live music performance at the Fabrica de Arte Cubano (Calle 26 esquina Avenida 11), an eclectic art and entertainment venue.

Day 2: Modern Havana and Vibrant Nightlife

  • Morning:

    • Visit the National Museum of Fine Arts (Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes), located in the modern part of Havana, showcasing contemporary Cuban art.
    • Explore the Malecon, a broad esplanade and one of Havana’s most iconic landmarks, offering stunning views of the ocean.
    • Wander around the Vedado neighborhood, known for its modern architecture, parks, and the Christ of Havana statue on top of the Jose Marti Memorial.

  • Afternoon:

    • Visit the John Lennon Park (Parque John Lennon) and the nearby Revolution Square (Plaza de la Revolución).
    • If you’re interested in cars, don’t miss a visit to the American Classic Car Museum or take a classic car tour around the city.

  • Evening:

    • Dine at O'Reilly 304, offering a fusion of Cuban and international cuisine with a spectacular view over the Malecon. (Calle O’Reilly No.304 esquina Avenida 1ra)
    • Experience Havana’s vibrant nightlife by visiting bars like La Bodeguita del Medio (Empedrado No.200, esquina a Monserrate), famous for its Mojitos, or the Hotel Nacional de Cuba, known for its live music and stunning ocean views.

Day 3: Art, Culture, and Beyond

  • Morning:

    • Visit the Fusterlandia in Jaimanitas, a fisherman’s village on the outskirts of Havana, where Cuban artist José Fuster has decorated thousands of houses with colorful mosaics.
    • Head to the Casa de las Américas, a cultural center dedicated to promoting art and literature, especially from Latin America.

  • Afternoon:

    • Explore the Art Factory (Fábrica de Arte Cubano) Kcho in Regla, an alternative arts space showcasing contemporary Cuban art, music, and cinema.
    • Take a short ferry ride to Morro Castle and visit the small village of Casablanca on the other side, known for its beautiful beaches and seafood restaurants.

  • Evening:

    • Dine at El Cocinero, set in an old oil factory, offering a fusion of traditional Cuban and international cuisine with a modern twist. (Calle 26 No.41 esquina Avenida 3ra)
    • End your trip with a visit to La Tertulia, a cozy bar with live music in Vedado, or enjoy the night at one of Havana’s many rooftop bars, such as those at the Hotel Saratoga or the Rococó.

Things to Know:

  • Cuban currency: The Cuban Peso (CUP) is for locals, while the Convertible Peso (CUC) is used by tourists. Exchange your money only at official banks or Cadeca exchange houses.
  • Internet access: Wi-Fi is available in hotels and certain public places, but it can be slow and expensive. Some restaurants and bars offer free Wi-Fi as well.
  • Taxis: Official taxis are either yellow or white with a red stripe. Use only official taxi services to avoid issues. You can also use apps like Taxi Leo or CocoTAXI for safer and more comfortable journeys.
  • Tips: It’s customary to tip about 10% in restaurants, bars, and taxis. When visiting private homes (casas particulares) for lodging or meals, it’s common to tip between CUC 1 and CUC 3 per person per day.
  • Safety: While petty theft can be a concern in crowded areas, Havana is generally safe. Stay aware of your belongings, especially in touristy areas.