Room 1
Havana holidays
Havana is the capital city of Cuba, a country cemented in rich culture. Take a trip to this lively city full of ageless traditions, whispers of legends and dazzling architecture and come away with a memory of a fantastic holiday you won’t forget.
- Flight time
- 10h
- From London
- Currency
- CUP
- Cuban Peso
- Time zone
- GMT - 4h
Getting to Havana
Havana is the capital of Cuba and is the largest city in the country. It is located on the northern coast of Cuba, along the Straits of Florida and south of the Florida Keys, where the Gulf of Mexico joins the Atlantic Ocean. Cuba’s main international and domestic airport is José Martí International Airport, also sometimes referred to by its former name Rancho Boyeros Airport, is located 20km southwest of the centre of Havana.
Average weather in Havana
- Temperature (°C)*
- Rainfall (Inches)*
Holidays in Havana
The city of Havana is buzzing with energy, even when the sun sinks below the horizon. The streets are filled with music and laughter as warm lights inside the bars and clubs beckon you in to taste their fresh cocktails or their house speciality. There is a wide range of nightlife, from converted factories to underground salsa bars. Bar de Luca, in Habana Vieja lures you in with their gigantic, crystal chandelier hanging from the ceiling that you can see through the tremendous teal doors. Choose between a fresh mojito or chose the house speciality; a Scotch old fashioned with a puro (Cuban Cigar).
For an upbeat atmosphere, head to Elegua. Open from 10pm to 3am, this club is great for a boogie to a mix of music including rumba, salsa, and Drake songs. One of Havana’s most original nightclubs is Fábrica de Arte Cubano (FAC). A former cooking oil factory, this multimedia labyrinth takes you to different dimensions with every step you take. You can lounge, drink, eat, admire ever-changing art exhibits, and meet people from all over the world. You can also shop, dance, watch films and concerts, or just hang out.
Fancy dancing under the stars? Visit El Turquino found on the top floor of the Habana Libre Hotel. This posh nightclub features a majestic circular bar flanked by 1950s barstools, but the real thrill is seeing all of Havana through the glass windows and the open sky when the retractable roof comes off at midnight. Fridays and Saturday’s showcase cabaret shows, live bands, DJs, and dance parties.
Get a taste of Havana when you head to one of numerous restaurants offering delicious delicacies and mouth-watering dishes. For simplicity intertwined with perfection, head to Doña Eutimia that’s located close to the main square near the Cathedral of San Cristóbal. With home-style food, and a cosy disposition this is one of the best restaurants Cuba has to offer.
Or take an antique elevator to the fourth floor which used to be an old penthouse apartment but has since been turned into Café Laurent, a stylish minimalist restaurant with a subtle 1950s twist. Sit against a back wall that’s covered in old newspapers and take a pick at more than 30 Spanish-inspired dishes by Cuban chef Dayron Avilés Alfonso, his speciality is seafood; from red snapper in green sauce to shrimps and paella. Or, sit on the balcony, which is particularly stunning during the evening and revel in the scenic Vedado views.
Shopping in Havana is quality cigars and rum, world-class art and unique hand-crafted items. Old Havana is becoming a hive of shopping activity with everything you could think of; from artisan chocolates, sweet smelling perfume, sterling silver, and hand-sewn dresses. It should be noted however, that Cuba is a cash-based economy and debit/credit cards are rarely accepted.
Cigars can be bought from an abundance of shops, including Casa del Tabaco or Calle Oficios 54 in Habana Vieja. For great rum and coffee head to Casa del Habano or Calle 16.
There are now also shopping mall sin Havana; Plaza Carlos is teeming with clothes, shoes, and beauty products as is the multi-storied mall Galerias Paseo.
Activities in Havana
A holiday to Havana is not necessarily the typical beach resort and stretches of shoreline. That doesn’t mean that Havana isn’t a fantastic place to visit – with an impressive history and an immersive culture, you are bound to make some lasting memories while exploring the beautiful city.
Watersports
Diving in Havana
Discover the amazing underwater world as you explore the reefs of Havana. Dive Adventure in Havana is particularly recommended, and they offer tours for everyone whether you’re a seasoned diver, or just trying out the sport for the first time and there are experienced guides to help every step of the way.
Vivez Cuba are another great choice and offer a range of multi-day tours so you can explore the colourful reefs and tropical fish to your hearts content.
Surfing in Havana
While not a usual surfing country, there is over 3,500 miles of largely undeveloped coastline in Cuba. In Havana, head to Playas del Este, this part of the coast is mostly known as a great spot for kite surfing. The beach runs for 15 miles along the northern coast but to get some proper waves you might need to wait for a groundswell or a storm further north.
Windsurfing & kitesurfing in Havana
Havana Kiteboarding in Playas del Este is a popular activity along this beach with equipment and a surf shop where you can rent and organise lessons.
Sailing in Havana
Enjoy a day out at sea on excursions that allow you to also explore the tropical fish nested in the reefs surrounding the beautiful country. Head to Marinas Gaviota to book a day excursion and choose your activities for the day; enjoy some snorkelling in clear blue waters, swim in the warm water, or sunbathe on the deck.
Fishing in Havana
Become a fishing enthusiast while visiting Cuba, which is considered a paradise for the practise. The location of Cuba makes it perfect for fishing: the Florida and Bahamas stratis as well as the deep basins and trenches, serve as ecologic barriers while the oceanic currents connect migratory routes. This all means the waters have a rich diversity of species, making it an ideal place to see a variety of fish.
Canoeing & kayaking in Havana
Sea Kayak Adventures in Cuba can offer a detailed kayaking adventure that spends two days in Old Havana. This adventurous activity can be costly, so it is advised to plan thoroughly to get the most out of your experience.
Land activities
Golf in Havana
There are a few spots of golf in Cuba, and one in Havana: Habana Golf Club, with 9 holes across the green expanse and is a great place for the avid golfers. There is also a miniature golf course in Havana known as Minigolf Almendares for the whole family to enjoy.
Cycling & mountain biking in Havana
While Cuba is a generally cycle-friendly country the heat can be a big challenge as temperatures can reach 40. There are no hiking trails in the city of Havana but there are a few dotted around Cuba for those adrenaline seekers.
WoWCuba offer a bike tour that is thoughtfully planned to ensure everyone experiences the very best of Cuba both with the stunning views, and physically abilities.
Walking & hiking in Havana
Viñales is under two hours from Havana and you can take the scenic route there via a vintage touring car in order to really experience the countryside. This picturesque little town boasts beautiful colonial architecture and is surrounded by rolling hills where tobacco is harvested. The rolling hills turn into mountains along some of the trails, so it is recommended to go with a guide to experience everything. Viñales Valley is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and its National Park has some of Cuba’s best trails for hiking.
If you are looking for a leisurely stroll, take a walk through Havana’s majestic old town; start at the Plaza de Armas or the Plaza de la Catedral, and nearby the church is a popular bar called La Bodeguita del Medio which was a favourite of Ernest Hemingway’s.
