Havana a week

Havana's main international airport. Upon arrival, you'll go through immigration and customs before heading to baggage claim.

• Have your tourist card and passport ready for immigration.
• Currency exchange is available, but rates may be better in the city.

Arrange for a taxi or pre-booked transfer to your accommodation in Old Havana. Classic American cars are a popular and iconic option.

• Agree on the fare before starting your journey.
• Consider a vintage car for a memorable experience.

Settle into your casa particular (private homestay) or hotel in the historic center. This provides a great base for exploring.

Wander through this beautifully restored square, one of Havana's four main plazas. Admire the colorful colonial architecture and lively atmosphere.

• Enjoy the street performers and musicians.
• Look up to appreciate the intricate balconies.

Enjoy your first taste of Cuban cuisine at a paladar (private restaurant) in Old Havana. Try dishes like Ropa Vieja or grilled fish.

• Reservations are recommended for popular paladares.

Visit the stunning Havana Cathedral, a Baroque masterpiece. The surrounding plaza is also a hub of activity and colonial architecture.

• Dress respectfully if you plan to enter the cathedral.
• Note the asymmetrical facade of the cathedral.

Housed in the former Presidential Palace, this museum details Cuba's revolutionary history. The building itself is architecturally significant.

• Allow ample time to explore the extensive exhibits.
• The exterior courtyard displays military hardware.

Enjoy lunch at a restaurant near Parque Central. This area offers a variety of dining options, from casual to more formal.

The stunning National Capitol Building, once the seat of the Cuban government, is a landmark of Havana. It's a replica of the U.S. Capitol but grander.

• Tours are available and highly recommended to understand its history.
• It houses the second-largest indoor statue in the world, 'The Statue of the Republic'.

Visit this iconic bar, famous for its mojitos and as a former haunt of Ernest Hemingway. It's a lively spot with live music.

• Be prepared for crowds, especially in the evenings.
• The walls are covered in graffiti and signatures from visitors.

This picturesque plaza features the Monastery of San Francisco de Asís and the Fountain of the Lions. It's a peaceful spot for morning exploration.

Explore Cuba's rich artistic heritage at the National Museum of Fine Arts. It houses an impressive collection of Cuban art from colonial times to the present.

• Allocate at least two hours to appreciate the diverse collections.
• Check for special exhibitions.

Head to the Vedado district for lunch. This area offers a different vibe from Old Havana, with grander avenues and more modern architecture.

Take a leisurely walk along Havana's iconic seawall. It's a vital social space where locals gather, especially in the late afternoon and evening.

• Best experienced during sunset for stunning views.
• Be mindful of the waves, especially on windy days.

Enjoy dinner at a restaurant in Vedado, followed by live music at a nearby club or bar. Vedado has a vibrant nightlife scene.

This vast square is a significant site in Cuban history, featuring the José Martí Memorial and the iconic image of Che Guevara on the Ministry of the Interior.

• Climb the José Martí Memorial for panoramic views of the city.
• Understand the historical context of the square.

Located in the former Palacio de los Capitanes Generales, this museum offers insights into Havana's colonial past and urban development.

Experience a more local dining experience away from the main tourist hubs. Look for 'comedores' offering set menus.

Join a guided walking tour of Old Havana to delve deeper into its history, architecture, and hidden courtyards with a local expert.

• Book in advance to secure a spot.
• Ask your guide for recommendations on authentic experiences.

Enjoy a night of live jazz music at this renowned club in Vedado. It's a classic Havana experience with a great atmosphere.

• Arrive early to get a good seat.
• Cover charge may apply.

Browse for souvenirs and local handicrafts at one of Havana's artisan markets. You'll find everything from leather goods to artwork and dominoes.

• Bargaining is expected, but do so respectfully.
• Look for unique, handmade items.

Explore the vibrant and less touristy area of Central Havana for lunch at a local paladar, offering authentic home-style cooking.

Immerse yourself in the vibrant Afro-Cuban culture of this narrow alleyway, adorned with colorful murals and sculptures. It's a hub for music and art.

• Visit on a Sunday afternoon for live rumba music and dance.
• Engage with the local artists if possible.

Visit the legendary El Floridita, famous for its daiquiris and its association with Ernest Hemingway. It's a classic Havana institution.

• Try their signature daiquiri.
• It can be quite touristy, so manage expectations.

Enjoy a final dinner in Old Havana, perhaps trying a restaurant you haven't visited yet. Savor the atmosphere of the historic streets at night.

Take a day trip to the stunning Viñales Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its dramatic mogotes (limestone hills) and tobacco farms.

• Tours typically include transport, a visit to a tobacco farm, and a boat ride through a cave.
• Wear comfortable shoes for walking on uneven terrain.

Enjoy a traditional Cuban lunch at a farm or restaurant in Viñales, often featuring fresh, local ingredients.

Travel back to Havana in the late afternoon, reflecting on the beautiful landscapes and rural life of Viñales.

Have a relaxed dinner near your accommodation after the day trip. Opt for something simple and convenient.

Visit this imposing 17th-century fortress guarding the entrance to Havana Bay. It offers fantastic views of the city skyline.

• Take a taxi or bus to cross the bay.
• The lighthouse offers panoramic views.

Located at the mouth of the bay, this smaller fortress complements El Morro and offers historical insights into Havana's defenses.

Enjoy a final Cuban meal at a restaurant of your choice, perhaps revisiting a favorite or trying a highly-rated spot.

Grab any last-minute souvenirs or local treats before heading to the airport.

Arrange for a taxi or transfer to take you back to the airport for your departure.

• Allow ample time for travel and airport procedures.
• Confirm your flight details in advance.