Find cheap flights to Havana

Havana’s warm, tropical climate has two distinct seasons. The best time to visit is during the dry season, December – May, when you can expect plenty of blue skies. Even during midwinter, temperatures remain comfortable at 79 – 81 degrees Fahrenheit and it can get very busy in Havana with tourists escaping chilly weather at home. The wet season begins in June and, with the onset of hurricane season in August – October, many tourists avoid Havana. If you choose to visit at this time, you’ll miss the crowds and can find good deals, but make sure that you book refundable flights and accommodation.

Havana is a great place to see on foot. Get up early for a stroll, or head out in the late afternoon and evening, because midday temperatures, combined with the humidity, can be oppressive. Otherwise, stick to the taxis to get around; Havana’s public buses are crowded and unreliable.

Taxis

You’ll find taxis on every corner in Havana and they’re a great choice for transport in the city. There are yellow old-style Panataxis, newer models (with air conditioning), and a host of official and private taxis, ranging from battered old Ladas, to luxurious Mercedes Benz. Rates are variable, but most of the meters start at $1.00 CUC for the first kilometer, and then charge between $.50 CUC and $.85 CUC for each additional kilometer.

Rental cars

Havana is not an easy place to drive around in; the streets are poorly marked and rental cars relatively expensive. With excellent taxi service readily available and affordable, why rent a car?

Tourist travel to Cuba remains prohibited. You must obtain a license from the Department of Treasury or your travel must fall into one of 12 categories of authorized travel. See the entry, exit and visa requirements on this page.

Things to do and places of interest in Havana

Visiting Havana is like entering a time warp. Classic cars and Colonial architecture abound. The city’s fascinating history and vibrant energy create an atmosphere that you won’t find anywhere else in the world. Here are some good ideas for planning your itinerary.

• Wander the cobbled streets of Old Havana, a UNESCO world heritage site. Highlights include the public squares, Plaza Vieja and Plaza de Armas, as well as the splendid Catedral de San Cristobal and the sturdy military fortress,the Castillo de la Real Fuerza.
• Stroll along El Malecón at sunset, and enjoy the ocean breezes and amazing Art-Deco and Neo-Moorish architecture. This seaside concourse is about 7 kilometers long, running from Habana Vieja (Old Havana) to the Vedado and Plaza area.
• At the entrance to the Bay of Havana, stands the Castillo de los Tres Reyes del Morro. Built in the 16th and early 17th century to guard against pirates, little about the fort has changed since. Visit the lighthouse for Instagram-worthy views.
• Go to the Museo de la Revolución, housed within the former Presidential Palace. Exhibits are focused mainly on the events leading up to, during, and immediately after the Cuban revolution, and descend chronologically from the top floor down.
• Walk through the Necrópolis Cristóbal Colón, one of the largest and most beautiful cemeteries in all the Americas. Purchase a map at the entrance for $1.00 CUC that shows where the graves of assorted artists, sportspeople, politicians, writers, scientists and revolutionaries are.
• Hit the beach at Playas del Este, a long stretch of palm-lined beach, a short drive from the city. Hotels, restaurants and tourist facilities are within easy walking distance, should you get hungry, thirsty, or want to do a bit of souvenir shopping.

Tips and tricks for visiting Havana

Cuba has dual currencies, which can be a bit confusing. They began using the dual currency system in 1994 in response to the breakup of the Soviet Union, to help them re-enter the global economy. Tourists generally need Cuban Convertible Pesos (CUC) to pay for accommodation, items from shops, food in tourist restaurants and transportation.

In 2017, new restrictions on travel by US citizens to Cuba were brought in, which limit individual “people-to-people” trips and direct financial transactions with a long list of restaurants, shops and hotels. To travel legally to Cuba, visitors must travel as part of an organized group, or travel must fall within 12 categories, including humanitarian and religious travel, family visits, journalistic activity, professional research and participation in public performances, clinics, workshops, athletic and other competitions.