The Top 7 Free Activities to Enjoy in Havana

Have you spent all your cash on premium habanos cigars and aged Cuban añejo rum? No worries, Havana still has a lot to offer you.

From breathtaking viewpoints to quaint, hidden gardens and Cold War-era bunkers, these seven free activities in Havana will make enjoying the city gratis effortless.

1. Take in the Stunning Views at Estatua de Cristo

The Estatua de Cristo park is arguably the prime spot for breathtaking vistas of Cuba’s capital. This impressive 20m-tall (66ft) statue of Jesus Christ, crafted by Cuban artist Jilma Madera, is made from 67 pieces of white Carrara marble from Italy.

Perched on a 3m (10ft) pedestal, the statue gazes over Havana Bay and much of the city, thanks to its strategic location in Casablanca town.

Local tip: Estatua de Cristo rises 51m (167ft) above sea level and is perfectly aligned with the Catedral de la Habana across the bay.

2. Relax by the Coastal Malecón

A must-do in Havana, walking along the Malecón at sunset offers a vibrant glimpse into the city's heartbeat.

Spend a few hours here to soak in a slice of Cuba: couples enjoying each other's company, street musicians performing classic Cuban tunes, and young people blasting reggaeton from portable speakers – it’s all about observing life as it unfolds.

Planning tip: When the waves rise, the road often shuts down to traffic – a fantastic chance to stroll right down the middle if you don’t mind a little splash!

3. Experience Baroque Beauty in Five Colonial Plazas of Old Havana

Embark on a self-guided walking tour of the five key colonial plazas in Old Havana, each with its own unique character. Plaza de Armas serves as a green refuge on sunny days, while Plaza Vieja boasts a fantastic selection of restaurants and cafés. Plaza de la Catedral features Havana’s most stunning church, which is free to explore.

Be sure to check out the artistic Callejón del Chorro nearby. The airy Plaza de San Francisco de Asís, located closer to the bay, is a popular gathering spot for pigeons. Once neglected, Plaza del Cristo has transformed into the hottest nightlife destination as Havana’s culinary scene flourished.

4. Explore Unique Museums on Calle Mercaderes

Walking down Calle Mercaderes (Merchant's Street) feels like stepping back in time, with a mix of workshops, street vendors, and trade shops alongside small museums situated in colonial-era mansions.

You can explore Casa de Asia, a charming museum dedicated to Cuba’s connections with Asian culture; Casa Museo de Simón Bolívar, which commemorates the life of Latin America’s liberator; Museo Casa de Oswaldo Guayasamín, located in the former studio of the renowned Ecuadorian artist; Museo Armería 9 de Abril, a small exhibition of historical weapons; and Museo del Tabaco, featuring a unique collection of Havana-related artifacts, all for free.

5. Immerse Yourself in the Surreal Street Art of Fusterlandia

Havana’s artistic landscape is truly remarkable, with much of it accessible at no cost. Standing out among the free galleries and cooperatives in central Havana is Fusterlandia, an entire neighborhood transformed by whimsical art.

Nestled in the fishing village of Jaimanitas, just 16km (10 miles) west of downtown, this vibrant community project was the visionary idea of José Fuster, a proponent of the folk art style known as “naïve art” and a devoted admirer of Catalan architect Antoni Gaudí.

Fusterlandia has developed over a decade, starting in the 1990s, but it began gaining broader recognition in the 2010s.

To date, Fuster has transformed more than 80 houses in his once-unremarkable neighborhood into a stunning display of mosaics, murals, sculptures, and symbols.

In addition to clear influences from Gaudí and Picasso, the artist incorporates rich Cuban themes, from the Afro-Cuban Santería religion to imagery of flags and palm trees. The overall effect is both surreal and transcendental.

Local tip: Feel free to roam the streets at your leisure, starting from Fuster’s own home and workshop.

6. Reflect on the Life of “El Comandante” at Centro Fidel Castro Ruz

Inaugurated in November 2021 to mark the fifth anniversary of Fidel Castro’s passing, this intimate complex is housed in a charming Vedado villa, surrounded by a beautifully landscaped garden. It serves as a study center, library, and museum documenting the life of the former Cuban leader, featuring multimedia exhibits alongside busts, personal belongings, photographs, and film clips.

While maintaining a decidedly non-critical perspective, the center meticulously chronicles Castro’s journey from his pastoral upbringing in Holguín to his emergence as one of the 20th century’s most iconic figures.

The outdoor areas boast beautifully arranged gardens with 190 plant species, an artificial waterfall, and an amphitheater for events and performances. Admission is free, and guided tours are offered.

Planning tip: Be aware that most of the informational panels are in Spanish.

7. Explore the Underground Bunkers of Hotel Nacional

Cuba’s grande dame, Hotel Nacional, is an art deco masterpiece and a living record of its famous guests and significant events. Once a hotspot for American stars like Ava Gardner and Frank Sinatra, it also served as a key site during the Missile Crisis in 1962.

A complimentary tour reveals the bunkers beneath the hotel’s gardens, linking various sights to the bay and a weapons storage facility. Be sure to visit the lobby and inquire about the more in-depth free tour that takes you through some of the hotel’s renowned halls.