The cosmopolitan Cuban capital Havana is a swinging tropical city with vibrant nightlife, fascinating Old Town, and famous sights such as Havana Cigar Factory and Museum of Revolution. The largest city in Cuba and the whole Caribbean region, Havana is a versatile historical city destination and the best possible choice for a traveler who wants to explore the local culture of Cuba.
Entertainment and culture. Apart from its popular Old Town, Havana attracts many tourists also with the vibrant nightlife in Havana and with famous sites such as the Revolution Square, the Museum of Revolution, the Havana Club Rum Factory or the Havana Cigar Factory. Although price level in Havana is more expensive than in most other parts of Cuba, shopping in Havana is one of the most magnetic attractions of this Caribbean city. The seaside avenue of El Malecón is a popular place for strolls. Havana is also a city with rich music and art scene, and with interesting art galleries waiting for you behind most street corners.
From the Old town of Havana cigars: Attractions of Havana
With over 2 million inhabitants and well-maintained city services, Havana is a modern city that is also historically attractive. The most famous attraction of Havana is its fascinating colonial Old Town, La Habana Vieja, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This popular historical city part is famous for its Spanish-style architecture dating back to the 16th century. More than that, it is the core of the original city of Havana, which in spite of all the years gone by has managed to maintain its charming appearance, and which today is not only a historical site but also a functioning part of Havana.Entertainment and culture. Apart from its popular Old Town, Havana attracts many tourists also with the vibrant nightlife in Havana and with famous sites such as the Revolution Square, the Museum of Revolution, the Havana Club Rum Factory or the Havana Cigar Factory. Although price level in Havana is more expensive than in most other parts of Cuba, shopping in Havana is one of the most magnetic attractions of this Caribbean city. The seaside avenue of El Malecón is a popular place for strolls. Havana is also a city with rich music and art scene, and with interesting art galleries waiting for you behind most street corners.
Practical information for your stay in Havana
With steady 25 degrees Celsius temperatures and 330 sunny days a year, the best time to visit Havana is more or less anytime. However, the peak season for tourism in Havana is from December to April, when the weather in Havana is usually not quite as hot as in July or August, and the city receives less rain.
Photo: Eatatmarks, used under Creative Commons License (By SA 2.0)
How to get there. Flights to Havana are easy to find from Europe, Canada and Latin America. Most nationalities need visas to visit Cuba. Trains and buses to Havana are widely available in the other parts of Cuba. There is an efficient bus network available for public transportation in Havana, as well as reasonably priced taxis. Rental cars in Havana are also widely available.
Visitor services. Price level in Havana is surprisingly expensive in comparison to other Latin American cities, and hotels in Havana as well as touristic restaurants in Havana are generally pricey. Yet, also cheap alternatives are available if you are prepared to spend some time looking for them. English is not commonly spoken in Havana, so some Spanish skills are needed for independent touring. Although a big city with some dangerous aspects around, Havana is generally a quite safe travel destination. However, you should follow normal safety procedures and obey common sense when staying in Havana.
hint See also these nearby destinations: Varadero
