20 Things to Do in Havana, Cuba
Havana, Cuba’s captivating capital, pulsates with a rhythm all its own, a vibrant blend of colonial grandeur, revolutionary history, and an irrepressible artistic spirit. This iconic city, with its crumbling yet beautiful architecture, classic American cars, and soulful music, offers an unforgettable journey back in time; visitors will find a wealth of experiences, from wandering historic plazas to sipping rum and enjoying lively street scenes, including many engaging free things to Do in Havana that reveal its authentic soul and colourful daily life.
Prepare to be enchanted by a city where time seems to move differently, where the scent of cigars mingles with the sea breeze, and where the warmth of its people is as infectious as its music. Whether you’re exploring UNESCO World Heritage sites, dancing salsa, or simply watching the world go by from a shady park bench, Havana promises a truly unique and immersive Cuban adventure.
Old Havana (Habana Vieja) UNESCO Charm
Wander Through Plaza Vieja
Explore one of Old Havana’s most beautiful and eclectic squares, surrounded by meticulously restored colonial buildings now housing cafes, restaurants, art galleries, and even a microbrewery. Admire the architecture and soak in the vibrant atmosphere.
Stroll Plaza de Armas
Visit Havana’s oldest square, historically the city’s administrative and military center. Browse the second-hand book market, admire the Palacio de los Capitanes Generales, and enjoy the shade of its lush trees.
Explore Plaza de la Catedral
Marvel at the stunning baroque facade of the Catedral de San Cristóbal de La Habana, which dominates this picturesque square. Admire the surrounding colonial mansions and imagine the city’s past grandeur.
Visit Plaza de San Francisco de Asís
Enjoy the open space of this beautifully restored square facing the harbour, featuring the Fuente de los Leones (Fountain of Lions) and the impressive former stock exchange building (Lonja del Comercio). It’s a popular spot for photos and people-watching.
Walk Down Calle Obispo
Stroll along this bustling pedestrian street in Old Havana, lined with shops, art galleries, cafes, bars, and historic buildings like Hemingway’s Ambos Mundos hotel. It’s a lively artery connecting several key plazas.
Forts, Revolution & History
Castillo de los Tres Reyes del Morro (El Morro Castle)
Explore this iconic 16th-century fortress guarding the entrance to Havana Bay, offering stunning views of the city skyline and the sea. Witness the Cañonazo ceremony (cannon firing) held here nightly at 9 PM.
Fortaleza de San Carlos de la Cabaña (La Cabaña)
Visit the expansive 18th-century fortress complex adjacent to El Morro, once the largest Spanish colonial fortification in the Americas. It hosts the nightly Cañonazo ceremony and offers extensive grounds to explore.
Museo de la Revolución (Museum of the Revolution)
Delve into Cuba’s revolutionary history at this museum housed in the opulent former Presidential Palace. Discover exhibits on the Cuban Revolution, Che Guevara, and Fidel Castro, alongside the Granma yacht displayed outside.
Plaza de la Revolución & José Martí Memorial
Visit this vast square, a site of major political rallies, dominated by the towering José Martí Memorial and the iconic steel sculptures of Che Guevara and Camilo Cienfuegos on government buildings. It’s a powerful symbol of Cuba’s post-revolution era.
Classic Cars, Malecón & City Strolls
Ride in a Classic American Car
Experience a quintessential Havana adventure by taking a tour in a beautifully maintained vintage American car from the 1950s. Cruise along the Malecón and through different neighborhoods for a stylish and nostalgic city overview.
Walk the Malecón at Sunset
Stroll along Havana’s famous 8km-long seaside esplanade, the Malecón, especially magical at sunset when locals gather to fish, socialize, and enjoy the ocean breeze. It’s the city’s living room.
Explore Vedado Neighborhood
Wander through the more modern Vedado district, known for its Art Deco architecture, grand mansions (some now government buildings or embassies), tree-lined avenues, and important cultural sites like the Hotel Nacional de Cuba.
Visit Cementerio de Cristóbal Colón (Colón Cemetery)
Explore one of the world’s most architecturally significant cemeteries, featuring elaborate mausoleums, sculptures, and chapels in various styles. It’s a vast and beautiful “city of the dead,” reflecting Havana’s artistic and historical wealth.
Music, Art & Culture
Experience Live Cuban Music
Immerse yourself in Havana’s vibrant music scene by visiting a Casa de la Música, a local bar, or simply listening to street performers. Enjoy salsa, son, rumba, and jazz – music is the heartbeat of Havana.
Fábrica de Arte Cubano (FAC)
Spend an evening at this innovative cultural space housed in a former cooking oil factory, blending visual arts, live music, film screenings, dance performances, and fashion shows. It’s a hub for contemporary Cuban creativity.
Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes (National Museum of Fine Arts)
Explore Cuba’s rich artistic heritage at this museum, which is divided into two buildings: one dedicated to Cuban art (Arte Cubano) and another to international art (Arte Universal). Discover works spanning from colonial times to the present day.
Callejón de Hamel
Visit this vibrant alleyway in the Cayo Hueso neighborhood, an Afro-Cuban cultural hub filled with colourful murals, sculptures made from recycled materials, and lively rumba music and dance performances (especially on Sunday afternoons).
Cigars & Rum
Visit a Cigar Factory (e.g., Partagás or La Corona – check for tour availability)
Learn about the art of Cuban cigar making by taking a tour of a historic cigar factory. Watch skilled torcedores (cigar rollers) at work and understand the process from tobacco leaf to finished product, a classic Cuban experience.
Museo del Ron Havana Club (Havana Club Rum Museum)
Discover the history and production process of Cuba’s famous Havana Club rum. Take a guided tour, learn about sugarcane cultivation and distillation, and enjoy a rum tasting at the end.
Free Havana Experiences
People-Watch in a Park (e.g., Parque Central)
Find a bench in one of Havana’s many parks, like Parque Central or Parque John Lennon, and simply observe the daily life of Habaneros. It’s a wonderful way to soak in the local atmosphere and witness the city’s unhurried pace.
