location.beaches.districts_subtitle
UNESCO colonial center with plazas, cathedrals, and classic cars.
Modern district with Hotel Nacional, Malecón, and nightlife.
Authentic neighborhood with Capitolio and Gran Teatro.
Upscale area with embassies, restaurants, and 5th Avenue.
Havana is a city frozen in time yet pulsing with life. Vintage cars cruise past colonial buildings while salsa music spills from every corner.
Old Havana - UNESCO, colonial architecture. Centro Habana - authentic. Vedado - modern, hotels.
Malecon. Plaza de la Catedral. Capitolio. Revolution Square.
Two currencies: CUP and MLC. Cash is king. Classic car rides $30-50/hour.
faq.subtitle Havana
From July 1, 2025, all travelers need a Cuba e-Visa obtained online before arrival. Tourist visa allows 30-day stay, extendable by 90 days. Additionally, complete the D'Viajeros online form before travel.
faq.links
No. Due to US embargo, American cards don't work. European cards also rarely accepted. Bring cash in USD or EUR. Official rate is 120 CUP per 1 USD, but informal rate is 330-370 CUP.
faq.tips
Plan for at least $200 USD per person per day. ATMs don't work for foreign cards. Cuban Pesos cannot be exchanged back outside Cuba - spend or give away remaining CUP.
No. Since October 2024, Cuba experiences daily power outages lasting 4-12 hours. Havana has shorter outages than provinces, but prepare with flashlight and portable charger.
Buy ETECSA WiFi cards at hotels or shops. Connect at WiFi hotspots (parks, hotels). Internet is slow and expensive. Mobile data is very limited. Download offline maps before trip.
Useful tips for visiting Havana
Always carry small bills. Change is scarce and vendors may not have it.
Book casa particular (private home stays) instead of hotels - cheaper, authentic experience, and directly supports locals.
Beware of friendly strangers offering tour services or cheap cigars - common scam targets for tourists.
Cuba requires valid health insurance. Purchase from airline if yours doesn't cover Cuba.
Use Viazul buses for intercity travel - air-conditioned, reliable, budget-friendly. Book online at viazul.com.
Average temperature by month
24°
25°23°25°23°25°22°24°21°21°20°24°19°24°22°location.transport.subtitle
| location.transport.title | location.transport.price | location.transport.app | location.transport.note |
|---|---|---|---|
location.transport.taxi | 2 ₱ ~0.08 $ | None | Negotiate before. Classic cars cost more. |
location.transport.bus | 0.5 ₱ ~0.02 $ | None | Crowded local buses (guaguas). Viazul for tourists. |
Cost of food, accommodation and services
Prices are approximate and may vary by season and area.
location.payment.subtitle
Cash is essential everywhere. Cards rarely accepted.
Exchange at CADECA offices throughout Havana - Obispo Street, Vedado, airports. Banks: Banco Popular de Ahorro, BPA, Banco Metropolitano. Bring EUR or CAD - USD has 10% penalty! ATMs exist but often empty or not working. MLC stores require foreign cards. Very cash-dependent economy.
10% in restaurants, 1-2 CUP for services
Follow standard precautions
Generally safe for tourists. Watch for pickpockets in crowded areas and scammers posing as friendly guides. Avoid unlicensed taxis.
location.nomad.subtitle