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Havana Travel Guide & Information


There`s no place else in the world like the Cuban capital city of Havana. Built around a natural harbor, this Caribbean city is one of the most lively, colorful and charismatic travel destinations in the region. The derelict, narrow and winding streets of the city are full of crumbling buildings that are fine examples of Spanish architecture. Several of grand plazas and great buildings of the colonial times are now being restored to their past glory.


Retaining the old world charm of the previous era, the Colonial Havana is the UNESCO World Heritage Site that is fast becoming one of the prime attractions of Havana. Travelers book cheap flights to Havana from all around the world to catch a glimpse of this dilapidated colonial architecture and some of the most important museums showcasing the fascinating Cuban history in the most interesting manner. Havana`s nightlife is second to no other place in the region. The famous rum cocktails flow freely after dark when all the city`s clubs and bars come alive. With beaches being located just 20 minutes away in the east of the city, travelers to Havana will have no dearth of exciting things to do and interesting places to explore.

Things to do in Havana

Havana boasts of a very interesting past that makes it`s a great destination with several of fascinating historical attractions and sights. Be it the beautiful monuments, forts, churches or city squares, the city`s sightseeing is mostly centered around its architecture. Dilapidated yet elegant buildings and derelict streets are the city`s prime features that make it stand out from other destinations in the region. From the historic old town to the famous rum distilleries, the city has a cache of attractions and sightseeing options that makes Havana an absolutely must visit destination. Book your cheap flights to Havana and explore some of its prime attractions like:


Museum of the City:The stately residence of the colonial governors and former Presidential Palace of Cuba, the Museum of the City was built in 1791. The museum is an ideal place to explore and experience the history of Cuba from its founding day to the present. The museum also exhibits an art collection that includes art work, furniture and paintings of great historic value.


Cigar Factories:No visit to Cuba would be considered complete without a visit to the city`s most famous exports, cigars. Partagas is the city`s oldest cigar factory that was founded in 1827. There are also several shops attached to the factories where travelers and visitors can buy cigars of their choice.


Plaza de la Revolucion:This gigantic square is renowned for playing host to the most famous of political rallies in the country. The Jose Marti Memorial and the podium in front has seen important political figures address millions of Cubans on most important occasions like July 26 and May 1 each year.


Capitolio Nacional:Regarded to be one of the grandest pieces of architecture in the city, the Capitolio Nacional is one of the primary attractions of Havana. The beautifully decorated hall takes visitors to the elegant chambers that was once home to the Cuban Congress. Today, the place houses the National Library and Academy of Sciences.

Where to Stay in Havana

Havana is a great travel destination that boasts of excellent lodging facilities for travelers with varied tastes and budgets. Some of the best of city hotels are located in and around the Old Havana district, Central Havana, Havana Vedado district and the Havana Miramar district. Take your pick from some of the most noteworthy hotels in these areas.


Old HavanaL:Home to some of the most historical and beautiful hotels, Old Havana is an ideal area to stay in for the travelers to the city. Located on the magnificent Plaza de Armas square, the Hotel Santa Isabel Havana is one of the best accommodation choices here. Hotel Ambos Mundos, where Ernest Hemingway wrote "For Whom the Bell Tolls" and the beautiful Hotel Florida are other luxury hotel options in Old Havana.


Central Havana:Central Park is another great option to check out when it comes to great lodging options in Havana. Hotel Telegrafo, Hotel Parque Central, Hotel Plaza, Hotel Inglaterra, Hotel Saratoga, Hotel Sevilla and Hotel Deauville are some of the ideal hotel options that excel at providing the best of services, facilities and ambience to the most discerning of travelers to Havana.


Havana Vedado district:Hotel Habana Libre, a five star hotel, is one of the primary landmarks of the city. Totally elegant and luxurious, some of the four star hotel options in the district include Habana Riviera Hotel, Hotel Melia Cohiba and Hotel Nacional de Cuba.


Havana Miramar district:Havana Miramar is another of very popular areas that is home to several three and four star hotel options. Take your pick from the most noteworthy ones like Hotel Chateau Miramar, Hotel Comodoro, Hotel Novotel Miramar and Hotel Acuario.

Passport & Visa Requirements

Nationals of all countries intending to visit Havana, Cuba must have a passport valid on arrival.


A visa is required by all travelers, including nationals of USA, UK, Canada, South Africa, Australia, Ireland and New Zealand. Tour operators or airlines also issue a Tourist Card, costing US$25, for a single-entry holiday not exceeding 30 days. This can be used in place of the visa by the travelers gaining entry into Havana.


All travelers entering Cuba must have travel insurance to cover medical expenses in the country. A return ticket or proof of onward journey is also required.

When to visit Havana

Havana is a wonderful town that remains lively and pleasant all through the year, hence the best time to visit Havana is- anytime! Winter months are warm and the easiest to handle. However, it does get warmer in summers making it a little challenging for the travelers to enjoy outdoor adventures. Hit the pool or relax at the splendid beaches to beat the heat!

Havana Weather

Much like the rest of the country, Havana enjoys a pleasant tropical savanna climate all through the year. There are not much temperature variations in the city with the average temperature hovering around 22-28 degree Celsius from January to August. The temperature seldom drops below 10 degree Celsius making Havana a year-round destination. The city receives an average of 46 inches of rainfall annually with most of it falling in the months of June and October. Hurricanes too have occasionally struck the island but the damage in Havana has been minimal.

Currency and Language

Currency:Until November 2004, Cuba had three national currencies. But today, only peso convertible and peso nacional are in use in the country. Like earlier, Dollars are no longer accepted in the country and has been replaced by peso convertible which is the mode of payment available for all travelers. Peso nacional is the national currency used only by the Cubans.


Language:The official language of Havana, Cuba is Spanish. However, Cuban Spanish is a little different from the original Spanish spoken in Spain. Creole, a blend of African and European dialects, is another of major language spoken mostly by the immigrants. English language is also fast gaining popularity amongst the baby boomers, and is widely spoken at hospitality centers, recreation facilities and health facilities.

Getting to Havana
Map of Havana