Tips for Exploring Havana on a Budget

Navigating Havana’s complex dual economy can be challenging, even for locals.

However, visiting on a budget is entirely feasible; it just requires some flexibility and a basic grasp of the local mecánica (Cuban way of doing things).

We’ve got the essential tips and advice you need to handle your finances in the Cuban capital.

Daily Expenses in Havana

• Double room in a three-star hotel (low season): US$150

• Double room in a casa particular: US$30–50

• Public bus fare in Havana: US$0.40

• Taxi from Centro Habana to the airport: US$30

• Coffee: US$1–3

• Sandwich: US$6–7

• Dinner for two: US$40

• Bottle of beer in a bar: US$2–4

• Mojito: US$3–5

Be sure to compare flight prices and remain flexible with your travel dates.

Flying is the most viable option for reaching Havana from outside Cuba. To secure a good deal, book early through a reputable agency; some package offers that combine flights and accommodations can lead to significant savings. Off-peak months (April to June, September, and October) typically feature the lowest rates.

Travel in spring or autumn

The peak tourist season in Havana spans from November to March, with hotel prices usually at least 10% higher, and up to 25% during Christmas and New Year. For the best bargains, aim to visit between Easter and late June or during September and October.

There are some drawbacks to traveling during these times, primarily related to the weather, although rain in Havana is seldom consistent, and significant storms occur only every four or five years.

Choose a casa particular for your stay

Staying in one of Havana's private homestays, known as casas particulares, is usually more affordable than a hotel, and you'll often receive warm, personal service along with genuine insights into Cuban culture.

In Havana, you can find a decent double room for as low as US$30 per night, in stark contrast to the US$400 you might pay at one of the city's top five-star hotels.

Thousands of casas particulares are scattered throughout the metropolitan area, and most owners accept payments in euros, Canadian dollars, or British pounds, so you won't lose out when exchanging money.

State-run eateries are generally more affordable than private ones.

Although state-run restaurants may offer lower prices, they often provide inferior food, limited menu options, and lackluster service. Budget-conscious travelers should consider dining at their casa particular, where they can save money without compromising on food quality.

Hearty casa breakfasts featuring eggs, toast, coffee, and fruit typically cost around US$5, while satisfying home-cooked dinners start at about US$10.

Enjoy live music for just a tip

Throughout Havana, especially in Habana Vieja, bars and restaurants frequently feature live music, often of exceptional quality.

The maximum you'll need to pay to enjoy these incredibly talented musicians is the cost of a drink, along with any tip you choose to leave in the hat, basket, or jar afterward.

Take in the free art

Havana is filled with art and culture, with many private galleries offering free entry. There’s always something unique and intriguing happening at El Ojo del Ciclón, the creative hub of Leo D'Lázaro.

Renowned Cuban actor and painter Jorge Perugorría runs Galería-Taller Gorría in the San Isidro district, featuring a continuous stream of high-quality contemporary exhibits.

Street art is another highlight of Havana. In Callejón de Hamel, you'll discover thought-provoking Afro-Cuban art and lively Sunday rumba performances. The Callejón de los Peluqueros, which is free to explore, offers a quirky tribute to barbers and hairstyling, much of it captured in art.

The crown jewel of Havana's street art scene is Fusterlandia, a neighborhood filled with surreal mosaics and murals, providing a great opportunity for a leisurely half-day of exploration at no cost.

Central Havana is primarily pedestrian-friendly

For getting around, skip the car rentals and avoid too many pricey taxis. The heart of Havana—encompassing Habana Vieja, Centro Habana, and Vedado—is very walkable. Just be mindful of uneven sidewalks, fast bicycle taxis, and the sweltering heat and humidity, particularly in summer.

Taxis come in different varieties

State-run taxis, often found waiting at hotel ranks, tend to be pricier than the privately-operated yellow-and-black Ladas, which may lack air-conditioning and comfort but offer a different experience.

Even more economical are shared taxis, known as colectivos or almendrones. These vintage American cars follow set routes and can accommodate up to five passengers at once. Catching one involves some intricate hand signals, so it’s best to ask a local for guidance.

Budget-conscious travelers typically lean towards private Lada taxis. Be sure to negotiate the fare before hopping in, as most private drivers accept foreign cash, allowing you to save money.

Metro buses are incredibly affordable

Havana's metro buses, called guaguas (pronounced “wah-wahs”), operate across 17 routes throughout the city and into the suburbs. These buses tend to be crowded, and bus stops can be poorly marked, which discourages many tourists from using them.

Nonetheless, if you're watching your budget, it's worth checking the route map. Metro buses are especially handy for reaching suburban attractions like Parque Lenin and Museo Hemingway. Fares are incredibly low and charged in Cuban pesos. Just remember to pay when you board and keep an eye on your belongings.

Another option is the newer amber-hued minibuses known as taxi ruteros. They follow fixed routes in central Havana and are slightly more expensive than guaguas, but you’ll rarely pay more than 25 pesos for a trip.

Explore the halls and gardens of Havana’s renowned hotels

Havana boasts several iconic hotels, and most are quite welcoming to non-guests who wish to admire their art, architecture, and overall ambiance.

At the top of the list is Hotel Nacional, a must-visit for first-time travelers to Havana. Its impressive lobby, 24-hour café, and museum-like Hall of Fame filled with photos of illustrious former guests, including Frank Sinatra and Leonardo DiCaprio, are highlights. Don’t forget to enjoy a stroll through the beautifully maintained gardens and savor a mojito at the outdoor bar.

Hotel Sevilla, adorned with stucco and Moorish tiles, was once infamous as a mafia stronghold (notably, Al Capone reserved the entire 6th floor). It features a stunning lobby, a retro outdoor pool, and a romantic 9th-floor restaurant where a violinist enchants diners.

Inglaterra, the oldest hotel in Havana, is another magnificent establishment boasting a Moorish lobby and walls decorated with historic memorabilia honoring Cuban national hero José Martí, who was once a guest there.

Understand Cuba’s evolving currency landscape

Cuba’s monetary system can be quite perplexing, especially as the country continues to adjust following a complex currency unification in 2021. A widespread black market complicates matters, with bank exchange rates varying significantly from those found on the street. For instance, in early 2022, the euro-to-peso rate was 1:27 at banks but nearly 1:60 outside.

For budget travelers, the smartest approach is to arrive with ample foreign cash, ideally in euros, and to limit how much you convert to Cuban pesos.

Most private establishments—including restaurants, taxis, and casas particulares—generally accept payments in euros (and, to a lesser extent, Canadian dollars and British pounds) at advantageous street exchange rates.

Consequently, a meal costing 500 pesos at a good private restaurant would set you back about €18.50 if paid with bank-exchanged pesos, but less than half that amount when using euros.

Havana boasts numerous ATMs that accept non-US credit and debit cards, but they only dispense Cuban pesos at bank rates.

Experience the lively theater of Havana’s streets

Havana is a lively city where life unfolds in full view. Wandering through its bustling yet crumbling neighborhoods will offer you a fantastic glimpse into the city's vibrant essence. Habana Vieja and Centro Habana are overflowing with a lively mix of street activity.

Keep an eye out for spirited domino matches, spontaneous baseball games, Afro-Cuban religious rituals, and yodeling pregoneros (street vendors) hawking bread, nuts, and fruit.

Join locals at theaters, venues, and sporting events

In Cuba, entertainment is regarded as a fundamental right, and tickets for live music, theater, and sports are priced much lower than in the US or Europe.

As the center of Cuba’s cultural scene, Havana offers a wealth of choices. You can catch a premier choral or chamber music performance at the historic Basílica Menor de San Francisco de Asís or enjoy live salsa at Casa de la Música for around CUP$125.

At the hip Fábrica de Arte Cubano, a vibrant art and performance venue, you can experience everything from jazz and hip-hop to dance classes, all for a single entry fee of CUP$50.

Catching a game featuring Havana’s formidable Industriales at Estadio Latinoamericano—the venue where former US President Barack Obama met Raúl Castro in 2016—is also budget-friendly, with tickets available for pocket change.