Havana, Cuba-7-day-itinerary

Day 1: Arrival and Old Havana Exploration

  • Morning: Arrive at José Martí International Airport (HAV) and take a taxi or hop on the government-run “Turistic” bus to your hotel.
  • Afternoon: Check-in at Hotel Plaza, a colonial-style hotel located in the heart of Old Havana. Drop off your bags and head out to explore the historic neighborhood.
  • Places to Visit:
    • Plaza Vieja (Old Square)
    • San Francisco de Asís Church
    • Capitol Building
    • Malecón seaside promenade
  • Lunch: Try La Bodeguita del Medio, a famous restaurant serving traditional Cuban cuisine. Order the ropa vieja (shredded beef in tomato sauce) and a Mojito.
  • Evening: Enjoy a stroll through the Old Town and admire the colorful colonial architecture.

Day 2: Museums, Music, and Revolution

  • Morning: Visit the National Museum of Fine Arts (Museo de Bellas Artes), showcasing Cuban art from the 19th century to the present.
  • Lunch: Head to El Aljibe, a cozy restaurant serving delicious sandwiches and salads.
  • Afternoon:
    • Visit the Museo de la Revolución (Revolution Museum) to learn about Cuba’s history and revolution.
    • Take a stroll through the nearby Parque Central, where you can find street performers, vendors, and a beautiful park.
  • Evening: Enjoy live music at the famous Casa de la Música in Vedado. Try the local specialty, coffee or cigar-infused cocktails.

Day 3: Beach Day and Modern Havana

  • Morning: Take a taxi or bus to Miramar, one of Havana’s more affluent neighborhoods.
  • Places to Visit:
    • Plaza de la Revolución
    • Museo del Automóvil (Automobile Museum)
    • Avenida 5ta (5th Avenue), lined with high-end hotels and restaurants
  • Lunch: Try the modern Cuban cuisine at La Guarida, a restaurant in a restored colonial mansion.
  • Afternoon:
    • Relax on the beautiful beach at Playa del Este, one of Havana’s most popular beaches.
    • Visit the nearby Hotel Meliá Cohiba, where you can enjoy stunning views and a drink or snack.

Day 4: Colonial Cuba

  • Morning: Head to the colonial town of Regla, located across the bay from Havana.
  • Places to Visit:
    • Ermita de la Caridad (Hermitage of Charity)
    • Calle de la Trova (Street of Song), lined with music schools and shops
  • Lunch: Try La Casona de 1815, a colonial-style restaurant serving traditional Cuban cuisine.
  • Afternoon:
    • Explore the nearby Malecón seaside promenade in Havana.
    • Visit the Museo de los Orígenes (Museum of Origins), showcasing the history and culture of Cuba.

Day 5: Day Trip to Viñales Valley

  • Morning: Take a taxi or bus to Viñales, a picturesque valley located about an hour outside Havana. (Note: This trip requires at least half a day)
  • Places to Visit:
    • Cueva del Indio (Indian Cave), featuring ancient cave paintings and fossils
    • Mural de la Prehistoria (Prehistoric Mural), a massive wall painting depicting the history of humanity
  • Lunch: Try La Casa de Abuela, a cozy restaurant serving traditional Cuban cuisine.
  • Afternoon:
    • Explore the nearby countryside, where you can see tobacco plantations and horse-drawn carriages.

Day 6: Last Day in Havana

  • Morning: Spend your last morning in Havana exploring a new neighborhood or visiting a museum.
  • Lunch: Try El Palenque, a restaurant serving traditional Cuban cuisine.
  • Afternoon:
    • Visit the famous Fusterlandia art installation, where you can see colorful ceramics and mosaics.
    • Head to the beach at Playa Santa María del Mar, where you can relax before departing.

Day 7: Departure

  • Morning: Check-out of your hotel and take a taxi or bus back to José Martí International Airport (HAV) for your departure flight.
  • Tips:
    • Make sure to have local currency (CUC) on hand, as many businesses do not accept US dollars.
    • Don’t forget to try some Cuban coffee and cigars!

Accommodation:

  • Hotel Plaza: A colonial-style hotel located in the heart of Old Havana. Prices start at around $50 CUC per night.
  • Hotel Meliá Cohiba: A luxurious hotel with stunning views of the city. Prices start at around $150 CUC per night.

Transportation:

  • Taxi: Available throughout the city, but be sure to agree on a price before departing.
  • Hop-on hop-off bus (Turistic): A convenient way to see the sights without having to worry about transportation. Cost is around 10 CUC per person.
  • Bus: The local bus system is affordable and convenient, but be prepared for crowds.

Food:

  • La Bodeguita del Medio: Try the famous ropa vieja (shredded beef in tomato sauce) and a Mojito.
  • El Aljibe: A cozy restaurant serving delicious sandwiches and salads.
  • La Guarida: A modern Cuban cuisine restaurant located in a restored colonial mansion.

Other Tips:

  • Be prepared for crowds and noise in Old Havana, but also be sure to explore the surrounding neighborhoods, which are often quieter and just as beautiful.
  • Don’t forget to try some local specialties like coffee, cigars, and Cuban rum!
  • Be respectful of local customs and traditions, especially when visiting churches or other places of worship.

Note: Prices may vary depending on the season and availability. It’s always a good idea to research and book accommodations and transportation in advance to ensure availability and the best prices.