Havana City Guide (Cuba, 2026)

Backpacking in Havana
UNESCO World Heritage site
🏆 Top pickcity ranked #1
By Johan Kruseman 🇳🇱 | Updated October 22, 2026

The real decision in Havana is whether to stay in a casa particular in Habana Vieja or in Vedado, and for a backpacker Vedado usually wins on value: quieter nights, bigger rooms, and a short taxi or walk to everything, while the old town costs more in noise and money for the same bed. Havana sits on the north coast of Cuba, and it is the country's capital. It suits travelers who like street life, music and slow, improvised days. It does not suit anyone who needs reliable wifi, fast service or polished comfort. Skip the cigar-and-cocktail tourist bars on the main plazas; spend that time walking the Malecón and talking to locals. One afternoon I expected a quiet courtyard in Centro Habana and instead found a rooftop full of neighbors tending pigeons and shouting down to the street. Unlike Trinidad, which feels preserved and calm, Havana is loud, crumbling and entirely lived in.

Discover everything you want to know in the 📖 Cuba Travel Guide.

Best time to go: November - April
Population: 2.1 million [citypopulation.de]
Daily cost: US$55 to 60 [cubatravel.cu]

example page 0 from our offline Travel Guide for Cuba

example page 1 from our offline Travel Guide for Cuba

example page 2 from our offline Travel Guide for Cuba

example page 3 from our offline Travel Guide for Cuba

example page 4 from our offline Travel Guide for Cuba

example page 5 from our offline Travel Guide for Cuba

example page 6 from our offline Travel Guide for Cuba

example page 7 from our offline Travel Guide for Cuba

✨ Why go?
Ranked #1 city in CubaWhat makes it a must-see city

Havana works as the entry and exit point for most trips to Cuba, and it gives you the best density of things to do on the island without needing a car. Its casas particulares are the main reason to stay a while: hosts cook breakfast, arrange onward buses and share tips that no website has. Walking is the way to cover it. You can drift from the crumbling arcades of Centro Habana to the colonial plazas and out along the seafront without ever needing transport, and every block has a music doorway, a domino game or a queue for bread. The Malecón at dusk is where the city gathers with bottles and guitars, and it costs nothing. Music venues run late, from small son bands to jazz cellars. Onward travel is easy too, because the long-distance bus station and the shared taxis link to Viñales, Trinidad … read more 👉

Havana works as the entry and exit point for most trips to Cuba, and it gives you the best density of things to do on the island without needing a car. Its casas particulares are the main reason to stay a while: hosts cook breakfast, arrange onward buses and share tips that no website has. Walking is the way to cover it. You can drift from the crumbling arcades of Centro Habana to the colonial plazas and out along the seafront without ever needing transport, and every block has a music doorway, a domino game or a queue for bread. The Malecón at dusk is where the city gathers with bottles and guitars, and it costs nothing. Music venues run late, from small son bands to jazz cellars. Onward travel is easy too, because the long-distance bus station and the shared taxis link to Viñales, Trinidad and Varadero. Expect power cuts, patchy supplies and some hassle from touts. Three days is enough for most people; longer suits those who want to dig into the music and art scenes.

💡 HighlightsDon't-miss highlights and experiences

Habana Vieja and Plaza Vieja: The restored colonial core, with four main squares, baroque churches and cobbled lanes. Walk it in the early morning before tour groups arrive. Wandering is free; allow 3 to 4 hours.
El Malecón: The 8-kilometer seafront promenade where waves spray over the wall and locals fish, flirt and play music. Best at sunset. Free, 1 to 2 hours.
Capitolio Nacional: The domed building modeled loosely on grand legislative halls, with a huge statue and glittering interiors. Go in the morning. Entry is around US$10 to 12, about 1 hour.
Museo de la Revolución: Housed in the former presidential palace, with bullet holes still in the staircase and the Granma yacht in a glass pavilion outside. Entry around US$8 to 10, 1.5 to 2 hours.
Fábrica de Arte Cubano: A converted cooking oil factory

… read more 👉

Habana Vieja and Plaza Vieja: The restored colonial core, with four main squares, baroque churches and cobbled lanes. Walk it in the early morning before tour groups arrive. Wandering is free; allow 3 to 4 hours.
El Malecón: The 8-kilometer seafront promenade where waves spray over the wall and locals fish, flirt and play music. Best at sunset. Free, 1 to 2 hours.
Capitolio Nacional: The domed building modeled loosely on grand legislative halls, with a huge statue and glittering interiors. Go in the morning. Entry is around US$10 to 12, about 1 hour.
Museo de la Revolución: Housed in the former presidential palace, with bullet holes still in the staircase and the Granma yacht in a glass pavilion outside. Entry around US$8 to 10, 1.5 to 2 hours.
Fábrica de Arte Cubano: A converted cooking oil factory in Vedado, with galleries, live music and bars across several rooms. Open Thursday to Sunday evenings. Entry about US$2 to 3, 3 or more hours.
Necrópolis de Colón: A cemetery of marble mausoleums and angels across roughly 57 hectares, where pilgrims leave flowers at the tomb of La Milagrosa. Go in the morning. Entry about US$5 to 10, 1 to 2 hours.
Fusterlandia: A neighborhood in Jaimanitas covered in mosaics by artist José Fuster, with benches, walls and whole houses tiled in color. Go in daylight. Entry is free or a small tip, 1 hour including the ride.
Plaza de la Revolución: A vast square with the José Martí memorial and the steel outlines of Che Guevara and Camilo Cienfuegos. Best in the morning light. Free, 30 minutes, with an optional tower lift for about US$5.

Havana makes a good base for day trips to Viñales Valley, the beaches of Playas del Este, and the tobacco fields around Pinar del Río. The cheapest items are the Malecón, Plaza de la Revolución and a walk through Habana Vieja, which cost nothing.

Spotted a mistake or missing something? Contact us.

🏘️ NeighborhoodsWhere things are and how it's laid out

Havana splits into a few areas that each take a half day, and some deserve far more of your time than others.

Habana Vieja: The restored colonial core around Plaza Vieja, Plaza de la Catedral and Obispo Street. It is flat, compact and best on foot, and it gives you the most for the least effort. Go early, before tour groups fill the squares, and eat away from the plazas where prices climb fast.
Centro Habana: Crumbling, crowded and loud, with laundry on balconies and kids playing baseball in the street. Skip the sights and just walk it, from the Capitolio through Calle San Rafael to the Malecón. It costs nothing and shows daily life better than the restored streets.
Vedado: Leafy, grid-like and spread out, with 1950s hotels, the university steps, Coppelia ice cream park and most of the live music

… read more 👉

Havana splits into a few areas that each take a half day, and some deserve far more of your time than others.

Habana Vieja: The restored colonial core around Plaza Vieja, Plaza de la Catedral and Obispo Street. It is flat, compact and best on foot, and it gives you the most for the least effort. Go early, before tour groups fill the squares, and eat away from the plazas where prices climb fast.
Centro Habana: Crumbling, crowded and loud, with laundry on balconies and kids playing baseball in the street. Skip the sights and just walk it, from the Capitolio through Calle San Rafael to the Malecón. It costs nothing and shows daily life better than the restored streets.
Vedado: Leafy, grid-like and spread out, with 1950s hotels, the university steps, Coppelia ice cream park and most of the live music and nightlife. Walking between sights gets tiring in the heat, so combine a short taxi with strolling. Worth a full evening.
Miramar: Embassies, wide avenues and a few upscale restaurants. Distances are long and there is little for a backpacker, so visit only for a specific reason.
Playas del Este and Regla: Regla is a short ferry hop across the bay with a small church and a quiet waterfront, good for an hour or two. Playas del Este is pleasant but really a beach day, not a neighborhood.

⌛️ 1 dayHow to make the most of one day

8:00 AM: Plaza Vieja

Start here because the square is nearly empty before the tour groups arrive, and the cafés are only just setting out chairs. Look at the pastel facades and the old pharmacy-style balconies, then walk ten minutes north along Calle Mercaderes toward the cathedral quarter.

9:30 AM: Plaza de la Catedral

The baroque Cathedral facade is asymmetrical on purpose, with one tower wider than the other. Step inside if the doors are open (usually a small donation) and climb the bell tower for a rooftop view over the tiled roofs. Then follow Calle Obispo past the bookshops to the Plaza de Armas, where secondhand book sellers lay out Cuban revolution posters and old magazines.

11:30 AM: Castillo de la Real Fuerza

This squat 16th-century fortress sits beside Plaza de Armas and has a moat … read more 👉

8:00 AM: Plaza Vieja

Start here because the square is nearly empty before the tour groups arrive, and the cafés are only just setting out chairs. Look at the pastel facades and the old pharmacy-style balconies, then walk ten minutes north along Calle Mercaderes toward the cathedral quarter.

9:30 AM: Plaza de la Catedral

The baroque Cathedral facade is asymmetrical on purpose, with one tower wider than the other. Step inside if the doors are open (usually a small donation) and climb the bell tower for a rooftop view over the tiled roofs. Then follow Calle Obispo past the bookshops to the Plaza de Armas, where secondhand book sellers lay out Cuban revolution posters and old magazines.

11:30 AM: Castillo de la Real Fuerza

This squat 16th-century fortress sits beside Plaza de Armas and has a moat and a small maritime museum. Entry runs about US$3 to 5. It is quieter than the big forts across the bay, and the weathervane statue La Giraldilla on the tower is the symbol of the city.

1:00 PM: Lunch at a paladar on Calle Obrapía

Walk ten minutes through the old streets and eat at a small family-run restaurant. Order the ropa vieja or grilled fish with rice and beans, and skip anything with a menu board shouting in four languages at the plaza.

3:00 PM: Fusterlandia in Jaimanitas

Take a taxi west for a short ride out of the center. José Fuster has covered his house and whole neighborhood blocks in bright mosaic tiles, with benches, walls and rooftops all decorated. Most backpackers stay in the old town, so you will likely share it with only a handful of people. Allow an hour and a half, and pay a small fee if you enter his studio.

5:30 PM: Malecón

Ride back along the coast and get out near the Hotel Nacional. Walk the sea wall as the afternoon cools and local families, fishermen and couples settle onto it. Waves sometimes splash over the road, so keep your camera bag on the inland side.

8:00 PM: Music in Habana Vieja

Finish with a live son or trova set at a small venue such as Casa de la Música in Centro Habana or a bar near Plaza Vieja. Cover charges vary, and a mojito is usually cheaper than the cocktail at the big hotels. Walk back in a group along the main lit streets.

🌤️ When to go?Choosing the right time of year

The dry season from November to April is the most comfortable window, with days around 25 to 28°C (77 to 82°F) and nights near 18 to 20°C (64 to 68°F).

Peak Season (December to March): Cool, sunny and breezy, with the biggest crowds and the highest prices for beds and flights. Daylight runs roughly 10.5 to 11 hours.
Shoulder Months (April, May, November): Warm at 28 to 31°C (82 to 88°F), thinner crowds and easier bookings. May brings the first heavy rain.
Wet and Hot Season (June to October): Humid, 31 to 33°C (88 to 91°F), with afternoon downpours that flood low streets. Beds are cheapest, and daylight stretches to about 13.5 hours.
Hurricane Risk (August to October): Storms are most likely in September and October and can disrupt flights and power.
Events: The film festival in December and carnival-style

… read more 👉

The dry season from November to April is the most comfortable window, with days around 25 to 28°C (77 to 82°F) and nights near 18 to 20°C (64 to 68°F).

Peak Season (December to March): Cool, sunny and breezy, with the biggest crowds and the highest prices for beds and flights. Daylight runs roughly 10.5 to 11 hours.
Shoulder Months (April, May, November): Warm at 28 to 31°C (82 to 88°F), thinner crowds and easier bookings. May brings the first heavy rain.
Wet and Hot Season (June to October): Humid, 31 to 33°C (88 to 91°F), with afternoon downpours that flood low streets. Beds are cheapest, and daylight stretches to about 13.5 hours.
Hurricane Risk (August to October): Storms are most likely in September and October and can disrupt flights and power.
Events: The film festival in December and carnival-style celebrations in summer fill the city and lift prices.

Book December and January stays well ahead, or come in late April for the same sun with fewer people.

source: climatestotravel.comJANFEBMARAPRMAYJUNJULAUGSEPOCTNOVDEC

🛏️ Where to stay?How to pick the right area

Habana Vieja and Centro Habana are the best places for a budget bed, mainly because casas particulares (private rooms in family homes) are densely packed there and you can walk to nearly everything. Rooms usually run US$20 to 40 a night, and there are few true dorm hostels, so many backpackers share a double.

Habana Vieja is the safer, quieter choice after dark on the restored streets, though noise from live music bars can reach upstairs rooms near the main squares. Choose a room on an upper floor or a side street for sleep. Transport links are thin by car, but almost everything you need is on … read more 👉

Habana Vieja and Centro Habana are the best places for a budget bed, mainly because casas particulares (private rooms in family homes) are densely packed there and you can walk to nearly everything. Rooms usually run US$20 to 40 a night, and there are few true dorm hostels, so many backpackers share a double.

Habana Vieja is the safer, quieter choice after dark on the restored streets, though noise from live music bars can reach upstairs rooms near the main squares. Choose a room on an upper floor or a side street for sleep. Transport links are thin by car, but almost everything you need is on foot.

Centro Habana costs a little less and feels more local, with louder streets, traffic and street vendors from early morning. Rooms here are often bigger for the money. Evenings are fine on main routes, but poorly lit side streets deserve a bit more care, so take a short taxi home late.

Vedado is the alternative if you want nightlife and a calmer, leafy base, with plenty of casas at US$25 to 45 and easy shared-taxi links to the old town. Book ahead in December to March, and ask your host about airport pickup, since it often beats a street cab on price and hassle.

Best hostels in Havana

Best quality hotels in Cuba

🚌 Getting aroundHow to get around Havana

Havana punishes anyone who jumps into the first private taxi without agreeing the fare, because that single habit drains more money than any other mistake here. Central Havana is walkable, but the city sprawls, and buses are crowded, slow and unpredictable, so most backpackers walk the old town and use shared or fixed-fare cars for longer hops.

Walking: Free, and the best way through Habana Vieja and Centro Habana, where everything sits within 1 to 2 km. Carry water and start early, because midday heat saps you faster than the distance does.
Almendrones (shared classic taxis): These run fixed routes along main avenues such as Paseo or 23rd Street for roughly US$0.20 to 1 per seat. They give you the most value if you learn the route, and the cars are battered, cramped and packed, but you save

… read more 👉

Havana punishes anyone who jumps into the first private taxi without agreeing the fare, because that single habit drains more money than any other mistake here. Central Havana is walkable, but the city sprawls, and buses are crowded, slow and unpredictable, so most backpackers walk the old town and use shared or fixed-fare cars for longer hops.

Walking: Free, and the best way through Habana Vieja and Centro Habana, where everything sits within 1 to 2 km. Carry water and start early, because midday heat saps you faster than the distance does.
Almendrones (shared classic taxis): These run fixed routes along main avenues such as Paseo or 23rd Street for roughly US$0.20 to 1 per seat. They give you the most value if you learn the route, and the cars are battered, cramped and packed, but you save a fortune against private cabs.
Private taxis: A short city ride costs about US$5 to 10, and Vedado to the old town is usually US$5 to 8 if you haggle first. Airport runs cost US$25 to 30. Comfortable and quick, but a classic convertible tour at US$30 to 50 an hour is pricey, and a cheaper ordinary cab is a better use of money.
Public buses: Fares are a few cents, but waits are long, the vehicles are overloaded and routes are hard to decipher. Not worth the frustration for a short visit, except for the airport-area routes if you have time to spare.
Bicitaxis and cocotaxis: Pedal tricycles and yellow scooter pods cost about US$2 to 6 for short hops in the old town and Centro. Slow in traffic and bumpy, yet fun for a short ride, and the fare must be fixed before you sit.

Skip the hop-on tourist buses unless it is blazing hot and your legs are done.

👛 Costs (as of 22 October 2026)Money, prices, and spending tips

Havana costs a backpacker about US$55 to 60 a day when staying in a private room in high season and eating mostly at casas and street counters.

Category	Budget Range	Local Reality
Dorm or shared room (high season)	US$20 to 30	Few true dorms exist, so a casa room split between two is the norm.
Dorm or shared room (off-season)	US$15 to 22	Hosts bargain from May to October.
Meals	US$12 to 20	Casa breakfast, street snacks and one paladar dinner.
Local transport	US$2 to 6	Shared taxis and the odd private cab.
City transport pass	None	No tourist pass exists, so you pay per ride.
Basic activities and entry fees	US$5 to 10	Museums and forts cost US$2 to 8 each.
Miscellaneous	US$6 to 10	Drinks, water, tips and laundry.
Total Daily Budget	US$55 to 60	Based on the high-season room, midrange of other rows.

Eating breakfast and dinner … read more 👉

Havana costs a backpacker about US$55 to 60 a day when staying in a private room in high season and eating mostly at casas and street counters.

Category	Budget Range	Local Reality
Dorm or shared room (high season)	US$20 to 30	Few true dorms exist, so a casa room split between two is the norm.
Dorm or shared room (off-season)	US$15 to 22	Hosts bargain from May to October.
Meals	US$12 to 20	Casa breakfast, street snacks and one paladar dinner.
Local transport	US$2 to 6	Shared taxis and the odd private cab.
City transport pass	None	No tourist pass exists, so you pay per ride.
Basic activities and entry fees	US$5 to 10	Museums and forts cost US$2 to 8 each.
Miscellaneous	US$6 to 10	Drinks, water, tips and laundry.
Total Daily Budget	US$55 to 60	Based on the high-season room, midrange of other rows.

Eating breakfast and dinner at your casa often costs less than a restaurant and is better food, so ask your host for a set meal.

source: cubatravel.cu

⚠️ Prices can change and everyone travels differently, so take this as a rough guide. Hope it helps you plan your adventure!

🚌 Day tripsWhere to go beyond the main area

Havana works well as a base for day trips, since shared taxis, tours and private drivers leave daily, though roads are bumpy and buses unreliable.

Viñales Valley:

Limestone mogotes, tobacco farms and caves make this the classic escape, about 2.5 to 3 hours west by road. A shared taxi costs roughly US$15 to 25 each way, and tours with horseback or cave visits add US$20 to 40. Go between November and April and leave by 7 a.m., since the day gets short if you start late. First-timers often underestimate the drive and try to fit in too much.

👉 Explore Viñales

Soroa:

An orchid garden, a waterfall and green hills about 1.5 hours west. It is easy to combine with other stops by private car for US$40 to 60 split between passengers, and entry fees are a few dollars. Visit in the dry months, because the … read more 👉

Havana works well as a base for day trips, since shared taxis, tours and private drivers leave daily, though roads are bumpy and buses unreliable.

Viñales Valley:

Limestone mogotes, tobacco farms and caves make this the classic escape, about 2.5 to 3 hours west by road. A shared taxi costs roughly US$15 to 25 each way, and tours with horseback or cave visits add US$20 to 40. Go between November and April and leave by 7 a.m., since the day gets short if you start late. First-timers often underestimate the drive and try to fit in too much.

👉 Explore Viñales

Soroa:

An orchid garden, a waterfall and green hills about 1.5 hours west. It is easy to combine with other stops by private car for US$40 to 60 split between passengers, and entry fees are a few dollars. Visit in the dry months, because the waterfall slows to a trickle in drought.

👉 Explore Soroa

Playas del Este:

White sand beaches about 20 to 30 minutes east. A taxi costs US$10 to 15 each way, and a Tuesday to Friday visit avoids weekend crowds of local families. Most backpackers go from May to October when the sea is warmest. The mistake is leaving without arranging a return ride, so agree a pickup time.

Las Terrazas:

A reforested hillside community with swimming holes, coffee houses and trails, around 1 hour 15 minutes by car. Entry costs about US$5 to 10 per person, and a day tour or shared car adds US$20 to 35. Wear sturdy shoes and go early for cooler walks.

👉 Explore Las Terrazas

🍲 FoodEating & Drinking in Havana

Havana eats best at home, in family-run paladares and casas particulares, where a plate of roast pork or ropa vieja arrives with rice, black beans, plantains and salad for roughly US$6 to 12. Street counters sell crispy pizza slices, fried snacks and sandwiches for US$1 to 3, and the best are usually the ones with a line of locals. For something distinctly Havana, try the daiquiri and the mojito, both with roots in the city's old bars, and order a short cafecito from a walk-up window for pennies. The state-run Coppelia ice cream park in Vedado serves cheap scoops in a sprawling hall, and locals wait in long lines, so join the one for pesos if you want the full experience. Breakfast at your casa is often the best-value meal, with fresh fruit, eggs, bread and juice for US$4 to 6. Seafood such … read more 👉

Havana eats best at home, in family-run paladares and casas particulares, where a plate of roast pork or ropa vieja arrives with rice, black beans, plantains and salad for roughly US$6 to 12. Street counters sell crispy pizza slices, fried snacks and sandwiches for US$1 to 3, and the best are usually the ones with a line of locals. For something distinctly Havana, try the daiquiri and the mojito, both with roots in the city's old bars, and order a short cafecito from a walk-up window for pennies. The state-run Coppelia ice cream park in Vedado serves cheap scoops in a sprawling hall, and locals wait in long lines, so join the one for pesos if you want the full experience. Breakfast at your casa is often the best-value meal, with fresh fruit, eggs, bread and juice for US$4 to 6. Seafood such as lobster is easier to find here than inland, but the cheap versions can be overcooked. Food shortages mean menus change, so ask what is available rather than reading the card. Beer is cheap at about US$1.50 to 3, and rum is poured generously.

🛡️ SafetyStaying Safe: What Travelers Should Know

Havana is broadly safe for backpackers, and violent crime against visitors is rare. What actually catches people out is petty theft and hustling. Keep phones and cameras tucked away on crowded buses, in Centro Habana streets and near the Capitolio, and carry only the cash you need for the day. Jineteros (street touts) will offer cigars, restaurant tips or a friendly chat that ends in a commission, so a polite no and a steady walk is usually enough. Fake cigars and overcharged taxis are the most common money drains, so buy from official shops and agree fares first. Solo travelers, women included, can expect catcalls but little worse. At night stay on lit main streets, avoid dark side streets in Centro Habana and use a taxi to get home late. Power cuts can darken whole blocks, so carry a small … read more 👉

Havana is broadly safe for backpackers, and violent crime against visitors is rare. What actually catches people out is petty theft and hustling. Keep phones and cameras tucked away on crowded buses, in Centro Habana streets and near the Capitolio, and carry only the cash you need for the day. Jineteros (street touts) will offer cigars, restaurant tips or a friendly chat that ends in a commission, so a polite no and a steady walk is usually enough. Fake cigars and overcharged taxis are the most common money drains, so buy from official shops and agree fares first. Solo travelers, women included, can expect catcalls but little worse. At night stay on lit main streets, avoid dark side streets in Centro Habana and use a taxi to get home late. Power cuts can darken whole blocks, so carry a small flashlight. Keep your passport copy on you and the original locked in your room.

Check Country Safety

FAQCommon questions from travelers

Three to four days is enough in Havana to cover Habana Vieja, Centro Habana and Vedado at an easy pace. Add one more day for a trip to Viñales, about 2.5 to 3 hours west, or a beach day at Playas del Este, 20 to 30 minutes east. A casa room runs around US$20 to 40 a night.

Havana is broadly safe for solo backpackers, with violent crime against visitors uncommon. Expect touts, pickpockets in crowded areas like Centro Habana and occasional taxi overcharging, which you avoid by agreeing fares first. After dark, stay on lit streets and take a US$5 to 8 taxi home late.

Havana is known for its colonial old town, 1950s American cars, live son and salsa music, rum cocktails like the daiquiri and mojito, and the seafront Malecón. Habana Vieja is a UNESCO World Heritage site, and cigars and the Capitolio are classic stops. Plan two to four days to see its main districts.

⚠️ Things can change over time, so always validate details locally before you go.

Other Cuban cities near Havana

Explore more nearby:

Artemisa—agricultural center, colonial churches, local festivals| 52 km away
Matanzas—Yumurí bridges, Sauto theater, old pharmacy, Bellamar caves| 86 km away
Cárdenas—Columbus statue, bici-taxis, rum heritage, Elián museum| 118 km away

💡 Not sure where to go next?
Create a personalized itinerary for Cuba including Havana and the places that fit your trip.

Generate my itinerary

👉 Discover all cities

Or checkout all Cuba has to offer (think cities, towns, villages, national parks, hikes, beaches, festivals)

Explore Cuba

We 💚 feedbackFinal thoughts on visiting Havana

Havana pairs best with Viñales first, then Trinidad, because the road from the capital to the west is short and you can shake off the city's noise among the tobacco fields before heading to the south coast. I would give the city three nights, stay in Vedado, and bring cash in small bills, since cards are unreliable.

✈️ When did I visit Cuba?
As part of my 1.5 year travel around the world trip, I visited Cuba for 6 weeks in February, March 2016, being extremely lucky that that coincided with the free concert of The Rolling Stones.

✍️ Help improve this page!
The information on this page is based on my own backpacking experience in Cuba, supplemented with up-to-date research and feedback from other travelers. Travel details can change, so if you notice anything outdated or incomplete, feel free to let me know.

🙋‍♂️ Give feedback

👋 Meet the founderWho’s Behind Take Your Backpack?

Johan, backpacker and founder of TakeYourBackpack

Hi, I’m Johan (Netherlands 🇳🇱), the creator of TakeYourBackpack. Over the past 3 decades, I’ve backpacked through 90+ countries across six continents, gaining extensive experience with independent travel, long-term trips, and overland routes.

This site is built on a combination of firsthand travel experience and carefully curated insights from other backpackers. Many guides are based on places I’ve personally visited, while others bring together tips, observations, and practical advice shared by trusted travelers I’ve met along the way.

The goal is to provide realistic, experience-driven guidance — not generic itineraries — so you can explore destinations with better context, clearer expectations, and more confidence.

Read the full story

Cuba🇨🇺 | citiesHavanaMalecón, Vedado casas, Habana Vieja squares, Fusterlandia mosaics | things to do and best time to go

Backpacking in Havana
UNESCO World Heritage site
🏆 Top pickcity ranked #1
By Johan Kruseman 🇳🇱 | Updated October 22, 2026

✨ Why go?
Ranked #1 city in CubaWhat makes it a must-see city

💡 HighlightsDon't-miss highlights and experiences

🏘️ NeighborhoodsWhere things are and how it's laid out

⌛️ 1 dayHow to make the most of one day

🌤️ When to go?Choosing the right time of year

✈️ The backpacker research shortcutCuba Travel Guide

🛏️ Where to stay?How to pick the right area

🚌 Getting aroundHow to get around Havana

👛 Costs (as of 22 October 2026)Money, prices, and spending tips

🚌 Day tripsWhere to go beyond the main area

🍲 FoodEating & Drinking in Havana

🛡️ SafetyStaying Safe: What Travelers Should Know

FAQCommon questions from travelers

Other Cuban cities near Havana

We 💚 feedbackFinal thoughts on visiting Havana

👋 Meet the founderWho’s Behind Take Your Backpack?

Cuba🇨🇺 | citiesHavanaMalecón, Vedado casas, Habana Vieja squares, Fusterlandia mosaics | things to do and best time to go

Backpacking in HavanaUNESCO World Heritage site🏆 Top pickcity ranked #1By Johan Kruseman 🇳🇱 | Updated October 22, 2026addMaskedRevealAnimation('6adbeb49b32b1')

✨ Why go?Ranked #1 city in CubaaddMaskedRevealAnimation('6adbeb49b4185')What makes it a must-see cityaddMaskedRevealAnimation('6adbeb49b418b')

💡 HighlightsaddMaskedRevealAnimation('6adbeb49b4e1d')Don't-miss highlights and experiencesaddMaskedRevealAnimation('6adbeb49b4e25')

🏘️ NeighborhoodsaddMaskedRevealAnimation('6adbeb49b5572')Where things are and how it's laid outaddMaskedRevealAnimation('6adbeb49b5577')

⌛️ 1 dayaddMaskedRevealAnimation('6adbeb49b64b4')How to make the most of one dayaddMaskedRevealAnimation('6adbeb49b64ba')

🌤️ When to go?addMaskedRevealAnimation('6adbeb49b6d69')Choosing the right time of yearaddMaskedRevealAnimation('6adbeb49b6d6f')

✈️ The backpacker research shortcutCuba Travel Guide

🛏️ Where to stay?addMaskedRevealAnimation('6adbeb49b7d3d')How to pick the right areaaddMaskedRevealAnimation('6adbeb49b7d42')

🚌 Getting aroundaddMaskedRevealAnimation('6adbeb49b8579')How to get around HavanaaddMaskedRevealAnimation('6adbeb49b857d')

👛 Costs (as of 22 October 2026)addMaskedRevealAnimation('6adbeb49b8f8a')Money, prices, and spending tipsaddMaskedRevealAnimation('6adbeb49b8f8e')

🚌 Day tripsaddMaskedRevealAnimation('6adbeb49ca546')Where to go beyond the main areaaddMaskedRevealAnimation('6adbeb49ca54f')

🍲 FoodaddMaskedRevealAnimation('6adbeb49cab4d')Eating & Drinking in HavanaaddMaskedRevealAnimation('6adbeb49cab52')

🛡️ SafetyaddMaskedRevealAnimation('6adbeb49cb14e')Staying Safe: What Travelers Should KnowaddMaskedRevealAnimation('6adbeb49cb152')

FAQaddMaskedRevealAnimation('6adbeb49cb1f6')Common questions from travelersaddMaskedRevealAnimation('6adbeb49cb1fb')

Other Cuban cities near HavanaaddMaskedRevealAnimation('6adbeb49ce4f3')

We 💚 feedbackaddMaskedRevealAnimation('6adbeb49ce6b5')Final thoughts on visiting HavanaaddMaskedRevealAnimation('6adbeb49ce6b9')

👋 Meet the founderaddMaskedRevealAnimation('6adbeb49ce70d')Who’s Behind Take Your Backpack?addMaskedRevealAnimation('6adbeb49ce710')

Backpacking in Havana
UNESCO World Heritage site
🏆 Top pickcity ranked #1
By Johan Kruseman 🇳🇱 | Updated October 22, 2026

✨ Why go?
Ranked #1 city in CubaWhat makes it a must-see city

💡 HighlightsDon't-miss highlights and experiences

🏘️ NeighborhoodsWhere things are and how it's laid out

⌛️ 1 dayHow to make the most of one day

🌤️ When to go?Choosing the right time of year

🛏️ Where to stay?How to pick the right area

🚌 Getting aroundHow to get around Havana

👛 Costs (as of 22 October 2026)Money, prices, and spending tips

🚌 Day tripsWhere to go beyond the main area

🍲 FoodEating & Drinking in Havana

🛡️ SafetyStaying Safe: What Travelers Should Know

FAQCommon questions from travelers

Other Cuban cities near Havana

We 💚 feedbackFinal thoughts on visiting Havana

👋 Meet the founderWho’s Behind Take Your Backpack?