Guidebook for La Habana

Lilliam (Lilly)
Lilliam (Lilly)
Guidebook for La Habana

Essentials

For bottled water and other basic items, the nearest place is the Hotel Sevilla. They have a few small shops including arts, crafts and a cigar/liquor store. They also sell WIFI cards and you can exchange money here.
25 locals recommend
Hotel Sevilla
25 locals recommend
For bottled water and other basic items, the nearest place is the Hotel Sevilla. They have a few small shops including arts, crafts and a cigar/liquor store. They also sell WIFI cards and you can exchange money here.
Address Empedrado # 358 entre Aguiar y Habana. This is a proper ban to do all inds of transactions.
358 Empedrado, La Habana, Cuba
Address Empedrado # 358 entre Aguiar y Habana. This is a proper ban to do all inds of transactions.
This is a proper bank to do all kinds of transactions. Its the biggest sucursal in he country. Address O'Reilly # 402 esquina a Compostela.
402 O'Reilly, La Habana, Cuba
This is a proper bank to do all kinds of transactions. Its the biggest sucursal in he country. Address O'Reilly # 402 esquina a Compostela.

Sightseeing

This museum is a must to understand the Cuban perspective of the revolution. The building architecture is great. Some exhibits are kind of rundown but the time line is very informative and many of the plaques are in English and Spanish. Expect an hour visit. Address Refugio #1 entre Agramonte y Avenida Belgica, Phone 78624092
780 locals recommend
Museum of the Revolution (Museo de la Revolucion)
Avenida Bélgica
780 locals recommend
This museum is a must to understand the Cuban perspective of the revolution. The building architecture is great. Some exhibits are kind of rundown but the time line is very informative and many of the plaques are in English and Spanish. Expect an hour visit. Address Refugio #1 entre Agramonte y Avenida Belgica, Phone 78624092
This a big and nicely curated art museum with Cuban art from about mid-1800's to present day. You can appreciate the European influences to the Cuban modern artists and art expressions in reaction to the Cuban society at different times. The angry work after the revolution is striking. Overall, the quality of the art is great as well as all the artists chosen - if you like modern art, it is worth of your time. The museum is well lit, air conditioned, and it provides a very pleasant experience. Prepare to spend a few hours here.
851 locals recommend
Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes
Obispo
851 locals recommend
This a big and nicely curated art museum with Cuban art from about mid-1800's to present day. You can appreciate the European influences to the Cuban modern artists and art expressions in reaction to the Cuban society at different times. The angry work after the revolution is striking. Overall, the quality of the art is great as well as all the artists chosen - if you like modern art, it is worth of your time. The museum is well lit, air conditioned, and it provides a very pleasant experience. Prepare to spend a few hours here.
The plaza in front of the church is a beautiful and tiny colonial square called Plazuela de Santo Ángel. It is the most European looking spot in Havana. It's worth walking by here and maybe having a bite to eat or a cafe before visiting the church. The church is small so it would only take you 5 or 10 minutes to visit it.
12 locals recommend
Iglesia del Santo Angel Custodio
12 locals recommend
The plaza in front of the church is a beautiful and tiny colonial square called Plazuela de Santo Ángel. It is the most European looking spot in Havana. It's worth walking by here and maybe having a bite to eat or a cafe before visiting the church. The church is small so it would only take you 5 or 10 minutes to visit it.
This is the former home of the Pedroso family one of Havana's noble families, Don Mateo was the alderman of the city. It is notable as having a 32 metres continuous balcony which is one of the longest in Cuba. It now houses many artisan and artists shops. One of the most notable shops is the cigar shop with cigar related posters and memorabilia on the courtyard walls. You can arrange so they can teach you how to smoke a cigar. Small local music and dance groups provide entertainment for those stopping for refreshment. The courtyard looks fabulous with the green vines. Worth a visit to get a glimpse back to an 18th century mansion.
63 locals recommend
Palacio de la Artesania Casa Del Habano
63 locals recommend
This is the former home of the Pedroso family one of Havana's noble families, Don Mateo was the alderman of the city. It is notable as having a 32 metres continuous balcony which is one of the longest in Cuba. It now houses many artisan and artists shops. One of the most notable shops is the cigar shop with cigar related posters and memorabilia on the courtyard walls. You can arrange so they can teach you how to smoke a cigar. Small local music and dance groups provide entertainment for those stopping for refreshment. The courtyard looks fabulous with the green vines. Worth a visit to get a glimpse back to an 18th century mansion.
Of all the plazas in Old Havana, this plaza is the most evocative. Headlined by the Cathedral, there are numerous old mansions and buildings, all meticulously restored. The outdoor café, although pricey, gives you the opportunity to watch the world go by. It's as if you were transported to colonial days. There are street performers and also characters trying to have their pictures taken with you for a tip. The cathedral is a landmark in Cuba culture, it is a beautiful and “contained” baroque building. It is never crowded and charges no admission, but takes donations. Worth spending a few minutes inside.
442 locals recommend
Plaza de la Catedral
442 locals recommend
Of all the plazas in Old Havana, this plaza is the most evocative. Headlined by the Cathedral, there are numerous old mansions and buildings, all meticulously restored. The outdoor café, although pricey, gives you the opportunity to watch the world go by. It's as if you were transported to colonial days. There are street performers and also characters trying to have their pictures taken with you for a tip. The cathedral is a landmark in Cuba culture, it is a beautiful and “contained” baroque building. It is never crowded and charges no admission, but takes donations. Worth spending a few minutes inside.
Address Zulueta (aka Agramonte) # 252 entre Animas y Virtudes. Phone 78667157 The mafia bar! Exactly like the film ^Our man in Havana^ which runs on a loop on the bars TVs. This is the birthplace of Sloppy Joe's in 1917. Sloppy Joe's bar owned originally by Jose Garcia Abeal, whose picture is above the bar, came into its own at the advent of Prohibition in the US. He changed the emphasis of the bar from food to alcohol offering over 80 cocktails to the American tourist and film stars of the era. The bar was nationalized with the Revolution in 1959 and after a fire in 1965 closed until reopening following faithful refurbishment in April 2013. It is now a "go to" place on the tourist trail. The staff are friendly and helpful attired in their signature shirts. Worth a visit to what was one of the most famous bar in the world. This is a government owned bar so the service can be terrible, and the quality of the food and drinks can vary.
120 locals recommend
Sloppy Joe's Bar, Havana
Agramonte
120 locals recommend
Address Zulueta (aka Agramonte) # 252 entre Animas y Virtudes. Phone 78667157 The mafia bar! Exactly like the film ^Our man in Havana^ which runs on a loop on the bars TVs. This is the birthplace of Sloppy Joe's in 1917. Sloppy Joe's bar owned originally by Jose Garcia Abeal, whose picture is above the bar, came into its own at the advent of Prohibition in the US. He changed the emphasis of the bar from food to alcohol offering over 80 cocktails to the American tourist and film stars of the era. The bar was nationalized with the Revolution in 1959 and after a fire in 1965 closed until reopening following faithful refurbishment in April 2013. It is now a "go to" place on the tourist trail. The staff are friendly and helpful attired in their signature shirts. Worth a visit to what was one of the most famous bar in the world. This is a government owned bar so the service can be terrible, and the quality of the food and drinks can vary.
La Ubre art gallery Addresss Tejadillo # 108 entre Habana y Aguiar. Phone 53155776. This is a contemporary Cuban Graphic art gallery with authentic on of a kind pieces on display and for sale. It is also a workshop so you can see artist work and even try some printing yourself.
108 Tejadillo, La Habana, Cuba
La Ubre art gallery Addresss Tejadillo # 108 entre Habana y Aguiar. Phone 53155776. This is a contemporary Cuban Graphic art gallery with authentic on of a kind pieces on display and for sale. It is also a workshop so you can see artist work and even try some printing yourself.

Arts & Culture

The Most Famous dance school in Havana seems to be Casa Del Son, also top rated on TripAdvisor, it has become the go to place for Dance Lessons. Nice environment with a cafe/snack bar and lounge where you can socialize with the other salsa aficionados.
13 locals recommend
La casa del son
411 Empedrado
13 locals recommend
The Most Famous dance school in Havana seems to be Casa Del Son, also top rated on TripAdvisor, it has become the go to place for Dance Lessons. Nice environment with a cafe/snack bar and lounge where you can socialize with the other salsa aficionados.
Address Obrapia # 108C entre Oficios y Mercaderes. Phone &8012026 The first professional tattoo studio in Cuba. An alternative cultural institution that blends the art of tattooing with other visual arts, theatre, dance, literature, graphic design and music, with a focus on community outreach and culture for development and gender equality.
9 locals recommend
MARK tattoos
St
9 locals recommend
Address Obrapia # 108C entre Oficios y Mercaderes. Phone &8012026 The first professional tattoo studio in Cuba. An alternative cultural institution that blends the art of tattooing with other visual arts, theatre, dance, literature, graphic design and music, with a focus on community outreach and culture for development and gender equality.

Food Scene

Usually at the top of Tripadvisor’s list of restaurants. This is a great option. It is casual dining, but not a café. it has a modern décor and the food (international and Cuban) is delicious. The A/C is nice and refreshing. Address: Habana #61, entre Cuarteles y Pena Pobre. Phone 78016433
98 locals recommend
Habana 61
61 Habana
98 locals recommend
Usually at the top of Tripadvisor’s list of restaurants. This is a great option. It is casual dining, but not a café. it has a modern décor and the food (international and Cuban) is delicious. The A/C is nice and refreshing. Address: Habana #61, entre Cuarteles y Pena Pobre. Phone 78016433
Cuban and international food, nice atmosphere, also always at the top of Tripadvisor’s list of restaurants.> Address: Tejadillo # 163, entre Habana y Compostela. Phone 78600922.
24 locals recommend
Donde Lis Restaurante & Bar
24 locals recommend
Cuban and international food, nice atmosphere, also always at the top of Tripadvisor’s list of restaurants.> Address: Tejadillo # 163, entre Habana y Compostela. Phone 78600922.
Love this place for wood oven pizza. Nice brick oven. Prices are great and quality too. Address: Habana # 104 entre Cuarteles y Chacon. Phone 78606295.
90 locals recommend
5 Esquinas Trattoria
90 locals recommend
Love this place for wood oven pizza. Nice brick oven. Prices are great and quality too. Address: Habana # 104 entre Cuarteles y Chacon. Phone 78606295.
This is probably my new favorite restaurant in Havana. The food is fresh and very tasty. The staff is friendly and professional. The atmosphere is great! Cocina creativa. Address Monserrate # 159 entre Tejadillo y Chacon. Phone 78672450
52 locals recommend
ChaChaChá Bar-Restaurante
52 locals recommend
This is probably my new favorite restaurant in Havana. The food is fresh and very tasty. The staff is friendly and professional. The atmosphere is great! Cocina creativa. Address Monserrate # 159 entre Tejadillo y Chacon. Phone 78672450
Great food, awesome décor. If you have a chance, ask for a table at the roof top so you can enjoy the views of the city.
86 locals recommend
Ivan Chef Justo
Aguacate
86 locals recommend
Great food, awesome décor. If you have a chance, ask for a table at the roof top so you can enjoy the views of the city.
Another choice for breakfast, at a beautifull pedestrian street. Pena Pobre # 52 entre Habana y Aguiar, Phone 78015527
52 Peña Pobre
Another choice for breakfast, at a beautifull pedestrian street. Pena Pobre # 52 entre Habana y Aguiar, Phone 78015527
This is probably my new favorite restaurant in Havana. The food is fresh and very tasty, staff is friendly and professional. The atmosphere is great. Ask them to try upstairs as well! Address Callejon de Espada entre Cuarteles y Chacon. phone 52772577
19 locals recommend
Antojos
Habana
19 locals recommend
This is probably my new favorite restaurant in Havana. The food is fresh and very tasty, staff is friendly and professional. The atmosphere is great. Ask them to try upstairs as well! Address Callejon de Espada entre Cuarteles y Chacon. phone 52772577
This restaurant have been around for a while. I have never eaten here but you can't go wrong with charcoal if you stick to it. Food is bit pricey, but portions are huge. Nice atmosphere and the bar looks fun! Address Aguacate # 9, entre Chacon y Tejadillo *same as Ivan justo restaurant(. Phone 78639697
Al Carbon
This restaurant have been around for a while. I have never eaten here but you can't go wrong with charcoal if you stick to it. Food is bit pricey, but portions are huge. Nice atmosphere and the bar looks fun! Address Aguacate # 9, entre Chacon y Tejadillo *same as Ivan justo restaurant(. Phone 78639697
Address Chacon # 201 esquina a Compostela. phone 78644029. This spot is great for people watching, brunch, drinking and sharing a few tapas. Nice air conditioning.
14 locals recommend
Lo De Monik
Compostela
14 locals recommend
Address Chacon # 201 esquina a Compostela. phone 78644029. This spot is great for people watching, brunch, drinking and sharing a few tapas. Nice air conditioning.
Address Aguiar # 109, entre Chacon y Cuarteles. Phone 59097707 Great spot for breakfast, Open form 8 am. They also offer snacks and small dishes.
Color Café
Address Aguiar # 109, entre Chacon y Cuarteles. Phone 59097707 Great spot for breakfast, Open form 8 am. They also offer snacks and small dishes.
Address Aguiar # 152 esquina a Chacon. Phone 78625587. This is a true hidden gem. A step above what you get in other restaurants in Cuba. Good seafood and fish dishes, reasonably priced.
152 Aguiar, La Habana, Cuba
Address Aguiar # 152 esquina a Chacon. Phone 78625587. This is a true hidden gem. A step above what you get in other restaurants in Cuba. Good seafood and fish dishes, reasonably priced.
Address Compostela # 1 entre Cuarteles y Chacon. Phone 78015162. Close spot for breakfast. A bit expensive but good choice!
Del Angel - Restaurante & Bar
Compostela
Address Compostela # 1 entre Cuarteles y Chacon. Phone 78015162. Close spot for breakfast. A bit expensive but good choice!
Address Aguiar # 2618 entre O'Reilly y Empedrado. This is an asian Inspired Restaurant. Open at 12 m. Drinks, juices of mixed fruits and alternative food are delicius here. Vegan options. Try the Tamarindo sauce!
15 locals recommend
Jama - Asian Inspired Restaurant
261b Aguiar
15 locals recommend
Address Aguiar # 2618 entre O'Reilly y Empedrado. This is an asian Inspired Restaurant. Open at 12 m. Drinks, juices of mixed fruits and alternative food are delicius here. Vegan options. Try the Tamarindo sauce!