Havana Cuba 7 Day Itinerary

July 10, 2024

Havana, Cuba 7-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival & Old Havana

Arrive at José Martí International Airport (HAV). (Transportation Tips)
Check-in at a centrally located hotel in Old Havana. (Accommodation Recommendations)
Explore the historic center of Old Havana, a UNESCO World Heritage Site:
- Plaza de la Catedral
- Plaza Vieja
- Museo de la Revolución
- La Catedral de San Cristóbal de la Habana
- El Capitolio
Dinner at a paladar (locally-owned private restaurant): Paladar La Guarida or San Cristobal Paladar

Day 2: Vedado & Modern Havana

Visit the modern neighborhood of Vedado:
- Malecón, Havana’s famous seafront promenade
- Fusterlandia, a colorful mosaic art installation by José Fuster
- Hotel Nacional de Cuba, a historic hotel with beautiful views and a rich history
Afternoon visit to the Museum of Fine Arts (Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes)
Lunch at La Moneda Cubana in Vedado
Free evening to explore local bars and nightlife in Vedado or Old Havana (Nightlife Recommendations)

Day 3: Artisans’ Alley & Fusterlandia

Morning visit to the Almacenes San José art market (Artisans’ Alley) in Old Havana for souvenirs and local crafts
Afternoon visit to Fusterlandia again, this time to meet with artist José Fuster
Lunch at Los Tarantos in Centro Habana
Visit the Ernest Hemingway Museum (Finca Vigía) located in the suburbs of Havana (optional)
Dinner at O’Reilly 304, a rooftop restaurant with stunning city views

Day 4: Day Trip to Viñales

Take a day trip to Viñales, a picturesque town in western Cuba. (Transportation Tips)
Explore the tobacco farms and learn about cigar production at a local farm
Horseback riding through the beautiful Mogotes landscapes
Visit the Viñales Valley viewpoint for panoramic views of the valley
Lunch in a traditional paladar in Viñales
Return to Havana in the evening

Day 5: Playas del Este & Beach Day

Spend a relaxing day at one of Havana’s beautiful beaches in the eastern suburbs, such as Santa María del Mar or Guanabo (Beach Recommendations)
Lunch at a local restaurant by the beach
Return to Havana and enjoy a leisurely evening exploring local street food stalls and bars in Vedado or Old Havana

Day 6: Havana’s Music & Dance Culture

Visit the Fabrica de Arte Cubano (FAC), a contemporary art gallery, music venue, and bar all in one
Learn about Cuban dance and music at Casa de la Música or Casa de la Abuela, where you can take a salsa class
Lunch at San Cristobal Paladar or Paladar La Monja Blanca
Afternoon visit to the Callejon de Hamel, an Afro-Cuban art and music alleyway in Centro Habana
Free evening to enjoy live music performances in local bars and clubs (Nightlife Recommendations)

Day 7: Last Day & Departure

Spend your last morning shopping for souvenirs or exploring any sights you may have missed
Check out from the hotel and transfer to José Martí International Airport (HAV) for departure

Transportation Tips:

Taxis collectivos (shared taxis) are a common and affordable way to get around Havana. Ask your accommodation for help finding one.
For day trips, consider hiring a private taxi or joining a guided tour.

Accommodation Recommendations:

Hotel Ambos Mundos, where Ernest Hemingway stayed during his visits to Cuba
Casa Particulars (private homes rented out as bed and breakfasts) offer authentic Cuban experiences

Things to Know:

Cuban currency is CUC (Cuban Convertible Peso) for tourists and CUP (Cuban Peso) for locals. You can exchange your currency at Cadeca exchange houses.
Internet access in Cuba is limited, and Wi-Fi can be expensive. Consider purchasing a local SIM card or finding an accommodation with Wi-Fi.
English is less commonly spoken than Spanish, so learning some basic phrases will be helpful.

Things to Do: