Top 12 Must-Do Activities in Havana

Havana captivates gradually, immersing you in its vibrant street life, rich history, and charming locals. This multifaceted city boasts a variety of intriguing layers.

The array of attractions in Havana is remarkable, with many free options available. Discover the beautifully restored UNESCO World Heritage Site of Habana Vieja, visit an art factory featuring internationally acclaimed musicians, or relax on one of Havana's stunning nearby beaches, adorned with soft white sand and swaying palm trees.

Discover the finest experiences in Cuba's capital.

1. Participate in a complimentary walking tour of Old Havana

UNESCO World Heritage Sites are impressive, but Habana Vieja stands out as a captivating blend of stunning architecture and vibrant street life, recognized as one of 25 World Heritage sites with exemplary conservation practices.

Since the 1960s, city historian Eusebio Leal has turned this area into one of the most remarkable restoration projects in the Americas, benefiting not just tourists but also the local community. The city has reinvested substantial profits into social initiatives for its 100,000 residents.

Planning tip: To truly explore the historic district, join a free walking tour that departs daily from the Plazuela de Santo Ángel. Keep an eye out for a guide with a white umbrella and don’t forget to leave a generous tip.

2. Unwind with locals on the Malecón seawall during the evenings

To experience the beauty of Havana, stroll along the stunning 7km (4.3 miles) of the oceanfront Malecón, extending from the harbor entrance to the mouth of the Río Almendares.

With crashing waves on one side and charmingly worn buildings on the other, the Malecón is the city's gathering spot in the evenings for contemplation, conversation, and relaxation.

Fishermen cast their lines from the seawall, musicians rehearse energetically, lovers share intimate moments in the shadows, and for a brief time, all worries seem to fade with the sunset.

3. Discover street art in Fusterlandia

A highlight of Havana’s outdoor art scene and an incredible community initiative, Fusterlandia was envisioned by local artist José Fuster and evolved over two decades into a vibrant art district.

In the 1990s, Fuster began transforming the walls and houses of his hometown, Jaimanitas, with a collage of surreal murals and mosaics inspired by the works of Gaudí and Picasso.

By incorporating Cuban themes and enhancing the area with contemporary sculptures, Fuster expanded his project to over 80 buildings, including bus stops and the local clinic. Today, it presents a vivid tapestry of color and creativity, making the fishing neighborhood one of the city's must-see attractions.

4. Experience the vibrant energy of Havana's streets

Havana pulses with an irresistible energy. As you stroll through its streets, immerse yourself in the lively atmosphere: you'll likely navigate around soccer games, avoid swerving bici-taxis, peek into expansive buildings, and overhear spirited conversations that might range from 'Dime hermano' (how’s it going, bro?) to shouts of 'Aguacate! Aguacate!' (Avocados! Avocados!).

Planning tip: The Malecón and Centro Habana, west of the Prado, are hotspots for activity. As locals know, Habana Vieja also has a vibrant street life if you venture just a block or two off Calle Obispo, the main tourist thoroughfare.

5. Take in the beauty of Necrópolis Cristóbal Colón

Havana’s expansive Necrópolis Cristóbal Colón cemetery is more than just a resting place; it’s a tribute to ecclesiastical architecture. Wandering its sacred grounds feels like journeying through the pages of Cuban history.

From the Byzantine-style entrance gate to the neo-Romanesque central chapel, you’ll stroll past marble crucifixes, intricate mausoleums, haunting tombs, and touching memorials, each telling its own fascinating story. Grab a map at the entrance to explore the sprawling grounds that house over 800,000 graves.

Among the notable sites to find is the tomb of General Máximo Gómez, a key figure in Cuba's War of Independence, and the burial site of Señora Amelia Goyri, affectionately known as La Milagrosa (the Miraculous One).

Goyri passed away during childbirth; the marble statue on her tomb shows her cradling a baby. However, when their bodies were exhumed years later, Goyri's remains were found uncorrupted. This miraculous preservation earned La Milagrosa a legendary status, explaining the abundance of flowers adorning her grave.

6. Enjoy an evening at a cabaret show

Long before Vegas took the spotlight, Havana was the ultimate destination for gamblers looking to risk it all at the roulette tables, only to soothe their losses at extravagant cabaret clubs afterwards.

Although Havana's casinos have disappeared, the city’s dazzling cabarets remain as one of the few remnants of Cuba’s vibrant pre-revolution nightlife that the government overlooked.

The renowned Tropicana has been delighting audiences with its kitschy yet captivating nightly performances for over 80 years, housed in a large open-air theater that retains much of its 1950s charm. It’s not the only enduring venue.

More affordable, albeit slightly less dazzling, shows take place at the Hotel Nacional, where the legendary Parisién performance features vibrant costumes paired with impressive acrobatic dance.

7. Immerse yourself in the creative vibes of the Fábrica de Arte Cubano

The Fábrica de Arte Cubano is a vibrant art collective and performance venue located in a former cooking oil factory in eastern Vedado, embodying the essence of cool and creative Havana. Here, artists interact with the audience, fostering stimulating conversations among diverse visitors.

On any given evening, you can explore its vast warehouse-like spaces filled with art exhibits, DJ performances, choral shows, tango dance lessons, chamber music concerts, and both rap and salsa—all in one location. There are plenty of bars to enjoy, a food court for tasty bites, and fantastic live music to experience.

8. Explore Afro-Cuban religion in the lesser-known Regla

For a deeper insight into Havana and its Afro-Cuban heritage, take a ferry to Regla, where a vibrant Santería tradition exists without the trappings of tourism. Stroll through its streets, and you'll find yourself surrounded by ration shops, worn Ladas, and unassuming bars.

The mood shifts as you approach the area’s most captivating site: a quaint dockside church housing a revered image of the Virgin of Regla, depicted as a black Madonna.

This virgin is honored in both the Catholic faith and Santería, where she is linked to Yemayá, the orisha (divine spirit) of the ocean and the protector of sailors.

Outside the church, local vendors offer flowers and religious figurines. Inside, worshippers pray before the blue-clad depiction of Mary.

9. Enjoy an evening drink in Plaza Vieja

The four charming squares of Habana Vieja are enchanting at any hour, but they truly transform after sunset. Among them, Plaza Vieja stands out as the perfect spot to relax, featuring a spacious cobblestone area surrounded by colonial buildings that range from 17th-century mudéjar to ornate art nouveau.

Planning tip: Secure a seat at a second-floor bar – the Azúcar Lounge serves excellent cocktails, including a fantastic piña colada – allowing you to take in the sparkling central fountain, vibrant vitrales (stained glass windows), and meticulously restored UNESCO sites that tell the tales of a rich and tumultuous history.

10. Experience the firing of the 9 o’clock cannon

Continuing a tradition that dates back to the early 18th century, the Cañonazo is a nightly cannon-firing ceremony held on the ramparts of La Cabaña fort.

This tradition harks back to Havana’s days as a fortified city from the 1670s to the 1860s, when a cannon shot at 9pm signaled the closing of the city gates.

As the walls fell in the mid-19th century, the tradition persisted, and today the Cañonazo has evolved into a popular evening spectacle featuring pageantry, flaming torches, and soldiers dressed in historical military uniforms. It’s a delightful addition to an evening at the fort.

11. Discover the rich flavors of Cuban cuisine

For far too long, Cuban cuisine has been overlooked and nearly forgotten, but the innovative private restaurants in Havana suggest that change is on the horizon.

Nestled in a small corner of a narrow alley off Plaza de la Catedral, Dona Eutimia offers a chance to rediscover the joys of home-cooked ropa vieja (shredded beef), moros y cristianos (rice and beans), tostones (fried plantains), and flavorful root vegetables.

A short walk away, El Rum Rum de la Habana is run by owner Osiris Oramas, a wine and cigar sommelier whose culinary creations blend traditional Cuban dishes with the rich flavors of Spain.

The elegantly adorned San Cristóbal in Centro Habana famously served a solomillo (sirloin steak) to former US President Barack Obama and continues to treat all guests to a complimentary glass of rum.

12. Relax at the beaches of Playas del Este

Many travelers to Cuba opt for a one- or two-week getaway at a beachfront all-inclusive resort in Varadero or Cayo Coco, rarely venturing beyond those confines.

Conversely, those with a cultural inclination can immerse themselves in Havana for the majority of their trip before heading to one of the beautiful local beaches, collectively referred to as Playas del Este, when they seek a break from the art galleries and museums.

Planning tip: If you're looking for sunbeds and water activities, make your way to the lively Playa Santa María del Mar. For kitesurfing, check out the breezy Tarará. Snorkelers will enjoy the serene reefs and sunken ships at Playa Bacuranao. The convenient T3 Havana Tour Bus connects all the beaches with Parque Central.