First time · Havana
First time in HavanaLa Habana
Havana is a cash-and-slack city: do the old squares and the Capitolio in the morning, keep a cool midday, carry enough cash for the whole stay, and treat power cuts and fuel shortages as part of the plan.
The honest verdict
Havana's sights are close together and easy to walk by day, but the trip runs on cash, patience and a host who books your rides. The trips that go wrong arrive late with no booked car, rely on a card that does not work, or pack a day too tightly for a city where buses and taxis stop when fuel or power runs short. Four clusters cover a first visit: Habana Vieja, the Prado and Capitolio, the Malecón and La Punta, and Vedado.
You will like
- Old squares and faded buildings
- Live music
- Slow, talkative evenings
What wears you down
- Cash-only payment
- Power and fuel cuts
- Heat and humidity in summer
Five things not to miss
- 1Plaza ViejaA restored 16th-century square with arcades and cafes: the old city at its best.Best Morning · Free
- 2Havana CathedralThe baroque cathedral and its narrow square.Best Morning · Free or donation
- 3El CapitolioThe domed former parliament on the Prado.Best Morning · About US$10–15
- 4Museo de Bellas Artes, Cuban ArtThe best indoor hour: Cuban art in a cool building.Best Afternoon · About US$5–8
- 5Museo de la RevoluciónThe former palace and the story of the 20th century.Best Afternoon · About US$8
Where to stay on a first visit
- Habana Vieja casa particularFor: First visit, 3–5 nightsThe plazas, museums and paladares are on foot.
From the airport
José Martí International Airport (HAV)
- Fastest and cheapest
- Pre-booked car through your host to the door · about 35 min · about CUP 12,000
Typical ride times and fares, 2026 desk estimates (check). Last services and night options are on the gateway page.
How long to stay
- 1 day
- A cruise stop or a day between flights
- 3 days
- The standard Havana stay
- 5 days
- Havana plus Viñales
Show 5 more blocksHideThree mistakes to avoid, Money and SIM, Etiquette, The best time to go, A first day
Three mistakes to avoid
- Jineteros (touts) who offer cigars, restaurants, a casa or a private taxi at a 'special price': they take a commission from the seller, so the price to you is higher. Decline politely and choose your own.(Scams)
- Do not photograph police, military or government buildings.(Survive · red lines)
- Power cuts are frequent: carry a torch, a power bank and drinking water.(Survive · safety)
Money and SIM
- Budget day
- CUP 10,000–18,000 excl. bed
- Paying
- Cash for the whole stay. Bring euros or US dollars in small, clean notes (US-issued cards and some foreign cards often do not work, and ATMs are unreliable). Many tourist businesses quote in dollars or euros; the peso (CUP) is used by locals at a rate that varies. Ask your host for the current rate, count your change, and do not accept old CUC notes, which were withdrawn.
- Cash
- Do not plan on ATMs: bring the full trip budget in cash in small, clean notes and split it between two places on you.
- SIM
- ETECSA offices and airport kiosk: A tourist SIM or data package needs your passport; check current packages and prices.
Etiquette: the top three
- Greetings
- Say 'buenos días' or 'buenas tardes' before you ask for anything; a kiss on one cheek is common between acquaintances.
- Tipping
- About 10 percent in restaurants and small tips for guides, musicians and cleaners; small dollar tips are welcome.
- Photos
- Ask before photographing people, some will expect a tip; never photograph police, soldiers or military sites.
The best time to go
Jan: Dry and warm; best walking weather.
Dry season (Nov–Apr): Sunny, warm and the best time to visit; cooler nights in Jan and Feb.
A first day
Day 1 — Habana Vieja plazas, a 13:00 lunch table
Start about 08:30
Fixed point: Lunch table 13:00 (Habana Vieja)
Casa or a shaded café 13:30–16:30; the Malecón at sunset.Casa or a shaded café 1:30 PM–4:30 PM; the Malecón at sunset.
Timed version: Havana in 3 daysYour Havana checklist
The money points and the first-timer mistakes from this page in one list. Tick each one when you have handled it.
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