Havana in 3 days

Crumbling colonial grandeur, classic cars, salsa, and the most photogenic street life in the Caribbean. Best time to visit: November-April (dry season). Average daily budget: $50 to $90 USD.

Day 1, Get oriented

Base: Habana Vieja, The UNESCO old town: plazas, cathedrals, and the liveliest street energy. Stay here for the full immersion.

Morning: Walk Habana Vieja at dawn. Before the heat and crowds, the plazas belong to you. Coffee at a hole-in-the-wall.

Afternoon: Explore Habana Vieja, The UNESCO old town: plazas, cathedrals, and the liveliest street energy. Stay here for the full immersion.

Evening: Live salsa in a casa de la trova. Skip the tourist shows for a tiny bar where locals dance until 3am.

Eat: Ropa vieja (shredded beef stew) at a family paladar

Day 2, Go deeper

Base: Centro Habana, Gritty and real: local life, faded mansions, and some of the best live music bars.

Morning: Classic car tour in a convertible. Cruise the Malecón and Vedado in a 1950s Chevrolet. Book for late afternoon light.

Afternoon: Explore Centro Habana, Gritty and real: local life, faded mansions, and some of the best live music bars.

Evening: Mojito at La Bodeguita del Medio. Yes it's touristy, but the history and the band in the alley make it worth one drink.

Eat: Cuban sandwich (medianoche) from a street window

Day 3, Hidden side

Base: Vedado, Wide boulevards, cinemas, art deco buildings, and a more spacious, modern feel.

Morning: The art studios and galleries along Callejón de Hamel in Centro Habana.. A local favourite most visitors miss, worth the detour.

Afternoon: Explore Vedado, Wide boulevards, cinemas, art deco buildings, and a more spacious, modern feel.

Evening: A sunset walk along the Malecón with a bottle of Havana Club and locals.. A local favourite most visitors miss, worth the detour.

Eat: Fresh lobster grilled with garlic and lime

Hidden gems

The art studios and galleries along Callejón de Hamel in Centro Habana.
A sunset walk along the Malecón with a bottle of Havana Club and locals.
Fábrica de Arte Cubano (FAC): a converted oil factory turned avant-garde art and music space.
Breakfast at a local casa: eggs, fruit, strong coffee, and conversation with your host.

Getting around

Havana is best explored on foot in the old town, but distances between districts are long. Classic-car taxis are a fun and surprisingly affordable way to travel; negotiate the fare before getting in. Coco taxis (yellow three-wheelers) are cheaper for short hops. Local buses exist but are crowded and confusing; most visitors walk or use taxis.

Safety

Havana is generally safe, including for solo travellers, with violent crime rare. The main issues are petty theft and scams: don't change money on the street, keep phones and cameras discreet, and agree taxi fares upfront. Tap water is not safe to drink. Bring cash; most foreign cards do not work in Cuba.

Havana in 5 days | Havana in 7 days | Full Havana guide