Havana-7-day-itinerary

7-Day Itinerary for Traveling in Havana

Day 1: Arrival and Old Havana Exploration

Morning:

  • Arrive at José Martí International Airport
  • Transfer to your hotel (see recommendations below)
  • Start your day with a traditional Cuban breakfast at La Bodeguita del Medio (try the croquetas and coffee)

Afternoon:

  • Explore Havana’s Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
    • Visit the Plaza de la Catedral
    • See the Cathedral of San Cristóbal
    • Wander through the narrow streets and admire the colonial architecture

Evening:

  • Enjoy dinner at El Aljibe (try their famous ropa vieja)
  • Take a stroll along the Malecón, Havana’s scenic seaside promenade
  • End your night with some live music at Mozhito

Day 2: Revolution Square and Capitol Building

Morning:

  • Visit the iconic Revolution Square (Parque Central)
    • See the imposing Capitol Building
    • Take a photo in front of the giant Cuban flag
    • Explore the surrounding streets and shops

Afternoon:

  • Visit the National Museum of Fine Arts
  • Stop by the San Francisco de Asís Church

Evening:

  • Enjoy dinner at La Guarida (try their creative fusion cuisine)
  • Take a night tour of Havana’s historic neighborhoods, such as Miramar or Habana Vieja

Day 3: Hemingway and the Countryside

Morning:

  • Visit Ernest Hemingway’s Finca Vigía, his former home
    • Explore the house and gardens
    • See the famous swimming pool where Hemingway used to swim with friends

Afternoon:

  • Take a day trip to Viñales, a picturesque town in Pinar del Río province
    • Visit the Viñales Valley and see the limestone formations
    • Enjoy lunch at a local paladar (private restaurant)

Evening:

  • Return to Havana and enjoy dinner at El Mesón de la Flota
  • Take a scenic drive along the coast, with stunning views of the ocean

Day 4: Art, Music, and Culture

Morning:

  • Visit the Galería Habana, a modern art gallery
    • See works by local artists, including paintings and sculptures
    • Learn about Cuba’s vibrant artistic scene

Afternoon:

  • Attend a live music performance at the Teatro América
  • Explore the surrounding streets and shops in the Arroyo Naranjo neighborhood

Evening:

  • Enjoy dinner at El Palenque, a popular spot for live music and dancing
  • Visit the Cabaret Las Vegas for a night of burlesque and cabaret performances

Day 5: Beaches and Nature Reserves

Morning:

  • Visit the Playa Santa María del Mar, one of Havana’s most beautiful beaches
    • Enjoy swimming, sunbathing, or water sports
    • Take a leisurely walk along the beachfront promenade

Afternoon:

  • Visit the Havana Botanical Garden
    • Explore the gardens and see the variety of tropical plants and trees
    • Learn about Cuba’s unique flora and fauna

Evening:

  • Enjoy dinner at La Catedral, a restaurant located in the historic center
  • Take a sunset stroll along the Malecón, with stunning views of the ocean

Day 6: Architecture and History

Morning:

  • Visit the National Capitol Building
    • See the imposing building and take a photo in front of the giant Cuban flag
    • Learn about Cuba’s history and politics through guided tours and exhibits

Afternoon:

  • Explore the Plaza Vieja, one of Havana’s oldest plazas
    • Visit the Casa de la Ciudad (City Hall)
    • See the Fountain of the Plaza

Evening:

  • Enjoy dinner at La Casa de las Cervezas (try their craft beers and food pairings)
  • Take a night tour of Havana’s historic neighborhoods, such as Miramar or Habana Vieja

Day 7: Shopping and Departure

Morning:

  • Visit the Alamar Market, one of Havana’s largest markets
    • Buy souvenirs, gifts, or try local snacks and drinks

Afternoon:

  • Spend some time shopping for last-minute souvenirs or gifts
  • Transfer to the airport for your departure flight

Accommodations:

Recommended hotels in Havana include:

  • Hotel Nacional de Cuba (historic hotel with stunning views)
  • Hotel Parque Central (modern hotel with great service and location)
  • Hotel Saratoga (luxurious hotel with rooftop pool and bar)

Transportation:

  • Taxi: Available throughout the city, but can be expensive. Use licensed taxis to avoid scams.
  • Colectivos: Shared taxis that run along specific routes. A cheap way to get around the city.
  • Walking: The best way to explore Havana’s historic neighborhoods on foot.

Tips and Tricks:

  • Learn some basic Spanish phrases to communicate with locals.
  • Be prepared for crowds and long lines at popular tourist spots.
  • Try local cuisine, including traditional dishes like ropa vieja and arroz con pollo.
  • Don’t drink tap water. Stick to bottled or filtered water.

Note: This itinerary is just a suggestion and can be customized based on your interests and preferences. Be sure to check the current travel regulations and COVID-19 protocols before planning your trip.