Havana, Cuba-6-day-itinerary

Day 1: Arrival and Exploration

  • Morning: Arrive at José Martí International Airport (HAV) in Havana. After collecting your luggage, take a taxi or hop on the official airport shuttle bus (CUC $10-$15 per person) to get to your hotel.
  • Afternoon: Check-in to your hotel (see recommendations below). Spend some time freshening up and getting accustomed to your surroundings.
  • 3:00 PM: Head to Plaza Vieja, a historic square in the heart of Old Havana. Admire the beautiful architecture, take photos with locals, and visit the nearby Museum of Colonial Art (CUC $5 per person).
  • 6:00 PM: Enjoy dinner at La Bodeguita del Medio (try their famous Mojito), a legendary restaurant in Old Havana that serves delicious Cuban cuisine. Don’t forget to try some local music and dance.
  • Evening: Take a leisurely stroll around the nearby streets, taking in the vibrant atmosphere and admiring the beautiful colonial architecture.

Hotel Recommendation:

  • Hotel Plaza (CUC $60-$80 per night) - A stylish boutique hotel located in Old Havana, with comfortable rooms and a charming courtyard.
  • Hotel Inglaterra (CUC $40-$60 per night) - A classic hotel situated on the famous Calle Obispo, with cozy rooms and a great location.

Day 2: Culture and History

  • 9:00 AM: Visit the iconic Capitolio, a stunning Capitol building that served as Cuba’s government seat until 1959. Take a guided tour (CUC $10 per person) to learn about its history and significance.
  • 11:30 AM: Head to the nearby Revolution Museum (free admission), which showcases artifacts from Cuba’s revolutionary past, including Che Guevara’s iconic motorcycle.
  • 2:00 PM: Enjoy lunch at La Guarida, a popular restaurant in Old Havana that serves excellent Cuban cuisine. Try their famous ropa vieja and arroz con pollo.
  • 4:00 PM: Visit the beautiful San Francisco de Paula Church (free admission), with its stunning stained-glass windows and ornate decorations.
  • 7:00 PM: Enjoy dinner at Paladar San Cristóbal, a cozy restaurant that serves delicious Cuban food in a charming atmosphere.

Day 3: Beach Day

  • 9:00 AM: Take a taxi or bus (CUC $5-$10 per person) to the beautiful beach town of Miramar, located just outside Havana. Spend some time relaxing on the beach, swimming, and enjoying water activities.
  • 1:00 PM: Enjoy lunch at La Terraza del Mar, a seafood restaurant with stunning ocean views.
  • 4:00 PM: Visit the nearby Cementerio de Cristóbal Colón (free admission), a historic cemetery that serves as the final resting place for many famous Cubans, including José Martí.

Day 4: Fusterlandia and Craft Market

  • 9:00 AM: Take a taxi or bus (CUC $5-$10 per person) to the colorful neighborhood of Fusterlandia, where you’ll find vibrant street art, whimsical sculptures, and stunning views.
  • 11:30 AM: Visit the nearby San Antonio de los Baños Market (free admission), a bustling marketplace that sells local crafts, souvenirs, and delicious food.
  • 2:00 PM: Enjoy lunch at Paladar La Cocina, a cozy restaurant that serves excellent Cuban cuisine in a charming atmosphere.
  • 4:00 PM: Visit the beautiful Cementerio de Santa Isabel (free admission), a historic cemetery with stunning views of Havana.

Day 5: Music and Nightlife

  • 8:00 PM: Enjoy dinner at La Casa de la Abuela, a popular restaurant that serves delicious Cuban cuisine in a lively atmosphere.
  • 10:00 PM: Head to the famous Malecón, a seaside promenade with stunning ocean views. Enjoy live music, dance, and take in the vibrant atmosphere.
  • 12:30 AM: Visit the nearby Café Taberna, a cozy bar that serves excellent cocktails and hosts live music performances.

Day 6: Shopping and Departure

  • 9:00 AM: Spend some time shopping for souvenirs at the famous Mercado de San José (free admission), where you’ll find local crafts, artwork, and delicious food.
  • 12:00 PM: Enjoy lunch at Paladar La Casa, a cozy restaurant that serves excellent Cuban cuisine in a charming atmosphere.
  • 2:00 PM: Check-out of your hotel and head to the airport for your departure flight.

Getting Around Havana

  • Taxis (CUC $5-$10 per person): Available throughout the city, but be sure to agree on the price before you start your journey.
  • Buses (CUC $0.25-$1 per person): An affordable way to get around the city, with routes that cover most areas.
  • Hop-on hop-off buses (CUC $5-$10 per person): A convenient way to see the sights without worrying about transportation.
  • Walking: The best way to experience Havana’s vibrant streets and neighborhoods.

Tips and Essentials

  • Currencies: Cuban Convertible Peso (CUC) is the official currency, but US dollars are also widely accepted. Credit cards and ATMs are available at many hotels and tourist areas.
  • Language: Spanish is the primary language spoken in Cuba, but English is becoming more widespread, particularly among younger people.
  • Safety: Havana is generally a safe city, but take normal precautions to protect yourself and your belongings.
  • Power adapter: Cuba uses Type A, B, and C power sockets, with a standard voltage of 110V.

Other things to know

  • Cuban culture values family, community, and tradition. Be respectful of local customs and traditions.
  • Havana has a vibrant arts scene, with many galleries and museums showcasing local artwork.
  • The city is home to several excellent universities, including the famous University of Havana.
  • Cuba has a rich history, with many historic sites and landmarks that showcase its revolutionary past.

Enjoy your trip to Havana!