Top Experiences in Havana, Cuba

Havana seduces you slowly, getting under your skin with its street energy, historical heirlooms, and charismatic people. It’s a complex city with many different layers.

The range of attractions on offer in Havana is impressive, and many experiences are free to visit. Explore the meticulously renovated UNESCO World Heritage Site that is Habana Vieja, visit an art factory where you can listen to internationally recognized musicians, or relax on one of Havana’s nearby beaches, all embellished with white sand and shady palm trees.

Here are the best experiences on offer in Cuba’s capital.

1. Join a Free Walking Tour of Old Havana

There are UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and then there’s Habana Vieja, a beguiling amalgamation of gorgeous architecture and vibrant street life. Starting in the 1960s, city historian Eusebio Leal transformed this area into one of the finest restoration projects in the Americas. City authorities have reinvested the impressive profits into social projects for the community’s 100,000 people.

2. Relax with Locals on the Malecón Sea Wall in the Evenings

If you want to see Havana in all its glory, take a walk along the oceanfront Malecón – all 7km (4.3 miles) stretching from the jaws of the harbor to the mouth of the Río Almendares. The Malecón is where the whole city gathers in the evenings to pontificate, dream, gossip, and unwind.

3. See Street Art in Fusterlandia

The pinnacle of Havana’s alfresco art scene and a community project extraordinaire, Fusterlandia was the dream of Havana-based artist José Fuster. Over two decades, he transformed his neighborhood into a spectacular art district filled with surreal murals and mosaics, paying tribute to Gaudí and Picasso.

4. Enjoy the Infectious Energy of Havana’s Streets

Havana exudes an infectious energy. Walk its streets and soak up the atmosphere: you’ll likely be sidestepping lively games of soccer and dodging bici-taxis while listening to residents engrossed in spirited conversations.

5. Absorb the Beauty of Necrópolis Cristóbal Colón

Havana’s expansive Necrópolis Cristóbal Colón cemetery is more than a city of the dead; it’s a shrine to ecclesial architecture. A stroll through its hallowed grounds reveals marble crucifixes, ornate mausoleums, and poignant memorials, each with its own intriguing story.

6. Spend an Evening at a Cabaret Show

Long before Vegas became known for entertainment, Havana was the quintessential place for gamblers to lose fortunes at casinos and then gather at ostentatious cabaret clubs. Havana’s most famous club, the Tropicana, has been hosting nightly shows for more than 80 years.

7. Tune into the Creative Energy of the Fábrica de Arte Cubano

Fábrica de Arte Cubano is a dynamic art collective housed in an old factory in eastern Vedado. Visitors can wander through expansive rooms, experiencing art exhibits, live music, performances, and engaging with both artists and fellow audience members.

8. Discover Afro-Cuban Religion in Little-Visited Regla

To better understand Havana’s Afro-Cuban culture, take a ferry to Regla. Here, a strong Santería tradition thrives amid humble shops and local life. At the dockside church, visitors can see the venerated image of the Virgin of Regla.

9. Enjoy an Evening Drink in Plaza Vieja

Plaza Vieja is particularly enchanting after dark, with numerous cafes and bars to explore. Find a seat in a bar where you can gaze down at the stunning architecture, glittering fountain, and vibrant atmosphere of Habana Vieja.

10. Witness the Firing of the 9 O’clock Cannon

The Cañonazo is a cannon-firing ceremony that takes place every night at La Cabaña fort. This tradition dates back to the early 18th century, marking the closing of the city’s gates at 9 pm each night.

11. Unlock the Flavors of Cuban Cuisine

For too long, Cuban cuisine has been underappreciated. However, Havana’s vibrant private restaurants are changing that perception, showcasing delicious dishes like ropa vieja, moros y cristianos, and fried plantains in beautifully decorated settings.

12. Hit the Beaches of Playas del Este

Many visitors to Cuba flock to beach-side resorts, but those interested in cultural experiences can enjoy time in Havana before exploring the beautiful local beaches known as Playas del Este. Playa Santa María del Mar is ideal for sunbathing, while Playa Bacuranao offers snorkelers options to explore reefs and sunken ships.

This article was first published on April 25, 2022, and updated on January 11, 2024.