Things to See and Do in Havana: A Guide to Cuba’s Captivating Capital

If you’re planning a trip to Cuba and wondering about the best things to see and do in Havana, it’s good to know what kind of place you’re walking into. The capital isn’t overflowing with modern attractions or polished tourist spots, but it certainly has its own special charm, and if you know where to go, you can have a pretty amazing time.

In our experience, Havana is full of contrast. Some areas are beautiful and full of charm, while others are worn down and struggling. It’s not always what people expect, so we want to share the highlights honestly, without sugarcoating anything.

Still, there’s a lot to enjoy if you know where to look. We’ve put together a mix of fun activities and hidden gems to help you make the most of your time in Havana.

Things to See and Do in Havana: a Brief Intro

Before diving into all of the best things to do and see in Havana, we want to go over a bit about what you should expect while visiting, so you aren't as shocked as we were.

 Why Do Tourists Visit Havana?

Tourists typically visit Havana for its old school charm, live music, and beautiful architecture. When people think of Havana they imagine colorful buildings, lively streets, and classic cars everywhere.

While Havana certainly has its charm, we want to actually explain what we felt when we first got to Havana, and how we felt when we left.

What is Havana, Cuba Like?

When we got to Havana, we were a bit frustrated and sad. The vibrant buildings were crumbling, there were streets full of trash, and locals seemed like they were in complete despair. The classic cars? They're almost all reserved for tourist rides, and the locals' cars are not in great shape.

It wasn't exactly how we imagined it to be. You could tell the city used to be alive, but that people were losing hope, and you could feel it in the air.

After speaking with locals, taking a tour, and spending some days in different areas of Havana, we grew to love it a little more.

 Is Havana Worth Visiting?

We can't deny that Havana is not in it's best state - but it certainly does have its own special charm, and can be a place worth visiting if you do it right. Our goal is to share the best things to see and do in Havana, so that you can in fact enjoy your trip as much as possible.

Things to See and Do in Havana

So are you ready to explore all of the things to see and do in Havana? It's time to dive in!

Things to See in Havana

When it comes to sightseeing, Cuba's capital is full of interesting places to explore! You can easily just get lost in the beautiful streets, but there truly is so much history to learn about and amazing architecture to enjoy while you're visiting. Here are some of the top things to see in Havana during your trip!

National Capitol of Cuba

This grand building, modeled after the U.S. Capitol, stands out as one of the most impressive landmarks in Havana. It marks the center of the city and makes for a great photo stop, especially at sunset when the light hits just right. If you're looking for the must-see things to see and do in Havana, this one definitely needs to be at the top of the list.

El Templete

El Templete is a small monument that commemorates the foundation of Havana, making it one of the most important historical monuments in the city!

Surrounded by palm trees and quiet benches, it's an easy stop while exploring the historic heart of the city. It’s not anything over-the-top exciting, but it’s meaningful and gives a peek into the city’s colonial roots.

 Castillo de la Real Fuerza de la Habana

This old fortress sits just off the Plaza de Armas and offers a nice look at Havana's military history. It’s one of the oldest stone forts in the Americas, and despite its importance, It’s actually a quieter spot compared to other attractions, which makes it feel more authentic.

Plaza de la Catedral

Plaza de Catedral marks the very center of the city, and is unique because it is actually located below sea level, giving it its nickname "swamp square".

It's a great place to admire the unique architecture, witness local vendors and musicians, and to learn about the history of Cuba's capital. It’s one of the essential things to see and do in Havana if you want to soak up the charm of Old Havana.

Catedral de la Virgen Maria de la Concepcion

This is the star of the cathedral square and one of the most iconic buildings in the city. Its baroque façade is beautiful, and the interior offers a quiet break from the busy streets. Whether you're into churches or not, it’s definitely worth a quick visit.

We also heard you can climb up the bell tower for panoramic views! Unfortunately it was closed when we tried going, but we heard from a local that it's a great addition to any Havana itinerary.

Plaza de Armas

This is definitely one of the top squares in the city, and is also full of quirk and fun facts.

Filled with antique book stalls, shady palm trees, and classic architecture, this plaza is a peaceful place to wander, but also is unique for having a street with wooden tiles.

You’ll often see locals chatting or musicians playing nearby, with plenty of benches and places to sit and people watch. It’s a great stop if you’re making your way through the top things to see and do in Havana, and even better if you have a local guide with you.

Plaza de la Revolucion

This massive square is known for the famous Che Guevara image and towering José Martí monument. It feels a bit stark and political, but it’s one of the most photographed places in the country. You don’t need to linger long, but it’s worth a quick stop to check it out.

Plaza Vieja

Plaza Vieja is is the most vibrant sqaure in Havana, and is full of color and restored colonial charm. It’s lined with cafes, galleries, and playful art installations, and also has some great shops along its side streets.

This is one of the most photogenic things to see and do in Havana, especially if you’re into architecture or street life.

Plaza de San Francisco de Asis

Just a short walk from Havana's cruise terminal, this plaza has a relaxed vibe with a mix of old and new. 

The church tower can be climbed for a great view of the city, and there are plenty of cafés nearby. It’s not as busy as other squares, which makes it feel more local, and a great place to soak up the old city vibes of Havana.

Christ of Havana

Standing on a hill across the bay from the old town, this large white statue looks out over the city with beautiful panoramas that give you a different perspective of Havana. It’s a nice break from the crowds, and the ferry ride over is an adventure in itself.

 Colonial Havana Mural

Havana has some great street art to be discovered, but don't miss out on this incredible piece! It's a massive mural showing what colonial Havana used to look like, and is truly one of the most impressive pieces in the city.

Don't have time to read the whole article and want to save it for later? Just pin it!

Things to Do in Havana

Now that you know all of the top things to see in Havana, let's dive into other activities and things to do to enjoy your stay.

 Roam the Colorful Streets

Havana is the most interesting blend of well-preserved historical charm and streets that have seen better days. When we first saw pictures of Havana and then arrived to some duller colors and crumbling facades, we truly felt a bit cat-fished.

Don't worry though- after exploring more, we found some really beautiful corners. Don't forget your camera, because you really never know when you'll come across a hidden gem!

Go on a Free Walking Tour

Cuba is having a tough time, and Havana has some pretty rough looking parts, but having a local guide will totally change your perspective on the city.

From showing you hidden gems to explaining everything about local life, having someone from Havana to show you around and bring the city's stories to life is a must. It’s absolutely one of the smartest things to see and do in Havana if you’re short on time or visiting for the first time.

On free walking tours they work on tips, so just remember to leave something to your hard-working guide!

 Visit the Museums

Looking to gain a deeper understanding of Havana's history? There are quite a few museums you can check out while in town! Here are some of the top ones:

• Museum of the City: Housed in the former Presidential Palace, this museum offers a detailed look into Havana’s colonial past and Cuban history through beautifully preserved artifacts.

• Museum of the Revolution: Set in the former presidential palace, this museum showcases Cuba’s revolutionary history with dramatic exhibits and political memorabilia.

• Museum of Fine Arts: Split into two buildings, this museum features an impressive collection of Cuban and international art, highlighting the island’s rich creative heritage.

Take a Classic Car Ride

You’ll see these colorful vintage cars everywhere, and riding in one is a fun, if touristy, way to see the city. You can book a city loop or cruise the Malecón with the top down. It’s one of the more iconic things to do in Havana and always makes for great photos.

Watch the Sunset Along the Malecon

The Malecón is where locals gather in the evening to fish, drink, talk, and watch the sun go down. It’s free, laid-back, and full of atmosphere. For many travelers, this becomes one of the most memorable things to see and do in Havana.

 Watch the Cannons at the Cabaña Fort

Each night at 8:30 pm, a traditional cannon ceremony takes place at La Cabaña Fortress. It’s a historic reenactment complete with soldiers in 18th-century dress. It’s a little touristy but fun, and the views from the fort are worth the trip alone.

 Shop the Artisan Markets

One of the things we loved about Cuba is that there are so many talented artisans! From crochet dresses and handmade earrings to local artwork, you can really find some amazing things in the markets of Havana. It's also a fantastic way to support the locals!

The biggest one is located near the port, and is a massive covered market, but you can also find some other smaller ones throughout the city. Add it to your list of things to do in Havana if you like local crafts and helping local communities.

Experience the Sunday Market on Hamel Street

Other than just the everyday markets, there is a special market each Sunday! If you're planning on visiting Havana for the weekend, then don't miss this event on Hamel street.

Have a Drink on the Rooftop of Iberostar Grand Packard

This hotel has one of the best rooftop bars in the city, with beautiful panoramas of El Morro and the sea. Even if you're not staying there, you can head up and grab a drink to enjoy one of the best views in town.

 Try a Daiquiri at El Floridita

While we typically aren't ones to fall into tourist traps, we couldn't help but visit this iconic bar that used to be frequented by Ernest Hemingway. This bar is packed with history and is super trendy - getting a daiquiri here is an absolute must!

PS: Daiquiris in Cuba will change your life - we can never have another one anywhere else ever again!

Go to a Cafe with Live Music

Music is part of daily life here, and it’s not hard to find a café with a live band playing son or salsa. Order a mojito and enjoy the vibe. It’s one of those casual but essential things to do in Havana.

Have a Night Out at the Cuban Art Factory

This has to be one of our favorite things to see and do in Havana! Fábrica de Arte Cubano is part art gallery, part nightclub, and so incredibly unique. It’s one of the best nightlife experiences in Havana, which has various rooms to enjoy, with different exhibitions and music styles - we even got to experience a salsa class!

The Cuban Art Factory is outside the center, so you can get there by getting the local "bus" (a small shared van really) or by taxi.

Watch a Show at the Grand Theater of Havana

This stunning neoclassical building is home to the Cuban National Ballet and often hosts visiting performances. Even if you’re not into theater, the architecture alone is worth seeing. It’s one of the more elegant things to see and do in Havana, and they even turn it into a nightclub certain nights!

 Take a Day Trip

So many people just stay in Havana, but some of our favorite places were actually located outside the capital!

Our personal favorite is Viñales, a vibrant valley home to the country's cigar production. Other ones you can check out are Cienfuegos, Trinidad, and Varadero, all of which we have guides for!

Things to See and Do in Havana, Cuba: Conclusion

Here is a little wrap up of our guide:

• Havana isn't exactly what you might expect, but it does have it's own charm.
• The country is really struggling, so make sure to support local businesses, and have cash on you.
• Don't miss out on the daiquiris and live music - these are a must!
• Plan a day trip! There is so much beauty outside the capital.

So are you ready to explore Cuba's capital? We hope you are able to enjoy all of the different things to see and do in Havana.

Want to learn about other great cities in Cuba? We have a lot of other Cuba Travel Guides, and even more about Havana coming up! Make sure to subscribe to our newsletter so that you can receive all of our latest updates, as well as weekly content exclusive for just our subscribers.

Ready to start planning your trip to Havana, Cuba? Well, we're here to help! Scratch Your Mapa can help create you a customized itinerary so that you can spend less time planning and more time enjoying. Want to learn about how it works? Check out our different travel planning packages, or email us today for a free consultation.

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