Havana Holidays

Five of the Best Things to Do on Havana Holidays

Tour the city in a classic car

Famous for its classic cars, there’s no better way to explore Havana. As you drive through the streets lined with notable monuments, cathedrals and palaces, and with the breeze in your hair, you’ll get a true sense of the city’s past and present influences. The 1950s cars that you find in Havana are surprisingly immaculate, and you’ll feel as though you’ve gone back in time, especially as you ride through the old parts of the city.

Explore Old Havana

At the very heart of the Cuban capital is Old Havana. This buzzing city has an intoxicating energy that will lure you into its charms with its fine colonial architecture, lively squares and faded grandeur. Known locally as La Habana Vieja, the Old City is listed as a Unesco World Heritage Site and is filled with ancient plazas where cobbled streets weave between brightly coloured buildings. Around every corner you’ll find an architectural treasure that depicts a different era from Art Deco to Baroque.

Drink a Mojito

First created in Cuba, the Mojito is synonymous with the country and there’s no better place to try this authentic drink than at one of the bars in Havana. Fusing white rum, sugar cane, lime juice, mint and soda, this tangy cocktail is delicious. You’ll find lots of places dotted around the city where you can enjoy the cocktail, and La Bodeguita del Medio is where Ernest Hemingway is said to have written “My Mojito, in Bodeguita, my Daiquiri in El Floridita.”

Walk along the Malecón

Spanning 8km along the length of the city of Havana, the Malecón is a promenade and stretch of road that runs along the coastline. Flanked by eclectic Neoclassical and Art Nouveau architecture, this is one of the most outstanding areas in Cuba. Originally the promenade was created for the middle classes in the early 20^th century, but it soon expanded out towards the east of the city.

Learn how to Salsa

Havana tours wouldn’t be complete without trying out some salsa moves. Deep-rooted in Cuban culture, salsa music and dancing can be heard in many of the bars and clubs of Havana. This passionate dance gives you a real taste of authentic Cuban culture and is great fun to learn on your trip. Even if you think you have two left feet, you’ll love the experience and it’s also a good way to interact with the locals and enjoy their culture.

Havana Tours

From the faded charm of the colonial architecture to the classic cars and rhythms of the Cuban salsa bars, Havana holidays are full of vibrant contrasts. This lively capital is the best place to begin or end your holiday to Cuba.

Havana’s colonial history casts light and shade over the city with its communist presence, and everywhere you look you’re greeted with revolutionary slogans, murals of Fidel and Che Guevara, and monuments to the heroic worker. In the Plaza de la Revolución, there is a famous ironwork mural of Che on the Ministry of the Interior along with his famous motto – “hasta la victoria siempre” (towards victory always) – as well as a large memorial to Jose Martí, the 19^th-century independence hero revered by Fidel Castro.

In the evenings, Havana comes alive with music, and the locals hang out on the Malecón, the seafront road near the city centre, to enjoy an evening sipping mojitos in one of Hemingway’s old haunts, or living it up at one of the all-singing all-dancing salsa shows such as the legendary Tropicana Club.

Discover the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Habana Vieja, a heady concoction of striking architecture and bustling street life or visit one of the main squares in the evening and experience the magical nightlife in the bars, restaurants and cafes that rub shoulders with Art Nouveau and faded colonial buildings.

Whether you choose to explore Havana on foot or by bike on our Cuban Highlights Ride, among colourful colonial buildings or along the pristine coastline, you’ll experience its charismatic soul and no doubt fall in love with the city on our Havana tours.

Planning Your Trip to Havana?

When is the best time for Havana holidays?

The best time to visit Havana, the vibrant capital city of Cuba, is during the winter months from November to April. This period boasts pleasant temperatures ranging from 70°F to 80°F, making it ideal for exploring the city’s rich culture and historical sites. The dry season during these months ensures a more enjoyable experience without the interruption of heavy rainfall. Also, there are often various festivals and events during this time in Havana, so you can immerse yourself in the local culture.

What are the best things to do on Havana holidays?

Havana is home to many exciting attractions as well as boasting a rich cultural heritage. One of the best things to do in Havana is to stroll through the historic streets of Old Havana, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, admire the beautiful architecture and experience first-hand the city’s diverse culture. Don’t miss visiting the iconic Malecón waterfront promenade at sunset for dreamy sea views. Explore the lively markets, taste Cuba’s traditional cuisine at local paladares, and dance the night away at a salsa club. And if you really want to fit in with the locals, enjoy a classic Cuban cigar and rum pairing experience.

What should I pack for my trip to Havana?

When packing for a trip to Havana, there are several essentials to consider that will ensure a comfortable and enjoyable experience. First and foremost, pack lightweight and breathable clothing suitable for the warm and humid climate of Cuba. Don’t forget to include swimwear, as Havana boasts some beautiful beaches. Suncream, insect repellent and a hat are crucial for protection from the sun and bugs. Make sure you bring comfortable walking shoes to explore the winding streets of the city and pack a camera to capture the iconic sights of Havana, as well as a Spanish phrase book to help you communicate with the locals. Lastly, remember to bring some cash, as credit cards are not widely accepted in the less-touristy areas of Cuba.

Are there any cultural etiquettes I should be aware of in Havana?

Cultural etiquette in Havana is deeply rooted in hospitality and respect. Greetings are important, with a handshake and a warm smile being common. It is also customary to use respectful titles like “senor” or “senora” when addressing someone you don’t know well. Cubans value their personal space, so try to respect boundaries and avoid being overly familiar. When dining, it is polite to wait for the host to begin eating before starting your meal. Also, tipping is appreciated but not always expected.

What is the nightlife like in Havana?

The nightlife in Havana is vibrant, diverse and full of Cuban energy, reflecting the city’s culture and passion for music and dancing. In the evenings, the streets come alive with a mix of traditional Cuban sounds like salsa, rumba and son, alongside more contemporary music genres. Some of the best places to visit at nighttime include famous venues such as the Buena Vista Social Club or Fabrica de Arte Cubano where you can enjoy live performances and dance to the hip-jiggling beats. The lively atmosphere, striking buildings and warm hospitality of the Cuban people make the nightlife in Havana intoxicating.