Guidebook to Havana

Lazarus
Guidebook to Havana

Sightseeing

El Morro Castle, otherwise known as “Castillo del Morro”, is a great starting point once you arrive in Havana. It’s situated on top of a rocky promontory at the entrance of Havana’s bay—it can’t be missed! It’s a massive fort with an equally impressive history. The castle was built starting in 1590 to protect Havana against military attacks, and also served as a watch post to keep an eye out for enemies (like pirates!). It is composed of 3 bastions linked by curtain walls, casemented barracks and also houses cisterns, a chapel, officer’s quarters, a wine cellar, stables, and dungeons. Today, El Morro Castle is used as a museum and can be visited for a small fee. Its fantastic views make it a great first stop, a short taxi ride from the city center
566 locals recommend
Castillo De Los Tres Reyes Del Morro
566 locals recommend
El Morro Castle, otherwise known as “Castillo del Morro”, is a great starting point once you arrive in Havana. It’s situated on top of a rocky promontory at the entrance of Havana’s bay—it can’t be missed! It’s a massive fort with an equally impressive history. The castle was built starting in 1590 to protect Havana against military attacks, and also served as a watch post to keep an eye out for enemies (like pirates!). It is composed of 3 bastions linked by curtain walls, casemented barracks and also houses cisterns, a chapel, officer’s quarters, a wine cellar, stables, and dungeons. Today, El Morro Castle is used as a museum and can be visited for a small fee. Its fantastic views make it a great first stop, a short taxi ride from the city center
Cuba has elevated cigar smoking to an art form. For that reason, you can pretty much find a good cigar anywhere in Havana—but if you’re looking for the best spot to light up and take in the classy, glamorous, atmosphere that this city evokes, look no further than Hotel Nacional. Hotel Nacional is not only the most famous hotel in Havana -— it’s also home to one of the city’s best cigar shops called La Casa del Habano. Or you can enjoy your cigar in the hotel’s backyard bar like we did, relaxing amidst beautiful ocean views, palm trees, and even real-live peacocks strolling by!
552 locals recommend
Hotel Nacional de Cuba
552 locals recommend
Cuba has elevated cigar smoking to an art form. For that reason, you can pretty much find a good cigar anywhere in Havana—but if you’re looking for the best spot to light up and take in the classy, glamorous, atmosphere that this city evokes, look no further than Hotel Nacional. Hotel Nacional is not only the most famous hotel in Havana -— it’s also home to one of the city’s best cigar shops called La Casa del Habano. Or you can enjoy your cigar in the hotel’s backyard bar like we did, relaxing amidst beautiful ocean views, palm trees, and even real-live peacocks strolling by!
Ever since the 18th-century, a cannon has been fired in Havana every evening at 9pm at the Fortaleza San Carlos de la Cabaña (Fort of St Charles). Back then, Havana was divided in two and Cuba’s Spanish rulers would fire the cannon to inform the Habaneros to take shelter against pirate attacks. Today, the nightly event is still quite a spectacle, equipped with a drum roll and artillery cadets lining the fort dressed in colonial uniforms. The event is free, always on time, and onlookers are encouraged! This is one of the lesser-known things to do in Havana.
172 locals recommend
La Cabaña
172 locals recommend
Ever since the 18th-century, a cannon has been fired in Havana every evening at 9pm at the Fortaleza San Carlos de la Cabaña (Fort of St Charles). Back then, Havana was divided in two and Cuba’s Spanish rulers would fire the cannon to inform the Habaneros to take shelter against pirate attacks. Today, the nightly event is still quite a spectacle, equipped with a drum roll and artillery cadets lining the fort dressed in colonial uniforms. The event is free, always on time, and onlookers are encouraged! This is one of the lesser-known things to do in Havana.
Plaza de la Catedral is one of the five main squares in Old Havana and the site of the Cathedral of Havana from which it takes its name. Originally a swamp, it was later drained and used as a naval dockyard. Following the construction of the Cathedral in 1727, it became the site of some of the city's grandest mansions. It is the site of the Museo del Arte Colonial (Colonial Art Museum) and a number of restaurants.
442 locals recommend
Plaza de la Catedral
442 locals recommend
Plaza de la Catedral is one of the five main squares in Old Havana and the site of the Cathedral of Havana from which it takes its name. Originally a swamp, it was later drained and used as a naval dockyard. Following the construction of the Cathedral in 1727, it became the site of some of the city's grandest mansions. It is the site of the Museo del Arte Colonial (Colonial Art Museum) and a number of restaurants.
This is part of what makes Havana unique and what captivated me in particular — the sense that there is always something more to uncover around every corner. Whether it’s a sultry salsa performance or hidden dive-bar tucked away behind the narrow streets of a pastel-colored neighborhood — you’ll never get bored of finding things to do!
86 locals recommend
Havana
86 locals recommend
This is part of what makes Havana unique and what captivated me in particular — the sense that there is always something more to uncover around every corner. Whether it’s a sultry salsa performance or hidden dive-bar tucked away behind the narrow streets of a pastel-colored neighborhood — you’ll never get bored of finding things to do!

Nightlife

Known as one of the hottest cabaret shows in the world, the Tropicana Nightclub Show is a world-famous spectacle set in a lush, tropical open-air venue that bursts with colorful lights, glitter, and glam. Salsa-charged and sensual, it’s a must-do activity during any trip to Havana Cuba. This is one of the top things most tourists want to do in Havana. Performers’ gaudy, feathered costumes are spectacles in and of themselves, but it’s the show as a whole that leaves you floored. Tickets are a bit pricey -— roughly $85 USD per person -— but include a welcome drink and cigar. We had a great night there!
326 locals recommend
Tropicana Club
72 A
326 locals recommend
Known as one of the hottest cabaret shows in the world, the Tropicana Nightclub Show is a world-famous spectacle set in a lush, tropical open-air venue that bursts with colorful lights, glitter, and glam. Salsa-charged and sensual, it’s a must-do activity during any trip to Havana Cuba. This is one of the top things most tourists want to do in Havana. Performers’ gaudy, feathered costumes are spectacles in and of themselves, but it’s the show as a whole that leaves you floored. Tickets are a bit pricey -— roughly $85 USD per person -— but include a welcome drink and cigar. We had a great night there!
Ernest Hemingway lived outside Havana for twenty years, and naturally got much of the inspiration for his novels from the city—more specifically, from its bars. El Floridita, Dos Hermanos and La Bodeguita del Medio were Hemingway’s favorite bars when he lived there, and today they can be visited just like any other bar. Watch out though, as a few of them have turned into tourist traps. La Bodeguita was my favorite Hemingway-approved watering hole and still retains much of the subdued, authentic atmosphere you’d expect Hemingway probably loved. They have live salsa music, and also make a mean mojito, which never hurts.
764 locals recommend
El Floridita Bar
Obispo
764 locals recommend
Ernest Hemingway lived outside Havana for twenty years, and naturally got much of the inspiration for his novels from the city—more specifically, from its bars. El Floridita, Dos Hermanos and La Bodeguita del Medio were Hemingway’s favorite bars when he lived there, and today they can be visited just like any other bar. Watch out though, as a few of them have turned into tourist traps. La Bodeguita was my favorite Hemingway-approved watering hole and still retains much of the subdued, authentic atmosphere you’d expect Hemingway probably loved. They have live salsa music, and also make a mean mojito, which never hurts.
It’s the pinnacle (quite literally) of the trendy Vedado neighborhood. After climbing the spiral iron staircase you’re guaranteed slick service, contemporary artworks and refined dishes. Tuna carpaccio and duck blinis could be followed by grilled lobster or Filet Mignon with creamed pumpkin.
368 locals recommend
El Cocinero
Calle 26
368 locals recommend
It’s the pinnacle (quite literally) of the trendy Vedado neighborhood. After climbing the spiral iron staircase you’re guaranteed slick service, contemporary artworks and refined dishes. Tuna carpaccio and duck blinis could be followed by grilled lobster or Filet Mignon with creamed pumpkin.

Relaxation

Cuba’s proximity to the equator means that it’s always beach season in Havana. The island’s entire coastline is pretty much a white sand, turquoise-watered dream, so it’s hard to go wrong with picking a beach. If you’re looking for a party atmosphere, head to Santa María del Mar, the biggest and most well-known beach in Havana. The downside to this one, though, is the crowds. But if you’re visiting in the autumn or winter you should be ok. If you’re looking for a quieter beach day that isn’t as popular with tourists, try Playa Boca Ciega. Or even better, Playa Jibacoa (my favorite beach in Cuba).
140 locals recommend
Plays Santa Maria del Mar
140 locals recommend
Cuba’s proximity to the equator means that it’s always beach season in Havana. The island’s entire coastline is pretty much a white sand, turquoise-watered dream, so it’s hard to go wrong with picking a beach. If you’re looking for a party atmosphere, head to Santa María del Mar, the biggest and most well-known beach in Havana. The downside to this one, though, is the crowds. But if you’re visiting in the autumn or winter you should be ok. If you’re looking for a quieter beach day that isn’t as popular with tourists, try Playa Boca Ciega. Or even better, Playa Jibacoa (my favorite beach in Cuba).
El Bosque De La Habana (the Lungs of Havana) is a swamp-like forest home to the Almendares River and is a popular spot for locals to get away from the city center and breathe some fresh air. It’s a recreational area for Habaneros with playgrounds and an amphitheater for concerts. Many of Havana’s classic car tours pass through the park. The 300-year-old banyan trees are covered in green vines, and it’s a very cool place to visit. You might see locals practicing Santeria in the river, a Caribbean religion where members sacrifice animals.
23 locals recommend
El Bosque
23 locals recommend
El Bosque De La Habana (the Lungs of Havana) is a swamp-like forest home to the Almendares River and is a popular spot for locals to get away from the city center and breathe some fresh air. It’s a recreational area for Habaneros with playgrounds and an amphitheater for concerts. Many of Havana’s classic car tours pass through the park. The 300-year-old banyan trees are covered in green vines, and it’s a very cool place to visit. You might see locals practicing Santeria in the river, a Caribbean religion where members sacrifice animals.

Food scene

White tiles, wooden chairs, simple tables, and a bare stone countertop: welcome to Kilometro Zero, a typical Cuban restaurant and bar rendered somewhat modern by graffiti and black leather sofas which is very popular among Cubans, and very, very friendly. By day it is a casual, convivial hangout place, where classic Cuban hits play nonstop. People come for a coffee, a refreshing drink, or something to eat: go for the seafood stew, prepared with the catch of the day, and known for its octopus, one of the most tender and succulent in the city. At night, the place totally rocks out: local bands perform on the small stage, and colorful cocktails line the bar.
49 locals recommend
Kilómetro Zero
Avenida Bélgica
49 locals recommend
White tiles, wooden chairs, simple tables, and a bare stone countertop: welcome to Kilometro Zero, a typical Cuban restaurant and bar rendered somewhat modern by graffiti and black leather sofas which is very popular among Cubans, and very, very friendly. By day it is a casual, convivial hangout place, where classic Cuban hits play nonstop. People come for a coffee, a refreshing drink, or something to eat: go for the seafood stew, prepared with the catch of the day, and known for its octopus, one of the most tender and succulent in the city. At night, the place totally rocks out: local bands perform on the small stage, and colorful cocktails line the bar.
Sommelier Alvaro Diez trained at legendary Catalan restaurant El Bulli, so as you can imagine, Otra Manera’s wine selection is stellar. The menu uses organic goodies from a local farmer. One of the stylish new players in Havana’s private restaurant scene, Otramanera offers seating in its minimalist interior or out in the tropical garden.
55 locals recommend
Otramanera
1810 Avenida 35
55 locals recommend
Sommelier Alvaro Diez trained at legendary Catalan restaurant El Bulli, so as you can imagine, Otra Manera’s wine selection is stellar. The menu uses organic goodies from a local farmer. One of the stylish new players in Havana’s private restaurant scene, Otramanera offers seating in its minimalist interior or out in the tropical garden.
It’s home to Havana’s best breakfast—serving everything from toasted doorstop sarnies to granola to a blowout plate of eggs, home-baked sourdough bread, cheese, tomatoes and cucumbers. The fresh fruit juices and coffees are delectable (the owner has pedigree from Allpress’ London flagship), plus there’s a resident cat to keep you company.
47 locals recommend
El Café
Amargura
47 locals recommend
It’s home to Havana’s best breakfast—serving everything from toasted doorstop sarnies to granola to a blowout plate of eggs, home-baked sourdough bread, cheese, tomatoes and cucumbers. The fresh fruit juices and coffees are delectable (the owner has pedigree from Allpress’ London flagship), plus there’s a resident cat to keep you company.
Enjoy a coffee and cake with a difference at Cafe Arcangel. The tables are all made from old Singer sewing machine treadles, Charlie Chaplin movies run on a centrally placed (but non-invasive) TV and there's an in-house cat called Buona Fortuna ('good luck').
35 locals recommend
Cafe Arcangel
57 Concordia
35 locals recommend
Enjoy a coffee and cake with a difference at Cafe Arcangel. The tables are all made from old Singer sewing machine treadles, Charlie Chaplin movies run on a centrally placed (but non-invasive) TV and there's an in-house cat called Buona Fortuna ('good luck').
This spot is an escape hatch from Old Havana’s sightseeing crowds and popular meeting place for Cuban creative types. Healthy options on the Mediterranean-influenced menu are a breath of fresh air – caponata, hummus with crudités, antipasti and salads – or linger with a book over a rum-spiked coffee or jazzy G&T (garnishes include peppercorns and rosemary).
37 locals recommend
Cafe Bohemia
y San Ignacio
37 locals recommend
This spot is an escape hatch from Old Havana’s sightseeing crowds and popular meeting place for Cuban creative types. Healthy options on the Mediterranean-influenced menu are a breath of fresh air – caponata, hummus with crudités, antipasti and salads – or linger with a book over a rum-spiked coffee or jazzy G&T (garnishes include peppercorns and rosemary).
Step inside an unassuming Vedado house and you’ll discover some of the best pasta and pizza dishes that Cuba has to offer.
83 locals recommend
Mediterraneo Habana
406 Calle 13
83 locals recommend
Step inside an unassuming Vedado house and you’ll discover some of the best pasta and pizza dishes that Cuba has to offer.

Culture

The Cuban Art Factory was founded by famous Afro-Cuban musician X-Alfonso, and is one of Havana’s hippest spots to soak in modern Cuban culture. It’s a mix between a nightclub, gallery, and performance center that promotes local Cuban artists, writers, photographers, and filmmakers. Open from Thursday to Sunday, this giant factory building is often packed by 11pm, and is the perfect place to start your wild night on the town in Havana. Each room is different — some with live bands, others full of art. You’ll have a wonderful experience no matter what you’re in to.
1420 locals recommend
Fábrica de Artes Cubana
& Calle 26
1420 locals recommend
The Cuban Art Factory was founded by famous Afro-Cuban musician X-Alfonso, and is one of Havana’s hippest spots to soak in modern Cuban culture. It’s a mix between a nightclub, gallery, and performance center that promotes local Cuban artists, writers, photographers, and filmmakers. Open from Thursday to Sunday, this giant factory building is often packed by 11pm, and is the perfect place to start your wild night on the town in Havana. Each room is different — some with live bands, others full of art. You’ll have a wonderful experience no matter what you’re in to.